Classic Van Auction Talk

Saturday, 25 April 2015

1971 ASTON MARTIN DBS SPORTS SALOON - BONHAMS 9th MAY 2015

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
9th MAY 2015
ASTON MARTIN WORKS SALE
NEWPORT PAGNELL
We return to look at another lot coming to te saleroom at the annual Aston Martin Works Sale
More details can be found at: Aston Martin Works Sale 2015 
1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 
1971 ASTON MARTIN  DBS SPORTS SALOON
Registration no. APM 744J Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S
£75,000 - 85,000
€100,000 - 120,000
 

Footnotes

  • Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS was launched in October 1967 with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by William Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar magazine observing: 'Without the aid of an Italian stylist the Newport Pagnell team came up with something as modern, handsome and Italianate as anything from the Turin coachbuilders at that time.'

    Beneath its shapely exterior the DBS employed a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all round: wishbone and coil-spring at the front, De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear. Larger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the DBS was, inevitably, heavier but the Vantage version's top speed of 140mph and a standing quarter-mile time of 16.3 seconds were highly respectable figures nonetheless. Assessing the virtues of Aston's new flagship, Autocar judged it superior to the DB6 in many areas, the bigger DBS offering four full-sized seats in addition to transformed handling and roadholding courtesy of the new rear suspension and standardised power steering.

    'Turning to matters other than performance, we really were most tremendously impressed by the DBS' enthused Car magazine. 'The interior, especially merits praise not only for its uniquely satisfying aesthetics and superb finish (way, way ahead of any Italian rival in this respect) but also for the thought that has gone into the ergonomics of its layout.'

    Although less well known as such than the earlier 'DB' series, the DBS is yet another 'James Bond' Aston Martin, having featured in the 1969 motion picture, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, starring George Lazenby as the eponymous secret agent.

    An automatic transmission model, this DBS benefis from Connollised leather and new carpets, steering wheel, headlining, window switches, seat belts and £2,500-worth of replaced ancillaries plus a replacement spare wheel, all of which has been done while in the vendor's ownership. The car was re-sprayed circa 2003/2004 and new wheels fitted in 2005 (there is a photographic record of the re-spray on file). In 2009 the engine was replaced (bill on file), a new exhaust fitted and the gearbox rebuilt. The rear brake callipers were replaced in 2010. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C document and a comprehensive file of receipts and MoT certificates dating back to 2000. The conversion of the replacement engine to unleaded compatibility is the only other notified deviation from factory specification
    1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 1971 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DBS/5753/R Engine no. 400/4835/S 
     All text & images copyright BONHAMS 2015
    We would like to thank all our Auction trade supporters for their permission to reproduce information contained in these posts.

Friday, 24 April 2015

c1927 EXCELSIOR 750cc SUPER-X - BONHAMS 28-04-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
 THE SPRING, STAFFORD SALE
PIONEER, VINTAGE & COLLECTORS' MOTORCYCLES 
+ RELATED MEMORABILIA & SPARES
TUESDAY  28th APRIL 2015
  c.1927 Excelsior 750cc Super-X Frame no. 1779 Engine no. 1779 
 c1927 EXCELSIOR 750cc SUPER-X
Registration no. EX 7221 Frame no. 1779 Engine no. 1779
 The famous American Excelsior motorcycle was produced by the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois from 1907 until 1931, latterly under the 'Super-X' brand name. The first Excelsior was a belt-driven single cylinder machine, the engine of which formed part of the frame. A 61ci (1,000cc) v-twin joined the range for 1911, at which time Excelsior was acquired by bicycle maker, Ignaz Schwinn. In 1913 the twin was offered with all-chain drive while two-speed planetary transmission and a leaf-sprung, Indian-style front fork were two of the following season's innovations.

Alongside rivals Harley-Davidson and Indian, Excelsior offered a three-speed countershaft transmission for 1915, at the same time introducing a new frame with curved top tube and smoothly rounded tank, a first for Excelsior. Deeply valanced mudguards distinguished the v-twin of 1917. 'Military' olive green was adopted as the Excelsior livery that year and would remain the only option until 1920 when navy blue became the norm. In 1921 a 74ci (1,200cc) v-twin was added to the range, but by this time Excelsior had acquired the manufacturing rights to the Henderson Four and the days of the big v-twins were numbered. They were gone by 1925, Excelsior preferring to concentrate its resources on the Four and the newly introduced Super-X 45ci (750cc) v-twin.

Introduced to the US market in 1925, the Super-X retained the Big Twin's F-head valve gear while reverting to the leading-link front fork used on its earliest ancestors. Elsewhere though, it was extensively redesigned, featuring unitary construction of the engine/gearbox and geared primary drive encased with an alloy casting, innovations doubtless inspired by the contemporary Indian Scout and Chief. There was a higher-performance Super Sport model available and this pair of Super-Xs continued with few changes, other than a switch to a streamlined, teardrop-shaped fuel tank for 1929, until Ignaz Schwinn pulled the plug on motorcycle production in the spring of 1931.

First registered in the UK in August 1951, this Excelsior Super-X was purchased by the current vendor in August 1985, the previous keeper being recorded as one James Glyn Hunt of Beckenham, Kent. Last MoT'd in 2010-2011 (certificate on file) the machine will require re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before returning to the road. A copy parts list, two expired tax discs and a V5C registration document come with it.
 c.1927 Excelsior 750cc Super-X Frame no. 1779 Engine no. 1779 c.1927 Excelsior 750cc Super-X Frame no. 1779 Engine no. 1779 

Thursday, 23 April 2015

1952 LAND ROVER SERIES 1 80" - Silverstone Auctions 23-05-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
  THE WING, SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
23rd MAY 2015
 
1952 LAND ROVER SERIES 1 80"
 
Registration: HDM 742 (TBC)
Chassis Number: 26103530
Engine Number: 26106279
Number of cylinders: 4
CC: 2000cc
Estimate (£): 26,000 - 28,500

A restored Series 1 80 inch in concours condition direct from Ken Wheelwright, the master restorer.
When Maurice Wilks, Rover's chief designer, came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural utility vehicle in 1947 he would have no idea that his design would become an icon and launch a whole new industry sector. The original Land Rover was presented in sage green with a canvas roof and revolutionised rural transport. As an engineering marvel it can still outstrip its modern counterparts, and the Series I rightly belongs in the Motoring Hall of Fame. Hugely successful globally, improvements were made throughout the production run. In 1950 the lights moved from a position behind the grill to protrude through the grill and in 1952 a larger 2.0 litre petrol engine replaced the original 1.6 litre.
One man who has come to be known as the leading authority on early Land Rovers, and indeed the go-to restorer for leading collectors and Land Rover themselves, is Ken Wheelwright. Working from his Yorkshire farm, Ken's restorations include three early pre-production prototype Land Rovers, two Tickford Station Wagons, the first Automobile Association restored 80 inch now on display at the Coventry Motor Museum and a Tickford Land Rover for the British Heritage Motor Museum. Four other vehicles are in a German museum collection, along with an exact replica of a Land Rover factory Transporter which took two years to build from archive pictures only. The most notable of Ken's achievements came when he was chosen as one of the Land Rover factory's preferred restorers, having supplied them with two Series I Land Rovers in dark bronze green that have featured on television programmes worldwide.

As a testament to his unsurpassable reputation Ken was commissioned by Land Rover to restore Stephen Wilks' Series IIA Land Rover which had been presented to his father Maurice on his retirement from the Rover Company in 1965. This vehicle now forms part of Land Rover's own heritage collection, joining Ken's other restored Land Rovers. As befits the work of a no nonsense Yorkshireman we will end the superlatives here and move on to the Land Rover itself. Originally supplied by the Grosvenor Motor Company of Rhyl, Flintshire to Roger Hughes & Co Ltd, Civil Engineers of Colwyn Bay, North Wales to be used by their site engineer.

When Ken became the Land Rover's third owner he undertook a full nut and bolt restoration, so comprehensive that it would require a full page to list everything that was done. A brief summary includes the galvanising of the original chassis, painted in the period correct deep bronze green and most original components reconditioned. When some parts were found to be beyond repair, original Land Rover new-old stock components were used. The engine was completely rebuilt at the same time and re-bored with new pistons and camshaft. In addition a new wiring loom and brake components were fitted as was a new canvas roof and bench seating for four in the rear. The odometer reads 13,824 miles at the time of consignment, and we assume it has gone ‘round the clock'.

Sold complete with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and a fresh MoT, this 80" Land Rover Series I has every box ticked. Restored by an award winning world authority, trusted by Land Rover themselves and presented in concours condition in the period correct deep bronze green, this car is the most desirable variant of the Land Rover and will add the finishing touch to any collection. The last Series I 80" we sold realised £38,250, including premium, at the NEC Practical Classics Show in November 2014 and this example therefore offers exceptional value in a rising market

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project - BONHAMS 9-5-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
 ASTON MARTIN WORKS SALE
NEWPORT PAGNELL
9th MAY 2015
  1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project  Chassis no. AM300/3/1766 Engine no. DBA/1146 
1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project
Coachwork by Tickford 
Registration no. 200 HPH Chassis no. AM300/3/1766 Engine no. DBA/1146
 Last of the pre-Superleggera Aston Martins
*Arguably the first 'James Bond' Aston Martin
*Body prepared and primed ready for final painting
*Exciting restoration project

Footnotes

Its accompanying copy order form reveals that chassis number '1766' was delivered new via Aston Martin agents HW Motors and first owned by the Aston Chain & Hook Co Ltd of Birmingham. The colour scheme is recorded as Shadow Grey with red Connolly leather interior, and the car came equipped with disc front brakes, Alfin rear drums, Hydro Booster and an overdrive unit. A change of engine is noted, a reconditioned unit, 'DBA/1146', being fitted in December 1961.

  • The immediately preceding owner acquired the Aston in August 1983 and used it sparingly until the end of the 1980s, the last of the seven expired MoTs on file being issued in February 1988. Some time later he decided to have the car restored. The engine, gearbox and interior were removed, and the body entrusted to a local coachworks. However, little work was done and the Aston remained standing for around eight years before being retrieved. The owner then continued the restoration as far as his circumstances allowed.

    Works completed include restoration of the body and chassis (carried out by Phoenix Car Restorations of Carshalton in 2009/2010, bill on file). The body has since been prepared and primed to a high standard and is ready for repainting in the purchaser's colour of choice. The seats and door cards have been re-trimmed by an ex-Aston Martin trimmer and are ready to be refitted together with a new headlining. We are advised that the engine was in running order and registering good oil pressure when removed, though it should be noted that there is an oil leak from the cylinder head gasket, while the gearbox, overdrive and rear axle are described as 'all good'. The wiring loom has been checked and no defects found.

    Apparently substantially complete, the car is offered with the aforementioned copy order form and expired MoTs; an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1972); sundry service and restoration invoices; and a V5C registration document. Sold strictly as viewed, it represents an exciting opportunity for the dedicated Aston Martin enthusiast. 

    1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project  Chassis no. AM300/3/1766 Engine no. DBA/1146  1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project  Chassis no. AM300/3/1766 Engine no. DBA/1146  1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Project  Chassis no. AM300/3/1766 Engine no. DBA/1146 
  • www.bonhams.com/auctions/22721/

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

1969 ASTON MARTIN DB6 MkI VANTAGE SPORTS SALOON - BONHAMS 09-05-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
ASTON MARTIN WORKS SALE
NEWPORT PAGNELL
9th MAY 2015
Auction Starts: 10:00 am BST

 1969 Aston Martin DB6 'Mark 1' Vantage Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DB6/4012/R Engine no. 400/4060 
1969 ASTON MARTIN DB6 MkI VANTAGE SPORTS SALOON
Registration No:  VDB 6
Chassis No: DB6/4012/R
Engine No: 400/4060 
Estimate: £250,000 - 300,000
Euro: 350,000 - 420,000
 
 

*Only three owners (two from the same family) from new
*Only circa 15,000 miles from new
*Desirable Vantage high-performance model
*Valuable registration mark
*Full documentation from new

Footnotes

  • 'If you want a truly British driver's car, the ultimate development of a continuous line of thoroughbreds from the Vintage era to the present day, there is nothing in quite the same field as the Aston.' – The Motor on the DB6, 26th November 1966.

    The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels.

    Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 4" 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 reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6's overall length increasing by only 2". Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.

    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, complete with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.

    Like Motor, Autocar found much to commend in the DB6 Vantage, remaking on the car's much improved handling, outstanding adhesion and exceptionally good braking figures. A mean maximum speed of 148mph was achieved while the standing quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds was the fastest the magazine had recorded for a four-seater. At 120mph the Aston was as effortlessly relaxed as other powerful cars at 80.

    A home-market model manufactured to Vantage specification complete with the five-speed manual gearbox, chassis number 'DB6/4012/R' was ordered with a Waso steering lock, front seatbelts, fog lamps, chrome road wheels, heated rear window, three-ear spinners, a 3.73:1 limited-slip differential, power aerial and Avon tyres. Manufactured in April 1969, the car was delivered to Wilmslow Garages Limited of Wilmslow, Cheshire and registered shortly thereafter to its first owner, Mr John Henry Parry.

    Clearly an enthusiast, Mr Parry not only ordered his car to this enhanced specification but also appears to have moved in Aston Martin circles, as there are records and photographs on file confirming that his father owned Astons pre-war, while a then current friend owned a DB5. The box of cleaning equipment still in the boot, with Mr Parry's name and address clearly marked, indicates that the car was well cared for during his ownership. In 1977 the registration 'VDB 6', eminently suitable for a DB6 Vantage, became available and so the original registration 'KEY 240G' was taken off the car.

    In 1983 Mr Parry reluctantly decided to sell and an advertisement was placed in the then popular 'Classic Car' section of the Sunday Times. The mileage noted and registration number listed in the advertisement caught the attention of the current owner's father, and a deal was done subject to inspection by the factory, which subsequently only confirmed the car's quality. The only mechanical work suggested was a 10,000-mile service (appropriate for the car's then current mileage). However, this was added to by the replacement of external rubber components as well as a complete repaint at Newport Pagnell in the original Dark Oyster livery. In all other respects the car remains 'factory original'.

    Used sparingly over the intervening 30-plus years (the current odometer reading is only circa 15,000 miles) the Aston has been maintained by the factory and more recently by Goldsmith & Young, whose principle, John Goldsmith, is chairman of the AMOC. As well as regular servicing, Goldsmith & Young have undertaken a cylinder head rebuild to insert unleaded valve seats, the opportunity being taken to increase the size of the valves and to gas flow the head at the same time. On a subsequent visit Goldsmith & Young rebuilt the suspension, which included fitting upgraded springs all round, conversion to telescopic shock absorbers at the rear, and the installation of an improved front anti-roll bar. Throughout its time with the current owner's family the DB6 has been stored in a climate-controlled garage beneath a fitted cover, and is presented today in essentially the same condition as when purchased.

    Approximately 20 years ago the car's purchaser passed it to his son, who offers it today with a full file including registration documents going back to, and including, Mr Parry's original green logbook; the owner's manual, service book and warranty card supplied with the car when new; correspondence with Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and various independent marque specialists; a substantial quantity of expired MoT certificates and tax discs; and all invoices for works carried out while in the current family ownership.
  1969 Aston Martin DB6 'Mark 1' Vantage Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DB6/4012/R Engine no. 400/4060 1969 Aston Martin DB6 'Mark 1' Vantage Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DB6/4012/R Engine no. 400/4060 1969 Aston Martin DB6 'Mark 1' Vantage Sports Saloon  Chassis no. DB6/4012/R Engine no. 400/4060

Monday, 20 April 2015

1990 LANCIA DELTA HF INTERGRALE 8V - CCA 21-04-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
THE INTERNATIONAL PITS
21st APRIL 2014
   
1990 LANCIA DELTA HF INTERGRALE 8V
 
Offered for sale is a 2.0L 1990 Lancia Delta HF Integrale manual that has been with the current owner for the last year. Coming with an extensive history file, this lot's condition scores an impressive 108 / 135.

Classic Car Auctions says:

The Delta was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979. The Delta dominated the World Rally Championship during the late 1980's and early 1990's. The homologation requirements of Group A regulations meant marketing road-going versions of these competition cars - the Lancia Delta HF 4WD and HF Integrale. A total of 44,296 Integrales were produced.
This impressive 1990 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V has odometer reading of 165,000 kms, 11 emissions stamps and 10 service stamps in 2 service books. This is backed up by lots of paperwork and all handbooks. Fitted with rare Speedline 16" 4 Stud alloys, rare black Leather interior with HF logos on the seats from the factory and a supersprint exhaust. Viewing highly recommended.
 




Office Tel: +44 (0) 1926 640 888  
Office Email: enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk
Office Address:
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire
CV35 0EP

Saturday, 18 April 2015

1970 ROVER P5B 3.5 V8 COUPE - CCA 21-04-15

"COMING TO AUCTION"
FROM
THE INTERNATIONAL PITS, SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT
21st APRIL 2015
 
1970 ROVER P5B 3.5 V8 COUPE
 
Offered for sale is a 3.5L 1970 Rover P5B Coupe automatic that has been with the current owner for over 10 years. Coming with a partial history file, this lot's condition scores 67 / 135.

Classic Car Auctions says:

Finished in Red with grey roof and burgundy trim and a small history file. Will be driven 80 miles to the sale.

 

Contact Us

Office Tel: +44 (0) 1926 640 888  
Office Email: enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk
Office Address:
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire
CV35 0EP