A 50-year-old, one-mile-per-week Jaguar E-Type is just one star entry of 150+ classics at Historics Spring Sale on Easter Saturday, 8th April at Ascot.
On the heels of its boisterous season opener at Olympia, London on 25th February, Historics returns to the splendour of Ascot Racecourse on Easter Saturday, 8th April for a rousing Spring Classic sale of 150+ highly collectible classics.
As ever, there is a plethora of fine classics on offer to suit all tastes, eras and pockets from the 40+ marques represented.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin is a stalwart marque of Historics sales and within the fine entry here is an immensely elegant 22,000 mile 1998 Aston Martin V8 Volante Long Wheelbase that ticks all the collectible boxes.
It is joined by a 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8, whilst waving the flag again for modern classics is a spine-tingling, 565bhp 2014 Aston Martin Vantage S sporting a mighty 6.0 litre V12. Joining this in the auction hall is a 27,000 mile 2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S originally commissioned for the then CEO of the company, Dr Ulrich Bez
Jaguar
Staying with British sporting icons, Historics has curated a fine selection of 14 classic Jaguars, headed by a sublime, 'time warp' 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster in wonderfully original condition.
Astonishingly, it's motored just 2,550 miles since new 50 years ago – which equates to an average of less than one mile per week. Joining it on the collectibility stakes is a beautifully-restored 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series I Coupé from a private collection.
In contrast is an appetising recommissioning project in the shape of a 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II 2+2 Coupé, on offer at a very attractive estimate of just £19,000 - £25,000. No less than three Jaguar XJS models, two offered temptingly at no reserve, are entered and joining them is a lovely 1978 Jaguar SS100 evocation by Suffolk Sports Cars, virtually indistinguishable in looks from the original 1930s SS100.
Porsche
A fine selection of 11 varied Porsches is sure to find favour amongst Stuttgart aficionados. Restomod culture is very much alive and kicking with the marque and, following past successful sales, Historics is offering here a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Sport Restomod that is worthy of the closest inspection.
A 1990 Porsche 911/964 Carrera 2 is equally attractive, and water-cooled Porsche fans will also enjoy a brace of 1993 models, a Porsche 968 Club Sport and Porsche 928 GT, the latter offered without reserve.
Meanwhile, a delightful Porsche Chamonix 550 Spyder evocation by Beck is a real eye-catcher and perfect with Summer around the corner.
'Agricultural' is not a word many Porsche fans would associate with the marque but vying for the unusual award amongst the entries is a Porsche 219 Standard Tractor – a highly sought-after collectors' item amongst enthusiasts.
Ferrari
The nemesis of the Porsche marque amongst some enthusiasts (Ferrari by name) is represented here by a pair of tremendously evocative 1999 examples of the Ferrari F355 GTS F1, whilst a wonderful 2002
Ferrari 575 M – complete with an optional Fiorano Handling Pack – is also sure to attract strong interest.
Mercedes-Benz
Heading a great array of 22 classic Mercedes-Benz models spanning several decades is a stunning 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagoda that's enjoyed a ground-up restoration whilst another 280SL of the same year is temptingly offered at no reserve, having had just two owners from new, one for more than forty years.
Also vying for top honours is a stunning 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL in magnificent condition throughout. And pre-war Mercedes-Benz fans are in for a real treat with an exceptional and very rare Mercedes-Benz 170V Roadster - complete with dickie seat - that has been in the same ownership for 49 years and is believed to be of just 13 such models remaining.
Rolls-Royce
No less than 12 classic Rolls-Royce models add decorum to the sale. A 28,000 miles 1997 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur IV, repatriated from Hong Kong, sets the opulent tone whilst for sheer understated luxury, a 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé from a private collection and maintained regardless of cost is at its imposing best.
Meanwhile, a brace of Extended Wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom models - one of 2007 vintage, the other 2011 – amply reflects the benchmarks of this model in terms of luxury and presence.
British sporting classics
An excellent choice of archetypal British sports cars from the likes of MG and Triumph grace the auction hall - including a superb 1968 Triumph TR5 - plus a pair of MGB Roadsters, both offered at no reserve.
A fine 1927 MG Morris Oxford 14/40 Super Sports Special with a great sporting history adds a refreshing pre-war dimension, while the sporting theme in more of a warp speed dimension comes sensationally with the entry of a 2017 Ultima GTR, road-registered and sporting the iconic Rothmans livery of the Porsche 956 endurance racing car. Weighing a shade less than 1,100kg, the Ultima is powered by a 6.2 litre Chevrolet LS3 engine, providing shattering performance.
The 'racer made for the road' theme is carried through spectacularly with a wind-in-the-hair 2004 Ronart W152 Mk.II, reflecting the style of front-engined Formula One cars of the 1950s. This, however, is no relic of a bygone era in terms of specification, its backbone chassis clothed in what is believed to be a unique carbon fibre body, whilst beneath the flowing bonnet is a six litre, fuel-injected Jaguar V12, its two chromed exhausts exiting above the rear bodywork to great effect. Whether for competition or fast road use, the Ronart promises a thrilling experience.
Austin Healey
Brought to sale from a private collection, a duo of true sporting icons of their day are also real highlights of the sale. A 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk.I and 1963 Mk.II are exceptional in all respects following immaculate restorations and are arguably the finest examples of these models available on the market.
Jensen
From the same private collection, Historics has acquired a rare and very early production 1974 Jensen Interceptor Convertible, arguably the most prestigious model in the long line of variants produced by the company and revealed at Geneva Motor Show that year. Benefitting from an earlier restoration and one of just 191 built that year (and one of only 39 in royal blue coachwork), this Jensen flagship is sure to be in demand amongst collectors of the marque.
Honda
Classic Japanese sporting cars are frequently considered to be the realm of Nissan but Historics has on offer here a worthy contender to the crown, a 1991 Honda NSX. This UK-supplied, 32-year-old example belies its age in terms of design and road manners, delivering a truly engaging drive. The cream on the cake is the private registration plate '8 NSX'.
'Hot hatch' classics
Modern 'hot hatch' classics continue to be in strong demand and leading the charge at Ascot is a bevy of Dagenham's finest. Two very fine Ford Sierra Cosworths of 1986 and 1987 vintage head the bill supported by a very attractive pair of 1986 Ford Escort RS Turbos. A worthy counterpoint of 20+ years earlier is the wonderfully-restored 1964 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk. I and 1974 Ford Escort Mk. I prepared to Group 4 rally specification.
An electric classic to come?
At the other end of the classic spectrum, not least in its proportions - or more profoundly in terms of engine type and power - is an extremely rare MyCar Coupé, an electric car from 2009, sporting bodywork designed by Giugiaro of Italdesign. So few of these compact electric runabouts were manufactured that it is surely destined to be a future classic of the electric car genre.
Something for the holiday?
For a classic road trip and vacation, nothing beats a period American 'trailer' and Historics provides the answer at Ascot with a brace of aluminium-skinned iconic motorhomes. One is an incredibly rare 1947 Curtis Wright Model 5, designed for the US company by Wally Byam, better known as the founder of the famous Airstream brand. It's therefore fitting that the second trailer on offer is a 2013 Airstream, again providing a wonderfully evocative – and gleaming - contrast in the entry. Both are elegantly and practically appointed inside with an appetising specification.
The Historics Spring Classic auction at Ascot Racecourse starts at 9.30 am on Saturday 8th April, preceded by three days of viewing at the venue. Entry is by catalogue purchased in advance or at the entrance to the auction.
For full details of all entries, see here. https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2023-04-08/cars/?Make=&q=
To register to bid - in the hall, by phone and online - and to follow the auction online, see here. https://www.historics.co.uk/forms/bidders-registration-form/
