1978 LANCIA BETA SPYDER 2.0 - BARONS AUCTIONEERS Autumn Sale - 20th Anniversary Saturday 27th October 2018 Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9AJ

FEATURED AUCTION

BARONS AUCTIONEERS

Autumn Sale - 20th Anniversary

Saturday 27th October 2018

Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9AJ

1978 LANCIA BETA SPYDER 2.0

Registration No: XLM 983S

Chassis # 828BS1002736

Guide Price: £4,000 to £6,000

In 1975 Lancia launched a two-door convertible designed by Pininfarina called the Spyder with 2+2 seating. In brochures Lancia spelt the name with a "y" rather than an "i" possibly to differentiate the car from the Alfa Romeo Spider. The Spyder used the Beta Coupé's shorter wheelbase and featured a targa top roof panel, a roll-over bar, and folding rear roof. It was initially powered by either the 1600 or 1800 twin-cam engine, later being replaced by the new 1.6 and 2.0. It never received the IE or VX engines. Although the Spyder was designed by Pininfarina it was actually built by Zagarto. The construction process was complex, with coupé bodies-in-white being delivered to Zagato for the roofless conversion, then back to Lancia for rust-proofing, then back to Zagato for paint, interior and trim, and then back to Lancia for a third time for engine installation and final assembly. There were 9,390 Spyders built.

The vendor states that this example was totally rebuilt in the early 90s’ and totally re sprayed last year. He has owned the car for over 6 years now, and it has been well looked after, with his mechanic coming to maintain his collection every other week

The suspension and engine are said to be very sporty, and it is great fun to drive. As all Lancias, it needs to be pushed and responds, it is a real driver’s car. The car is said to be surprisingly fast (2 litres) and practical with room for 4 and a big  boot. It is wonderful with the top down, which all works perfectly. The vendor is sad to see the car go, but a project car demands more attention and garage space ran out. These cars are now very rare in this condition, so this must be one of the few good ones left.

Note: This description is provided by the vendor and unless otherwise stated is 'Not Verified' by Barons or any person employed by Barons. Prospective purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, whether they be statements of fact or opinion.

SOURCE: http://www.barons-auctions.com/view-lot/2634/for-sale-at-barons-auctions-1978-lancia-beta-spyder-20

SELECTED BY:

IDRIS THE SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you check the accuracy of the  information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

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1911 BREESE PARIS TEARDROP ROADSTER - BONHAMS AUCTIONS COLLECTORS MOTORCARS AND AUTOMOBILIA AUCTION Philadelphia Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Monday 8th October 2018

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BONHAMS AUCTIONS

COLLECTORS MOTORCARS AND AUTOMOBILIA AUCTION

Philadelphia Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

Monday 8th October 2018

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24812/?department=MOT-CAR

1911 BREESE PARIS TEARDROP ROADSTER

US$ 100,000 - 130,000

£ 77,000 - 100,000

Engine no. 2783E

Fivet Flathead Inline 4-Cylinder Engine

Signal Zenith Updraft Carburator

7½hp at 2500 RPM

4-Speed Manual Transmission 

Solid Axle Front and Rear Suspension

2-Wheel Rear Drum Brakes

*Advanced design brass era sports car 

*In current family ownership since 1961

*Original coachwork

*Believed one of two survivors. 

*Exquisite French craftsmanship

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

After traveling to Paris in 1910 and having gained experience working at Peugeot Dress, DeDion-Bouton, and Renault, inventor and engineer Robert Breese decided to design and build his own automobile. The plan was to return to New York with the three prototypes and begin production. The exact number of cars that were eventually built remains a mystery, but it seems that only 2 of the three known examples exist today. This particularly dashing teardrop roadster is supposedly the first produced. 

This particular car was built to very high standard. The teardrop bodywork was fashioned out of aluminum and fitted to a well designed ladder chassis. The engine was sourced from Fevit, and mated to a four-speed transmission- quite advanced for its day. 

The marque's production numbers remain a lingering question of the company's history. Robert Breese himself did not need to produce cars to make a living so the whole enterprise may have been viewed as little more than a hobby. What is clear is that the Breese Paris cars were built to a very high standard and way ahead of their time. Most sports cars of the brass era achieved speed by having huge displacement engines. Breese appears to have taken a much more modern and sophisticated approach. The whole car is built with lightness and maneuverability in mind, only weighing in at a lithe 1550lbs. Even with the small Fevit engine, speeds upwards of 70mph were possible. 

The earliest known owner of this car is a Mr. Albert Blecher of New York City. In 1927 he sold this car to Mr. Don Romeo, a well known jazz band tenor banjo player. Mr. Romeo was a very enthusiastic owner of the car and used it extensively around NYC for ten years. Unfortunately, Mr. Romeo was not very mechanically inclined and did not see the warning signs of the back wheels failing. After exhausting his search for replacement wheels, the car was disassembled and laid up in his garage. The car would remain in Don garage for the next 24 years, till a NYC fire Marshall determined it was a fire hazard and demanded he clear it. 

A fellow vintage car enthusiast tipped off the new owner, Mr. Emanuel Speraza, about the car. Initially not having an interest, Emanuel offered the car to other club members. As fate would have it, a fellow vintage car enthusiast by name of Leo Peters, who introduced him to Mrs. Breese, Robert Breese's widow in a local park. When informed that it was probably the missing first car, Mr. Sperraza developed an interest, and purchase the car from Mr. Romeo. 

Emanuel spent two weeks searching Romeo's house for all the parts, loaded the car components into the back of his station wagon, strapped the alloy bodywork to the roof, and then drove home with the whole lot. Over the next few years he spent many hours putting the car back together. This task made more complicated by the fact that no two breeze automobiles were the same. Many small parts he had to manufacture himself, but at the end of 2 years, the car was finished and back on the road. It was first displayed at the Antique Car Rally on Staten Island in 1963, where it won 1st place. 

The car eventually passed to Emanuel's son in 1990, an ardent vintage car enthusiast and now retired NYPD police officer. The car has since been displayed at numerous events and shows. These included, The Greenwich Concours de Elegance, Medowbrook Hall, and the car won a Palmetto award at Hilton Head in 2006. 

Even though the car was last restored in the 1960's, the cars condition today is very good, a testament to the Sperrazza family's careful care and diligent maintenance. It was recently inspected by a Bonhams Specialist and appears to be in very good order. 

In the world of collector cars, there are few rarer than a Breese. The vehicle is surely eligible for any number of Concours events, or a slew of Brass era tours.

FOOTNOTES:Please note, this vehicle is titled under Engine No. G2783E.

ORIGINAL SOURCE : https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24812/lot/117

SELECTED BY: IDRIS THE SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

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1926 MINERVA AF TYPE CITY COUPE - LES GRANDES MARQUES DU MONDE SALE AU GRAND PALAIS THURSDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2018

UPCOMING EVENT

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https://www.raceretro.com

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COMING TO AUCTION

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LES GRANDES MARQUES DU MONDE SALE 

AU GRAND PALAIS

THURSDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2018

3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, France

1926 MINERVA AF TYPE CITY COUPE 

Custom bodywork designed by Paul Ostruk Inc. 

Chassis No. 56544 

Engine No. 56544 AI 

-rare US delivery for this Minerva 

20,000 original miles, it is believed 

-Soigneusement maintained older restoration 

-Longtemps in possession of the same owner 

If Slowly recovering from the German occupation, Minerva began building large, luxury cars again in the 1920s, and enjoyed considerable success in the United States, where she found favor with film stars, politicians and industrialists. One of the keys to this success was Paul Ostruk of New York who ran a large brand agency at The Consolidated Foreign Motor Co. at the end of the 1920s.

A Czech émigré who arrived in America in 1908, he quickly learned the art of bodywork and the tastes and whims of a wealthy clientele. While working at coachbuilders AT Demarest, he met and later teamed up with Emerson Brooks. Brooks was a respected stylist who worked at another prominent coachbuilder, JM Quinby & Co, and was also treasurer of the Automobile Club of America, the New York institution that had been established at the beginning of horse-drawn carriages and had the largest and the best among its members. Brooks had an excellent address book and the partnership was strong because he had access to the elite for sales while Paul Ostruk was in charge of manufacturing their cars.

The first activities of the Brooks-Ostruk tandem consisted mainly in taking Pierce-Arrow or Packard chassis and making more European-looking bodies, often even covering the motif radiators of their own. The recipe was rather popular in an environment of individual bidding and when their custom-built cars made their debut at the New York Salon they were selling considerable sums.

Following this experience, Ostruk realized that he could buy Minerva chassis for a more reasonable price, compared to the prices of some competing American brands, and when they were dressed in the bodies he created, they proved to be very competitive. popular with its customers. The uncomplicated look of the Minerva, with their headlights and Art Deco goddess on the radiator have had an effect in the high society of the east coast! This gave birth to a Minerva agency, until the depression came and ended both companies. In 1923 coexistence with Brooks had ended and Ostruk founded Paul Ostruk & Co, New York.

Prefiguring the famous eight-cylinder AL, the majority of the Minerva Ostruk were built on the most powerful six-cylinder, like the AF shown here with its 5,343cc engine. Its body plate proudly displays "Custom Coach Work Especially Designed for Paul Ostruk Co. Inc., New York, USA," but what's hiding this wording is that at the time, most of its bodies were manufactured in a few One of the best coachbuilders in the New York area. Firstly Locke & Co. then later Raymond Dietrich and Tom Hibbard's LeBaron factory. Not surprisingly, they incorporated the latest in style and were of the highest quality.

Jacques Vander Stappen bought this AF from Seymour Rappaport of Teaneck, New Jersey about 30 years ago in May 1988, as stated in the very complete correspondence file provided with the car. At the time of the sale, Mr. Rappaport wrote to the buyer, "The car has 17,000 miles of origin, was driven only by a heater (sic) the first year and then only by me". He does not say who the driver was, but he must have looked like one of the typical Ostruk customers who had probably abandoned him after a modest mileage to move to another premium car brand.

Mr. Rappaport seems to have been the owner of the car in the 1970s, an old title already quotes him as owner in 1973 and a picture shows him out of a garage where she had apparently slept for more than 40 years. A note on the record details unimportant damage to the quarter panel, due to a water leak in the roof of the garage, as the biggest repair during the restoration of the car. During this restoration, the two-tone livery of the car in which it was found was taken back, returning it to its former glory of the 1920s. After the restoration and in possession of these last two owners, the mileage had risen to 20 000 miles, still very modest, according to what was displayed on the counter.

In the hands of Mr. Vander Stappen, the car continued to be pampered and shown in its private museum although in recent years it has not been used regularly and will need to be restarted carefully before any road use.

Clearly inspired by the European bodywork of the time, with obvious similarities to D'Ieteren's ALs from the same collection, Paul Ostruk's American interpretation of this style makes it an automotive treat for the eyes. The most appealing details of the car are the polished aluminum dashboard, the hammered door handles and the neat accessories. Its rear compartment has folding seats concealed behind marquetry panels and a plethora of wood paneling and trim surrounded by the most elegant gray fabric upholstery. 

In the hands of its new owner, it will certainly be well received in all European or American elegance contests. 

Original Source: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24882/lot/324/?category=list&length=100&page=2

SELECTED BY - IDRIS THE SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

CLASSIC CHATTER

KEEPING IT CLASSIC 

2010-2018

Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that y check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

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