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CLASSIC CAR WEEKLY – 13 JANUARY 2021

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Well Bought

One of the last Sunbeam Alpines built, it has an interesting history and a detailed record of how much has been spent on its meticulous upkeep.

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Runout Sunbeam Alpine could be yours!

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Rover 213S sells for record £7500

It’s a packed issue this week with a special report, live coverage from the continent, a landmark celebration of Renault and some top auction action.

In the special report, we look at the positive impacts of 3D printing when it comes to making parts for classics. David has been busy in Techno Classica in Essen with the wealth of exciting classics on display there. Richard Gunn takes a look through the history books as he celebrates Renault and there’s an Ace barn find coming up at this weekend’s Bonhams auction.

On top of that, there’s a preview of what to expect at Goodwood’s Members Meeting if you fancy catching the classic action on the live feed and the latest trials and tribulations of John Lakey’s Jaguar.

Be sure to pick up your latest copy today to not miss a thing!

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Manor Park Classics’ sale on 13 April will include a relatively low-mileage, matching-numbers Sunbeam Alpine. Built on 26 January 1968, according to the Sunbeam Owners Club it’s one of the last Alpines produced.

The car’s first two owners lived on the Isle of Wight and had clocked up just 50,000 miles by the time it was bought by the third owner and current vendor in 2018. It then underwent a thorough mechanical restoration for use by the vendor’s wife in Spain, since then it has only covered a further 8000 miles, bringing the odometer to just 58,000.

James Gregory from Manor Park Classics told CCW: ‘Our vendor who recommissioned this Alpine is a very talented engineer. He has really gone to town on this car as he was getting it right for his wife, so the safety and reliability was paramount for him, as well as getting the interior as true to original as possible, and clean and feeling new. The bodywork was less important as he wanted the car to be useable, and has the opinion that a concourse car is pretty much unusable as it makes you nervous when you take it out.’

With an estimate of £10,000-12,000 it comes with an extensive history file, original owner’s handbook and workshop manual, invoices, receipts, MoTs and a photo album showing the restoration process. **Chris Frear**

:a[www.manorparkclassics.com]{href='http://www.manorparkclassics.com' }

The Landcrab Owner’s Club International is looking for cars to take part in a special display at the British Motor Museum on 14 July. The club is hoping to have 60 cars on display at its Landcrab Diamond Jubilee rally to celebrate the Austin 1800’s 60th anniversary.

Club chairman, Clive Serrell, told CCW: ‘The last time we did it was for the 50th anniversary and we managed to get 52 cars and seven 3-litres that jumped on our back when they got there because they weren’t booked in with us. So we did quite well and had a good spread.

‘We’re aiming for 60 this year, which is a big ask, but there should be 60 cars because we have 250 members. I have one guy who’s bringing two with him and will bring a third if he can find someone to drive it for him, so hopefully it will happen. It will be great if Landcrab owners come out and support us with it.’

:a[www.landcrab.net]{href='http://www.landcrab.net' }

The Landcrab Owners' Club International (LOCI) managed to assemble 50 cars for the last big anniversary. Can you help them to reach 60 this time?

Landcrabs sought for 60-strong display

Mathewsons sold a 1987 Rover 213S at its 21 March sale for a whopping £7500 – a record sum for the model at auction.

According to auction records, the previous highest price achieved at auction for a 213 was the £2240 that Brightwells achieved in 2021 but the car that the North Yorkshire auctioneer sold had covered only 1760 miles from new and was still wearing the protective factory-applied plastic covers on the seats during the sale.

Derek Mathewson told CCW: ‘It surprised all of us but none of us really knew what to expect. It was an unknown quantity and there was nothing to compare it to. We’re highly delighted with what it achieved but as they say, find another one like it.

‘There are guys out there who live and breathe this sort of thing and that was reflected in the price. It’s a unique car, but having said that, those sort of quotes have a habit of coming back to bite you. You say that this has to be the lowest-mileage one out there and someone rings up a fortnight later and says that they have one with even fewer miles. But in this case it’s unlikely – I imagine that it’s probably going to be the lowest-mileage, most original Rover out there’.

:a[www.mathewsons.co.uk]{href='http://www.mathewsons.co.uk' }

Following news that the rate of inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost two and a half years, CCW consulted market experts to see what effect this is having on the nation’s classic sector

The UK’s rate of inflation has fallen to its lowest levels since 2021 – but most classic experts don’t think it’ll make much of a difference for any enthusiasts thinking of snapping up an old car over the next few months.

Working under the assumption that a fall in inflation rates should lower living costs and free up spare cash for hobbies CCW spoke to a number of classic specialists to see what effects, if any, have been noted in the classic sector.

### 'Classic cars are still a luxury rather than a necessity to most.’ {#h-classic-cars-are-still-a-luxury-rather-than-a-necessity-to-most}

Classic Car Auctions’ marketing manager, Penny Tyler, told CCW: ‘I’m guessing that you could say last weekend’s auction at the Practical Classics Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show might be a gauge as to whether the recent drop in inflation rates has boosted car sales, however it might be too soon to see a difference. It’s not like people’s bills and food shops are going to drop overnight. Classic cars are still a luxury rather than a necessity to most.’

That’s a sentiment shared by CCW’s auctions guru, Richard Hudson-Evans: ‘Personally, I see it as establishment spin. The government and the Bank of England are saying that things are getting better but the inflation rate has “dropped” from four per cent to 3.4 per cent and prices in the real world are still going up for essentials like groceries – and classics are not an essential. The average person remains reluctant to splash the cash, be it on buying a classic, maintaining it or going to shows. The cost of fuel and show tickets has gone up and people remain reluctant to spend on non-essentials. I don’t believe that this is going to make a penny’s difference to the average enthusiast.’

CCW’s markets editor, Richard Barnett, agrees: ‘Inflation might be down but interest rates haven't changed so that won't put people in a buying mood and it doesn't really encourage consumer confidence. The upshot is that people won't want to be getting along to an auction (or using the web) to buy a new classic, especially with the likelihood of a general election around the corner.’

### ‘The market is still there, and it’s especially telling that there’s still huge demand in the sub-£10k category' {#h-the-market-is-still-there-and-it-s-especially-telling-that-there-s-still-huge-demand-in-the-sub-10k-category}

However, those in the trade have pointed out that there is still plenty of appetite, particularly for cheaper buys. Anglia Car Auctions’ Guy Snelling, said: ‘The cost of a tin of beans has little effect on the market. A large proportion of classics are bought with disposable income and a fair number of our customers are retired and benefit from the increased interest rates.

‘The market is still there, and it’s especially telling that there’s still huge demand in the sub-£10,000 category. We’re also seeing a lot of classics being sold because of ULEZ, so London’s loss is Norfolk’s gain. There’s also the fact that owning a classic brings an enormous sense of well-being; it’s good for mental health.’

### ‘Optimism isn’t yet on the horizon’ {#h-optimism-isn-t-yet-on-the-horizon}

Motoring journalist, Quentin Willson, added ‘Falling inflation will help to ease pressure on disposable income but the old car market needs financial confidence and that optimism isn’t yet on the horizon. The 14 hikes in interest rates since 2021 still weigh heavily on the market.’

Reducing both interest and inflation rates would help the cost of living, with most people cutting back on luxury items – like classics – when money is tight.

Inflation cut won’t help classic cars

Auction house Bonhams is to offer a 1965 Lotus Elan S2 Shapecraft Fastback Coupé at its auction at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting on 14 April with a guide price of £35-£45k.

The Elan, believed to be one of just 15 Elan S2s to have undergone the Shapecraft conversion at the hands of Barry Wood in Surbiton, has been in single family ownership for more than 50 years and was refurbished extensively in 2017.

Bonhams’ senior specialist, Guy Newton, told CCW: ‘The number of Elans converted by Barry Wood's Surbiton-based business is not recorded but the general consensus is that no more than 15 of his Shapecraft conversions were completed. The Shapecraft design soon found favour with the racing community due to its superior aerodynamics.’

This example is accompanied by an extensive history file including its original sales invoice, various maintenance invoices, the green logbook listing all the previous owners, a letter from Club Lotus confirming the car to be a Shapecraft and a current V5C document. Chris Frear

:a[www.bonhams.com]{href='http://www.bonhams.com' }

No more than 15 of Barry Wood's Shapecraft conversions are thought to have been created so this is a rare opportunity.

Ultra-rare Lotus Elan on the market

An auctioneer who has been putting old cars under the hammer for more than 30 years has decided to branch out into selling classics through his own company.

Jonathan Humbert has shifted millions of pounds’ worth of metal at Silverstone Auctions (now Iconic Auctioneers) and Classic Car Auctions but is also managing director of Daventry-based Humbert & Ellis, whose recent results include an ex-Peter Collins Allard J2, which made £86,940, and a Triumph TR3A that sold for £23,200.

The company’s auctions are listed as timed seven-day sales, costing £50 entry with five per cent commission (plus VAT) – and a tree is planted for every vehicle sold to help balance the company’s carbon emissions.

Jonathan told _Classic Car Weekly_: ‘While I am obviously a great believer in live and event-led auctions I am also firm in the belief that timed online auctions are very much the modern take. I've seen so many customers spend hundreds of pounds in entry and transport fees to and from a sale, only to return home with nothing to show for the outlay. We literally sell from our clients’ driveways to the world.’

:a[www.humbertellis.com]{href='http://www.humbertellis.com' }

Humbert Ellis results include £86k for this 1951 Allard J2.

Classic expert sets up shop

#### Classic Car Auctions kicks its year off at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show and the sale is packing more than 200 cars. Here are three gems you won't want to miss! {#h-classic-car-auctions-kicks-its-year-off-at-the-practical-classics-classic-car-and-restoration-show-and-the-sale-is-packing-more-than-200-cars-here-are-three-gems-you-won-t-want-to-miss}

## 1964 MG 1100 four-door {#h-1964-mg-1100-four-door}

**ESTIMATE: £10,000-12,000.** This 12,000-mile 1100 four-door is a highly tempting example and pretty rare, too. CCA says that its sole registered keeper put it into storage in 1978, where it stayed until the vendor bought it in 2006. There’s been some recent re-commissioning work as well as a bare-metal re-spray in its original black. There’s some history, too, says CCA.

## 1989 Peugeot 205 GT 1.4 5-door {#h-1989-peugeot-205-gt-1-4-5-door}

**ESTIMATE: £10,000-12,000.** Not a GTI but the milder GT and in a thoroughly practical five door form. This 22,600-mile model’s owner has had it since 2019, with two former keepers before that. There’s some paperwork including a selection of old test certificates. Looking very smart inside and out and under the bonnet it’s a cracking offering – and rather rarer than a GTI.

## 1986 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 {#h-1986-jaguar-xj6-4-2}

**ESTIMATE: £10,000-12,000.** Proper Jaguar enthusiasts will know that the XJ6 Series 3 finished on a D-plate, although the body lived on in V12 guise until K-registration. CCA’s Rhodium Silver over grey Pennine Tweed has had one owner from new and shows 50,239 miles. And adding to its appeal are 22 stamps in the book. It’s a true survivor condition-wise, too, the body, paint and interior – as well as the engine bay – being in fine order.

Biggest sale yet set for Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2024

20 classic cars with exceptional stories of abandonment will star on the Footman James Barn Find display this year. The gathered cars span from vintage Americans to modern classics and all in between. _Classic Car Weekly_, has had an exclusive peek at some of the cars that will be appearing – and we reckon that this weekend’s display will be a cracker.

Likely the smallest entrant will be a 1959 Isetta. Supplied new in Leamington Spa it had two owners before being taken off the road in the 1960s. The bodywork and chassis are in remarkable condition but owner, Dave Watson, said: ‘The key issues to tackle are a seized engine and a lack of brakes. The plan is to get it running and then focus on preservation rather than a full restoration.’

Another stand feature is a 1985 Fiat Uno Turbo. Acquired by model enthusiast, Nick Greer, in 2003, the familiar story of life getting in the way saw the boosted ‘80s hatch languish for more than 20 years, but that ends now. Nick said: ‘It will be something of a challenge, not least because parts for these particular Unos are almost non-existent. It has been running, but the engine and gearbox are quite tired after almost 100,000 miles, so they’ll be treated to a complete re-build!’

See Britain’s greatest barn-finds at the NEC this weekend

Iconic Auctioneers has thanked the classic community after Race Retro’s sudden cancellation forced a sudden switch of venue for its first sales of the year.

Flooding at the event’s Stoneleigh Park venue meant that the cars due to be sold on 23-24 February were re-located to Silverstone Circuit. Despite the disruption the collector cars sale saw ten price records being broken, with the 38 cars pulling in a £2,792,282 sale total, with an average price of £74,481 and a sale rate of 59 per cent. In addition, 23 competition cars sold for a total of £1,254,245.

Managing director Rob Hubbard said: ‘I just want to say a big thank you to all of Iconic Auctioneers’ loyal customers for their support in coming to the Silverstone Circuit following the Race Retro cancellation.

## 'It was no easy feat' {#h-it-was-no-easy-feat}

‘These are fantastic results considering the auctions’ change of location; we were delighted with the turnout for the event. I also have to thank my amazing team for turning this event around - finding a new venue, setting it up in record time, getting the word out there – it was no easy feat.’

:a[www.iconicauctioneers.com]{href='http://www.iconicauctioneers.com' }

Classics that broke their pre-sale estimates included this 2000 Subaru Impreza P1, which sold for £66,375.

Race Retro auction bounces back

Two motoring pioneers’ offices have finally been brought together – and you’ll be able to see them both for yourself later on this week. A bid to bring Lord Austin’s office – which was under threat following redevelopment at Longbridge – to the British Motor Museum has succeeded.

Staff at the attraction in Gaydon, Warwickshire were determined that it should stay in the UK and be displayed with Lord Nuffield’s office from the Cowley factory. The museum has also created avatars of each of these pioneers to ‘inhabit’ their offices once again and take visitors back in time.

The BMM’s head of collections, Stephen Laing, said: ‘Gary Egan from MG got in touch during lockdown and said that it was time for the museum to become the office's home and things started to fall into place. The Patrick Foundation was crucial in helping to fund the project and I’d like to thank them for their support.

‘We then worked hard to present both offices in a way that would engage visitors because I just love that in real life these two great leaders, who you would think would have known each other and moved in the same sort of circles, rarely actually did and were very different people, although their business achievements were obviously quite similar. Hopefully we have been able to reflect that and bring their story to a new generation.’

## 'The drawers were still full of drawings' {#h-the-drawers-were-still-full-of-drawings}

Austin ex-Apprentices Association president, Ivor Vaughan, was pleased to see the office preserved. He told CCW: ‘When I was working on the O-series-engine development programme my office was next door to Austin’s office and I used to go and sit in it if I wanted to have some quiet time to think or get some inspiration. In those days the drawers were still full of drawings the old man had done for the Austin Seven!

So, it’s great the office has been preserved for forthcoming generations to see and hopefully help them appreciate what we achieved at Longbridge. **John Lakey**

:a[www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk]{href='http://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk' }

Austin’s office showing the museum viewing window from which visitors will be able to view an AV display featuring actors playing the part of Austin and Morris in their respective offices.

Austin and Morris united!

H&H Classics will offer a 1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 at its 13 March sale at IWM Duxford guided at £450-550k.

This rare and unrestored 27,950-mile V12 – registered DFG 9 and finished in light metallic blue over Tobacco leather – is one of four cars that Hooper & Co. converted to RHD on behalf of Mitchell & Britten; it has been recommissioned recently after spending a quarter of a century in dry storage after a collector bought it in 1998.

Chassis No: 01225 comes with a documented history since 1971 with only one previous keeper recorded and a green continuation logbook; however its reputed that respected engineer Brian Morgan may have owned it from new.

## 'The car is great value compared to a DB5' {#h-the-car-is-great-value-compared-to-a-db5}

H&H Classics’ motor car specialist, Damian Jones, told CCW: ‘This car is exceptionally original and great value compared to an Aston Martin DB5. It is one of just four 400GT 2+2s that coach-builder Hooper converted to RHD. Indeed, it’s thought that it was Hooper’s handiwork that convinced Lamborghini to start building cars itself in RHD.’ **Chris Frear**

Be sure to get your latest issue of Classic Car Weekly now!

Ultra-rare RHD Lamborghini for sale

A Yorkshire transport museum that was under threat of eviction in 2022 has managed to buy its premises – and now there’s room for even more cars.

The Keighley Bus Museum Trust (KBMT) accommodates around 20 classic vehicles, including lorries and the purchase has been financed by a legacy, donations and a commercial loan.

## 'We do have some space for further cars' {#h-we-do-have-some-space-for-further-cars}

KBMT chairman, Norman Shepherd, said: ‘We are delighted to announce this news. It ends so much uncertainty; it’s been a long process. We do have some space for further cars because they’ll go where buses won’t. Our thanks also go out to everyone who has backed us. We’ve had wonderful support locally and across the classic vehicle movement.’

The museum, which became a registered charity in 1992, moved into its present Riverside premises in 2005. The building was part of West Yorkshire Foundries, which became part of British Leyland.

The museum acquisition is being celebrated with an open day on 5 May, when car clubs are invited and classic buses will operate free rides. **Nick Larkin**

:a[www.kbmt.org.uk]{href='http://www.kbmt.org.uk/' }

## Be sure to get your latest issue of Classic Car Weekly now! {#h-be-sure-to-get-your-latest-issue-of-classic-car-weekly-now}

Cars play a big part at Keighley Museum and buses are available for private hire and film work.

Classic vehicle museum saved from eviction

The HCVA is seeking information from its professional members about the quality of classic vehicle parts used in classic restoration and maintenance

Members of the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) are being asked to identify parts causing problems, and even more importantly, suggest improvement proposals of their own in a new online survey called Action on Parts.

Cases are then taken forward in a non-confrontational round-table format involving all involved parties, where proposals can be discussed. By working together in this way, the HCVA is hoping that companies can improve the landscape of parts supply.

## '£5 or £10 extra cost can save tens or hundreds of hours' {#h-5-or-10-extra-cost-can-save-tens-or-hundreds-of-hours}

The HCVA’s executive director, Guy Lachlan, said: ‘We are really lucky to have a diverse array of parts suppliers in the UK, which makes this country the best place to own and use a classic vehicle. Action on Parts will help to address areas where perhaps £5 or £10 extra cost on a part can save tens or hundreds of hours in unnecessary warranty work down the line. It really is a win/win/win for manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts.’

Julian Barratt of HCVA founding partner and leading Jaguar parts supplier, SNG Barratt Ltd, added: ‘HCVA's Action on Parts programme will help us to identify product improvement opportunities with feedback from expert installers, get feedback on our proposals and take action where mutually appropriate. It's an important step, and one in which the HCVA can play an important facilitative role.’

:a[www.hcva.co.uk]{href='https://www.hcva.co.uk/' }

The HCVA's Action on Parts has been created to identify components that don’t fit properly or fail prematurely, adding extra work and cost to classic ownership.

New survey launched to identify problematic car parts

Hampson Auctions will be offering a low-mileage 1991 Lada Riva guided at £4-6k at its Classic and Performance Car Auction at Bolesworth Castle on 17 March.

Hampson’s managing director, Zach Hamilton, said: ‘This 1300 is in highly original condition; it’s a time-warp example with just 12,000 warranted miles from new.’

The vendor bought it from the third owner’s grandson – who had put it into storage seven years ago – in 2021. He had it serviced and recommissioned when it came out of storage and it is now MoT’d until March 2025. The car retains its original red paint and blue cloth interior and is being sold with an extensive history file containing the original bill of sale, owner’s manual, previous MoT certificates and invoices for all the work carried out from new. **Chris Frear**

:a[www.hampsonauctions.com]{href='https://hampsonauctions.com/' }

When did you last see a Riva in this sort of condition and with so few miles on it?

Time-warp Lada for sale

The National Car Club Awards (NCCA) are back later this month – and we need your help to name one of its winners.

This Car Club Hero award is chosen by you, the readers of Classic Car Weekly, and organisers are looking to hear about unsung heroes. It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been a member of the club or in what capacity – this prize celebrates someone who’s gone above and beyond for their club and their fellow enthusiasts. If that sounds like someone you know, we want to hear about it. The winner will be revealed on Saturday, 23 March during the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham.

Go to the NCCA website and tell us why they should win. The shortlist will then be revealed and voting will open with the winners announced at the show ceremony. Nominations must be made by next Wednesday, 13 March.

:a[www.necrestorationshow.com/national-car-club-awards]{href='https://www.necrestorationshow.com/national-car-club-awards' }

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