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Homegrown classic car feast

28th August 2013 Print
Jaguar E-Type ‘Low Drag Coupe’

A 51-year old Jaguar E-Type ‘Low Drag Coupé’ heads an impressive collection of some 50 classic British sports cars that are within the biggest-ever consignment list at Historics’ late Autumn sale on Saturday, 31 August.
 
Amidst Historics’ record number of 127 motor car consignments, this FIA-compliant tribute to the rare factory-built lightweight E-Type variant has emerged from a two-year specialist rebuild, its aluminium bodywork clothing full race-specification internals including a 375bhp dry sump racing powerplant.
 
Supplied complete with FIA Class GTS12 papers, Jaguar Heritage Certificate, UK V5 registration document, MoT test certificate and historic road fund license, XKE 559 represents a rare buying opportunity at its estimate of £150,000-£185,000.
 
A total of 22 classic Jaguars are listed at this major Historics auction, including two first-class E-Type Series I Roadsters of 1964 vintage (£78,000-£90,000) and a further immaculate 1968 Series I½ Roadster, resplendent in Old English White (£66,000-£76,000).
 
At the other end of the presentation stakes, a 1960 Jaguar XK150SE Drophead Coupé barn find from the USA in need of total restoration is sure to attract keen interest at £38,000-£45,000.  But if you prefer your XK150SEs already in finest fettle, Historics has the answer by way of a 1960 Fixedhead Coupé at an appealing £38,000-£44,000.
 
Those looking for muscle aren’t forgotten either, with a mighty 1989 Jaguar XJ-S Le Mans Coupé by Lister.  Beneath the extravagant bright red coachwork nestles a seven-litre V12 engine developing a shade over 600bhp, with gearing capable of propelling the car to beyond 200mph, with a shattering soundtrack to match, and in superb comfort too, with a bespoke interior including cream leather seating and trim. 
 
Lister built just twenty of these ultra-rapid Jaguars to this specification, this car being originally purchased by the wealthy British industrialist, the late Jack Walker, previous owner of Blackburn Rovers Football Club. Estimate is £30,000-£36,000.
 
For MG enthusiasts, Historics has a total of seven of Abingdon’s finest including two MG B Roadsters.  One example, of 1966 vintage, is offered at No Reserve and represents an attractive entrée into classic car ownership, whilst a tidy 1974 model, sitting on Minilite-style alloy rims, and with a sympathetic restoration behind it, is an enticing option at £3,750-£5,250. 
 
For those shying away from a wind-in-the-hair moment, a 1973 MG B GT in fine original condition and offered at No Reserve will doubtless attract vigorous bidding, whilst for street presence, the MG B GTS Sebring is certain to appeal.  First registered in 1976, the 3.5 litre V8 MG B GT was painstakingly transformed into the Sebring GTS bodied version in 2009/2010, with a stripped-out interior and thoroughly sorted  and comprehensive specification (£22,000-£26,000).
 
If it’s a ‘His and Hers’ you’re looking for, Historics can oblige in fascinating fashion, having consigned a brace of 1976 MGC GTs which were owned from new by a husband and wife.  Both cars have recently undergone full restoration including re-sprays.  Bodywork is exemplary in both cases and this pair of MG C GTs must be considered as two of the finest examples of the model.  Both are estimated at £11,000-£14,000.
 
Finally, Historics turn the clock back to 1951 for the final MG consignment, a TD model which was originally supplied to a customer in the USA before returning to the UK in 2005 where it enjoyed a complete nut and bolt restoration, and is now presented in red leather to match the magnificent coachwork.  Returning to the road in 2008 the car has very seldom been used, with just 850 miles on the odometer, and is now offered at £20,000-£25,000.
 
A brace of delightful Austin-Healeys at Historics - a 1955 100/4 BN1 and 50 year-old  3000 Mk IIa BJ7 - are excellent examples of the marque that came from the joint venture between Austin and the Donald Healey Motor Company, and both estimated at £28,000-£35,000.
 
The Healey legend is also reflected in a 1997 Austin-Healey Mk IV by HMC - the Holmes Motor Company - who manufactured their tribute to the Healey marque from 1984.  With its classic Healey looks blended with more modern technology and creature comforts such as Wilton carpets and electric windows, this 3.5-litre Rover V8-powered car with its five-speed manual gearbox is also likely to attract significant interest at £27,000-£30,000.
 
Further breadth and depth to the British sports car offering by Historics on Saturday August 31st include a trio of Aston Martins – including a 1971 DBS V8 Saloon restoration project offered at No Reserve – 1973 and 1975 Triumph Stags (£4,000- £7,000 and £10,000-£14,000 respectively), and a wide array of affordable classics from Jensen, Lotus, Sunbeam, Daimler and Alvis.
 
All 127 consigned vehicles and automobilia will be auctioned at Historics at Brooklands, near Weybridge, Surrey on Saturday, August 31st from 10.00am, with viewing on the previous day.
 
For more information and the full consignment list, visit historics.co.uk.

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Jaguar E-Type ‘Low Drag Coupe’