Innholdsfortegnelse for 6/5/2020 i Classic Car Buyer

Yet again I count myself lucky. But, instead of thinking this behind the wheel of some exotic classic car, it’s at my dining table that I feel particularly grateful at the moment. Writing, editing, e-mailing, telephoning; it’s better than twiddling thumbs on the sofa. It only makes sense that car parts companies are being called back to action as many of us are desperate for something to do in this period of lockdown. The process of doing so is a fascinating one and can be read all about on this week’s page 5 headline story. I’m certainly glad that I’ve got plenty to sort on my various vehicles to keep me busy on the quiet weekends; somewhat of a turnaround from what can often be frustration over things that would…

The Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone, originally set for July, is to be held behind closed doors if it’s able to take place at all, it has been announced. F1 bosses are currently working on a revised calendar for 2020 after a series of forced cancellations and postponements caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Although it has yet to be confirmed, Silverstone is expected to stage two races, following on from two opening rounds in Austria. However, in a letter sent to ticket holders on Monday April 27, circuit boss Stuart Pringle said that it won’t be possible to allow fans to attend. “We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the…

As we’ve said before, it takes a lot to dampen the enthusiasm of the classic car scene and even a global pandemic has failed to stop the classic car auction world entirely in its tracks. Since lockdown began, many of the major auction houses have concentrated their efforts on hosting sales online and H&H was one of the first to offer online-only sales. The firm’s April 29 event certainly made a great alternative to whiling away a damp lockdown afternoon watching Homes Under The Hammer and bidding seemed commendably strong for a world which in theory was paralysed by a stalled economy. Headline sale for us was the provisional £16,500 achieved by the Mk1 Ford Fiesta XR2 which to be fair was probably the best example to be found anywhere…

W124 500E (1991-1994) When Mercedes wanted a hot E-Class to challenge BMW’s M5, they were occupied with the development of the W140 S-Class, so farmed out the job of shoehorning the SL’s 5-litre V8 into the W124 to Porsche. The suspension revisions needed meant wider wings, too wide for Mercedes’ production line, so what became the 500E was developed and built by Porsche. The 500E was fast, luxurious, subtle and aggressive, but at £63,000, around 30 per cent pricier than the BMW. Faster AMG Mercs replaced the 500E and with over 10,000 sold in total, prices dropped with desirability. By the early 21st century, a 500E was merely an old Mercedes that could be bought for around £12,000, even the best barely breaking £20,000 a decade from new. Prices slowly…

TECH SPEC JAGUAR XJC 4.2 ENGINE: 4235cc straight-six POWER: 205bhp 0-60mph: 9.8secs TOP SPEED: 130mph ECONOMY: 20mpg BUY ONE FOR: £15,000-£50,000 What about the XJ-S?” I hear you ask. Well, lucky readers among you may well already own a copy of our February 26 issue where we pitched that car against the SL. If not, have a look at page 63 for info on ordering back issues. This time, we’re taking a different tack and for good reason. You see, both of these cars share something a bit unfortunate: they’re both awkward products of timing. The XJ coupe spent pretty much all of its short three-year production run trying to justify itself against the new XJ-S, and while the Mercedes-Benz SLC had more freedom before the S-class coupe came along…

We share your pain. We want to be out there too while the summer is in force. But look at this blue sky, summer hats and vintage classics surrounded by people and consider that this was October. That was 2010, and 2020’s not over yet. Kelsey Media, Regent House, Welbeck Way, Peterborough PE2 7WH www.classicsworld.co.uk FOR EDITORIAL Email: ccb.ed@kelsey.co.uk Tel: 01959 541444 TO SUBSCRIBE Email: subs@kelsey.co.uk Tel: 01959 543747 CARS FOR SALE Email: cars@kelseyclassifieds.co.uk Tel: 09068 020279 TRADE ADVERTISEMENTS Email: ccb.adsales@kelsey.co.uk Tel: 01233 228751 Kelsey Media uses a multi-layered Privacy Notice giving you brief details about how we would like to use your personal information. For full details visit www.kelsey.co.uk, or call 01959 543524. If you have any questions please ask as submitting your details indicates your consent, until you choose otherwise, that we…

The Jaguar E-Type has been voted as the best British classic car of all time in a poll conducted by Hagerty to celebrate St George’s Day. The insurer tasked a panel of motoring journalists to create a shortlist, before asking the nation to choose their top three. After more than one thousand votes were cast, the revered Jaguar proved to be almost twice as popular as any other car, with the Austin-Healey 3000 in second place and the original Mini in third. In fourth slot was the Aston Martin DB5 popularised by the James Bond blockbuster, Goldfinger, with another Newport Pagnell creation, the DB4 GT, rounding out an illustrious top five. In sixth place is another Jaguar – this time the XK120 – while the British-built Ford GT40 was voted…

Stuck in lockdown? Have CCB delivered or read our digital edition. See p3 for more details. The classic car community has continued to support the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, with several businesses, organisations and clubs producing special rainbow rally plates to raise funds for the NHS Charities Together – Urgent Covid-19 Appeal. Rally plate company Dragonfly, which produces plates for the FBHVC’s Drive It Day, has designed limited edition ‘Stay Home Rally’ 2020 rally plates in support of the NHS. They cost £10, with 100 per cent of profits going to the appeal. They can be purchased via shop. dragonflyrally.co.uk. “Sales have amazed us,” said Design Manager Katie Alchin. “In less than two weeks we have raised over £8000. With the amount of continued interest and support for them,…

Well-known classic car dealers and auctioneers, Coys of Kensington Automobiles Limited, has entered into administration. FRP Advisory Trading were appointed as administrators by the High Court of Justice on April 17 and a notice was published on The Gazette, the public record site, on April 23. A spokesperson for FRP confirmed to Classic Car Buyer that it’s a directorled administration. In a brief statement, it said: “Alastair Massey and Tony Wright, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP, were appointed joint administrators of Coys of Kensington Automobiles Limited on April 17, 2020. “The Richmond-based business is a valuer and auctioneer of classic cars that employs seven staff. The joint administrators are conducting their statutory investigations and will explore all options for the future of the business, including marketing the business…

During these challenging times, mental health experts have widely recognised hobbies as playing an important role in creating a sense of normality within what is likely to be a very different daily routine. But with classic car enthusiasts currently unable to enjoy driving their cherished vehicles as before, working on them at home has become the new normal in terms of maintaining spirits. Thankfully, many of the UK’s parts specialists have put in herculean efforts to help us on our way. In these times of Amazon Prime and easy online shopping, it’s easy to take parts availability for granted – the processing, sourcing, packaging and posting process is out of sight and out of mind. However, the protective measures that specialist parts suppliers have put in place during the Covid-19…

SAAB 99 TURBO (1978-1984) Saab wasn’t the first to commercially offer a turbocharged car; that was Chevrolet, followed by BMW. But the 99 Turbo was the first mainstream offering; a boosted 2-litre engine offered 145bhp and could get the 99 from 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds, considerably faster than the naturally aspirated models. Safe, practical, and well-equipped, the Saab was adored by journalists but, priced at £7950, it had to compete with much-loved premium models like the BMW 528i and Rover SD1 V8. The 99 Turbo was more a leftfield curio than sales phenomenon and some of the lowest production years for the 99 are post-Turbo, so finding one today is difficult. Saabs aren’t highly sought-after, but thinning numbers, loyalists holding onto them and their historic significance have all contributed to…

In normal times this coming weekend would have been notable for the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but as we head towards a ‘new normal’ fighting a very different kind of world war, it’s unlikely that we’ll see any major events marking the end of hostilities. Which is why this week’s Classic Scenes is notable for a distinct lack of variety on the car front as we see Piccadilly Circus on May 8, 1945 after the official announcement of the German surrender. As crowds throng the street to celebrate the return of peace, the only vehicles evident in quantity are the prewar Austin taxi. A truly ancient design, the cab was made for London’s biggest taxi retailer Mann & Overton and was coachbuilt on an Austin Heavy…

The Austin A35 is a great classic car to own, with great specialist support and many events for which it’s appropriate. There’s enough space to take the family for a picnic too, if you’re looking for something less serious. The van body has always been particularly charming, matching up with the light, swoopy lines of the A35 rather harmoniously. This one is perfect for that family picnic, because it has the optional rear bench seat. Condition wise, this example is truly impressive. It’s been kept very well throughout its life and has benefitted hugely from a comprehensive restoration in the 1990s. Repainted in its original BMC Grey, and with striking red leather seats on the inside, it sure looks the part. Another plus for this one is that it carries…