1971 DE TOMASO PANTERA 'PULSANTE' THE HAWAII 5-0 CAR - SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS

COMING TO AUCTION

FROM

1971 DE TOMASO PANTERA 'PULSANTE'

THE HAWAII 5-0 CAR

There can't be many Italian supercars that have been owned by two Police Officers in Hawaii, but this one certainly has. Originally purchased by Hawaiian policeman George Frain in 1971, he kept the car for thirty five years before selling it to his friend and fellow policeman, Dennis Yogi, in 2006.

One of very few remaining "first execution" Panteras, known as "Pulsante" or push-button cars, in reference to the push button door handles carried over from the De Tomaso Mangusta, the embryo of the Pantera and a model that has been known to command prices in excess of £200,000.

These early Panteras were the only fully hand-built examples, assembled by Vignale Carrozzeria in Modena, with 75 being delivered into the United States to "test the water", prior to being put into series production.

Importantly, this car was one of the two Panteras used in one of the most watched television series in the World at the time 'Hawaii 5-0', where the car appeared in the episode - ‘Death Wish on Tantalus Mountain' (season 5, episode 2).
The first car was yellow and is now in Sweden where it has been heavily modified, therefore this car, chassis number #1365, is the only Pantera from the series that retains its original configuration.

In the episode, released in 1972, Ricardo Montalbano plays Alex Pareno, a wealthy auto-racing enthusiast whose mechanic is slain on the eve of Hawaii's most important road race. The TV production company needed a racecar in Hawaii and the first owner, George Frain, was happy to oblige. Mr Frain actually drove the car in the show as a stand-in for Ricardo Montalbano who had actually been injured prior to the shoot, so Mr Frain donned Ricardo's race suit and helmet, appearing in many of the still shots as well.

A pure "first execution" of the Pantera model in unmolested and original configuration is now very rare in itself, but one with a starring TV role and two previous owners must be a unique opportunity.

The car comes equipped with many rare features including single slot magnesium Campagnolo wheels with the De Tomaso "T" logo on each wheel nut, a flat rear engine cover (all the later cars incorporated a raised rib in the centre) and De Tomaso, not Ford emblems. There are also a number of small details and touches that make this car truly special such as the hand made bumpers with square ends, the relief pattern ashtray cover and one piece side window chrome (carried over from the Mangusta).

With only two owners from new until 2014, this is an amazing example of a very rare, handbuilt, unmodified, ‘push button' Pantera in its original Tom Tjaarda design. This car is fully restored and ready to drive, but perhaps not on a dirt rally stage..

Viewing and bidding

The Salon Privé Auction takes place at Blenheim Palace on the evening of Friday 4^th September 2015

Viewing of the lots will be available on Thursday 3rd September and Friday 4^th September 2015.

Bidding at the auction can be done either in person by attending the sale, by telephone, by leaving a commission bid or live online. Full details of registration requirements and a buying guide can be found on the Silverstone Auctions website (http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/buying).

1958 AC ACE BRISTOL - SILVERSTONE AUCTION SALON PRIVE 04-09-15

 

1958 AC ACE BRISTOL

ESTIMATE: £180.000 - £220.000

The AC Ace first appeared at Earls Court in 1953 and epitomised a new era of British post-war sports car production. The owners of AC, Charles and Derek Hurlock, along with AC agent, Ken Rudd, transformed the company's reputation by taking a racing special and putting it into production, with notable stylistic influences from Italian sports cars of the era. The result was a car that delivered both on the road, and particularly on the track thanks to the input of racing chassis designer John Tojeiro. Tojeiro employed the same simple tubular ladder-type chassis with an aluminium body that he had used in his earlier specials. However, the Ace boasted all-round independent suspension by transverse springs (the first British sports car to do so), ensuring superb handling with minimal body roll and plenty of feedback. Such was the success of the Ace chassis, it became the foundation for the mighty Shelby Cobras with over three times the power of the original 105bhp, Weller designed, six-cylinder engine. The outdated AC unit eventually made way for the more refined Bristol straight-six, which had evolved from the pre-war BMW 328. The Bristol engine was far more suited to racing, as demonstrated with some success by Cooper, and in its standard form developed 128bhp at 6000rpm. Consequently, it is the Bristol engined Ace that is most sought after by collectors.

The Ace Bristol enjoyed significant competition success being campaigned by enthusiastic club racers, private owners and most famously by the Ken Rudd team at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958. Bristol engined Aces were run successfully at Le Mans from 1957 to 1962 by various entrants however, it was on a domestic club level where Ace Bristols earned their reputation as supreme racing machines. In total, only 466 Ace Bristols were manufactured and they are justifiably hot property amongst collectors as very few examples come onto the open market. The AC Ace was a truly innovative piece of design, and represents the foundation from which the legendary Cobra was developed. 

Chassis number BEX406 is a Bristol engined Ace originally delivered to British Columbia Sports Cars in Canada on 3rd February 1958. According to the AC Owner's Club, the original colour was Svecia Red with a black leather interior and the car has recently been returned to this original colour scheme. By all accounts, the car was mainly set up for road use and had lived an easy life in Canada prior to repatriation to England in 1990. The car was discovered and purchased at this time by respected AC specialist, Brian Classic, and he shipped the car back to England and had it converted to right-hand drive. It was purchased by a Mr C. Cadogan-Rawlingson of Suffolk, an AC Owner's Club member, in 1991 and he was its custodian for 18 years. A Mr O'Connell acquired BEX406 in 2009 and had the engine, clutch and gearbox rebuilt by engine specialist Nick Finburg. This was carried out in order to compete in the 2010 Spa 6 hours, Dijon-Prenois and Sir Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-1961 sportscars at the Silverstone Classic. In 2013, the car was purchased by its current owner, who has enjoyed it on road rallies and at the 60th anniversary ACOC race at Silverstone in 2014.

Recent works carried out by the vendor have included a suspension rebuild, and a complete overhaul of the rear axle, brakes, and steering amongst other mechanical components. The aluminium, foam-filled, fuel tank holds 45 litres and feeds the fuel through a high-performance fuel pump, regulator and filter. The cooling features a deep core aluminium radiator with a Kenlowe thermostatic controlled fan and Evans waterless coolant. The ignition has been supplied by IN Racing and features a competition programmed electronic distributor. A new starter motor and alternator have been commissioned in the style of a period dynamo and all of these recent improvements have resulted in a car that inspires real confidence when driven. Additional features include a removable roll bar and full harness seat belts, both FIA approved, electrical kill switch, rear fog light, Brantz rally timer, calibrated gauges, good Avon tyres all weather equipment and a removable hard top. 

One of the most appealing features of this AC Ace is its originality. The engine is the original 'D' series unit and is mated to its original gearbox with the all-important overdrive. Being one of the later Bristol engines, this car produces 128bhp compared to 125bhp in earlier models. A test on the engine in 2014 revealed very healthy compression in all 6 cylinders and this test report is available for viewing in the history file. The bodywork features original body stampings on the bonnet and boot and overall the chassis and body retain excellent patina. Supplied with an MSA Historical Technical Passport valid for racing, hill climbs and rallies, this charming Ace is eligible and would be welcomed at some extremely prestigious racing events around the world. Alternatively, the car is equally happy being exercised on country roads. The AC Ace Bristol is a car that rightfully deserves its place in the history books as grandfather to the legendary AC Cobra, and this exciting example offers a glorious opportunity to turn history into racing, rallying or every-day reality.

 

 

 

Viewing and bidding

The Salon Privé Auction takes place at Blenheim Palace on the evening of Friday 4^th September 2015

Viewing of the lots will be available on Thursday 3rd September and Friday 4^th September 2015.

Bidding at the auction can be done either in person by attending the sale, by telephone, by leaving a commission bid or live online. Full details of registration requirements and a buying guide can be found on the Silverstone Auctions website (http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/buying).

1970 ROVER P5B COUPE - Historics @ Brooklands 29-08-15

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY

1970 ROVER P5B COUPE

In 1965, Rover's Managing Director, William Martin-Hurst, secured the tooling and production rights to '215' V8 engine from Buick. Rover redeveloped the engineering and launched it at the end of 1967 which, along with some other modifications, transformed their already highly regarded and successful P5 flagship into the P5B. The new aluminium V8 was significantly lighter and considerably more powerful than its predecessor, delivering 160bhp and a massive leap in torque to 210lb per ft. at 2600rpm, vastly improving pace, comfort, balance, handling, economy and reliability. Rover's only gearbox capable of handling such power was the Borg Warner Typre-35 automatic. Rover now possessed a formidable sporting saloon to take on the finest from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. Solihull production soon doubled to keep up with orders but the creation of British Leyland in 1968 however had the long term effect of thwarting Rover's impressive growth and image-building. A strategic decision was taken to market Jaguar, now sitting alongside Rover in the British Leyland stable, to the luxury audience. The impressive V8 engine flourished for decades afterwards within the Rover, Land Rover and Range Rover stable, as well as other marques such as TVR, Morgan and MG.

Finished in Burnt Grey over Silver Birch with Mulberry hide interior, PBM 84H was first registered on 16th July 1970 in Northampton. In 1997, the Rover was exported to the Netherlands where it was garaged as part of a private collection. The owner added electronic ignition, an LPG fuel tank professionally installed in Amsterdam (UK fuel station compatible) along with a small petrol fuel tank also. The car has also been fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust system and Avon white wall tyres on the original 'Rostyle' rims. The compulsory annual APK test history (equivalent to the UK MoT test) shows regular annual usage varying between 400 - 4,000 miles per year across the past 18 years. The latest APK test certificate, issued on 7th July, shows no advisories. It completed the 300 mile drive back to the UK in July without a glitch or hesitation. Said to drive majestically the P5B Coupé will be presented to auction with a new UK MoT test certificate and UK registration papers.

Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd
Brooklands Road
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 0QN

Please contact Edward Bridger-Stille, John Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.

John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.

UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838

Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170
Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177
E-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk

1981 DE LOREAN DMC-12 - HISTORICS @ BROOKLANDS 29-08-15

COMING TO AUCTION

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE SURREY KT13 0QN

www.historics.co.uk

1981 DE LOREAN DMC-12

When John Z. DeLorean stepped down from his position as the General Manager of Chevrolet in 1973, it was widely reported that DeLorean 'had fired General Motors'. Always ambitious and willing to try new things, the talented salesman and engineer was planning to go his own way with a new sports car, one that would be more technically advanced and have superior safety features. He called it 'the ethical sports car - for the bachelor who's made it'. Built in Northern Ireland under an agreement with the British Government, the DMC-12 was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. It featured distinctive gullwing doors and outer body panels of brushed stainless steel over a rear-engined, Renault-powered chassis and suspension that was largely based upon the Lotus Esprit. Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, was then brought in to resolve any engineering issues. The first 500 production DeLoreans were ready for shipment in April 1981 and, at first, the model was a smash success, mainly due to its founder's fame and innovative design. Unfortunately, the success cooled quickly and the DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy in late 1982 after John DeLorean's well-publicised arrest on drug trafficking charges. He was eventually acquitted but it was too late to save his dream. Some 9,200 DeLoreans had been built with approximately 6,500 still in existence worldwide today.

With just 6,900 miles on the odometer, this example of the iconic DeLorean represents something of a rarity. Originally supplied to the USA in 1981, YKR 543X was imported in 2000 and in the first year was used by its then owner after which it was stored and used very sparingly by the current vendor. Benefiting from a fresh MoT test certificate, the bodywork is in good order as is the trim and, being priced very reasonably, this example certainly could be a sound investment with values achieved for DMC-12's recently soaring.

Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd

Brooklands Road

Weybridge

Surrey

KT13 0QN

Please contact Edward Bridger-Stille, John Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.

John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.

UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838

Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170

Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177

E-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk

1956 FORD THAMES 10cwt VAN - HISTORICS @ BROOKLANDS 29-08-15

We maybe temping fate but after 6 weeks of limited speeds and a total loss of our phone lines I think BT might have finally sorted our service out we hold our breath.

COMING TO AUCTION

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM WEYBRIDGE SURREY

1956 FORD THAMES 10cwt VAN

The vendor has lived in Dorking, Surrey for the last twenty five years and was well acquainted with local estate agents, Martin Brown in the High Street. Whilst walking past the shop earlier this year, he noticed that the garage adjacent to it was open and found the proprietor, Robert Brown, inside sorting out old 'For Sale' boards.  In the middle of the garage was this 10cwt Van in their company livery. At first Robert could not make up his mind whether to get it going again or to sell it, but, after some persuasion, the vendor managed to purchase it. The van was originally owned by another local tradesman who owned it from new, and it was from him that Robert purchased it in 1982.  It was then hand sign written and painted in the company livery and used for promotion; it was last used and road taxed in 1995 and then locked away for the next 20 years. After finally being removed from the garage, on inspection, it appeared in excellent condition although obviously very dusty and dirty and, with still only 44,073 miles on the odometer, the project of getting her going again started. The re-commissioning included flushing out the fuel tank replacing the fuel sender float, cleaning the fuel pipes and carburettor, fitting a new battery, replacing a leaking oil pipe, fitting new oil filter, top and bottom radiator hoses, coil, distributor cap, rotor arm, HT leads, spark plugs, changing the engine oil with classic oil 20/50, gearbox oil EP80/90, diff oil 80/90 and repairing the original trafficators. After starting, the van it was taken on a test run and found to be running perfectly; it was then re-checked and a small oil leak was found from the head gasket which was then replaced. The original log book has unfortunately been lost and the current V5C Registration Certificate declares it was manufactured in 1949; however the Ford Motor Company records indicate that, according to the chassis and engine number, the vehicle was manufactured in 1956.

Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd

Brooklands Road

Weybridge

Surrey

KT13 0QN

Please contact Edward Bridger-Stille, John Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.

John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.

UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838

Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170

Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177

E-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk

1987 LANCIA DELTA GTi.e. - Historics @ Brooklands 29-08-15

COMING TO AUCTION

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY

1987 LANCIA DELTA GTi.e.

The Lancia Delta was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 1979. Production ran from 1979 until 1999. The Delta was most famous for dominating the World Rally Championship in the late 80s and early 90s. The Delta was face lifted in 1986 and a new GT i.e. variant was launched at the same time. The cylinder head was rotated 180⁰ to aid cooling by moving the exhaust to the front and the whole engine was slanted 18⁰ to lower the centre of gravity and better improve the handling.

This low mileage righthand drive Delta GT i.e. was owned by one family from new until this year. The mileage can be verified by a full folder of all old MoT test certificates and service invoices from new. The paint is all original and the interior is superb, the door cards even retain their plastic factory protection. We believe that no more than three of these Delta GT i.e. models remain on UK roads. The car is supplied with a V5C registration document and MoT test certificate valid until February 2016. Is there a more accessible way to finally fulfill those childhood Rally Driver dreams? We think not.

 

 

Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd

Brooklands Road

Weybridge

Surrey

KT13 0QN

Please contact Edward Bridger-Stille, John Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.

John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.

UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838

Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170

Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177

E-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk

1964 MERCEDES-BENZ 220 SE CABRIOLET - Historics @ Brooklands

COMING TO AUCTION

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE SURREY

1964 MERCEDES-BENZ 220 SE CABRIOLET

The Mercedes-Benz W111 was produced from 1959 to 1968 and was the chassis code given to its top-range vehicles, including four door sedans, with two door coupés and cabriolets being produced from 1961 to 1971. Design of a replacement for the two-door Pontons began in 1957 as most of the chassis and drivetrain were to be unified with the saloon with the emphasis on the exterior styling. Some of the mock-ups and prototypes show that Mercedes-Benz attempted to give the two-door car a front styling similar to the Pagoda roadster. The rear bodywork persisted however and, as such, although officially still called a 'fintail', the rear end design had no chrome fin highlights. Production began in late 1960 and in February of the following year, the coupé was premiered in Stuttgart for the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The convertible followed at the Frankfurt Motor Show a few months later and this was almost identical to the coupé with the soft-top roof folded into a recess behind the rear seat and covered by a tightly fitting bag. Unlike the previous generation of the two-door Ponton series, there was only one model for the two door vehicle, the 220SE badge on both versions with the identical 2195cc engine.

Manufactured in 1964, this 220SE Cabriolet is in delightful condition, having been restored in Italy approximately five years ago. Registered in the UK and supplied with a V5 registration document, this lefthand drive Mercedes-Benz has navy blue coachwork complemented by beige leather trim. Mechanically this appears to be a well sorted example with the engine running smoothly and quietly and the automatic transmission operating as it should. Few cars can claim to be genuine four seat convertibles but these Mercedes-Benz certainly can, being able to seat four people in great style and comfort; open top motoring does not get much better than this.

 

Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd

Brooklands Road

Weybridge

Surrey

KT13 0QN

Please contact Edward Bridger-Stille, John Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.

John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.

UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838

Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170

Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177

E-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk