.1979 FIAT 126 DE VILLE "ZERO" PROTOTYPE - BRIGHTWELLS AUCTIONS Wednesday 4th March 2020 Leominster Classic Vehicle Sale Easters Court, Leominster

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BRIGHTWELLS AUCTIONS

 Wednesday 4th March 2020

Leominster Classic Vehicle Sale

Easters Court, Leominster 

.1979 FIAT 126 DE VILLE "ZERO" PROTOTYPE
Registration No: YTB 849T
Chassis No: 5191551
Engine No: 7852798
Estimate: No Reserve

Long term ownership; very rare; lots of fun; only being sold due to house move; further photographs to follow

Minimalism in motor-cars these days is practically unknown, with both the so-called “MINI” and the Fiat 500 being grossly over-inflated pastiches of their former selves. If you want to get back to basics and cut out the unnecessary stuff, this Fiat 126-based Zero is the car for you.
One of a handful of prototypes built by Car Craft (prior to a run of as many as 21 ‘production’ kits), this Zero first saw the light of day in 1991 and featured in various magazines of the period. And if you don’t think much of the idea of a car powered by 650cc of throbbing twin-cylinder Fiat-power read the magazine articles on file for this little lot.
“..driving the thing really impresses”, “this little baby is no slouch”, “intoxicating” etc., etc. And those quotes were for this car with a standard 23bhp - 45bhp (and more) is easily attainable.
The people behind Car Craft were highly skilled and produced a well-built and very quirky little car. The magazine reports all praised the build quality as much as they underlined the sheer driving fun.
Our vendor would agree with them, having owned the car since 1999. It is only for sale now as he is moving house and – due to ‘downsizing’ has nowhere to keep it. (Not even an airing cupboard? He must have downsized a lot!)
As it has not had much use in recent years, the vendor handed the car over to his local garage who put it into running order and, he tells us, “it sounds fantastic now”. It will still need some attention to the brakes and there was no time to MOT it, but its all fairly basic stuff and not beyond the capabilities of the average home mechanic.
Offered for sale  - zero reserve, this Fiat-based device is an appealing bit of fun for someone who likes their motoring nice and simple.

SOURCE:https://www.brightwells.com/lot-details/100012130

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 about any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

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MOTO GUZ1 350 MILITARY PROTOTYPE - COYS AUCTIONS Chiswick House Sale Saturday 18th May 2019 Chiswick House, London W4 2QN

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COYS AUCTIONS

Chiswick House Sale

Saturday 18th May 2019

Chiswick House, London
W4 2QN

MOTO GUZ1 350 MILITARY PROTOTYPE

Chassis Number: 40FB

Moto Guzzi was conceived by two aircraft pilots and their mechanic serving in the Corpo Aeronautico Militare (the Italian Air Corp, CAM) during World War I: Carlo Guzzi, Giovanni Ravelli and Giorgio Parodi. Assigned to the same Miraglia Squadron based outside Venice, the three became close, despite coming from different socio-economic backgrounds. The trio envisioned creating a motorcycle company after the war. Guzzi would engineer the motorbikes, Parodi (the son of wealthy Genovese ship-owners) would finance the venture, and Ravelli (already a famous pilot and motorcycle racer) would promote the bikes with his racing prowess. Guzzi and Parodi (along with Parodi’s brother) formed Moto Guzzi in 1921. Ravelli, ironically, had died just days after the war’s end in an aircraft crash and is commemorated by the eagle’s wings that form the Moto Guzzi logo.

Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi, along with Giorgio’s brother Angelo, created a privately held silent partnership “Società Anonima Moto Guzzi” on 15 March 1921, for the purpose of (according to the original articles of incorporation) “the manufacture and the sale of motorcycles and any other activity in relation to or connected to metallurgical and mechanical industry”.

This rare 350 Military Prototype is offered for the first time in many years, having been restored and added into this significant collection of WWII and post-war military vehicles. Humbled to invite such a lovely looking motorcycle to the sale, this would make an interesting addition to any collection.

Offered at No Reserve on 18th May 2019 at Chiswick House.

SOURCE: 

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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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1982 AC 3000ME Mk 2 PROTOTYPE - H&H AUCTIONEERS ONLINE AUCTION Starts: 01/05/201

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H&H AUCTIONEERS
ONLINE AUCTION
Starts: 01/05/2019 11:00 AM BST
For Details: CLASSIC CAR AUCTION INFORMATION

1982 AC 3000ME Mk 2 PROTOTYPE

Registration No: VPC634X

Chassis No: ME301R90000129

Location: Cheshire

- Former Thames Ditton demonstrator and then Charles Hurlock's personal car before being reworked by Aubrey Woods of BRM fame as an MKII prototype

- Re-engineered with much Alfa Romeo componentry as part of a potential joint venture including engine, suspension, brakes etc

- Recently treated to over £11,000 worth of fettling (new ECU, water pump, sundry recommissioning and rolling road testing)

Although the AC 3000ME prototype debuted at the 1973 Earls Court Motor Show, difficulties in obtaining Type Approval meant that it would be another six years before the mid-engined sports car entered production. Hailed as the British equivalent of the Lancia Stratos - both machines featuring wedge-shaped styling, fibreglass bodywork and proprietary V6 engines - its 'bathtub' steel chassis played host to substantial front/rear subframes and an integral roll-over bar. Equipped with all-around independent double-wishbone suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the model boasted a rearward 40:60 weight bias and excellent handling. Transversely mid-mounted, the 2994cc Ford powerplant was allied to AC's own five-speed manual gearbox (albeit with Hewland internals) via a Reynold triplex chain system. With some 138bhp and 192lbft of torque on tap, the lightweight 3000ME (1085kg) was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and over 120mph. Some seventy-six cars were produced at AC's Thames Ditton factory before manufacture switched to AC (Scotland) Ltd in 1984 where another thirty were built. For many the last true AC - and certainly, the final model in which the Hurlock family had a hand - the 3000ME has long been collectable.

This particular example - chassis 129 - is unique among the total production run in having been actively involved in both eras of the story. Originally the Thames Ditton factory demonstrator, it was adopted for a time by AC's Managing Director Andrew Hurlock for his personal use and was therefore still on the company's books when the project relocated to Scotland. Aside from extending production of the MKI, the intention was to market an improved MKII version in conjunction with Alfa Romeo, and former BRM engineer Aubrey Woods was tasked with undertaking the related development. That work was carried out on the car now offered and reportedly included the following Alfa Romeo componentry: 2500cc V6 engine, suspension parts, wheels, control unit, pedals, steering, CV driveshafts and ventilated disc brakes. Chassis 129 is also understood to have benefited from a modified Hewland gearbox incorporating a Hyvo chain drive with Weller tensioner housed in a separate chain case, tapered races and individual selectors. Koni self-levelling shock absorbers were added too.

A former AC test driver, Ray Wilkinson bought chassis 129 when the Scottish operation folded. Won over by its handling/road holding, he planned to race the two-seater with the AMOC and to this end commissioned John Dooley to prepare the Alfa Romeo 2500cc V6 for competition usage. Unfortunately, a regulation change rendered chassis 129 ineligible before it ever ran in anger. Fitted with a more tractable/usable Alfa Romeo 3000cc V6 thereafter, the AC remained in Mr Wilkinson's care until 1997 when it was purchased by Michael Cowburn. Forming part of the latter's private collection, the fixed head coupe was sparingly used during his seventeen-year tenure. Repainted shortly before entering the current ownership during February 2014, chassis 129 was treated to £11,196.37 worth of fettling in 2018. Stripped and checked over, its 3000cc Alfa Romeo engine was updated with an Emerald K3 management system (plus associated wiring loom), new Lambda sensor, electronic water pump/controller and VR6-type injectors. Attention was also paid to the clutch, steering rack, suspension, washer jets and brakes. A secondary 12-gallon fuel tank was added because the original one contained too much detritus. Filled with fresh oil and antifreeze, the two-seater underwent two rolling road set-up sessions. Riding on fresh tyres and sporting a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system, 'VPC 634X' is said to 'have plenty of performance and to sound like an Italian thoroughbred'. A fascinating glimpse into what might have been, this historic and unique AC is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file and its initial Alfa Romeo 2500cc V6.

SOURCE: https://online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/catalog/124/lot/3635/?url=%2Fm%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F124%2F

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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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1982 LOTUS EXCEL PROTOTYPE - COYS AUCTIONEERS Spring Classics Sale Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, Vincent Square Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE Tuesday 2nd April 2019

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COYS AUCTIONEERS

Spring Classics Sale

Royal Horticultural Society,

Lindley Hall, Vincent Square

Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE

Tuesday 2nd April 2019

1982 LOTUS EXCEL PROTOTYPE
Estimate: £15000 - £20000

Part of the deal between Lotus and Toyota included the use of many Toyota mechanical components in Lotus’ cars. The original Excel (aka the Type 89 Eclat Excel) used the W58 manual transmission, driveshafts, rear differential, 14×7 in alloy wheels, and door handles from the Supra Mk II, which was made from 1982 to 1986. The engine was the familiar all-aluminium, DOHC 2.2 L Lotus 912 slant-four engine also used in the Lotus Esprit S3.

The Excel is also known for its good cornering and excellent handling thanks to 50:50 weight distribution.

Offered here is the first Type 89 prototype of the Excel model which has been carefully restored some ten years ago and has covered less than 500 miles since. During the restoration, evidence to support the car's provenance was found and documented with photographs along with the refurbishment. A very unique and interesting piece of motoring and Lotus heritage that is certainly worth close attention

SOURCE: http://www.coys.co.uk/cars/1982-lotus-excel-prototype

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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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