PREVIEW: CLASSIC CAR AUCTIONS, HARWOODS HOUSE, BANBURY ROAD, CV35 0AA
Classic Car Auction’s is readying itself for the first of its summer sales with a huge auction lot that already sees more than 100 cars on offer at the time of writing – some three weeks before the sale is set to take place.
There’s a beautiful selection of cars for sale from American muscle to high performance sports cars, all deserved of mention due to the condition they’re in. In particular is a 1983 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus S2 that has recently undergone a full restoration. The restorers played close attention to retaining as much originality as possible and that shows in its detail. If you’re unfamiliar with CCA’s catalogue, you will be unaware of its scoring system that sits alongside a listing. Essentially, every car is listed out of five stars on various components from the body work, interior, engine, transmission and many more.
In total, there are 27 categories that are scored out of five with a maximum scoring of 135. This car scored 124, evidencing its near-concours condition, being perfect in many areas including the exterior and interior. In fact, it fell into the excellent category that is reserved for “pristine/original/documented nut and bolt ground-up restoration/stored professionally/trailered only/complete vehicle history”. That gives you a sense to the quality of this particular vehicle.
Other highlights include a £12,000 guide price for a fairly high mileage 996 911. It continues to prove that the 996 is the affordable 911 of the range. Another exciting car on offer is the rare Swede Sonett III built by Saab in 1972. Guaranteed to turn heads wherever you drive it, not just because of its rarity, but of course its orange hue.
We’ve selected a few highlights below, but for a full breakdown of what’s on sale, visit Classic Car Auctions or call 01926 640888.
This 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 has recently undergone a full restoration in order to bring that 5.8-litre V8 back to its best. It is estimated to fetch between £17,000 and £20,000.
The evocative 8-series is making a return to the roads as BWM recently announced a new model is on the way. Now could be a great time to pick up the beautiful original and this 840ci example looks to be a good starting point. It has a guide price of between £7000 and £9000.
Timeless and elegant can be two words used to describe the glorious Morgan 4/4. This 1993 example is powered by a 114bhp 1.8-litre Ford Zetec engine; with the overall car said to be in great condition. It is estimated to fetch between £23,000 and £26,000.
Thanks to a recent restoration, this 1983 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus S2 is said to be in near concours condition. The restorers played close to attention to retaining its factory spec, which shows in the guide price of between £20,000 and £25,000.
This 1983 Audi UR Quattro is every rally enthusiasts dream. It’s RHD, features a 2.2-litre engine and is finished in Mars Red with contrasting Dark Brown leather upholstery. It’s estimated to reach between £25,000 and £30,000.
This isn’t a car you see too often. In fact, this 1972 Peugeot 304 Cabriolet is one of just 636 UK-supplied RHD cars. It has a guide price of between £6000 and £8000.
This example is perhaps not for everyone’s taste but we like it! This 1972 Fiat 500L is patriotic in every sense. LHD and baring the Italian flag painted all over it. It’s also in near concours condition, too! It is estimated to fetch between £7000 and £9000.
As far as Ferrari’s go, this 1991 Mondial T 3.4 sits comfortably in the “affordable” (for some) bracket. Having been with the current owner for the past 17 years, it’s looking for someone to embrace it. It is expected to fetch between £32,000 and £36,000.
