Innholdsfortegnelse for 5/8/2020 i Classic Car Buyer

It can seem quite odd to think that the cars of the 1990s are nearly 30 years old, even if we can’t confirm it in person with the banners of MGF 25 at Gaydon this year. And when that car was new, it hadn’t been long since the first celebration of 100 years of motoring – first by the French, in 1984 based on the 1884 patent for the Delamare-Deboutteville engine, although most others waited until 1886 to commemorate the much more famous Benz. Today, our 100-year-old vehicles are considerably more refined, some of them even able to hit 100mph. In the next five years we have centenaries for the Austin Seven (page 6), the Bentley Boys Brooklands and Le Mans wins and Bugatti’s revolutionary Type 35 to name a…

While government guidelines now suggest that larger events can run from the beginning of October, the continued uncertainty has prompted Kelsey Media to regretfully cancel its planned shows in 2020. These include VolksWorld on October 3-4 at Sandown Park; Trax and Japfest at Silverstone on October 4 and the joint Ford Fair and Classic Ford Show at Silverstone on October 25. “It has been a truly challenging time for everyone, and we have continued to work with colleagues in the events industry, venues, commercial partners, clubs and customers to ascertain the best path forwards,” said the organisers. “Ultimately, we have concluded it was better to make a decisive call now than carry on with a high degree of uncertainty as to whether or not we could run our events in…

The Covid-19 pandemic has already seen fundamental changes to the way many of us live our lives and will inevitably lead to difficult questions about the future being asked sooner rather than later. In this climate, the historic vehicle industry faces its toughest challenge yet to prove its worth, so the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is urging enthusiasts to step forward and fight for the cause by taking part in its 2020 National Historic Vehicle Survey. The survey was launched last month and covered in our July 15 issue, but more still needs to be done. The FBHVC is keen to encourage as many enthusiasts as possible to respond to help safeguard the industry and our freedoms to use historic vehicles on the road. The responses given…

The first Bugatti Baby was made in 1926 and proved popular enough to enter full production in 1937, soon becoming a famous collectible. Now, following its announcement last year, production of the Bugatti Baby II is underway – a 75 per cent scale replica of the Type 35 designed for both children and adults. Bugatti and The Little Car Company are making 500 examples, with electric powertrains of either 1.4kwh for the base model or 2.8kwh for the Vitesse version. All cars feature a high level of detail, from the suspension geometry faithfully modelled on the original Type 35 Lyon GP car to the 50g silver Bugatti Macaron badge on the bonnet. Depending on the powertrain, they’ll do either 30 or 42mph, and cover a 25 or 50kmmaximum range. If…

Car events in Britain are cautiously getting under way again, but with no active cases of Covid-19 and restrictions on social distancing lifted in June save for health and care environments, the Isle of Man is now able to stage events in a more familiar environment. On July 26, the Isle of Man Motor Museum was able to get its 2020 events programme under way by hosting the Ford Festival and Classic Car Show. The show celebrated 50 years of the Mk1 Escort RS1600, with six Mk1 Escorts in attendance alongside a pair of Mk2s. They were joined by a wide variety of fellow Blue Ovals, ranging from a 1914 Model T all the way through to a 2018 Ford GT and just about everything in between. Attendees could witness…

Brightwells will host its third timed classic car auction this month, run over four days from Monday August 10 at 9pm to the final evening from 7pm on Thursday August 13. Due to Covid-19 measures, the Brightwells site in Leominster is currently closed to all visitors unless you book an accompanied one-hour viewing slot, which run from Monday to Wednesday. There had been over 70 lots consigned as we went to press, with the usual array of alluring entries. It looks set to be a particularly interesting sale for fans of pre-war cars, with no fewer than 14 listed even before the catalogue had closed. From the 1920s comes a quartet of open top tourers, including a rare right-hand-drive 1926 Chrysler F58 Roadster at an estimated £8000-£10,000, plus a 91-year-old…

Luxury saloons and limousines have played an important part in the history of Britain’s motor industry, with some of the most respected names being involved in the chauffeur-driven sector. Not every buyer could stretch their finances to Rolls-Royce levels, and so an array of more affordable alternatives started appearing during the early post-war years in particular. Marques like Daimler, Humber and Armstrong-Siddeley developed cost-effective new-generation models, as did BMC with its various Princess-badged Austin limousines – all of them proving popular with the wedding industry once they’d begun to appear on the used car market. Fast-forward to the 21st century and you’ll find that any surviving examples of such classics continue to offer good value. Compare the asking price of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V with that of the most opulent…

The SZ-series of Rolls-Royce and Bentley models can rightly be seen as an evolution rather than revolution of their predecessors. Nonetheless, they are significant. They have proved to be the last in the line not only of the traditional Rolls-Royce but of an independent Rolls-Royce. For Bentley, the SZ was even more significant, being the basis of its identity revival. For the small Crewe-based company, product development was tethered to restricted budgets and research capacity, and so it wasn’t much of a surprise that the new SZ platform for the Mulsanne and Silver Spirit was only lightly modified from its duty under the T-series and Silver Shadow as the SY platform. Important changes were made to the suspension; including a new rear subframe, shorter and softer springs, and semi-trailing arms…

As we reported in the July 22 issue of CCB, the latest all-wheel drive Jimny has been withdrawn from Suzuki’s UK showrooms, bringing to an end a success story that began in this country back in the late 1970s when the original LJ-generation model first went on sale. It’s the end of a long and successful era – and it’s an event that leaves me saddened. Naturally, the Jimny will continue to be available to buyers in its native Japan, as well as numerous export markets. But here in the UK, the little Jimny’s fate is down to the adverse effect it has on Suzuki’s fleetaverage emissions, with its CO2 rating of 154g/km being well above the 95g/km fleet average that the company will need to meet in 2021 in…

Lotus Cars is to invest in the UK by establishing a new advanced technology centre located on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, with Lotus Engineering – the consultancy division of Group Lotus – also to be based at the new West Midlands site. The facility represents a new partnership between Lotus and WMG (formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group) at the University of Warwick, and will consist of offices, workshops and laboratory space, with ample opportunity for expansion. An initial 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering team at Lotus Cars’ Hethel factory in Norfolk. As well as developing new technologies, the facility is set to have a significant focus on completing the all-electric Evija hypercar project. The university already hosts the National Automotive Innovation Centre, a partnership with…

It’s full steam ahead for the 2020 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, with the Royal Automobile Club announcing that it will go ahead as planned on Sunday November 1. The event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896, celebrating the Locomotives on the Highway Act that raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14mph. The inaugural reenactment was held in 1927 and has taken place every November since, apart from the war years and 1947 when petrol was rationed. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “It’s wonderful that we are able to use the traditional London to Brighton route. The event will commence with a rolling start on The Mall and we wish every participant an unforgettable drive to Madeira Drive.” For…

Highways England has raised the speed limit through roadworks from 50mph to 60mph where appropriate in an effort to shorten journey times and improve safety. The Government agency carried out “extensive and innovative research” following feedback from road users who expressed frustration at the existing 50mph limit. The research involved trialling 60mph speed limits on eight schemes, which resulted in drivers saving almost 3780 hours journey time each day across all sites. And although average speeds increased, Highways England says more drivers stayed within the speed limit than when compared to driving at 50mph. Workforces at several sites, including stretches of the M1, M6 and M4, were satisfied with the results of trials held over eight to 10 weeks, and chose to retain the 60mph limit following their completion. There…

BENTLEY TURBO S With an early buying guide on the SZ models this week (see page p27), we’re shining a light on one of the little-known Bentley Turbo run-out models – the Turbo S, of which only 60 examples were made between 1995 and 1998. Looking subtly sportier, they featured new front bumpers with an integrated air dam, a shorter radiator shell, and Turbo S badges. Underneath the bonnet the 6.75-litre V8 received a new turbocharger, intercooler and uprated fuel injection to bring total power to more than 385bhp.…

To mark 100 years since the 1922 launch of the Austin 7 motor car, the Austin Seven Clubs’ Association is looking towards 2022 and a week of festivities centred on the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. The event will take place from July 19-24, 2022 and is set to see Austin 7 enthusiasts from all over the world in attendance, culminating in a rally of over 1000 cars. A full programme of activities, entertainment, runs, and displays catering for the enjoyment of all generations will be on offer, making the centenary celebration an ideal holiday destination for Austin 7 owners and their families. Details will be published in due course on the website a7centenary.com, where you can register to receive email updates about what promises to be the largest…

RENAULT 16 (1965-1980) While the Renault 4 before it was the French company’s first hatch, it was the R16 that was the real game changer, introducing fivedoor practicality to an area of the car market traditionally populated by three-box saloons. With its front-wheel-drive and transverse engine layout, the R16 broke from tradition in so many ways. Its rakish front end and delicate chrome detailing made it look like nothing else on the road, while the cabin was vast, with versatile luggage space and seating for up to six if you specified the front bench seat. There was also a semi-hot version, the TS, with a top speed of over 100mph. Over two million were sold in a production run that lasted until 1980, by which time it was still competitive…

Once upon a time, the term GT designated a highperformance car with enough space and comfort-related features for famous personalities and wealthy elites to embark on a long trip. But since those Italianforged ‘gran turismo’ beginnings, just about every car company has used the GT name in one way or another – and not always wisely. For some it was a way of dressing up a humdrum saloon, while others have used it denote serious, stripped-out racing editions. Back in the mid-1960s, however, MG and Triumph were amongst the early adopters in distilling the essence of those exotic prestige grand tourers and bringing it within reach. Thus, the MGB GT and Triumph GT6 were born, combining the pretty Italian styling you’d associate with much more expensive cars with the fairly…

For most people the MX-5 still represents the modern classic roadster ideal, the top-down glamour without the oil leaks and welding generally associated with the traditional British classics. That’s still true to some extent but it’s easy to forget that the earliest of the Mk1 Mazdas is now some 30 years old and even the youngest has celebrated its 23rd birthday. Over that time we’ve watched the cars’ values fall and then rise again as standard, unmodified Mk1s have become ever more scarce due to the twin enemies of Fast and Furious-style modifying and body rot afflicting the rear of the sills. It’s this rise in values which explains why owners are now prepared to shell out the sums required for a proper body restoration and the example we have…

As we went to press, the retail motor trade was dealing with the unexpected news that the Mitsubishi brand’s time on the UK market looks to be limited. Following a board meeting of the parent Mitsubishi Motors Corporation on July 27, it was announced that the brand intends to cease development of new models for the European market. This naturally means that when the current range can no longer meet EU standards, imports will be discontinued. Despite the UK having left the EU, this means that the brand is set to disappear from the UK market, where Mitsubishi vehicles have been imported since the early 1970s by the Colt Car Company, based in the Gloucestershire town of Cirencester. Sales in the early years were restricted by import quotas, later eased…

Coventry’s annual MotoFest has been postponed to 2021, but fans can still get in on the action in the meantime. The newly-launched Club MotoFest will offer a range of benefits including exclusive member-only events, discounts from event sponsors and a monthly newsletter, and all for free. Its first event was a webinar with members of the MotoFest team, the Association of Heritage Engineers team and a range of celebrity judges from our virtual concours competition – Coventry Concours. Director James Noble said: “We are proud to work with our longstanding sponsors, born and bred in Coventry, to bring our dedicated supporters a host of exclusive benefits all for free during these trying times and inspire hope and confidence in the festival as we gear up for 2021.” To join, visit…

Graham W Robinson, a founder member and previous chairman of the Mini Cooper Register, has sadly passed away. Graham was also known to many as the manager of Hinton Firs Hotel in Bournemouth. He owned his Mk2 Cooper S for many years, which he used as his daily transport as well as a prototype Moke and a vintage Rolls-Royce. Following his move to Brazil and his marriage to Edilene, he sold the Mini to Neil Burgess and we have continued to follow its exploits in Neil’s hands. Graham died peacefully in Brazil after a spell with cancer. His funeral, also in Brazil, took place on July 23.…

Having reopened its doors on a Friday to Monday basis on July 4, the British Motor Museum will now be open every day of the week throughout August. The museum has been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark by VisitEngland, meaning everything is in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Numbers are limited per day, with a pre-booked timed arrival slot essential even for those with annual passes. Once on site, visitors can stay as long as they wish until closing. The museum has received some very positive feedback about the measures it’s put in place and how safe visitors feel. The outdoor play area has also reopened for younger visitors, while the on-site café has registered for the Government’s ‘Eat out to Help out’…

Nearly 200 cars were sold at the recent Mathewsons auction, and with many classics ranging from the established 1960s icons to the emerging modern classics going for healthy sums it seems that the appetite for classic cars is far from waning. We saw a great many luxury cars achieve high estimates for example, especially when it came to Jaguars: a 1966 Mk2 3.8 modernised by renowned specialists Vicarage went for £57,725, a 2003 XK8 shot past its top estimate and sold for £8546, and a low-mileage Daimler Sovereign took a considerable £12,363. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, didn’t perform so well, cars like the 1969 250 and 1980 280SE not breaking any records but still making a good appearance. Also amongst those sold were three Morris Minors, from a £2688…

CINQUECENTO/SEICENTO (1993-2003) Fiat has always made good small cars and the Cinquecento is no exception. Built in the spirit of the original 500, it was a city car with a wheel at each corner and a mechanical layout that made it love being pushed. From its snick-snack gearbox to its revvy if underpowered engine, the little 800cc Cinquecento was a city car par excellence, with cheeky looks and a rollerskatelike chassis. It was particularly eager in Sporting form, with a 1.1-litre 60bhp engine. In 1998, Fiat gave it a reskin to become the Seicento (or 600), essentially the same car but with a little more refinemen Just a couple of years ago, £500 would have got you a good example of either, or £1000 for a Sporting. But as their…

In the week which has seen the shock announcement that Mitsubishi plans to withdraw from the European market, it seems only appropriate to look back on one of the moments which defined the brand for many followers of ’90s motorsport. The triple-diamond logo may now be associated with plug-in hybrid family wagons and the everpopular lifestyle double-cab pickups, but here we see the legendary Evo in full flight during the 1996 Safari Rally. The Evo was essentially a turbocharged, all-wheel drive version of the otherwise anonymous Lancer saloon and went through several generations until it disappeared in 2015. What we have here is the Evo III, piloted by Tommi Makinen who would later have a special edition of the Evo VI named after him. Makinen, with co-driver Seppo Harjanne would…