Motoring: Longbridge classic goes under the hammer
A PIECE of Midlands motor heritage is set to be one of the star attractions at a major classic car auction this weekend.
The Longbridge manufactured Austin Metro Vanden Plas 500 was originally built at the famous factory in 1983.
The top-of-the-range model, offered without reserve at the Classic Car Auctions’ two-day sale at CarFest South, taking place at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire on Saturday and Sunday, has covered just 741 miles and has had just one registered owner since new. For many years it formed part of the famous and historic Patrick Collection housed in Birmingham.
It will be one of the star lots going under the hammer at the event, alongside more than 100 other classics.
The lots include celebrity owned cars, iconic British classics, Italian supercars as well as classic campervans and pick-up trucks.
Topping the bill at the sale is another Midlands masterpiece, a beautiful 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Manual Roadster, estimated at between £65,000 and £75,000. An original right-hand drive example, presented in British racing green with contrasting cream leather, the matching numbers car has been owned by the current vendor for 10 years.
In another nod to the region’s rich heritage, bidders will also get the chance to own a special 110 County Station Wagon Land Rover Defender. This unique and bespoke example, estimated at between £19,500 and £21,000, is one of the earliest built and includes many rare features. Just a handful to this specification are believed to have left the Lode Lane factory and it is possible that this 110 was a pre-production model or even a press car.
Offering the potential for a great investment is a 1997 Ferrari F355 Spider, estimated at between £45,000 and £55,000. Finished in striking Giallo Fly Yellow, the left-hand drive car was supplied new to Ferrari Lausanne in Switzerland, where it has spent most of its life.
A far more controversial supercar is also going under the hammer in the form of a 1981 De Lorean DMC12, estimated at between £29,000 and £31,000. Having been in the UK for the last few years it has recently benefitted from a £15,000 facelift.
Celebrity owned cars include a 2000 Volkswagen Golf GTi once owned by Sir Elton John, a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL formerly owned by CarFest organiser and new Top Gear presenter Chris Evans, and legendary Blues musician Seasick Steve’s old VW Campervan.
From the small screen comes a 1965 Morris Mini Moke that starred in cult TV series The Prisoner. One of four vehicles in the show, ‘HLT 709C’ is estimated at between £11,500 and £13,500. It was discovered in storage in a barn in Holland, where it had been for many years and is now back home in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the sale, Guy Lees-Milne, general manager, Classic Car Auctions, said: “It’s an honour to be asked by Chris Evans and the CarFest team to host a classic car auction at this fantastic event and we hope that our sale will help in raising important funds for such a worthy cause. There’s a great variety of cars on offer and I’m sure there’s something to tempt any petrol head out there.”
As well as all the great cars available there will also be a selection of special charity lots on offer with 100% of the proceeds going to Children in Need, most notably the amazing Martin Brundle and Sky Sports F1 designed Scalextric set.
