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1970 Volkswagen Beetle 1200. Mother and daughter owned from new. Absolutely delightful.

1970 Volkswagen Beetle 1200. Mother and daughter owned from new. Absolutely delightful.
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  • Previous Owners: 0
VEHICLE ENQUIRY

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The original Beetle is a car that needs little introduction, series production started in December 1945, with 55 cars being assembled by the year end. During its history, 21.5 million first-generation cars were sold, making it the most popular car manufactured off a single platform of all time.

Finished in Royal Red with Ivory interior, this Beetle 1200 was supplied new on 9th June, 1970 by Whyke Motors in Chichester. Royal Red was introduced in 1968 for the 1969 model year and discontinued in 1970, a relatively short production span.

The car was kept in regular use up until the early 90’s and in August 1997 was given to the daughter after a few years of hibernation. The mileage at this point, judging by old MOT’s being less than 62,000 miles.

Over the course of the following 10 years the car was safely garaged and driven occasionally. The owner then decided to treat the car to a comprehensive recommissioning which consisted in brief of a replacement wing, new bumpers and running boards, replacing the rear OS floor pan section, repairing battery tray and lower spare wheel well. The whole car was resprayed with all windows removed. 

Frequent on-going maintenance and MOT’s since the 2008 recommissioning are evident despite a modest 500 miles being covered. Additionally, in the last 4 years the car has had the rear suspension mountings professionally repaired, all tank to engine fuel lines replaced and a set of Michelin Classic tyres fitted to name a few.

In summary, a one family owned Beetle with a credible 67,068 miles, comprehensive, no expense-spared history, in lovely overall condition. They don’t come any better in our view.

A new MOT will be issued pre-delivery.

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1968 Triumph TR5 PI. Fabulous example with only 3 previous owners and documented low mileage

1968 Triumph TR5 PI. Fabulous example with only 3 previous owners and documented low mileage
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VEHICLE ENQUIRY

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Launched in July 1967, the TR5 replaced the TR4A which had been revamped in 1965 notably featuring Independent rear suspension.  The TR5 boasted a 2498cc Lucas fuel injected straight six producing an impressive 150BHP, replacing the 4 cylinder 2138cc engine featuring in the TR4 models.  

Production ran for only 14 months with just under 12,000 units being built, 8484 cars were assigned to the US where the car was badged TR250 and carburettor fed producing 104BHP to comply with new North American emission regulations. The remaining units were designated TR5.

This particular late production TR5 was built on 6th August 1968, the Heritage certificate confirming the build in New White exterior colour with Black Ambla Interior and Hood. It was dispatched to Hollingdrake Automobile Co LTD in Colwyn Bay on 13th August.  Delivered and registered to its first owner three days later on the 16th August.

According to the original green log book, the second owner took custody in 1978 and judging by the paperwork, diligently took care of the car, retaining all maintenance invoices, MOT certificates and tax discs.

During the period spanning 1993-1997 the car received an extensive body-off restoration, we believe at this point under the ownership of the third owner who kept the car until September 2010.

For the last 15 years the fourth and last owner has covered less than 2400 miles with the paperwork trail continuing unabated, furthermore a refresh panel-off restoration being conducted under the supervision of the TR register in 2016.

The car now sports a stunning blue leather interior with white piping, blue mohair hood and chrome wire wheels. The low mileage of 70,630 miles being authenticated through carefully kept documentation spanning for nearly 50 years

Overall, this is a beautiful matching numbers, low ownership & mileage example of a late TR5 that won’t disappoint, we will arrange a new MOT upon sale for additional peace of mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1971 Chevrolet Camaro ZR28 Auto. Highly presentable example with one UK owner since 2014.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro ZR28 Auto. Highly presentable example with one UK owner since 2014.
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VEHICLE ENQUIRY

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The first generation Camaro launched for the 1967 model year was seen as a hasty response to the Ford Mustang and considered a compromise by some critics. 1970 saw the introduction of the all new Second Generation Camaro. There would be no compromises with this car. Road and Track magazine actually voted the Camaro as ‘one of the 10 best cars in the world’ and the only American car that featured in their top ten.

The second generation Camaro would go on to set sales records during the 1970s, finally surpassing the Mustang in popularity.

This particular ZR28 was restored stateside prior to being personally imported in 2014 by its sole UK owner. There is a sizeable file of parts and work conducted over the last two decades.

The car is highly presentable and retains its original 5 spoke titanium finish alloy wheels shod with BF Goodrich BF radial tyres.

It really is a head turning car and the sound track is highly addictive too. A definite must have for any American muscle car enthusiast to add to their collection.

 

A new MOT will be undertaken, pre delivery.

 

 

 

 

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1969 Beetle 1300. Beautiful, unmolested example with only 39076 miles! Comprehensive documentation.

1969 Beetle 1300. Beautiful, unmolested example with only 39076 miles! Comprehensive documentation.
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  • Previous Owners: 0
VEHICLE ENQUIRY

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The original Beetle is a car that needs little introduction, series production started in 1945, and 21.5 million first-generation cars were sold, making it the most popular car manufactured off a single platform of all time. The 1300 made its debut for the 1966 model year, providing a 25% increase in power over the 1200 model.

In 1968 various changes were made, consisting of revised box style bumpers, fuel filler moved to external location, door handles revised, rear tail lights enlarged to name a few.

Finished in Cobalt Blue with Ivory interior, CGF 446H was supplied new to its first owner by S.E Thomas & Co, Shepherds Bush. It was kept for almost 26 years until the owner passed away and during this time covered a modest 34,525 miles.

Bought as a 21st birthday present in June 1995, the second owner proceeded to have the car professionally recommissioned, consisting of a bare metal respray, replacement of both bumpers, running board trims, and various rubber window trims. During the 18 years that followed, the car was safely garaged, covering barely 400 miles, due largely to the owner emigrating and leaving the car in the safe hands of her father who kept the car until 2013.

The next owner, a well-seasoned car collector used and comprehensively maintained the car for 6 years, covering a further 3,721miles. A relatively modest car compared to some of the exotica kept in his collection, the Beetle attended various local and national shows and was well received by admiring onlookers.

In 2019, the current owner took custody of the car and during the 6 years has covered less than 400 miles, despite this the MOT history has been kept up-to-date and a new MOT will be issued prior to conclusion of sale.

The following documents are complete with the car, consisting of: Original service book, owner’s manual, comprehensive documentation, summarising ownership changes, mileage log, older MOT certificates and various invoices confirming maintenance over the years.

Finding another Beetle with this provenance and mileage would not be an easy task, the car starts on the button and drives flawlessly, testimony to its low mileage and care lavished over 6 decades by its enthusiast owners. 

 

 

 

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1974 Ford Escort AVO RS2000. Subjected to a highly thorough and correct restoration. Sublime.

1974 Ford Escort AVO RS2000. Subjected to a highly thorough and correct restoration. Sublime.
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VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The Escort RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the more complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico.

The car used the same Type 49 body shell as the Mexico and RS1600, however there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam, 100bhp, Pinto design. Ford then had the major problem of persuading the, less than slender, Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been designed to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine-driven cooling fan and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit.

The most appropriate gearbox was the German ‘E-box’, which was totally different to the one fitted to the RS1600 and the final drive was 3.54:1. The car was launched in the UK November 1973, priced at £1,586. The RS2000 once again proved to be a quick and delightful car to drive, whilst being more accessible to buy and still offering customers a great choice in terms of colours and options.

First registered in April 1974 and finished in the seldom seen and striking Sebring Red. A matching numbers AVO example that benefited from a full ground-up restoration in 2015, carried out with meticulous care to ensure total authenticity. The restoration made use of numerous new/old stock parts, carefully sourced from around Europe ensuring that no compromise was made in returning the car to its original glory.

The history file is impressive and highly comprehensive and there are a number of photographs of the whole body restoration process. The body in our view wasn’t excessively corroded unlike many that have been subjected to restoration.

The engine was fully rebuilt as part of the process, with the work thoroughly documented in a dedicated file containing photographs within the history file.

The seats were professionally refurbished using original Ford Beta cloth. New carpets have been fitted and the headlining and door cards present in excellent condition.

Five new Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres were fitted, reinforcing the car’s attention to correct and high quality detail, it also comes complete with a period correct jack and tool sack.

A genuine, matching numbers, Sebring Red AVO car with such superb provenance, history and thoughtful restoration, this example represents a fabulous opportunity to own one of the finest presenting RS2000s available today.

 

A new MOT will be conducted pre-delivery.

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2017 Morgan Aero 8. Stunning in Lapis Blue and only 5,910 miles covered by its original owner.

2017 Morgan Aero 8. Stunning in Lapis Blue and only 5,910 miles covered by its original owner.
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Power for Morgan’s 5th generation Aero 8 came from a BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V-8 engine, capable of 367 BHP and 370 foot-pounds of torque, which by modern standards may seem unremarkable. However, when paired to a bonded aluminium chassis that resulted in a curb weight of just 1,180 kg, the performance was anything but: 0-60 MPH in circa 4.5 seconds and a top speed in excess of 165 MPH. 

Supplied new to its first and only owner by London Morgan, Archwood Mews in January 2017, finished in Porsche Lapis Blue with Putty leather. The original leather bound Morgan Build folder features in its presentation box.

The car has had only light occasional use, covering a modest 5,910 miles during the last 8 years.

For the last two years it has been professional stored and has recently had a comprehensive service, including a replacement prop-shaft coupling. The advisory free MOT is valid until 20th March 2026.

 

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1996 Fiat Barchetta. First owner for 25 years. Comprehensive history throughout. Super condition.

1996 Fiat Barchetta. First owner for 25 years. Comprehensive history throughout. Super condition.
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VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The Fiat Barchetta was developed between 1990 and 1994 under the project name Tipo B Spider 176.

Production began in late 1994 on an assembly ‘line’ that was geographically dispersed over a large radius surrounding Turin: the ILCAS company in Sparone formed and welded the sheet metal, Maggiora assembled the cars in the former Lancia plant in Chivasso, also fitting the engines from Pratola Serra, while the gearbox and differential came from the Termoli plant. Finally, the bodies were painted at the Bertone bodyshop in Grugliasco.

The car’s presentation to the international press took place in February 1995 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show shortly thereafter, in March. 

Purchased new in Austria in January 1996 by its first owner and specified in Grigio Steel with Charcoal Cloth interior, ABS was also added to the specification. The car was bought for infrequent summer use, garaged and covered just over 50,000 KMS/31,068 miles over the following 14 years.

In August 2010 the owner moved to London, the car accompanying him. It was professionally converted for UK use, involving replacing the headlights, tail lights, fitment of a rear fog light and installing an MPH speedometer decal.

The car was kept garaged for a further 11 years, well maintained including the fitting of a new Mohair hood, infrequently used and reluctantly sold due to lack of use.

Since 2021 the car has been in the hands of two enthusiast owners who have taken great care maintaining the car. The cambelt, water pump and variator were replaced at 58,703 KMS/36,476 miles and in 2024 the ABS pump was overhauled at 62,221 KMS/38,662 miles.

The overall condition of the car is excellent and the underside in great original shape with no corrosion to observe. The car comes with a comprehensive history folder, driver’s book pack, instruction manuals in Austrian and English, 3 keys including the original Red key and the original sales brochure. It would be very hard to find an example of this vintage as nice.

 

 

 

 

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1990 Lotus Elan M100 Turbo SE. Only 2 registered owners, the first keeping for 24 years. Quite unique.

1990 Lotus Elan M100 Turbo SE. Only 2 registered owners, the first keeping for 24 years. Quite unique.
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Code named M100 during its development, the 1980’s Elan was conceived as an everyday sports car. The development investment being considerably stepped up upon GM taking control in 1986. The acquisition of Lotus by GM was a strategic move, using Lotus as a development consultant to help grow its expertise on front-wheel drive technology.

In case of the Elan, the developers excelled in this area, the innovative compliance raft (interactive wishbones) resulted in permitting movement fore and aft but not side to side, virtually eliminating driveline shunt and torque steer.

Powered by the 1.6 Isuzu twin-cam, 16V engine modified by Lotus including an intercooled IHI turbo producing 163BHP. The engine is strikingly lag free with boost coming in progressively from around 3000 RPM. Unlike many turbocharged engines, there’s a reward for reaching the top of its rev range, supplying a last rush of accelerative effort.

The results in this front wheel drive set up spoke volumes in early road tests with Autocar infamously declaring it the ‘fastest car from A to B’ This conclusion was echoed throughout the motoring world at the time.

  

Supplied new in December 1990 by Bell and Colvill, West Horsley to its first owner, a lady residing in Putney. Finished in Frost Silver with optional leather in grey with yellow stripe. The additional option of grey carpets was also added to the specification. 

During the following 10 years, Bell & Colvill attended to all the servicing requirements with the dates and mileages listed below:  

  • 19/7/91 7,415 miles              
  • 29/11/91 10,957 miles            
  • 02/06/92 12,999 miles            
  • 21/12/92 14,350 miles            
  • 01/06/93 14,775 miles            
  • 27/11/93 16,997 miles            
  • 15/11/94 20,001 miles            
  • 23/11/95 22,372 miles            
  • 22/06/96 23,127 miles            
  • 22/11/96 24,047 miles            
  • 27/11/97 27,733 miles            
  • 03/08/98 28,544 miles            
  • 02/08/99 30,476 miles            
  • 02/08/00 32,235 miles            

In 2000, the owner moved away from Putney to Dorchester and the car was serviced in August 2001 at 34426 miles by Lotus Dealer Hayden Cars in Wiltshire. The car was used very sparingly beyond this point and a further 5 service visits were made to Dorchester Motor Company between 2002 and 2006, the mileage spanning from 35,396 miles to 37,731 miles, on average, every 467 miles.

From 2007 until 2013 the car covered a modest 127 miles but was taken annually for its MOT tests.

In 2014 a difficult decision was made to say goodbye to the Elan and was adopted by a local collector who kept the car for a further 10 years in his collection. It was unused, unregistered and continued to be safely garaged in a dry environment.

In March 2022 Esprit Engineering attended to the following:

Replacement of 4 fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel regulator, Cambelt, PAS belt, Alternator belt, tyres, refurbished alloys including new centre caps, front callipers. A new advisory free MOT was subsequently issued.

In March 2024, the 2nd registered keeper bought the car and has enhanced furthermore, attended to the following, to mention a few:

  • New Mohair hood and various rubber hood seals.
  • Upgraded S2 gear linkage cables.
  • Complete strip and rebuild of suspension components, Wishbones, linkages, bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers.
  • 4 new upgraded brake callipers, discs, pads and braided brake hoses.

A full driver’s handbook features, original handover documentation, sales brochure and price list. Every pre VOSA MOT certificate and every tax disc issued from 1990 until 2014. Interestingly, 12 months road tax in 1990 cost £100.

This is quite an example, 2 registered owners only, the first keeping for 24 years, serviced every 2,000 miles on average. Never tracked which in itself is rare for an Elan. It really is a great find.

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2004 Honda S2000 AP2. A great example of an early AP2 including a factory hard top.

2004 Honda S2000 AP2. A great example of an early AP2 including a factory hard top.
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VEHICLE ENQUIRY

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

Launched in 1999 with a production run of 10 years, the Honda S2000 received wide acclaim from the critics and motoring journalists world-wide. The F20C engine was ranked as the best engine respective of its size for five consecutive years between 2000 and 2005.

In 2004 the S2000 was revised with production moving to Suzuku at the same time, the AP2 designation replacing the original AP1.

Changes included new 17’ wheels, retuned suspension reducing oversteer, subframe revision to increase rigidity, modified gearbox with carbon synchronisers replacing the original brass components. Other cosmetic changes included oval tailpipes, revised bumpers, headlights and LED tail lights.

This early AP2 example was supplied new by Bassetts Honda, Swansea on 29th March 2004. Specified in Nuerburgring Blue with Blue interior and optional Hard top.

During the following 21 years it has been very well maintained with average servicing intervals of 4100 miles. The documentation is comprehensive and the general condition indicates a very well cared for example. The engine compartment bright work is particularly impressive as you can glean from the pictures.

Looking to sell your Classic? Our commission sales – Sale or Return option is a great way to utilise our services and achieve the best possible price for your vehicle without the pitfalls of selling privately.

If you would like to discuss further, please get in touch and speak to Andrew.

 

 

   

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2001 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport. Lovely example with a good history file and dry weather use.

2001 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport. Lovely example with a good history file and dry weather use.
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VEHICLE OVERVIEW

Inspired by the success of the BMW Z1, the Munich-based car manufacturer launched the BMW Z3 in 1995, a roadster aimed at a wider range of customers. It was the first BMW to be solely manufactured outside of Germany at the new Spartanburg production plant based in Greer, South Carolina.

A strategic product placement, featuring an Atlanta Blue model in the 1995 James Bond Film, GoldenEye, helped to whet buyer’s appetites, resulting in a highly successful 1997 UK launch. Waiting lists were over 12 months with late used examples often sold at a premium on its £19995 new list price.

In 1999 a facelifted model was launched, offering a wider range of engine options, including the 2.2 litre 6 cylinder model.

Delivered new by Rydale BMW, Oldbury in December 2001. Finished in Topaz Blue with Black Chamelon Leather, the car’s factory options including:

Air Conditioning, BMW LA Alloy wheels, CD changer for 6 CD’s, Chrome line interior, DSC, Electric hood, Front passenger airbag, Heated seats, Wind deflector.

Additional features specific to Sport edition:

M tech steering wheel, M Tech sports suspension and  Sports seats.

For the last 17 years, the car has lived in Somerset and lately, Wiltshire. Always garaged and dry weather use only. The service history is comprehensive with average intervals under 4,600 miles. The last service conducted at 50,259 miles including an Air Conditioning service. The MOT history is exceptionally good for a 24 year old example, the current Advisory free MOT being valid until 23/02/26.

 

Overall, a delightful example in excellent overall condition. Examples of this calibre are becoming hard to find as time passes by. Complete with full drivers book pack and 3 keys including the original plastic master key.  

 

 

 

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