Sunday, 28 February 2016

1987 FORD CAPRI 2.8 INJECTION - BRIGHTWELLS 02-03-16

UNDER THE HAMMER

Chosen by: JEG @ CLASSIC CHATTER

Today's Auction choice will be coming to auction at Brightwells next sale on 2nd of March.

With prices of the Ford Capri rising now seems to be the ideal time to purchase

"The car you've always promised yourself". If you have some time on your hands perhaps our choice today will be of interest, needing some tlc - this could be just the way to get a car that can only appreciate in price.in the future.

WEDNESDAY 2nd MARCH 2016

EASTERS COURT, LEOMINSTER, HR6 0DE

1987 FORD CAPRI 2.8 INJECTION

(FARM FIND, RUNS & DRIVES, ALGAE INCLUDED)

Lot Number: 26

Estimate: £3,000 - £4,000

Reg Number: D161 FBD

Engine Capacity: 2792cc

Chassis Number: WFOCXXGAECGA91658

Engine Number: GA91658

‘The car you’ve always promised yourself,’ announced Ford upon launching its new Capri in 1969, a liberating two-door fastback coupe they hoped would generate the same following in Europe as the Mustang had garnered in the US.

Mechanically, the European Pony Car was based on the more mundane though capable Cortina, with a live axle on leaf springs at the rear and McPherson struts at the front. The bonnet, which was long enough to accommodate at least a V8, housed a number of engines – depending on exactly how big that promise to yourself had been.

Initially Capris were powered by the 1.3 or 1.6-litre four-cylinder Kent engine or the Cologne V6 2.0-litre. In September of 1969 a range topper was introduced in the form of the 3.0-litre powered by the Essex V6. With around 138bhp and 173ft lb of torque, the 3.0-litre was capable of 0-60mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 124mph.

Restyled three times in its 33-year life, the Capri always remained close to its roots. The initially exaggerated belt line would smooth and the impression of almost scalloped sides would flatten out. By the MkIII of 1978, Capri sales were in decline, but the model was still a roomy and individual coupe.

In 1982, Ford decided to launch a new fuel injected power plant and dropped the 3.0 V6 in favour of the all-new 2.8 injection Cologne V6 power plant, with a claimed power output of 160bhp and a top speed of 130mph through the existing 4-speed gearbox This was swiftly upgraded to a 5-speed, and along with an interior facelift, it allowed Ford to keep the car in production for a couple more years than originally forecast.

This example is a very late Series III 2.8 Injection first registered in May 1987, and one of the last built. It is finished in white with contrasting grey half vinyl and velour Recaro seats and 7-spoke RS-style alloy wheels similar to those fitted to the Special Edition of the 2.8 Injection MkIII.

The car can be described as a ‘farm-find’ having been discovered by the vendor languishing in a farm yard in Dorset where it had clearly been stood for many years, as you can tell by the layer of algae. However, once fuelled and connected to a new battery, it promptly came back to life! On arrival at Brightwells the car not only started promptly but also drove around our yard with surprising ease, much to the amazement of onlookers. Underneath the aforementioned green grime, the car appears surprisingly solid apart from the obvious areas evident in the photographs.

The interior is original, bar the after-market gear knob, although the original knob is also present. The car has little documentary history with it, apart from 9 old MOTs dating from 1993 when the car had covered an indicated 65,330 miles, until November 2004 when the odometer reading was 5,291, leading us to presume that the 108,190 miles currently displayed is more than likely genuine.

Clearly in need of more than a quick scrub up, this is nonetheless a straightforward project that should amply reward the remedial works now required

Viewing - Tuesday 1st March 9am to 7pm and Morning of the Sale.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.classicchatter.co.uk

Saturday, 27 February 2016

1980 ACOMA MINI COMTESSE - Brightwells Auction 02-03-16

UNDER THE HAMMER

WEDNESDAY 2nd MARCH 2016

EASTERS COURT, LEOMINSTER, HR6 0DE

Viewing - Tuesday 1st March 9am to 7pm and Morning of the Sale.

We are always looking for the unusual here at Classic Chatter

and today we have selected this little gem. What do you think?

1980 ACOMA MINI COMTESSE

Lot Number: 33

Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000

Engine Size: 47cc

The proverb ‘Necessity is the Mother of invention’ could have been written specifically to describe the remarkable Acoma Mini Comtesse.

Defined as ‘when the need for something becomes essential, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it’, the requirement in the case of a Comtesse was for one person to drive a moderate distance to the shops, not buy very much and get home in a form of car that didn’t need a driving licence to use it.

The fad for micro-cars in France still endures solely because you don’t need a car licence to drive one. In the 1970s and ‘80s, a significant part of the French population had never passed a test, yet still needed to go about their daily business, thankfully at an unhurried rate with few onlookers to see them do it.

The Acoma Company seized on this loophole in the licensing laws and introduced the Acoma Mini Comtesse, a single seat, five-wheeled vehicle which was the only car to have ever been fitted with one conventional and one gull-wing door – eat your heart out Mercedes!

Powered by an over-burdened 50cc Motobecane engine attached to the front wheel, they became surprisingly popular and continued in production, admittedly with improvements such as the reduction in the number of wheels to a more conventional four, until 1984. New models were introduced including the unlikely Comtesse Super Coupe, Break (station wagon) and even a Comtesse Super Sport which sold well, over 3,500 finding new owners in 1979 alone.

So if you're attracted to such minimalist motoring and a Peel P50 is way out of your price bracket, there can be only one car to buy - an original five-wheel Mini Comtesse as on offer today. Despite the liberal spacing of their stabilising appendages, the Mini Comtesse still managed to be massively unstable and thanks to the 50cc engine incredibly slow. No matter, as anyone over the age of 16 could just get in and drive one, slowly, to the shops, to buy a few small items….perfect.

So if that's you, here is your chance to hit the road, after a bit of elbow grease has been applied to this largely complete, yet slightly dismantled example. Although there are no documents with the car, the really good news is that it comes with a completely new and unused spare bodyshell – how lucky is that ?

Friday, 26 February 2016

1967 MASERATI MISTRAL 4000 COUPE - COYS SPRING SALE 08-03-16

UNDER THE HAMMER

FROM

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL HALL, VINCENT SQUARE, WESTMINSTER

8th MARCH 2016 @ 7:00pm

Viewing: Monday 7th March - 12 Noon - 8:00pm

Day of Sale: 10:00 am until start of sale.

1967 MASERATI MISTRAL 4000 COUPE

Maserati’s survival strategy for the 1960s centred on establishing the company – which hitherto had mainly concentrated on its Grand Prix and sports car racing activities – as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque’s new era began in 1957 with the launch at the Geneva Salon of the Touring-bodied 3500GT. A luxury ‘2+2’, the 3500GT drew heavily on Maserati’s competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The 3500GT’s designer was none other than Giulio Alfieri, creator of the immortal Tipo 60/61 ‘Birdcage’ sports-racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F and developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500GT was progressively updated, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.

The next development of the theme arrived in 1962. Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Vignale-bodied 3500GT spyder, the Sebring coupé featured a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection as standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options.

Last of the classic six-cylinder Maseratis, the Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The 3.7-litre version of the famous long-stroke engine was fitted to most cars, other options being the 3.5-litre or, from 1966, the 4.0-litre unit, all of which came with Lucas fuel injection.

A handsome two-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the Mistral was built in coupé and spyder versions, the former’s opening rear window hatch making it unusually practical for a sports car.

A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential the options. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 coupés and 123 spyders had been built.

First registered in 1967, this particular Mistral has the desirable manual transmission, while the sometimes troublesome Lucas fuel infection has been replaced with a trio of carburettors, a popular modification among owners of these later six-cylinder Maseratis. Offered complete, the car was imported to the UK in 2013 from the sunny Californian climate where it had been dry stored for many years.

With the body in such good condition, it would make this an easy restoration project and with restored 4000 Coupes now in the region of £120,000 this wonderful project is offered with a very realistic reserve.

Source: Coys

Under the Hammer is brought to by: CLASSIC CHATTER

See Our Website at: www.classicchatter.co.uk

Thursday, 25 February 2016

1961 AUSTIN GIPSY FIRE ENGINE & TRAILER DVCA 03/03/16

Today's choice of upcoming auction lot's will be of interest to enthusiasts

of Emergency Service Vehicles and will be offered by DVCA next

Auction on Thursday 3 March 2016

UNDER THE HAMMER

From

Viewing: Wednesday 2 March 2pm - 7pm / Sale Day from 9am

Sale begins at midday. Vehicles to be sold at approximately 2pm.

Originally registered to Bertram Mills Circus

1961 Austin Gipsy Fire Engine and Trailer

Make: Austin

Model: Gipsy Fire Engine and Trailer
Year: 1961
Registration Number: 637 CLP
Chassis Number: 8152
Engine Number: 39/3899
Transmission: Manual
Steering: Right Hand Drive
MOT Test Expiry: 4 February 2017 / Exempt
Mileage: 14300
Guide Price: £8500 - 9500
Road Tax Exempt

The Gipsy was the civilian successor to the Austin Champ, and was intended to be a direct rival to the Land Rover. Despite resembling its competitor, the Gipsy was technically significantly different. It was the first vehicle to implement an all-independent suspension using ‘Flexitor’ rubber torsion units, which produced improved traction and offered the Gipsy’s occupants more comfort across rugged terrains. The 2199cc engine was inherited from the A70 and had gained itself a good reputation for reliability. The rugged steel body and chassis meant that many examples succumbed to rust and rot; of the vehicles that remain today, it is quite possible that those supplied for use as fire service vehicles are the survivors that have stood the test of time most successfully.

This example is not your usual Home Office Gipsy, but a unique fully equipped fire engine that was first registered to the famous Bertram Mills Circus. Added to that is a gem in the transport world: a fire trailer based on an Austin 7 chassis and built by the apprentices at the Longbridge factory.

We understand that the restored fire trailer, which is equipped with the necessary gear to fight fires, was towed behind a vehicle at the Austin Motor Company prior to the Second World War. The current custodian, after purchasing the Gipsy, decided that it would be appropriate to fit the trailer to the fire unit.

When in service for the circus, the Austin Gipsy was transported around the country by train, along with the other fleet vehicles, lorries, trailers and caravans. Even the animals were transported by rail. This actual vehicle is featured in the book “Bertram Mills – The Circus that Travelled by Train”.

637 CLP was then sold at auction in 1966 to The Trading Post Ltd of London, a film props hire company. The Austin then passed through two further ownerships before being purchased as an unfinished project in 2007. A comprehensive photographic restoration followed, not only of the vehicle itself, but also of the fire fighting equipment and the Coventry Climax pump. Lastly, a correct type engine was installed which has only covered a small mileage since. Please note that both the spare wheel and front power-take-off shaft have been removed but are supplied.

A sizable history is supplied with this historic commercial, which includes the V5C registration certificate, the RF60 registration book, correspondence, a rare sales brochure, images and restoration photographs.

A rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that has links to the history of Austin Works, the Bertram Mills Circus, fire fighting and Austin vehicles.

Auction Date: 3 March 2016

1961 Austin Gipsy Fire Engine and Trailer

SOURCE: Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions

Under ths Hammer is brought to you by: CLASSIC CHATTER

www.classicchatter.co.uk

Tuesday, 23 February 2016

1964 HUMBER SUPER SNIPE - H & H AUCTION 24/02/16

UNDER THE HAMMER

FROM

H & H AUCTONS

WEDNESDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2014

The Engine Room Exhibition Centre

Donington Park

Castle Donington

Derby

Derbyshire. DE74 2RP

Entry to the auction is by Pocket Guide only, which admits two people. The Pocket Guide is free of charge to those registered in advance on our mailing list or £10 on the door.

Viewing

Tuesday 23rd February from 12pm to 6pm

Wednesday 24th February from 9am

1964 HUMBER SUPER SNIPE

Reg No: BEJ 44B

Chassis No: B8205888/BW/HS0

Engine No: B/8205888

Engine Capacity: 2965cc

- Entered from a private collection and photographic record of older restoration

- Engine overhauled (2007), nicely mellowed original leather upholstery, good chrome

- History file, workshop manual, various spares and MOT'd till Jan 2017

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Fair / Good'

Engine: 'Fair / Good'

Electrical Equipment: 'Fair'

Paintwork: 'Fair / Good'

Gearbox: 'Fair'

Interior Trim: 'Original and Mellow'

Source: H & H Auctions

Under the Hammer is powered by:

CLASSIC CHATTER

www.classicchatter.co.uk

Friday, 19 February 2016

1990 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO - H&H AUCTIONS 24th February 2016

GOING UNDER THE HAMMER

H & H AUCTIONS

DONINGTON PARK, CASTLE DONINGTON

24th JANUARY 2016

1990 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO

Reg No: G844 AEH

Chassis No: SCCD82910LHD13629

Engine Capacity: 2200cc

UK supplied although recently imported from the car friendly climate of Japan

60,000 recorded miles and a 'no advisories' MOT into February 2017

Just serviced, belts replaced and recently shod with new tyres

Penned by none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro, the super sleek Esprit S1 was prefaced by the 'Silver' concept car of the 1972 Turin Motor Show. This right-hand drive Esprit Turbo on offer was manufactured in 1990 and although UK supplied has recently been imported from the car friendly climate of Japan and features Yellow bodywork complemented by a cream interior with recent work including being serviced, belts replaced and recently shod with new tyres. Fitted with a sports exhaust and glass panel roof the Lotus has a 'no advisories' MOT into February 2017. The vendor currently rates the Lotus as follows:-

Bodywork: 'Very Good'

Engine: 'Very Good'

Electrical Equipment: 'Good'

Paintwork: 'Good'

Gearbox: 'Good'

Interior Trim: 'Good'

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is not an S4 as stated in the printed catalogue.

- See more at: http://handh.co.uk/Auctions/24-02-2016-DoningtonPark-1410/1990LotusEspritTurbo-40814.aspx#sthash.JUb6rprK.dpuf

Important Information for The Donington Park Auction

Auction Venue:

The Engine Room Exhibition Centre

Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP

Viewing:

Tuesday 23rd February 2016 12pm - 6pm

Wednesday 24th February 2016 from 9am

- See more at: http://www.classic-auctions.com/15/section.aspx/448#sthash.h6tKyps8.dpuf

Thursday, 18 February 2016

c1936 ROSENGART TYPE L4R/N2 - H&H Auctions 24/02/16

UNDER THE HAMMER

DONINGTON PARK, CASTLE DONINGTON,

24th FEBRUARY 2016

c1936 ROSENGART TYPE L4R/N2

Estimate: (£) 3,500 - 4,500

Reg Number:	Un-Reg
Chassis Number:	53922
Engine Number:	11944
Cc:	747
Body Colour:	Two Tone Blue
Trim Colour:	Blue
MOT ExpiryDate:	Exempt

- Licence-built Austin 7 derivative that was brought over from S.W. France in 2002

- Paint, trim, chrome, engine and wiring restored in 2007 plus new tyres

- Not registered for, or used on, the road for circa 40-50 years

By the time that Lucien Rosengart decided to build cars under his own name during the mid-1920s, he had already held pivotal roles at both Citroen and Peugeot and supplied components to numerous other French marques. Operating from premises in Neuilly-sur-Seine and employing the services of former Citroen designer Jules Salomon, his first products were licence-built Austin Sevens. Mechanically similar but visually distinct from their British counterparts, the Rosengart LR series cars remained in production until 1939.

Reputedly last on the road some 40-50 years ago, this handsome Rosengart LR4 N2 is thought to date from circa 1936. Discovered in the Bordeaux area of South West France (close to Bergerac) during 2002, it entered the current ownership that same year via an Oxfordshire company specialising in architectural ironwork. A dismantled project when acquired, the Rosengart underwent much restoration work during 2007 including: a repaint, re-trim, refurbished chromework, new wiring, fresh tyres and an engine overhaul. Currently running and driving, the vendor nevertheless considers that the LR4 N2 would benefit from recommissioning and attention to its brakes, steering and suspension if only because it has not seen a public highway for decades. Sporting an early example of the marque's distinctive 'Fencer's Mask' radiator grille not to mention a one-piece bonnet, bench seat and wire wheels, this stylish Rosengart Coupe will require registering prior to road use.

MORE DETAILS AVAILABLE AT:

http://handh.co.uk/

THE DAILY AUCTION PICK

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

CLASSIC CHATTER

See ourWebsiteat: www.classicchatter.co.uk

Sunday, 14 February 2016

1971 LAND ROVER 109 LWB SERIES IIA - RACE RETRO SALE

Firstly apologies for the lack of posts over the past few days but ongoing health problems called for some further rest,thanks to all that have sent get wel wishes these are much appreciated.

1971 LAND ROVER 109 LWB SERIES IIA

Chassis Number: 35301868H

Engine Number: Not Specified

Number of cylinders: 6

CC: 2625

Year of Manufacture: 1971

Estimate (£): 16,000 - 19,000

The Series IIA, is considered by many to be the most hardy version of the Land Rover ever constructed. It's also the type of classic Land Rover that features strongly in the general public's perception of the brand due to its many appearances in popular films and television documentaries set in Africa and India throughout the sixties.
In February 1968, just a few months after its manufacturer had been subsumed into the Leyland Motor Corporation, the Land Rover celebrated its twentieth birthday, with total production just short of 600,000 at that point, of which more than 70% had been exported.
In 1967, a 2.6-litre, six cylinder petrol engine was introduced for the long-wheelbase models, which also finally, got to benefit from servo-assisted brakes. 811 of these were NADA ( North American Dollar Area) trucks, which were the only long-wheelbase models made for the American and Canadian markets.
Certainly, it was whilst the Series IIA was in production, that sales of utility Land Rovers reached their peak, and in 1969/70 sales of over 60,000 Land Rovers a year were recorded. (For comparison, the sales of the Defender since the 90s have been around the 25,000 level.) Record sales do not automatically confer domination of the market but the Land Rover came to dominate the World simply because it was the best. In the 1960s, the Land Rover represented almost 90% of the Australian 4×4 market and this level of success was repeated in other areas such as Africa and the Middle East.
Good examples of Series IIs and IIAs are now beginning to achieve classic status, and are starting to appreciate in value, although many are still in daily use.
The first registered owners of the car on offer today were the infamous Bucharest Serviciul de Telecomunicati (UM 0731) (Public Order and Safety) and it then went on to be used for "Hunting" by the Communist Romanian Secret Service during the Ceausescu dictatorship. This versatile vehicle with a thought-provoking history was first registered in 1971 and is presented in Light Grey, with a 4-speed manual gearbox, 2.6 in-line 6 cylinder petrol engine and has only 899 km on the clock. Ideal for use as a workhorse around the farm and stables, as a second or third family vehicle, as an appreciating classic, or all three, and is certainly an exciting prospect.