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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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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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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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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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2005 Toyota MR2 1.8VVTi Spyder. One owner from new & only 24220 miles. Limited Red Edition.

2005 Toyota MR2 1.8VVTi Spyder. One owner from new & only 24220 miles. Limited Red Edition.
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Chief engineer Tadashi Nakagawa described the Mk3 MR2 as having broken the ‘cycle of growth’ in the industry, something almost completely unheard of today. Both dimensions and weight are both notably lower than its predecessor, making it a much more desirable driver’s choice. The car weighing in at only 1030KG.

Shortly after its UK launch in March 2000, Evo Magazine wrote the following evaluation:

“With some fantastic roads ahead of us, nothing’s going to get me out of the Toyota. It takes but a few minutes to know it’s a sweetly sorted car. It reacts incredibly sharply, cutting left and right with keen precision, the smallest of steering inputs bringing minute but crucial adjustments to the car’s attitude. It feels light but it’s not light on feel.

It has the same 1.8-litre VVTi engine as the new Celica, but it’s amazing how much sweeter the 138bhp motor feels in the MR2. With less weight to haul around, it’s zingier at the top end, lustier at low revs and keener through the meat of the mid-range.

Turns out the light and nimble MR2 is quite brilliant. The beautifully surfaced, shiny wet road heads into the trees and starts to roll and dip, nip and tuck. Visibility dictates a moderate pace but the chassis of the little Toyota is a joy”

Delivered new in April 2005 by Inchcape Toyota Guildford to its first and only owner, this phase 2 MR2 MK3 is believed to be one of the last Red edition cars sold. The Red edition was only available in Sable Grey and featured a Red hood, red leather seats and steering wheel finished in red and black. Silver accents were also added to the central dash fascia. 

Being a second car, the MR2 was used sparingly for the summer months and always safely garaged. Periodic maintenance being conducted every 2750 miles. The original sales brochure, complete owners handbook pack and service book are all present.

Additionally, we have commissioned the fitting of a new Mohair twill soft-top and replaced both side gate drainage pockets due to ageing. A service will be conducted prior to delivery.

We consider the MR2 Spyder to be a great little summer toy, the sweet revving VVTi engine, mated to the later 6 speed gearbox and light clutch operation makes for an incredibly easy car to drive, it’s small and nimble and the steering is quite sublime. Economical on fuel and parts are reasonable and still easy to source.

A reliable alternative to an older traditional roadster.

 

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1965 Jaguar E Type series 1 4.2 FHC. Last owner for 26 years. A concourse winning car & without exception.

1965 Jaguar E Type series 1 4.2 FHC. Last owner for 26 years. A concourse winning car & without exception.
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First launched in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor show, The E-Type needs little introduction. A car that reputedly the late Enzo Ferrari referred to as the most beautiful car ever made.

In 1964, Jaguar upgraded the original 3.8 engine, replacing it with the enlarged 4.2 unit. In many ways a better car than its predecessor, the car was launched at the 1964 Motor show with production commencing in August of that year. The bore was increased from 87mm to 92.07mm and the stroke remained unchanged, resulting in the same power at 265BHP but providing greater torque.

The original Moss gearbox was replaced by a new all-synchromesh box, significantly improving refinement. Other changes consisted of a new brake servo, negative earth electrics with an alternator replacing the dynamo, pre-engaged starter motor and more comfortable seats.

This particular car was manufactured 14th April, 1965 and dispatched to Hoffmans of Halifax on 3rd May. Originally finished in Opalescent Silver Grey with Red trim. The first owner taking delivery in late August of the same year.
The current owner bought the E-Type from The Classic Car Club, Britannia Street, London August 1998, at this point the car had been subject to an older historic restoration, the colour being changed to Old English White during the process.

Upon taking custody the owner conducted a complete nut and bolt restoration including a number of specific modifications, namely a custom made walnut veneer instrument fascia, glovebox lid and door capping’s – you would assume they were factory fitted, the design and execution being superfluous! A small rear seat which is more akin to a shelf, being created and fitted to the highest standard. White wall tyres are also featured. It is worth noting that all of the aforementioned could be reversed but in our view they tell the story of the car’s history.

As you can glean from the photographs, this wonderful example still looks factory fresh and drives as it looks. We haven’t seen an E-Type with such precise panel gaps in a long time, the doors, bonnet and hatch close with absolute precision. Quite something. The car has won the Jaguar Owners Club Concourse awards in both June, 2000 and June 2004, testimony to the utter perfection of build undertaken. Today, the car still looks as good as it did over 20 years ago, having being kept in a climate controlled environment for 27 years.

If you are looking for one of the very best examples, this would not disappoint, not a ‘fresh’ restoration which in some ways is more assuring but a car that has been kept in such impeccable condition for almost three decades.

Upon sale we will conduct a new MOT.

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2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 R3 3.8. Exceptional example with less than 10,000 miles covered in 14 years.

2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 R3 3.8. Exceptional example with less than 10,000 miles covered in 14 years.
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The second and upgraded 3.8 RS version of the 997 was introduced in late 2009 replacing the 3.6 version. The engines was known as the ‘Mezger’ engine, after its designer Hans Mezger and using the original air-cooled 911’s versatile dry-sump crankcase, with an external oil reservoir. Power was up by 15 BHP to 450BHP

Supplied new in July 2010 by Silverstone Porsche to its first owner who covered only 1700 miles in the car’s first five years. Despite the modest mileage, the car visited Porsche every anniversary for correct maintenance. The Second owner bought the car in August 2015 and has covered 6900 miles in total in the last nine years. Servicing has been conducted annually by a well-seasoned Porsche specialist during this time.

Specification consists of:

  • Carrera White with Pyro Red accent package
  • Clubsport Interior
  • Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) with yellow callipers
  • Front Axle Lifting System
  • Sport Chrono Package
  • Air conditioning
  • PCM Telephone Module
  • Headlamp wash

Recently serviced at 9,350 miles along with four new Michelin Pilot tyres fitted in the last 2 months, covering barely 100 miles.

A totally flawless example, ready to be cherished and enjoyed by its next owner. 12 months MOT will be conducted pre-delivery.

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1989 Peugeot 205XE. An outstanding two owner example. Utterly charming, the best you will find

1989 Peugeot 205XE. An outstanding two owner example. Utterly charming, the best you will find
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Development of the 205 began in 1977 with two designs running in parallel for the first twelve months. Both Pininfarina and the Peugeot design team headed by Gérard Welter proposed their designs, Pininfarina’s being angular and the in house design both softer and organic. The later was chosen and work started in creating a ‘large’ small car to challenge and beat France’s staple, the Renault 5.

Launched in 1983 to reinvigorate its maker’s fortunes in the supermini sector, the 205 ended up becoming France’s most popular car before being widely copied by rivals during its 15-year production run. Deceptively large, the 205 measured 3705mm in length, precisely the same dimension as the outgoing first generation Volkswagen Golf. The 5 door version was the first to launch with the 3 door following 12 months later in 1984.

By the end of the 1980’s, the 205 had largely helped Peugeot to become a 10 billion pound turnover company, a significant step forward in just six years. 

One should never underestimate the impact the Peugeot 205 made on the automotive scene during its production run. Larger than the average supermini at launch in 1983, the industry grew up to meet it and, for Peugeot, the 205’s style defined the next generation of cars – paving the way for its transformation from conservative manufacturer of solidly-engineered cars to industry pacesetter.

The XE model was the entry model for the 3 door variant, powered by the 954cc engine mated to a 4 speed gearbox. Specification was utility and numbers sold were relatively low due to the small additional premium for the higher specification Junior and XL models. The Junior being introduced to the range in both 3 and 5 door versions in 1986.

This particular XE was delivered new on 2nd May 1989 by the Norwich Motor Company to its first owner. Finished in Alpine White with Grey Quartz interior trim. The optional front headrests were fitted.

The first owner kept the car for 11 years, covering a modest 3,000 miles annually, garaging and maintaining the car correctly. It was sold to her next door neighbour who bought the car as an occasional 3rd car and continued garaging during the following 24 years. Only 3500 miles was covered during the first 4 years of ownership and after this time the car stood safely garage stored for a further 20 years.

We have conducted a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning during which the following have been attended to/replaced:

  • Full service
  • Cambelt, tensioner and water pump
  • Replacement radiator
  • Carburettor overhaul, including new fuel lines and fuel pump
  • New top mounts, coil springs and front shock absorbers
  • Rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders
  • Front brake callipers
  • 5 new tyres and wheels repainted
  • Rear exhaust silencer

Consequently, the car has passed its first MOT in 20 years completely advisory free. The bodywork and underside are exceptional for a car that’s 35 years of age, never welded and certainly never likely to be needed if taken care of. The interior is quite special too, the pictures paint a thousand words.

This is without doubt the best base model 3 door example you could ever find and still retains the character of the original 205 with its fluted rear quarter and rear boot panel trims. Something that was lost with the later special edition models.

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1998 Daihatsu Avanzato 650CC Turbo 4WD Rally car. One of 20 built for competition.

1998 Daihatsu Avanzato 650CC Turbo 4WD Rally car. One of 20 built for competition.
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The Daihatsu Avanzato has a tiny 3 cylinder 650cc engine, coupled with a turbo and intercooler that produces some 69bhp. Weighing less than 650kg and equipped with permanent four-wheel-drive with LSD makes for an interesting drive, especially considering a red line of 8,500 rpm.

Avanzatos were officially imported by Daihatsu UK between 1997 and 1998 and numbers were scarce with approximately 80 cars being officially imported by Daihatsu.

At the time of release, Car magazine likened the standard Daihatsu Cuore to the original Mini. This subsequently led them to the conclusion that the Avanzato could have been the modern-day equivalent of the Mini Cooper. Today, enthusiasts often refer to the car as a mini Impreza.

This particular example is one of the 20 cars that were especially prepared for the Daihatsu Rally Challenge by Harry Hockley Motorsport. The preparation included, FIA spec roll cage, high backed bucket seats with 5 point harnesses, intercom system, kill switch with fire extinguishers, braided hoses, upgraded suspension with underbody protection and light competition alloy wheels.

18 customer cars were built with an additional 2 cars for celebrity participation. Car number 46 also participated for a season of the Pioneer 2000 Rally Challenge entered by the Boardworth Motor Company.

We are selling the car as a project and will need recommissioning after being dry stored for over 10 years. It turns over and fires with a direct fuel feed but will require a new fuel pump.

A great little Rally car for a reasonable sum and not something you will often see with production numbers being so limited.   

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