No fewer than 100 of the world’s finest automotive icons from yesteryear will be coming under the Historics auctioneer’s hammer at next month’s ardently-anticipated The London Classic Car Show (24-26 February).
The amazing selection of collector’s cars both on show and being sold live within Olympia include a plethora of sought-after marques and models including Aston Martins, Ford Mustangs, Jaguars, Lotuses, Maseratis, MGs, Porsches and Triumph TRs.
Providing even more interest and intrigue, the stand-out Historics sale at the show on the Saturday 25 February also features a few coveted curiosities such as a 1942 Willys Jeep, 1963 Jowett Jupiter Mk11, 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX and a rare amphibious Amphicar 770 from 1965 Photo bottom below), one of only eight believed to be in the UK.
Whetting the appetite and fuelling expectations, we have selected six exceptional and rare star lots which could hit the headlines when the bidding commences.
1. 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupé
This original 1954 Porsche 356 ‘Pre-A’ Coupé (photo above) is an exquisite example of one of the rarest and most desirable Porsche cars produced. Adding uniquely to its provenance and collector appeal is the fact that ‘345 BMG’ is believed to be the earliest right-hand drive production 356 and thus, quite possibly, the first right-hand drive car ever to wear the famous Porsche badge.
Beautifully restored, it comes with a 100 per cent original steel body, a fully-rebuilt 1500cc engine and its fabulous flowing coachwork finished in the original 509 Adria Blue, perfectly emphasising the design purity of Ferry Porsche’s immortal 356.
The exceptional quality and provenance of this 1954 Porsche 356 ‘Pre-A’ Coupé is sure to generate serious interest from UK and overseas collectors and is expected to sell for between £340,000-£370,000.
2. 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 ‘Flat Floor’ Roadster
The iconic Jaguar E-Type is still igniting passions just as it did when launched at the Geneva Show back in 1961. And it is the very earliest ‘flat-floor’ external bonnet lock models, such as the exquisite example being auctioned by Historics at Olympia, which are regarded as the ‘holy grail’ by serious collectors.
With its Le Mans winning 3.8-litre engine, this stunning and historically significant left-hand drive roadster (photo top below) is No. 339 of just 385 of the earliest LHD models built. It was rescued in 2008/9 after being stored in a barn, believed to be in West Virginia, for over thirty years. Now wonderfully restored from the ground-up, it is exceptionally collectible, and comes with an estimate of between £180,000 and £210,000
3. 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
The beautiful, hand-built Giulietta Sprint coupé is a true Bertone design classic from the late fifties Alfa Romeo stable, and this outstanding example is sure to generate serious interest.
With its elegant styling, the sporty little Italian icon is one of those gorgeous cars which looks great from absolutely every angle – moreover, with an estimated price of £40,000 to £50,000, the Giulietta Sprint (photo row two left below) does not come with an eye-watering price tag.
And if the open top variant of this exquisite collectible classic is more to your liking, Historics has kindly obliged by bringing to the sale a 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, presented in exceptional condition after a complete restoration in Italy, which was recognised with the highest award – an Automoto Club Storico Italiano (ASI) Gold Plate. Again a superb investment, at an attractive estimate of £55,000-£65,000
4. 1969 Porsche 911 S
The London Classic Car Show will be celebrating the evergreen Porsche 911’s 60th anniversary with special timeline display covering all eight generations of the legendary German sportscar. Sure to appeal to the legion of Porsche aficionados the Historics auction will include a number of notable 911s including an outstanding and very early 1969 911 S (photo row two right below) , one of the last 2.0 litre flat-six models manufactured before the engine capacity was increased to 2.2 litres.
What’s more, it is finished in rare Ossi Blue coachwork – a colour option only available in 1968/69 – plus correct ‘Deep 6’ Fuchs 15″ alloys and is sure to attract significant bidder interest at its estimate of £100,000-£125,000.
5. 1972 Maserati Ghibli
Penned by design virtuoso Giorgetto Giugiaro, the timeless two-seater Maserati Ghibli has both the looks and V8 performance to rival Ferrari’s revered Daytona… but not yet the attention-grabbing price tag.
The exquisite yellow super-GT model (photo row three left below) coming under the Historics’ hammer at Olympia is one of just 13 examples delivered to the UK. Consequently, it represents astounding rarity appeal which, together with is magnificent condition, makes it hugely attractive to serious collectors at its estimate of £155,000 – £170,000.
6. 1964 Mini Cooper Mk. 1
The London Classic Car Show has exciting plans to mark the 60th anniversary of the giant-killing Mini Cooper S… and a superb example of the slightly less racy Mini Cooper is another topical entry into the sale.
The original ‘go-faster’ Mini Cooper was launched in 1961 and offered a cocktail of size, price, cornering and performance that was nothing short of miraculous. Blessed with such incredible powers, the Cooper quickly established its credentials as a rally and race winner, setting the stage for even faster versions.
First registered in 1964, ‘DPH 228B’ (photo row three right below) is wonderful original conditional and presents extremely well with correct Almond Green paintwork plus a contrasting white roof and comes with an estimated hammer price of between £28,000 and £35,000.
This specially selected six-pack is just a small selection of the exceptional collection of 100 ‘Fine & Desirable Classic Cars’ being both displayed and auctioned by Historics at The London Classic Car Show. Regularly updated entries can be viewed at www.historics.co.uk
The sale will commence within the show at Olympia at 12 noon on Saturday 25 February with viewing available between 12 noon and 7pm on the previous Friday and on the actual morning of the auction. Registered parties can bid in-hall, by phone or online – see www.historics.co.uk.
Mark Perkins, CEO of Historics, commented: “We are thrilled to be bringing to sale this terrific collection of 100 hugely desirable classics at our London Classic Car Show auction. We welcome all to the auction hall and for those unable to attend, join us online where we are streaming the sale live.”
In order to accommodate viewings for buyers entry to the auction area up to and during the sale on Saturday 25 February is by auction catalogue, priced at £30 providing entry for two. The catalogue can be purchased in advance via the Historics’ website and at the entrance to the auction. All visitors to the show can view the auction lots without charge on Friday 24, Saturday 25 post-auction and Sunday 26 February.
The stellar Historics auction is just one of the many sparkling highlights which make The London Classic Car Show an unmissable occasion for all discerning classic car buyers, collectors and enthusiasts.
Major attractions include glittering ‘Generations’ showcases which will be flaunting the remarkable evolution of legendary models such as the Porsche 911 and timeless Chevrolet Corvette while further dazzling and thought-provoking displays will put spotlights on ‘Market Makers’ and ‘Modern Classics.
The former takes a look at the big ‘movers and shakers’ at the high end of the current classic car world, the latter spans cars from the Toyota MR2 and Honda S2000 to the Ferrari F12 Tour de France and the 360 Challenge Stradale, that are widely tipped to be the next generation of fast appreciating classics in the near future. Who knows, examples of these may be coming under the Historics’ hammer, too.
Offering exceptional value, adult admission to the Show in advance is priced at just £25 (plus booking fees). A limited number of exclusive Premium Experience tickets are also available for those seeking to enjoy The London Classic Car Show in style.
Full details of all ticket buying options – as well as the latest show news – can be found on the official theclassiccarshowuk.com website.
*Article Source www.mpacreative.com
