Innholdsfortegnelse for 10/15/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

A collection of rare and alluring classics with Italian heritage are set to go under the hammer at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset next week. The line-up will include a host of extremely scarce Fiats and a trio of Lancias, plus a Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 504 Coupe and a Citroën SM, which famously utilised Maserati’s high-performance engine technology. The collections belong to an Essex-based dealer who is nearing retirement, with responsibility for its sale entrusted to Charterhouse Auctioneers. Earlier this year, the Dorset firm hosted a highly successful dispersal auction at Moretonhampstead Motor Museum in Devon totalling over £550,000. And just last month, it brought the Brain Anthill Collection to market, which comprised over 20 classic British cars and many associated parts. Now though, it’s time for the Italians to…

The UK’s new car market surged nearly 14 per cent in September, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – but behind the headline growth lies a dramatic reshaping of the industry’s heritage and buyers’ loyalty to traditional brands. Commenting on the results, Stuart Masson, Editorial Director of The Car Expert, said the data reveals a “seismic shift” in market dynamics, with Chinese manufacturers rapidly overtaking established European names. Of the 38,000 additional cars registered last month compared with September 2024, around 27,000 came from just three Chinese groups: BYD, Chery (including Omoda and Jaecoo), and MG. BYD alone sold more than 11,000 cars in September, surpassing Renault and closing in on Vauxhall, Peugeot and Nissan. Meanwhile, new entrants Omoda and Jaecoo have…

Charterhouse will host its final vintage and classic car auction of the year at the Haynes Motor Museum on October 23, with the catalogue set to be one of the most eclectic yet. The entry list ranges from a 115-year-old Swift 7hp through to a 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but also includes a host of further pre-war cars, rare Italian exotica, former street furniture and even a 1950s milk float. Joining the 1910 Swift are no fewer than seven more pre-1939 cars, including a 1924 Bullnose Morris, a 1928 Austin 12/4 2-4 Seat Special Tourer estimated at £7000-£9000, a couple of Austin Sevens, a 1934 Jensen Wolseley Hornet Special and a very rare 1935 Frazer-Nash BMW 319 Cabriolet, which could go for as much as £25,000. Post-war stars, meanwhile,…

As far as enduring designs go, the BMW E30 3-Series has to be up there among the elite. Stylish and desirable no matter what the body style, the agonisingly pretty E30 is one of the Bavarian firm’s most recognisable icons, as well as an increasingly popular choice of classic. Introduced in 1983 as the replacement for the E21 3 Series, the new model was wider, squarer and perfectly proportioned. It was a triumph of simplicity over excess and a wonderful piece of automotive styling, which has widely (and deservedly) become regarded as one of BMW’s all-time classics. The difficulty today, though, is finding a good one that hasn’t been excessively modified or has suffered from corrosion, which has blighted the E30 series quite badly as they have aged. Start at…

On the weekend of October 5-6, Goodwood Motor Circuit played host to the return of Classic Japfest – a spinoff of the long-running Japanese car event, but focussed on pre-2005 models. The Saturday was dominated by track action, showcasing thrilling high-speed drifting from the Drift Matsuri crew in various highly modified Japanese weapons, as well as allowing show-goers the opportunity to drive their own car on the iconic circuit. Sunday, meanwhile, opted to omit track time in favour of opening up the circuit for additional display cars, with approximately 1000 classic Japanese icons on display. Needless to say, the most noteworthy cars didn’t go unrecognised, with Ash Farazmand’s 1983 Toyota Starlet KP61 – complete with 2.0-litre Mk3 Golf GTI engine – winning Car of The Show. Meanwhile, the Japfest ICONS…

This Sunday (October 19) will see the Jaguar Spares Day head back into Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, for its highly anticipated autumn edition. Set to feature over 100 exhibitors from across the UK and beyond, the show will host renowned Jaguar parts suppliers, restoration gurus, and dedicated autojumblers, plus fellow enthusiasts sharing their treasure troves of rare spares. The event will run in conjunction with the popular Jaguar Breakfast Club gathering. Gates open at 10am until 4pm – see jaguarsparesday.co.uk for more details.…

Manor Park Classics has announced it will host its second Platinum auction next month, with touring car star Anthony Reid as a star guest. The event will take place from 5pm on Wednesday, November 12, at the firm’s headquarters in Runcorn, Cheshire. As a Platinum auction, this will be an evening event concentrating on high-value sports cars, performance cars, classics and race cars exceeding £40,000 in value. The event will incorporate ‘An Evening with Anthony Reid’, with the legendary touring car driver being interviewed on-stage by former BBC Top Gear presenter Steve Berry prior to the auction. Complimentary drinks and refreshments will be provided. Founder, chairman and CEO Stephen J. Ashworth said “Our Platinum auction format creates an event that brings people together and engages and contributes to the wider…

HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R (1995-2001) The coupe-bodied Honda Integra Type R (DC2) is a prominent part of the conversation when it comes to front-driven ’90s icons. Launched in Japan in 1995 and made available in the UK from 1997, the Integra Type R featured the B18C 1.8-litre engine with Honda’s VTEC twincam technology – good enough to produce 187bhp (197bhp in Japanese-spec) and spin to just shy of 9000rpm. Honda also went to great lengths to anoint the Type R with sharp handling, giving it a reinforced chassis with extra welds and thicker metal, while reducing weight with lighter wheels, thinner glass, and less sound insulation. With a closeratio gearbox and a limited slip differential also added, the result was a four-seat performance car that was praised for its driving…

We’re not entirely sure when or where this image of an Asda supermarket was taken, but we reckon it’s probably around the time of the company’s large expansion in the 1970s – with the selection of vehicles suggesting it’s probably in the first few years of the decade. Indeed, there’s a 1970-on Vauxhall Viva HC clearly visible, and we think the Hillman Imp parked next to it is wearing a 1971/’72 ‘K’ suffix numberplate. We can also see the rear ends of Mk2 Triumph 2000/2500 and a Mk3 Mini saloon, both launched in late 1969. Otherwise, there’s a lot of recognisable late ’60s fare, including a Mk2 Cortina and a Viva HB, while other cars include a Mini estate, and a Triumph 1300 far off in the distance. Over on…

Vorsprung Durch Technik. Three little words that mean a lot… and if you were wondering what they do mean, the answer is ‘moving forwards through technology’. A little less evocative, perhaps, but no less appropriate for the car that transformed Audi’s image. Prior to the B3’s appearance, Audi was something of a niche brand. A slightly posher Volkswagen, that had similar qualities and brand values to its parent, but a fairly vague identity. The B3, though, was a car of many innovations. It was designed to be supremely aerodynamic, with flush-fitting glass and similarly flush trim seals around the bonnet, grille, headlights and mirrors, while the entire bodyshell had bathtub-like curves to help with air displacement. It was also the first car to have fully zinc-coated, galvanised bodywork giving it…

A rather special piece of former street furniture will go under the hammer when South Western Vehicle Auctions hosts its next classic sale at its base near Poole – and it’s being offered with no reserve. With just one owner from new and just 2487 miles covered, the 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLS is a real time-warp example. It was purchased new by the vendor from Hendy Ford in and subsequently driven around sparingly for seven years, before being driven home after its eighth service in 1997 and sitting in the garage – untouched – for the next 28 years. Indeed, it’s covered just 15 miles since being stored. Powered by the 2.0-litre I4 engine, the car is finished in black with a well-preserved cloth interior, and is accompanied by…

The organisers of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show have confirmed the list of 310 motoring clubs that will be showcasing their members’ vehicles at Birmingham’s NEC from November 7-9. The spotlight will be on the 16 vehicle clubs making their NEC show debut, which will further serve to exemplify the diversity and richness of the classic car community at the traditional season finale. Among the newcomers, visitors can expect a range of intriguing exhibits, such as the Ford Escort MkII RS1800 group, showcasing one of rallying’s most iconic cars, and the Post Office Vehicle Club, which offers a nostalgic journey into the history of utility vehicles. Meanwhile, the Triumph Razoredge Owners’ Club shines a light on elegant mid-century luxury, while the Shenstone & District Car Club highlights a local…

WB& Sons’ regular auctions return with an October 25 sale at the firm’s Newcastle upon Tyne base. There were already 131 entries at the time of writing, with more set to be added ahead of the big day. Rarities and former street furniture feature prominently, especially the latter, with several Festival of the Unexceptional candidates set to go under the hammer. A 1995 Fiat Panda with the 1.1-litre engine and CVT gearbox shows only 39,000 miles, and could make a great starter classic at an estimated £3000-£4000. It’s joined by a 2000 Suzuki Swift 1.3 that has covered just 17,000 miles in the hands of its sole owner from new, and is guided at £2000-£3000. Or how about a 1990 Rover Metro that shows only 12,000 miles, and is offered…

Some cars earn their modern classic stripes far quicker than others – and for the ones that are slower to get there, it’s often because they’re robust enough to remain in daily use. Plenty of early ’90s Mercedes and BMWs still cruise quietly under the radar, but even more anonymous is the Lexus LS400. The first of a new breed of ruthlessly competent cars from Toyota, it was arguably more important to the evolution of today’s prestige landscape than the German rivals it set out to disrupt. The name Lexus, insiders say, stands for “Luxury EXecutive for the US,” reflecting the project’s focus on the American market. The story began in 1983 when Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda tasked engineers with building a luxury car to rival the best. By 1985,…

DREAM DATSUN Reader Graham Porter got in touch regarding the Japanese icons feature in our October 8 issue: “My all-time favourite Japanese classic has to be the Datsun 240Z. It’s got the looks, the sound, and the spirit of a proper sports car, but with everyday reliability. Arguably the Japanese car that made the West sit up and take notice!” Some of the CCB team would have one over an E-Type, which really speaks volumes! MEMORY LANE The complex and confusing small Triumph range included the 1500TC, which this 1975 brochure keenly touts as a British BMW: “Performance, comfort and quality of construction are established hallmarks of Triumph motoring. The 1500 TC continues in this proud tradition by providing a compact, family saloon of considerable refinement and individuality that will…