where people and cars meet

Category: Aston Martin (Page 5 of 6)

ON THE BLOCK: The $1,000,000 Fort Lauderdale Challenge

After a successful haul in our $2,000,000 Amelia Island Challenge, we’re heading south to the Auctions America sale in Fort Lauderdale.  Our Petrolhead Godmother continues with her generosity; this time with $1,000,000 to play with this weekend. Using Auction America’s HIGH estimate, choose one or choose several cars (no motorbikes or automobilia) that you would like to bring home. We’ll get started:

Lot 108 — 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
Estimate $30,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $13,500 including premiumLot_108-1973_Peugeot_504_Cabriolet

Featured in a Pick Of The Day last year, this is an presentable example of a car rarely seen on these shores. While it shows signs of wear and previous body repairs, this Peugeot 504 has had recent paint and is a complete example of a classic Pininfarina styling.

Lot 177 — 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
Estimate $150,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $151,250 including premium Lot_177-1978_Aston-Martin_V8_Volante

Not much information is in the catalog beyond the history of the V8 as a model, but this looks to be a rather tidy example, complete with books and tools. Although it is an automatic, it would still make for some very pleasant open touring.

Lot 226 — 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
Estimate $85,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $82,250 including premium
Lot_226-1989_Porsche_930

Although we aren’t given an odometer reading other than its condition belies the miles, this looks to be an excellent original example of a one-year-only 5-speed 930. Its high estimate would appear to be a bargain relative to other 1989s in like condition (not to mention the 1976 model that runs earlier in the day, estimated at $200,000).

Lot 317 — 1935 Ford Model A “Ratrod’ Pickup
Estimate $40,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $26,000Lot_317-1935_Ford_Ratrod_Pickup

This is another one of those lots that we’d chase only when Petrolhead Godmother is footing the bill, but that said, it is dandy. Powered by a 350 V8, its steel body has been chopped, stanced, channeled and dropped. Period wheels and tires cover front disc brakes. A very nicely built blend of bootleg-era looks and contemporary performance.

Lot 356 — 1949 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe Sedanette
Estimate $65,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $55,000 including premium Lot_356-1949_Cadillac_Sedanette

The C-Body Cadillacs of 1948 and 1949 brought together big advances in engineering with the overhead-valve V8 and alluring looks. Here we see the first nubs of Harley Earl’s tailfins punctuating a sleek and graceful body, particularly in the fastback “Sedanette” form. This one form 1949 was a former barn find restored to its current condition with a rebuilt original drivetrain. It’s a positively gorgeous American cruiser that is said to drive quite well.

Lot 472 — 1981 Renault R5 Turbo
Estimate $75,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $49,500 including premium Lot_472-1981_Renault_R5_Turbo

The Renault R5 Turbo is in many ways an answer to a question no-one was asking. It’s a completely insane answer, yet it makes perfect sense at the same time. Take a pedestrian Renault R5 (what we might remember as Le Car) and transform it into a mid-engined beast that eats supercars for breakfast. This example looks to have been restored at some point to what appears to be a high degree, yet appears to have been used as intended which is to drive the merde out of it. What’s not to love?

Lot 486 — 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
Estimate $425,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid of $320,000
Lot_486-Lamborghini_Countach_25th

Petrolhead Godmother always says, “if you get thrown from a bull, get right back on.” We missed out on the Lamborghini Countach 5000S Quattrovalvole at Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island sale earlier this month, thus we’re somewhat compelled to try again. This time it’s the ultimate expression of the Countach, the coveted 25th Anniversary model. This one shows beautifully in its classic Italian combination of red on tan. With a recent service and less than 21,000 km, it promises to be appropriately raging.

Lot 622 — 1948 MG TC
Estimate $52,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $37,500 Lot_622-1948_MG-TC_Roadster

Few capture the charm of early British motoring the way an MG TC does. Future TDs and TFs were already becoming too modern. This one from 1948 has been used sparingly since undergoing an older high quality restoration. It condition remains show worthy, but this little thing begs to be thrown on the open road, only stopping for a picnic. The Clipper Blue finish is a nice departure as well.

We came to a total of $922,000. Buyer’s premiums will put us slightly over the million dollar mark, but once again we’ll err on the side of excess when spending the Petrolhead Godmother’s money. Let us know what your picks are in comments.

For the complete Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2015 results click here.

IN THE NEWS: Lamborghini Sarasota Kicks Off Sarasota Exotic Car Fest

SECF2015 Kickoff.1024

December 11, 2014, Sarasota FL – The Sarasota Exotic Car Fest fired up its 13th year with a reception at Lamborghini Sarasota. The event will be held February 20-22, 2015 with a theme honoring the 30th Anniversary of Miami Vice and its car culture. Several guests at the reception got into the spirit, donning their ‘80s attire. While the centerpiece of the weekend will be the exotic cars, several other activities will be taking place, offering something for everyone.

“We continue to grow, drawing entries from as far as Washington state. This year, with the Miami Vice ‘80s theme and one-of-a-kind Cocktail Theater, promises to be our best one yet.” – Marilee Roberts, Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Chair

The weekend begins Friday night, February 20, with a luxury lifestyle reception featuring a silent auction, wine, cocktails, haute cuisine, private jets from presenting sponsor Southern Jet, and a hangar full of exotic cars from Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mclaren, Rolls Royce, and more. The next day, these cars and many more will line the streets of downtown Sarasota for an up-close-and-personal look. The concours is free and open to the public, with a VIP area presented by Full Moon Productions. A dinner follows, featuring a unique cocktail theater, presented by world-renowned mixologist Rob Floyd, as well as dancing and entertainment. Sunday begins with a rally, touring some of the area’s best driving roads, ending at The Founders Golf Club for a closing brunch.

marilleGary

For the third year, all proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, Inc. For tickets or more information please visit sarasotaexoticcarfest.com.

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Co-chairs Marilee and Gary Roberts

AT THE MOVIES: Aston Martin Debuts DB10 for New Bond Film “Spectre”

78196ast

4 December 2014, Gaydon: Aston Martin together with EON Productions, the producers of the James Bond film franchise, unveiled Bond’s stunning new car, the Aston Martin DB10, on the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios.

The luxury British sports car brand is delighted to confirm that James Bond will once again drive an Aston Martin in Spectre. On this occasion, it will be a model developed specifically for the film and built in-house by the brand’s design and engineering teams.

Led by Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, the design team worked closely with the film’s director, Sam Mendes, to create the ultimate car for the world’s most famous spy.

Celebrating the great British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse to the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins.

Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond.

“To be partnering once again with EON Productions is great news for this company and for everyone around the world that loves to see Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the team at Gaydon who have brought this special project from concept to reality.”

Production will be strictly limited to 10 of the bespoke sports cars, developed and built by the designers, engineers and highly skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters.

Spectre is due for general release on 6 November 2015.

IN THE NEWS: Q By Aston Martin Personalization Available Online

q-web-5

The ultimate in automotive luxury, the renowned Q by Aston Martin personalisation service, is now available to view in rich, lifelike detail online via an innovative new microsite.

Designed to offer an indulgent glimpse into the sumptuous world of Q by Aston Martin, this web experience has been specifically developed for public and dealer use to help communicate the many possibilities available through Aston Martin’s bespoke personalisation service.

Dr Matthew Bennett, General Manager of the Q by Aston Martin service, said: “As part of the continued major investment in our digital presence I am very pleased to announce the launch of a new Q by Aston Martin web experience.

“Following the positive reception to the launch of the Q by Aston Martin book and the expansion of the service we have now introduced a more inspirational and immersive element to our AstonMartin.com content.”

Using imagery, creative design and themed model stories from the Q by Aston Martin book, the new ‘What Inspires You?’ experience uses rich graphics and innovative parallax scrolling functionality to offer an in-depth microsite.

Features include a full introductory gallery with: contemporary inspiration section; luxury inspiration section; sporting inspiration section and nine picture galleries and features on Q by Aston Martin cars.

Going live today, the new inspirational web experience can be found at: http://q.astonmartin.com

Meanwhile, development work is ongoing on another exciting digital element to the personalisation service with news that in the next few weeks the luxury British brand will be launching a Q by Aston Martin Vanquish configurator.

Using the current Aston Martin configurator platform, the sport car company’s digital team has expanded the number of views, colour and trim choices and will also offer exclusive Q by Aston Martin options to create a more detailed and nuanced configurator experience.

Matthew Bennett said: “Sharing some of the possibilities of ‘Q’ with our huge digital audience around the world is another exciting way in which we are showcasing Aston Martin’s power, beauty and soul to enthusiasts and customers worldwide.”

ON THE BLOCK: Inaugural Salon Privé Sale a Roaring Success

050914silvauc1

The inaugural Salon Privé Sale, hosted in partnership between Silverstone Auctions & Salon Privé London, achieved some roaring results in London last night, with a 61% sales rate and a total sales value of £9.9 million.

Topping the bill at the Sale and securing a believed world-record price was an incredibly rare 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder which sold for a premium inclusive £2.27 million. A stunning 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe sold for a premium inclusive £707,215, more than £330,000 over its lower estimate also achieving a believed world-record.

Another rare Ferrari, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’, sold for a premium inclusive total of more than £1.89 million.

Getting the auction off to a fantastic start was a limited edition 2013 Patek Philippe 5960P-016 Gentleman’s Annual Calendar Chronograph, all proceeds of which were donated to the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Porsche 911 prices continue to rise with a 1973 Porsche 911 S Targa, part of the Henry Pearman collated‘Stradale’ Collection, selling for £195,500, more than £80,000 over its lower estimate. A piece of motoring history, Range Rover chassis number 001, sold for a premium inclusive £132,250 whilst last year’s ‘Most Elegant Design’ winner, a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, sold for a premium inclusive £1million. Aston Martin’s proved as popular as ever with a beautiful 1970 DB6 MK.II Volante selling for £954.500.

Commenting on the results Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “We’re delighted with the results from our first sale at Salon Privé. Some of the prices paid for particular cars are truly staggering and hope that both buyers and vendors alike are as happy as we are.”

“The Salon Privé Sale has exceeded all expectations, the atmosphere was both tense and electrifying with phone bidders from all over the world and in person filling the Garden Room Marquee and we are certainly looking forward to next year,” added Andrew Bagley, Managing Director and Owner – Salon Privé London.

For the full results list please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/salon-prive.

IN THE NEWS: Aston Martin Takes the Covers off V12 Vantage Roadster

V12 Vantage S Roadster_09

Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster.

When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.

Equipped with the latest 565 bhp Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 457 lb ft available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – peaks at a colossal 376 lb ft. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears.

Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of this company’s exceptional spirit.

“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.

“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”

Race car technology 

As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s gearbox, the Sportshift™III ASM (auto-shift manual) transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 44 lb versus its forebear.

This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brands ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is light, small and wonderfully sonorous.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and,  linked to the adaptive damping button, it offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

 

Pure power, beautifully presented

As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible car, with a more dynamic character even than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.

In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster does away with the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – replacing them with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.

Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.

The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.

Q by Aston Martin

Meanwhile,For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which consists of bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.

For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.

Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.

“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”

ON THE BLOCK: The “Real” Bond Aston Martin at COYS

080714coys-a

A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, considered as the inspiration for James Bond’s original Aston Martin in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger, is to be auctioned by international auctioneers COYS this Saturday 12th July at Blenheim Palace.

This iconic car will be featured alongside over 90 important motor cars, including a fine selection of Jaguars.  The auction will also feature over 90 motorcycles, which are to go under the hammer on Friday 11th.

The Aston Martin, a DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage, chassis number LML-819, was owned by Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII, and Ian Fleming’s boss. Moreover, the vehicle was regularly at Fleming’s next-door neighbour in Kent, which was the same place where he based the HQ of Sir Hugo Drax in his Bond novel Moonraker.

All the gadgets that appeared in Bond’s car in the Goldfinger novel appear in this Aston Martin, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, a heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and a Halda Speed Pilot.  This model is a strong contender for the world’s most significant Aston Martin ever to be offered to the open market.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of the auction house, said “This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque”.

Also appearing at the auction will be a 1951 Jaguar Mk V Drophead Coupé, one of the most desirable cars of its time, with exceptional performance and handling. Its age has added lustre to its reputation with the stylish drophead coupé being particularly desirable.  Estimated at £50,000 – £60,000, these were one of the most luxurious models of their day and still turn heads today.

A 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux is estimated to make £275,000 to £320,000, featuring a ‘profilee’ windscreen and what were known as ‘spats’, which fill the rear wheel arches.  This is an uncommonly pure example of the superb early version of the design; the frontal aspect is balanced by a small integral projecting luggage boot, the exterior handsomely finished in Embassy Black and retains the correct wire wheels.

Alongside the car auction, attendees have been invited to bring with them their own classic cars, comprising a Concours d’ Elegance, which is set to feature the likes of a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a 1967 Lamborghini Miura and many more, all of which will be judged by a selection of guest judges.

This selection of judges includes BBC Oxford’s Roving Reporter Lilley Mitchel, AC Owner’s Club Chairman Bertie Gilbart Smith, Royal Marine Lt Colonel Cliff Dare MBE and Karen Ellis, the CEO of Ellis Clowes specialist motor sport insurance company.  This event will provide a bit of light hearted entertainment, as well as giving those present a chance to showcase their own classic cars.

To celebrate the 350th anniversary of Royal marines, a number of military vehicles will be present on the day at Blenheim Palace, including a 1941 Austin Utility, a 1944 Bedford M.W, a 1936 Morris Commercial CS8 Mk3, amongst others. This marks a momentous anniversary of a vital part of Britain’s Armed Forces, who were formed on the 28h October 1664 after an Order-in-Council was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet.  The military vehicles will be accompanied by a group of Royal Marines Cadets, and will be judged by Lt Colonel Cliff Dare, who will award the winner the 350th Anniversary Cup.

Not only will COYS be putting an extensive selection of classic cars under the hammer, they will also be putting over 90 motorcycles to auction on Friday 11th July at Blenheim Palace.  Featuring among these motorcycles is a 1920 Henderson 1300 four cylinder, complete with a stylish sidecar assembled by Ferrari, which was an exhibit in the sidecar museum near Ancona.  A very rare find, this Henderson is estimated at £55,000 to £70,000, and is presented in a well-preserved condition.

Also featuring at the motorcycle auction on the 11th is an extremely rare Harley-Davidson XR750, described as one of the most famous racing bikes in American motorcycle history, estimated to go for £25,000 to £30,000.  This model was limited to the public through only authorised dealers, meaning even in its day it was a rarity, dominating ‘flat track’ racing for over 10 years.

For more information on these lots and to view all other lots for sale, please visit www.coys.co.uk.

 

ON THE BLOCK – What to Watch Bonhams Greenwhich Concours d’Elegance Sale

Lot 310 – 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Without Reserve. Estimate: $25,000-30,000   moto+match estimate: $25,000

58 Alfa Spider

With the introduction of the 1300cc Giulietta in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the ‘small car, big performance’ formula that would characterize its finest offerings from that point on. The Giulietta’s arrival caused a sensation; demand quickly outstripped supply, causing Alfa Romeo to rethink its production strategy and become a high volume manufacturer. The original Bertone-designed Giulietta Sprint Coupe of 1954 was soon joined by a more practical Berlina Sedan and a charming Spider, the latter sporting elegant coachwork designed and built by Pinin Farina.

According to factory records from Alfa Romeo’s Centro Documentazione, this Giulietta was completed at the Milianese Alfa Romeo plant on July 21, 1958. The new left hand drive Spider was finished in a sporting red color, configured as left hand drive, and destined for the United States, where legendary importer Max Hoffman Motorcar Company later took delivery the following month.  The new Spider was sold to a Mr. Hillman, residing in Florida and Illinois, and records show service and maintenance work performed while in Hillman’s ownership. Hillman would keep the Giulietta until 1961, when he traded it in with circa 15,000 miles, at the Fancl-Bogan Chevrolet dealership in Oak Park, Illinois. In July of 1961, the Alfa Romeo was purchased by Mr. John A. Clark, a chemical engineer from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Clark used the little Red Spider over the next decade, before taking it off the road in 1976, with just 52,239 miles recorded. It remained in storage until Mr. Clark’s passing in the late 2000s, when purchased by the consignor. Accompanied by an abundance of receipts, records and the factory tool kit, this barn find Guilietta is an incredible original and complete example. The perfect candidate for a restoration, this low mileage Alfa Romeo still retains most of the factory finishes, as well as the rare Motorola radio surely mounted when new at Hoffman’s. This Giulietta has been spared from mediocre restorations or modifications over the years, and really deserves to be put back on the road.

 

Lot 317 – 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Without Reserve. Estimate: $25,000-30,000   moto+match estimate: $35,000

88 Jeep Wagoneer

Luxury SUVs are nothing new, but when the Jeep Wagoneer came out in 1963, it was something genuinely different. Combining the rugged attributes of a truck with the luxury of a sedan made for a unique, segment breaking vehicle. So successful was the model that it survived until 1991. In nearly three decades of production, the Jeep’s architecture changed little. Sporting a body-on-frame design with solid axles and leaf springs all around, it was a classic example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Power was delivered to all four wheels via a viscous coupling center differentials allowing rear-wheel drive only operation for a bit of added fuel economy, if you consider 13 miles to the gallon ‘economical’. Off road the Jeep was capable of going toe-to-toe with a new Range Rover and on road its handling proved adequate, if a bit primitive given its somewhat hoary underpinnings. In a July 1988 comparison test against a Range Rover, Car and Driver waxed about the Grand Wagoneer’s, “leather upholstery trim and, both inside and out, lots of chrome and fake wood” not to mention copious power features. While performance didn’t exactly light the heather afire, taking 13 seconds to get to 60mph, the Range Rover took even longer to do the duty and still cost a third more.

This three-owner from new Grand Wagoneer was delivered new to an elderly couple in Northern California in June of 1988. From the final iteration of the Wagoneer, it benefited from all of the upgrades that would be bestowed upon the model making it the most comfortable and desirable version available then and now. Sparingly used by its first owners, it was sold to another older couple in 1999 before coming to the collection of the current vendor a year ago. Showing only a bit over 68,000 original miles, it is completely original. A luck recipient of two and a half decades of dry California climates, meticulous maintenance and minimal use has kept this white over burgundy Jeep looking extra fresh. The obvious decedent of the great woodies of yore, this Jeep is ready to continue its tradition of shuttling the family from the wilds of Westchester to the beaches of Southampton in comfort and style!

 

Lot 378 – 1959 Fiat-Abarth 750 Record Monza Bialbero Coupé by Zagato
Estimate: $175,000-250,000  moto+match estimate: $250,000

59 Fiat Abarth

An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth branched out from producing induction and exhaust systems into selling performance kits for – mainly FIAT – production cars, later building a succession of aerodynamically stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars. One of Carlo Abarth’s most successful series of GT cars was based on the FIAT 600, the first of these handsome little Zagato-bodied coupés – the 750 – appearing in 1956. The 600 chassis was used with scant modification apart from changing spring rates and up-rating the front brakes to twin-leading-shoe operation, yet despite this apparent handicap coped remarkably well with the Abarth’s greatly increased performance. The next stage of development saw the 750 equipped with a double-overhead-camshaft engine designed by Gioacchio Columbo, designer of the first Ferrari V12s that helped liberate 47 51bhp from the tiny engine, these models thus equipped being dubbed ‘Bialbero’ (Twin-cam). Abarth’s diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing. Indeed, in North American SCCA events the 1.0-litre Abarth was obliged to compete against rivals displacing up to 3.8 litres and still proved capable of winning!

The current owner acquired 550486 in the early 1980s and in doing so began a labor of love in terms of restoration and research. His extensive work has enabled him to make deductions about the early history of the car which are both fascinating and uncontested by other aficionados of the marque and model. At the time of its acquisition, the car was an engineless rolling chassis, but a number of clues to its importance were very clear to its knowledgeable buyer. Most notable was the required holes for fixing the fuel pressure regulator bracket – another Bialbero exclusive feature. So the car was clearly one of these rare brethren of Abarths.

The next base point for research was the discovery of a series of three drilled holes in the passenger side door which had long since been covered by filler and paint. These holes correlated perfectly to a door mounted racing number light which cars known to be in the USA and to have run at Sebring in 1959 carried by regulation to make their racing numerals visible at night. That narrowed the field to one of the four cars that had run at that event that year for Team Roosevelt.

Before one pauses to question a link to the President, the answer is ‘yes’, the Roosevelt Automobile Company was run by FDR Jr. They were East Coast Importers for Fiat and would continue this by developing a relationship to run Abarth race cars also. As ever in the course of racing the idea was to encourage the old adage of “race on Sunday, sell on Monday”, but Roosevelt Jr.’s thinking was a little further developed in that he believed “that Americans could sell a car better to Americans”. For the race team John Norwood was their manager and ace mechanic Jim McGee prepped their entries, the drivers represented a series of experienced stalwarts who could be trusted with the brand. Sebring ’59 was the debut race for this new team.

A period black and white image of the four cars sent ex-Zagato Works from Italy for the Sebring Event shows that two were finished in a dark color and two in a light color, of the two darker colored cars, one had a dark interior, the other a light interior, and the same for the lighter cars, thereby actually making each different in its livery. Differentiating them further, when they were run at Sebring they were still wearing Turin license plates, TO-712 and TO-487 adorned the two darker colored cars. These are actually understood to be ‘trade’ plates, suggesting that there can’t have been much time to spare between their leaving the works and being campaigned in Florida. On the basis of surviving period images of the two darker colored cars, which turns out to have been red in color period images, this car has been deduced by its owner to be the #62 car, which wore the Torino plate “TO-712”. Assuming this to be an accurate statement, car #62/TO-712 would contest between 10 and 13 races in the ’59 Season after Sebring, including Daytona, Bridgehampton, Road America, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix and the International Bahamas Speed Weeks at the end of that year, with respectable low double digit finishes overall.

By the end of 1960, 550486 is known to have been the property of J. William Denton, as he ran the car at the Savannah Race Track in November 1960, when its ‘Team Roosevelt’ marking had cleverly been given the prefix of ‘Ex’! The owner was able to trace J. W. Denton’s son, who produced a copy of Denton’s first title registration on acquisition of the car, it clearly denoting this identity and the engine number digits following the VIN. From his conversations with the younger Denton, he had recalled his father acquiring a number of Abarths from Team Roosevelt, but only one Bialbero and that proved to be his favorite apparently. Denton is known to have run the car at the Chimney Rock Hillclimb in 1961, and a series of other events. According to John de Boer’s well researched archive, the subsequent chain of ownership ran 1971-1974: Steve Doran; 1974-1976: Doug Huffman; 1976-7: Herbert H. Bailey of South Carolina; and then 1977-1984 – GTS Motorcars of Florida, before it was acquired by the present owner in 1984. All the while the research was continuing, and correct parts being accrued, the owner waited patiently before beginning its restoration. This began in earnest almost 20 years ago. Its structural repairs were carried out by the owner with sheet metal repairs to the aluminum bodywork by Tivvy’s Autocraft, this was then followed up with the paintwork at Alfa’s Unlimited. Automotive Restorations of Stratford, Connecticut trimmed original Zagato seat frames provided by the owner in a light tan vinyl and made new carpets in Wilton Wool, the finish of the cabin being slightly improved over the original having a Nardi wood rim steering wheel in place of the plastic one it would have worn new.

For the mechanical aspect, the owner was able to draw on his own stores of spares that had been accrued over many years, a number of the more significant pieces coming from Jeff Vogel, who in turn had bought them from Jim McGee’s shop in Watermill, Long Island, these included a spare long distance fuel tank, oversize Abarth Alfin front drum brakes, and new/old stock Bialbero racing exhaust – the motoring definition of ‘hen’s teeth’ quite literally.

Further searches had produced a period correct Bialbero engine motor, which itself created something of a conundrum. The engine was number 600319, which by Fiat records was the original fitted to 550486, yet a separate document sourced by the current owner shows that 600319 was fitted to car 544303 on March 25, 1959, when that car was listed on a statement of sale to Gene Williamson by Team Roosevelt – Williamson being the driver of car #65 at Sebring that year. As ever in the history of racing teams it seems likely that 600319 had migrated from its original mount very early on in its life, but today thanks to the perseverance of its current owner it is back with the Fiat-Abarth it apparently left the Works in. Naturally, since the intention of the owner was to race the car, this numbered block is actually stored and goes with the car, while it is currently running a ‘hot’ engine built around a separate 600 unit.

Post-restoration, 550486 has been campaigned with some regularity by its custodian, being run in VSCCA meetings from 1996 to 2000, at the Lime Rock Historic Races on numerous occasions and also displayed here at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in 2000 and at the Lime Rock Sunday in the Park Concours last year, where it was rewarded with First in Class.

After three decades of research, restoration, ownership and use, during which it seems virtually every stone has been upended, the seller has made the difficult decision to part with the car and forward it to another enthusiast. While that elusive final jigsaw puzzle piece of paper that conclusively documents it as the #62 Sebring car from 1959 remains still yet to be found, it seems hard to question the current owner’s conclusion based on his research. Regardless of this ultimate detail, the car is a fastidiously accurately restored example of these ‘Giant-Killer’ Abarths, which certainly had an active period racing career and could today provide its next owner with an enjoyable vintage racing mount.

 

Lot 389- 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
Bonhams Estimate: $170,000-190,000   moto+match estimate: $210,000

03 Aston Martin DB AR1

Aston Martin renewed its fruitful relationship with renowned Italian styling house of Zagato, most famously begun with the DB4GT Zagato of the 1960s, after a meeting between Elio Zagato’s son Andrea and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001. The result was a stylish coupé, based on the DB7 V12 Vantage supercar, recalling the sublime looks of the original DB4GT Zagato. So favorable was the DB7 Zagato’s reception that it was decided to produce an open car in similar vein: the DB AR1. Designed with the California weather in mind, and a Roadster in the proper tradition with no hood and space for just two people, the DB AR1 was previewed by a select group of potential customers to gauge reaction. The car was so well received on its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, that all 99 of the proposed limited edition were purchased. Powering the new open supercar was a developed version of Aston’s state-of-the-art, 6.0-liter V12 enjoying a boost in maximum power to 435bhp, some 20 horsepower more than the DB7 Vantage. This power increase together with more torque, a revised final drive ratio and ‘active’ sports exhaust system produce a noticeable improvement in mid-range performance, where it is most useful in everyday driving. An AP twin-plate racing clutch combined with a revised quick-shift gearlever for the six-speed manual transmission enable the driver to maximize use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear-change. Acceleration can only be described as stunning, 60mph arriving in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed of 185mph makes the DB AR1 the world’s fastest true roadster. Above all, the DB AR1 was designed to be a true ‘driver’s car’, equally at home on the autobahn or challenging back road. This is a car that beckons you to look for places to go. Restraining this superlative high performance are equally exalted brakes: Brembo racing-style grooved discs – 335mm at the front, 330mm at the rear – gripped by alloy four-pot calipers assisted by an improved brake booster unit and moderated by Teves ABS. Power is transmitted to the road via a limited-slip differential to special multi-spoke 19″ alloy wheels (8″/9.5″ f/r) incorporating revised offset to give a wider track, shod with low profile Yokohama tiresThe interior boasts electrically controlled sports seats, six-speaker Becker stereo radio cassette system with 6-CD changer, alarm and immobilizer with remote central locking and trunk release. There is electronic traction control and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

This fantastic, low mileage AR1 Roadster has lived a charmed life. Purchased by its first owner from Aston Martin of Beverley Hills on December 4th, 2004 with 140 miles on the clock, it carried an original sticker price of over $250,000. Finished in Bowland Black over Light Tan hides, it enjoyed the California sun in the care of its original owner until the summer of 2010 when the current vendor acquired the roadster, the 26th of 99 DB AR1s constructed. Having covered less than 3,800 miles since leaving Newport Pagnell, it has received continuous, careful maintenance and shows well today. Replete with its original Monroney sticker, books, umbrellas, and car cover, this barely used, coachbuilt roadster is now ready to move onto to its third lucky owner.

 

Lot 403 – 1970 Porsche 911E Targa
Without reserve. Bonhams Estimate: $8,000-12,000   moto+match estimate: $20,000

70 porsche 911E

This silver Targa, with black leather interior, was originally acquired on May 4, 1970 by Irving Rose of Northbrook, Illinois in Stuttgart, Germany through the Tourist Delivery Program. Rose traded the car through Bryntesen Porsche-Audi Inc. of Hinsdale, Illinois with registration receipts showing Bryntesen selling it to Michael Burns in February 1978. The next keeper of the Porsche was Raymond Paulis followed by David Thompson, although Thompson’s date of acquisition is unknown. Purchased by the vendor in the summer of 2004 with the intention of restoring it; it instead has sat in climate-controlled, dry storage since 2004 with little progress made. The original MSO and other paperwork are available with the car together with the owner’s manual plus sleeve and Blaupunkt radio service manual. Substantially complete, unmodified from original specification, and with only minor damage to the passenger door, this 911E is a wonderful base for restoration. The chassis appears to be remarkably straight and intact, showing penetrating rust in only a few places like the driver’s side battery box, and the engine is free but not currently running. The car was easily pushed out of storage once one front brake caliper was released. The interior is largely complete but dirty and worn. With early Porsche 911 continuing their upward trend, this rare 911E Targa is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely, documented car that will provide many happy miles following a thorough restoration.

IN THE NEWS: The Bond Car’s Muse Unveiled at Ian Fleming‘s Office

Bond DB2-4

Tuesday 20th May, London – A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, which is understood to have been the inspiration for James Bond’s Aston Martin, was unveiled by international auctioneers Coys at the Old Admiralty Building, where Ian Fleming had his office.

The car, which will be auctioned at Coys’ traditional Blenheim Palace sale on 12th July, is believed to have been the inspiration for the Aston Martin featured in the original novel Goldfinger.

This model is a Vantage specification 1954 DB 2/4 Mk I, bearing the registration JBW 974. For many years it sat idle, collecting dust and rust, until a father and son purchased it for restoration. It was during the restoration that a set of unique special modifications came to light, along with the car’s connections to the British Intelligence Service and the creator of Bond himself, Ian Fleming.

These one-off features seem to be the same as the fictional Bond car in Goldfinger, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and/or a homing device, and a Halda Speed Pilot device, which accurately computes time and distance in relation to a pre-selected average speed.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of the auction house, said: “The story around this car and its discovery is phenomenal. It was supplied new on 4th July 1955 to the Honourable Sqdr. Ldr. Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister DSO, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill and head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII. Moreover, the vehicle was regularly at Ian Fleming’s direct next-door neighbour in Kent, and indeed it was the next-door neighbour’s house which was also used as inspiration in the Bond novels, this time as Sir Hugo Drax’s residence in the novel Moonraker.

He added: “This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque.”

The car will be on show at the Stratstone of Mayfair Aston Martin showroom on Park Lane, 113 Park Lane, London W1K 7AJ, until the end of the week. It will then go on display at the foyer of the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ.

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2024 moto+match

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑