weekly classic news 9

Aston Martin, untouched for 53 years, comes to auction

The last Mk.II Aston Martin DB2/4 will be sold by Historics at no reserve on 25th November

The early 50’s Aston Martin DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars in its day, capturing the hearts and minds of wealthy car enthusiasts.

Speed, however, is not on the agenda when it comes to the history of the very notable 1957 example that Historics brings to auction at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands on Saturday 25^th November.

This, the very last of just 199 Mk.II Aston Martin DB2/4s to be manufactured, was purchased by the father of the present owner in 1966. The spirited, luxurious yet highly practical sports tourer was thoroughly enjoyed for family outings for some three years before the decision was made to ‘retire’ it to the garage at the family home pending restoration.

In 1969 work began on stripping the car to its bare chassis, all parts carefully removed and stored... but as family life became the priority, the car remained in that state, and has stayed untouched in the garage for over 53 years.

Now offered on the open market in ‘barn find’ condition for the first time in 57 years, ‘388 AD’ is understood to be complete with all parts that were taken off the car and ripe for restoration, tantalisingly coming to sale without reserve. Accompanying the Aston are various period photographs from its former glory, the original buff logbook, the sales invoice with correspondence from 1966, and old tax discs.

Although nearly 200 Mk.II DB2/4s were produced, a far smaller number are thought to remain and thus, coupled to the fact that as this is the final example to leave the factory, a buyer has a rare opportunity to own a very significant piece of Aston Martin history.

Prospective buyers will be interested to note that the Historics sale also features a 1958 Mk.III Aston Martin DB2/4 in magnificent fully-restored condition, with an estimate of £140,000-£165,000.

Historics‘ Winter Classic sale, on Saturday 25th November at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, is preceded by viewings on the three previous days at the venue.

To view full details of all 150 fine and varied sale entries, and to register to bid, in-hall, by phone and online, visit www.historics.co.uk

Historics’ headlines 300 SL at auction

Exemplary 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster leads 150 fine entries on 25^th November

An exquisite example of the iconic 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is one of the undoubted highlights of Historics’ Winter Classic auction at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, on Saturday, 25^th November.

The striking ‘Fantasiegelb’ Fantasy Yellow coachwork and sumptuous Pine Green leather interior of this early production ‘Super Leicht’ provide the eye candy whilst a full, money-no-object nut and bolt restoration makes this splendid Mercedes-Benz grand tourer truly desirable in all respects.

This highly desirable closed-in headlamps model, currently USA-registered, was totally nut and bolt restored by Rudi & Co, the renowned specialists of Vancouver Island, Canada. The work was carried out some 20 years ago and the car’s superb condition is a tribute to the outstanding quality of workmanship of Rudi Koniczek and his team, respected for some of the finest restorations in the world.

No stone was left unturned during the restoration. The panel gaps could have been set with a Vernier gauge such is their precision, the gleaming paintwork is exemplary, the chromework unblemished, the interior a haven of beauty and luxury, whilst mechanically this car is in magnificent condition, also benefitting from a lower rear axle ratio for increased acceleration.

Coming to market at Historics with a Daimler-Benz Classic Certificate, this represents a rare, stand-out opportunity to acquire a much sought-after Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster of the highest quality. Estimate: £875,000-£950,000.

Fittingly, the Historics Mercedes-Benz World sale also features a magnificent showcase of 31 further Mercedes-Benz classics spanning 1955-2009.

Amongst them is a much sought-after 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SE, exquisitely restored in its entirety to the tune of £230,000 by Haynes Heritage Engineering in Somerset, whose restoration craftsmanship has been appreciated for more than 35 years. Estimate: £230,000-£260,000.

Aside from the 300 SL Roadster, no less than eight other SL models come to sale, dating from 1955 to 1968, whilst waving the flag with aplomb for modern classics is a flagship 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG that has slumbered in dry storage for much of its life. It comes to sale with an extraordinary odometer reading of 646 miles - an average of just 33 miles per year. One half of a ‘his and hers’ collection on sale, this as-new 493bhp powerhouse cost £96,000 when purchased by its sole owner and is offered here without reserve.

Meanwhile, enthusiasts of the popular and appreciating Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen are amply catered for by four examples, headlined by a rare and desirable 2007 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet. Estimate: £90,000-£110,000.

Historics‘ Winter Classic sale, on Saturday 25th November, is preceded by viewings on the three previous days at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, some 25 miles west of London.

View details of all 150 fine entries and to register to bid, in-hall, by phone and online, at www.historics.co.uk