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Cars

1974 Capri 3.0 Ghia Manual. An incredible example with only 18,030 miles covered in 49 years Unrepeatable.

1974 Capri 3.0 Ghia Manual. An incredible example with only 18,030 miles covered in 49 years Unrepeatable.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The Capri MK11 made its UK debut in February 1974, succeeding the MK1 after a production run of 5 years. The 3 litre models were sold from launch in both GT and Ghia guise. Ford bought Ghia Design Studio in 1970 and both the MK11 Capri and MK1 Granada were subsequently the first UK models to offer the Ghia designation. The early Capri Ghia models featured Manual transmission with a cost option of Automatic.  

 

The early cars also featured a single steering column stalk switch, operating the indicators, main beam and horn functions, the wiper and light controls being mounted on the dashboard. Door mirrors were absent until later in 1975 along with the front wing mounted Ghia emblems.  A trained eye will also notice the dual colour Ronal 8 spoke alloys, later cars featuring silver wheels to save production costs.

 

WFK472N was delivered new on 16th September 1974 by Bristol Street Motors, Worcestershire to its first owner. Finished in Stardust metallic with Cloud Grey Rialto interior with the addition of dealer fitted wing mirrors. We understand that the car was quite an indulgence and the first new car that the owner had bought. Just over three years later, due to ill health, the Capri was sold to its second owner, a friend and neighbour in the village who had admired the car from the day it was delivered. A receipt for the sale dated 17th November 1977 has been safely kept with the vehicle documentation.  The mileage at this time, being less than 5,000 miles, shortly following its first MOT dated 26th September at 4,555 miles.

During the four years that followed a modest 13,322 miles was added, supported by all annual MOT certificates, the last being conducted at 17,877 miles by Bristol Street Motors, dated 27th October 1980. A subsequent change in personal circumstances and the addition of a more practical car consigning the Capri to the start of its long-term slumber. It was carefully garaged, and the last tax disc was purchased 6th March 1981.

For the 21 years that followed, the Capri was safely stored and cared for by the owner’s local garage mechanic, ensuring it was started and moved frequently, despite not being driven on the road. In 2002 a move to Devon left the owner with a dilemma, he had known the local mechanic for 3 decades during which time had taken such great care of the Capri. A decision was made to store the Capri with his mechanic in Worcestershire, where it continued to be looked after and stored safely.

In 2019, after the mechanic’s retirement the Capri was transported to Devon and delivered to Central Garage in Brixham. A relationship of trust had been built over time and the owner had purchased various cars from the garage during his time in Devon. They were tasked to recommission the Capri, to be enjoyed again after such a long time in slumber. In February 2020 the car was completed and an invoice outlining the scope of work sits in the vehicle file.

 

WFK472N now resides with us and is ready to embark on its next chapter. Finding another early MK11 Capri as original, with such low mileage and in this condition would be an impossible task. It’s hard to imagine that you are looking at a car that is almost half a century old. We stress that every panel is original and free from corrosion, as is the underside with no weld repairs and in remarkable condition. The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle and is tax and MOT exempt, additionally it is ULEZ exempt. A new MOT will be conducted prior to sale.

The car would sit perfectly in any serious car collection. More pictures are available on request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cars

1983 Honda Civic 5G 1.3. An outstanding one owner example of a super rare MK2 manual model.

1983 Honda Civic 5G 1.3. An outstanding one owner example of a super rare MK2 manual model.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The original Honda Civic was launched over 50 years ago and is one of the best-selling cars worldwide, with over 27 million variants sold.

The second-generation Civic was introduced in 1979, being larger and more angular than its predecessor with increased engine power. Fuel economy was vastly improved with the new CVCC designed engines introducing learn-burn swirl technology. Three transmission options were offered, a 4 speed manual on base models, 5 speed and a semi-automatic, referred to as the Hondamatic.   

Delivered new by The Honda Car Centre, Bexhill-on-Sea in August 1983, to its first and only owner, finished in Avignon Blue Metallic with Blue interior trim. The car was maintained by the supplying dealer and afterwards by a Honda Technician who retired from the dealership but retained a relationship with the owner and a good understanding of the car. 

The car is so utterly original and corrosion free, having been undersealed from new. An absolute pleasure to drive and still feels tight with no squeaks or rattles.

We have conducted a cambelt change, replaced the exhaust system and radiator and the current MOT which is advisory free is valid until 25th May, 2024.

An unrepeatable example, being one of only six cars remaining in the UK and a great addition to any JDM collection. 

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Cars

1990 BMW 320i Convertible manual. Superbly original example, having being cherished from new.

1990 BMW 320i Convertible manual. Superbly original example, having being cherished from new.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

Debuting in 1982, the BMW E30 succeeded the E21 after a production run of eight years. The E30 introduced a four-door model, estate and full convertible variant during its 12-year life span and captured the appeal of a broad range of customers who wanted a sports orientated car and passenger car in one. The slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was quite fitting for this second generation 3 series, offering crisp handling and driver focused ergonomics.

 This particular 320i Convertible was manufactured 22/6/90 and built to the following specification:

  • ABS
  • BMW factory Alarm
  • BMW 15” Light alloys wheels
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Rear Headrests
  • Sports Leather Steering Wheel
  • Thermal Insulated Green Tinted Glass.

The car was delivered to its first owner 1st August 1990 by B.D Amos BMW in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Finished in Alpine White 11 with Anthracite Uberkaro Check interior. Dealer fitted options included a rear boot spoiler, carpet mats and an Alpine Audio unit.

The car has a very comprehensive service record and has clearly been loved all its life, the last owner of ten years, keeping the car garaged amongst a collection of various classic cars and used only in fair weather with occasional trips to local classic car shows.

It retains its original black fabric hood, still being tight albeit with some age related wear. The dashboard is completely original and void of any cracks and the instrumentation and general trim are in great condition.

We have recently conducted a service including a cambelt and the car sports five green service lights, the Advisory free MOT is valid until 19th April, 2024.

 

 

 

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Cars

1964 Aston Martin DB5, Beautifully presented in original California Sage with matching numbers

1964 Aston Martin DB5, Beautifully presented in original California Sage with matching numbers

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The DB5 is a car that needs very little introduction and is probably the most famous and recognised car world-wide.

Making its debut in 1963, replacing the DB4 and powered by the enlarged straight-six 4 litre engine adopted from the DB4 Vantage. Significant enhancements over its predecessor included the introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox, adoption of the Girling disc brakes used on the DB4GT, along with 15” wheels. Many other improvements were incorporated including electric windows and twin hydraulic brake servos.

Delivered new to Brooklands of Bond Street in September 1964 and registered on plate CT1 to its first owner on 20th October.

It is understood that the Aston was then sold to its second owner within its first year and subsequently shipped to their Cape Town residence where it was kept for a further 25 years before being bought back to the UK in 1990. The owner having retired from driving, being in her early 90’s.

We acquired the car in 2007 from its former UK owner who had kept the car in fine fettle. In 2008, we conducted a sympathetic recommission, testimony to the car being so well cared for and largely used in dry conditions over the course of its life.

The California Sage paintwork is sublime, complimented by Suede Connolly leather which replaced the original black trim during the recommissioning. In our eyes it’s a more pleasing combination and the pictures fully support this.

It retains its original 4 litre engine in great health, quite rare to see with many having been modified to Vantage specification.  Another point to make, being the absence of wing or door mirrors, sometimes fitted and in our view cluttering the lines of one of the most beautiful cars made.

We will happily discuss further details with any interested parties

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Cars

1999 Mercedes SLK 230, a highly original car, pampered by one family owner for 24 years

1999 Mercedes SLK 230, a highly original car, pampered by one family owner for 24 years

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

Unveiled at the 1996 Turin Motor Show, the first generation SLK caused quite a sensation. The SLK acronym in German ‘Sportlich, Leicht and Kurz’ translating to Sporty, Lightweight and Short.

For the first time, Mercedes Benz offered a small roadster positioned below the SL and at the same time the vehicle set new standards in pioneering engineering and technology.

The folding metal roof drew particular attention, combining the advantages of a robust hardtop with the flexibility of a classic fabric top. The innovative solution was one of the strengths which saw the SLK pave the way for an entire market segment, focusing on open-top driving all year round with a sporty touch.

 

This SLK was supplied new by The Sunningdale Carriage Company in August 1999 to its first and only owner. Specified in Brilliant Silver with Black Leather. The car has been pampered all its life, always garaged and used sparingly. There is a comprehensive service record and a complete driver’s file wallet, sales brochure and price list. Additionally, the original Sony DCXC580R CD/Radio, Wind deflector and First Aid kit are in place. Ownership was transferred from husband to wife in 2009 and is fully documented.  

 

A delightfully original example in lovely condition, ready to be enjoyed for the summertime or all year round if so desired.

   

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Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire MK4 1300, Last owner for 29 years and subject to a comprehensive rebuild.

1971 Triumph Spitfire MK4 1300, Last owner for 29 years and subject to a comprehensive rebuild.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

In November 1970, Triumph introduced the Mark IV Spitfire which was a major revision of the MK3. The bodywork was redesigned by Giovanni Michelotti and among the changes the weld line on the top of the front wings was eliminated along with the chrome finisher strips that covered them. A restyle of the rear end bought the styling in line with its stablemates, the Triumph Stag and the restyled Triumph 2000.

The instrumentation was moved from the centre of the dashboard to being directly in front of the driver. Many features that had previously been optional extras became standard fittings on the MKIV Spitfires. Additionally, the gearbox finally got synchromesh for first gear too. 

In December 1974, the MKIV was replaced with the Spitfire 1500, dropping the MKIV designation. 

This unique Spitfire was bought by its last owner in September 1994 and used as his daily driver for a few years then subsequently parked in his garage. Whilst his business flourished and being a huge car enthusiast he added many other cars to his stable and the Spitfire remained unused but certainly not forgotten. In 2003, a decision was made to treat the Spitfire to a complete nut and bolt restoration, changing the original white coachwork to Sapphire Blue and various performance upgrades including fitting a Dolomite 1300HC engine with a Kent Fast Road Cam, competition gearbox with overdrive, competition clutch and lightened flywheel. Cooling upgraded, fitting an enlarged GT6 radiator. The suspension renewed including the fitment of Spax adjustable coilovers, brakes improved with braided lines. The interior was completely overhauled including new seat covers, dash top, carpets and door cards, a mohair hood completed the improvements. In total, over £17000 was spent to create this special car with barely 1200 miles being covered since the rebuild.

An extensive history file is supplied with the car and whilst being MOT exempt, we will conduct a new MOT. It is both Tax and ULEZ exempt.  

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Cars

1961 Facel Vega HK500. Highly original car ready for straightforward restoration or preservation.

1961 Facel Vega HK500. Highly original car ready for straightforward restoration or preservation.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The Facel Vega marque was born in 1954, the brainchild of French industrialist and designer Jean Daninos. Launched in 1958 the HK500 was the most powerful Facel yet, initially fitted with a 5.9-litre Chrysler V8 that was shortly superseded by the larger 6.3-litre unit producing a huge 360bhp and 425 lbs-ft of torque.

Styled by Daninos, engineered by Jacques Brasseur and with a chassis developed by Lance Macklin of HWM racing fame, the HK500 went as well as it looked with a fit and finish that was second to none. Rust-resistant stainless steel was used for brightwork, while a lavish passenger cabin was trimmed in the finest leathers with a fabulous aircraft-like dashboard constructed in stainless steel and hand finished in a wood grain effect.

The advertising slogan for the Facel Vega HK500 summed it up succinctly, “For the Few Who Own the Finest”. The few included Pablo Picasso, Ringo Starr (MK11) Tony Curtis, Ava Gardner, Joan Fontaine and Maurice Trintignant. 

Tested by Motor magazine, the car topped out at 145mph, hit 60mph in 8.4 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 16.3 seconds. Stirling Moss spurned air travel in favour of driving his HK500 from race to race. Costing more than a Mercedes Gullwing and three times as rare, the HK500 exuded opulent exclusivity from every stunningly handsome angle.

This highly original and unrestored example was produced in 1961, and subsequently shipped to its first owner in New York. Originally finished in Ivory White with Red leather interior. The car was kept in the US until 1990 when acquired by a British enthusiast from a dealer in Massachusetts. Prior to the point of sale the HK500 had been repainted in Silver. A pre-sale report dated 1990 is held in the vehicle file.

It has resided in the UK for almost 33 years, the first UK owner keeping the car for 25 years, in which time a total mileage of only 970 miles being covered.

The car will need mechanically recommissioning and was last run in 2017. The paintwork is tired and the rear lower quarter panels will require some minor fabrication. Structurally, the car is in great shape with no welding having been conducted or being required to the underside or chassis. All bright-work is complete and generally in very good shape.

The red leather interior is totally complete, although showing signs of wear, commensurate with age. The woven wicker rear speaker grilles are unspoilt. The interior bright-work, gauges and very cool mid 70’s Pioneer 8-Track are all in excellent order. There are some cracks to the steering wheel rim which could be easily repaired if desired and the cigar lighter is missing.

The original tool kit is complete asides one spare bulb and the factory jack remains in place too.

With just under 75,000 miles recorded, this stylish Grand Routier should prove to be a straightforward restoration or preservation project for the discerning collector.

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Cars

1991 MR2 GT T-Bar. Last owner for 22 years. An exceptional and highly original example of a REV1 T-Bar

1991 MR2 GT T-Bar. Last owner for 22 years. An exceptional and highly original example of a REV1 T-Bar

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

Supplied new in May 1991 by Fox’s (Badgers Mount) Toyota in Sevenoaks, Kent to its first owner. Ordered in Super Red and serviced by Fox’s and Motorline Toyota in Tunbridge Wells during the ten years that followed.

In 2001 the car was sold to its second and last owner, a friend and work colleague. The mileage at this time being 34,775 miles, confirmed by a comprehensive AA Inspection report contained in the vehicle history file.

The car was bought specifically for occasional summer use and always safely garaged, the integral garage having carpeted walls to protect the doors from being marked. Consequently, there are none to report! The pictures say it all.

The interior is a special place, the trim and seats being in exceptional condition, especially when you consider the car is almost 32 years old. The Targa Top shades are in place along with their original storage bags, all being in exceptional condition. The dealer’s livery is all intact, consisting of number plates, rear window sticker, tax disc holder and logo on the rear boot lid.

The MOT history is impressive, and it’s assuring to see a car with its original sills in such great condition, testimony to how well the car has been cared for, stored, and sparingly used in dry conditions only.

We have listed the pre VOSA MOT history below:

01/06/94 20654 miles

04/08/95 21134 miles

01/10/96 21252 miles

18/08/98 21267 miles

26/08/99 22979 miles

24/08/00 28692 miles

04/08/01 34600 miles

26/09/02 38061 miles

17/10/03 39579 miles

04/12/04 40184 miles

We have just completed a service, replaced the spark plugs with Denso Iridium items and replaced the front brake discs and pads.

Early examples of the first version (REV1) of the MR2 MK2 in this condition are now very hard to find and the car would sit very nicely in a serious car collection.

 

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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Cars

1988 Honda CRX 1.6i 16V. Highly presentable and original example, very well cared for in its 35 years.

1988 Honda CRX 1.6i 16V. Highly presentable and original example, very well cared for in its 35 years.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

The CRX made its UK Market debut in 1984 and adopted the Civic MK3 drivetrain. Four years later and in line with the Civic MK4, the CRX was completely redesigned, the wheelbase increasing by 102mm, overall length by 81mm and an additional 51mm in width, all of which offering greater passenger comfort and increased luggage capacity over its predecessor. The suspension was completely redesigned offering vastly improved handling too.

From 1986 to 1991, Honda was hugely dominant in Formula One, winning every constructor’s title during this time with Maclaren and Williams. On the strength of their F1 success, Honda UK initiated the CRX Challenge in 1988, a move to attract the attention of younger buyers.

The program ran for 5 seasons, the cars being sold to competitors directly from Honda UK. To keep costs down and racing close, the only modifications to the standard car were the addition of Spax dampers and stiffer coil springs. The tyres were also controlled, Yokohama being the supplier of the racing compound tyres.

Delivered new on 4th October 1988 by Balmer Lawn Honda Brockenhurst to it first owner who kept the car for almost 10 years.

During the following 25 years the car was in the custardy of 4 further enthusiast owners who have kept the car completely standard and taken care to maintain correctly.

The complete book pack is present, including a stamped service booklet, Honda extended warranty documentation, instruction manuals for the car and standard National Panasonic radio cassette. All MOT’s dated from 1997 have been kept, further verifying the mileage.

We have conducted a service, replaced the near side CV joint and rear speakers. The car will come with a new MOT before delivery.

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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Cars

2000 Range Rover 4.6 Vogue SE, long term ownership with an impressive 42,090 miles from new.

2000 Range Rover 4.6 Vogue SE, long term ownership with an impressive 42,090 miles from new.

Key Facts

VEHICLE OVERVIEW

In September 1994, Land Rover launched its second-generation Range Rover, succeeding the original model after a production run of 24 years. 

Project Pegasus or P38A as it was known in the early stages of design was named after the office building, housing the development team at Solihull – ‘P38A’ The development program commenced in 1988 with a budget of £300 million being set two years later. Three new engines were offered from launch, two V8 petrol units, a 4.0 and 4.6 which were both Rover derived, and a 2.5 Diesel supplied by BMW.

V767EGK was supplied new by Park Lane Land Rover in February 2000 to its first owner, finished in Java Black with Lightstone Leather and contrasting piping, options included a half wood/leather steering wheel, rubber over mats and a Tracker device, the total invoice value amounting to £53,341.91

It was kept by the first owner for over 18 years, covering a modest 38,500 miles, during which time, routinely maintained by Land Rover and an entrusted local Garage in Chelsea, there is a vast history file to support all aspects of servicing and maintenance. It is worth noting that during this time, the car was not used off road, leading a somewhat sheltered life, garaged in London.

Since 2018, the car has had a further 2 owners, both of which have continued to maintain the car diligently, a service has just been conducted along with four new Avon tyres and the alloy’s refreshed.

The car is in exceptionally good condition with an interior that belies its age, its ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.