1974 Citroën DS23 Safari Estate - BONHAMS AUCTIONS GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX Sunday 7th April 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

BONHAMS AUCTIONS

GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING

Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX

Sunday 7th April 2019

1974 Citroën DS23 Safari Estate

Registration no. Not UK Registered

Chassis no. 00FF4182

*Cavernous practical classic

*Five-speed manual gearbox

*History file of invoices and MoTs

*Registered in the Republic of Ireland

• 
  

  • Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.
  
  
  The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers André Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in top-of-the-range models until very recently.
  
  
  In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection, and a five-speed manual gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Right-hand drive versions were assembled in England at Citroën's Slough factory up 1966, whereupon manufacture of all RHD models reverted to France. By the time production ceased in April 1975, more than 1.3 million of these wonderfully idiosyncratic cars had been built.
  
  
  This DS23 has the powerful 2.3-litre engine and the desirable five-speed manual gearbox. The history file contains MoT certificates dating back to 1983 and sundry invoices for work done going back to early 1990s when the car was owned by the Reverend Peter Brown of Staines. The Citroën subsequently belonged to a Mr Clifford and there are also invoices on file for work done during his ownership. Permanently exported from the UK in 2009, where it was registered as 'SKX 469M', the car is currently registered in the Republic of Ireland.

SOURCE: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25450/lot/105/?category=list&length=100&page=2

SELECTED BY IDRIS 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

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons

1953 Bristol 403 Sports Saloon - BONHAMS AUCTIONS GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX Sunday 7th April 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

BONHAMS AUCTIONS

GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING

Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX

Sunday 7th April 2019

1953 Bristol 403 Sports Saloon

Registration no. LOY 555

Chassis no. 403/1346

*One of only 281 produced

*Recently rebuilt engine

*Remote control gearchange

*Overdrive transmission

• 
  

  • 'The latest Bristol combines to a greater extent than its predecessors, the qualities of a thoroughbred sports car with those of a luxurious touring car. I have the impression – supported by friends who own Bristols – that the standards insisted on by the makers will ensure thousands of miles of trouble-free – and therefore economical – motoring. In view of its excellent performance, stability, finish and refinement, the Bristol cannot be regarded as an expensive car.' – John Eason Gibson, 'Country Life', on the Bristol 403.
  
  
  With the introduction of the 401 - the first of its exquisitely styled aerodynes - Bristol began to move away from the pre-war design the company had inherited from BMW.Carrozzeria Touring provided the Superleggera method of body construction that overlaid alloy panels on a lightweight tubular-steel framework, while the low-drag shape was achieved after hours of experimentation in the Bristol Aeroplane Company's wind tunnel. The 401 continued to use its predecessor's running gear and BMW-based, 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine with its ingeniously arranged, pushrod-operated, inclined valves. The gearbox remained a manual four-speed unit with first-gear freewheel. With the introduction of the 403 in 1953, Bristol improved on what was already an exemplary Grand Tourer, the newcomer's apparently unchanged appearance disguising a number of important changes. The engine remained a 2.0-litre six of basically BMW design but the alloy cylinder head was new and helped liberate 100bhp, up from 85. The increase in straight-line performance (top speed was now in excess of 100mph) was matched by improvements to the running gear in the form of a front anti-roll bar and finned light-alloy brake drums.
  
  
  First registered in 1953 as 'LOY 555', this Bristol was originally supplied by Anthony Crook Motors and has had several long-term owners who have maintained it carefully, the most recent from 1990 through to 2013. It is mechanically excellent, the original engine having recently been rebuilt by specialists (invoice in file), and is fitted with desirable upgrades. It has a remote-control gear lever and overdrive, which contribute greatly to the car's usability and which were available on later production 403s. The car presents very well; the Smoke Grey paint is fairly recent and in excellent condition, the very smart interior has recently been re-trimmed in beige with blue piping and grey carpets, and the dashboard woodwork has been re-varnished.
  
  
  Described by the vendor as in very good condition and drives well, this rare and highly desirable Bristol aerodyne is offered with a good history file including recent invoices and Bristol Owners Club data, old-style green logbooks, and a V5C registration document.

SOURCE: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25450/lot/41/?category=list&length=100&page=1

SELECTED BY IDRIS 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

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons

1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante Convertibl - BONHAMS AUCTIONS GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX Sunday 7th April 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

BONHAMS AUCTIONS

GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING

Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester PO18 0PX

Sunday 7th April 2019

1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante Convertible

Registration no. YPF 865G

Chassis no. DBVC/3699/R

*One of only 140 long-wheelbase DB6 Volantes

*Documented ownership history

*Extensively restored in the late 2000s

*Well maintained

*Comprehensive history file

• Considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965, updating the DB5. Although Royal patronage of the marque undoubtedly helped DB6 sales, the car arrived at a difficult time for Aston Martin, with the home economy in a parlous state and the US market subject to ever-more restrictive legislation.
  
  
  Though recognisably related to its Touring-styled DB4 ancestor, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of conventional steel fabrication. The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made a re-appearance, but the major change was at the rear where the presence of a Kamm-style tail, complete with spoiler, acknowledged the increasing importance of aerodynamic downforce in sports car design. 'The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space,' declared Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sports cars it had tested.
  
  
  The Tadek Marek-designed six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time, there was optional power-assisted steering. The stylish Volante convertible offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets, aircraft-style instrument cluster and electrically operated hood. After 37 Volante convertibles had been completed on the DB5 short-wheelbase chassis, the model adopted the DB6 chassis in October 1966. A total of 1,575 DB6s was made between 1965 and 1970, plus 140 of the long-wheelbase Volantes.
  
  
  This wonderful long-wheelbase DB6 Volante was registered by H R Owen to Mr I M Stoller of London, W1 in September 1968. Ordered in Platinum (White) with dark blue leather interior and a matching convertible hood, it left the factory equipped with Borg-Warner automatic transmission, power-assisted steering, chrome road wheels, power-operated aerial, three-ear hubcaps, and two lap safety belts.
  
  
  It is believed Mr Stoller kept this DB6 Volante abroad for a number of years before the car was repatriated in 1979 by Mr Philip Hatulja, now under the registration 'GRA 679'. Mr Hatulja parted with the Volante after only two weeks, selling it to Mr Graham Wilkins of London, SW1. Mr Wilkins owned the Aston for a further seven years and re-sprayed it blue in 1980 before selling it to marque specialists R S Williams. In 1987, R S Williams sold the Volante, now registered 'YPF 865G', to Mr Giles Swarbeck, who owned it for a further seven years before passing it on in 1994 to Mr Mogens Skjelmose, a well-known competitor in historic motorsport. By 1999, the Aston was in the hands of Mr Richard Meins, who listed it for sale with Desmond J Smail in 2002. The car was bought by Mr Mark Ellis, who sold it on to Mr Timothy James Barker in 2008.
  
  
  Mr Barker then embarked on a project to perfect and preserve the Volante, spending over £100,000 with the likes of Aston London Service, Marksdanes, and Bell Classics. The most notable improvement was an upgrade from the Borg-Warner automatic transmission to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, supplied by Aston London Service in 2009 at a cost of £10,000. There are also invoices for new wire wheels, Pirelli P4000 tyres, new silencers, regular tuning, and a major overhaul in 2009 with a full bare-metal re-spray and attention to the fuel tanks, hood, hood frame, clutch, suspension, brakes, and brightwork. Stripped for the repaint, the interior was re-trimmed with new Wilton deep-pile blue carpets and minor works to the original leather upholstery.
  
  
  In 2013, Bell Classics rebuilt the gearbox, replaced the clutch, and overhauled the carburettors. At some point, during Mr Barker's ownership, the engine seized and the cylinder block was replaced with one from a DBS Vantage (the original matching-numbers block comes with the car). 
  
  
  The history file is comprehensive, containing copies of older registration documents recording all previous owners; a copy of the original build sheet; past and current MoT certificates; and copies of invoices from specialists such as Desmond Smail and Ken Shergold among others.
  
  
  The restoration has mellowed beautifully in the intervening years while the interior is original and has a delightful patina. This DB6 Volante is ready to be enjoyed during the summer months.

SOURCE: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25450/lot/17/?category=list&length=100&page=1

SELECTED BY IDRIS 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

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons