Category: Historics (Page 5 of 5)

ON THE BLOCK: Ex-Fangio Mercedes-Benz W196 Highlights Bonhams Goodwood Sale

April 22, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The double Formula 1 Grand Prix-winning Mercedes-Benz W196 which helped five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio to his second drivers’ championship in 1954 is to be offered for sale by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday 12th.

Fangio’s victories in the 1954 German and Swiss Grands Prix were the first to be achieved in succession by the frontier-technology Mercedes-Benz factory Formula 1 team in its postwar racing come-back.

During just 14 months of Formula 1 racing before it was retired from racing by the German factory team at the end of 1955, chassis 00006/54 contested five World Championship-qualifying Grand Prix races. Driven first by Fangio, it was later assigned to junior driver Hans Herrmann for the 1954 Italian GP, where it finished fourth.The car was then used in just one 1955 Grand Prix – the Italian event – when, driven by Karl Kling, it ran in second place behind Fangio’s sister Mercedes-Benz before suffering gearbox failure.

The car was then re-prepared to full race standard and consigned to the Daimler-Benz Museum on December 22, 1955.

In June 1965 it was exhibited in Munich and during 1966 it was shown at both Le Mans in France and Hockenheim in Germany. It then appeared at the 1967 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, before being run in a tire test at the Unterturkheim factory test-track, and displayed in Berlin. In November 1967 it was exhibited at Stuttgart University.

Further public appearances followed in 1969 in Luxembourg, Berlin and Hamburg. A Daimler-Benz Museum archive document records that as of November 5, 1969, the car “should be available at any time for R. Uhlenhaut” – the company’s illustrious chief engineer – “…for testing purposes”.

On June 24, 1972, the car ran in engine tests at Unterturkheim before on May 22, 1973, Mercedes-Benz officially presented it to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, England.

In the 1980s the car was sold into private hands. It was preserved first in the UK by Anthony – now Sir Anthony – Bamford of JCB Excavators, then in France with Jacques Setton. It passed subsequently into the ownership of a German businessman in whose care the car was run at the Monaco Historic meeting; at Goodwood; and in California from 1999-2000.

Today, after many years out of public view, stored in a warehouse, Mercedes-Benz W196 chassis 00006 is offered for sale by Bonhams.

TWO [WHEELS] TO SHOW: Legendary Motorcycles at Salon Privé

March 13, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Syon Park, London, 13 March 2013 – Salon Privé is delighted to welcome back renowned two-wheel authorities Malcolm Wheeler and Steve Parrish to judge the motorbike classes in this year’s Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance.

Following last year’s outstanding success of the motorcycle classes at Salon Privé, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance is delighted to welcome back the two-wheel category in 2013. A broad category of ‘Sporting Motorcycles’ together with ‘Oddballs and One-Offs’ will make up this year’s two motorcycle classes.

Among the highlight entrants already signed up for the ‘Sporting’ class is 1960s racer, Reg Everett, who achieved many successes on Greeves and Yamaha bikes, notching up 25 wins out of fifty rostrum places. Reg is entering an extremely rare 1964 250cc Yamaha TD1A racer – the first racing Yamaha in the country, and one that gave him a famous victory over Brands Hatch champion, Derek Minter, on his home turf.

Among the Oddball class early entries is a unique 1953 Norton Tom Tom, entered by renowned Norton single-cylinder specialist and author of ‘Flat Tank Norton’, Dr George Cohen. In addition, Belgian motorcycle author Yves Campion has entered a seldom seen 1932 Moto Gillet, presented in a condition that has to be seen to be believed.

Custom motorbike builder Allen Millyard is entering the ‘Flying Millyard’ 5-litre Vee-Twin Engine, following his success with a class-winning 100cc Honda in 2012. The cylinders for this year’s creation are from a 1930s Pratt and Whitney radial aircraft engine, with everything else hand made. Allen is currently building a 1930s style board racer around the engine.

With the above and many more continuing to be entered to the ever-growing Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance motorcycle classes at Salon Privé, 2013 is already shaping up to be another exceptional year for both bikes and cars on the lawns of Syon Park in September.

Entries may still be accepted for the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, for more information on entering a car or motorbike please visit http://www.salonprivelondon.com/concours/register.asp

Tickets for Salon Privé can be purchased at www.salonprivelondon.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205. Entry is fully inclusive of Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas.

IN HISTORICS: Silverstone Classic Honours 50 Years of Porsche 911

March 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

It’s 50 years since the iconic Porsche 911 was first introduced to the public at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show and this year’s Silverstone Classic will pay homage to the evergreen sportscar’s golden anniversary with a very fitting on-track tribute.

On Sunday 28 July a magnificent parade of 911 Porsche 911s will take to the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit to mark this historic milestone in the life of what’s unquestionably one of the world’s most celebrated, revered and distinguished automotive creations of all times. Over the ages more than 820,000 have been built making the 911 the world’s most successful sportscar.

The event organisers are working closely with the Porsche Club GB to ensure this very special parade highlights five decades of glorious 911 heritage and evolution by including the most famous models from past and present generations including many legendary Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa and Turbo variants. To this day the idolised 911 is also one of the most popular and victorious competition cars ever created and the dazzling on-track pageant will also feature a plethora of winners from both racing and rallying.

Peter Bull, Vice Chairman of Porsche Club GB said: “Every member of the Club is so proud of the Porsche marque and the 911 is something that we all revere in all its forms and age. We are delighted to be able to showcase the 911 in this way and are especially grateful for the Silverstone Classic to allow this parade to go ahead. It’s a very special year indeed!”

Nick Hine, Chairman of Porsche Club GB added: “Achieving 911, Porsche 911s on track at Silverstone all at the same time, initially seemed an ambitious target. However, there has been strong interest from 911 owners from all over the world and we already have nearly 400 confirmed participants. Fifty years of 911 evolution, combined with famous drivers from Porsche’s illustrious racing history taking part, mean that the fight for pole position at Silverstone, has never been quite so strong!”

This summer’s spectacular 911 x 911 parade – which will be raising much needed funds for the Hope for Tomorrow cancer charity – is the latest in a succession of glittering circuit processions staged alongside the huge, action-packed race programme at recent Silverstone Classics. In 2010 a similar 50th anniversary parade of 767 E-Type Jaguars established a new Guinness World Record. Last year in was the turn of Ferrari when an unprecedented gathering of 60 scarlet F40s took to the track in a memorable tribute marking 25 years of the world’s first 200mph supercar.

“Jaguar, Ferrari and now Porsche… it’s hard to think of three more illustrious or historic motoring marques all celebrating key milestones at the Silverstone Classic,” enthused Nick Wigley, Event Director. “Importantly these amazing parades allow owners and enthusiasts to join the party and play their very own part in such special festivities. It’s a fantastic opportunity that I’m sure no one lucky enough to have a 911 will want to miss.”

Those wanting to participate should contact the Porsche Club GB office either on 01608 652911 or via email: silverstone911@porscheclubgb.com.

Tickets for the Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance and ‘Early Bird’ discounts are available to those booking before the end of March. Continuing the event’s hugely popular and widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices for adults start from just £30 (plus fees) with considerable savings on offer for festival-goers spending the full action-packed weekend at Silverstone, as well as special packages for car clubs.

Full details are available on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

IN HISTORICS: Volkswagen Motorsport Celebrates 50 Years of Formula Vee at Daytona 24

January 24, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

• Former stars of Formula Vee and Formula Super Vee will take to the track in historic cars, 50 years after the first official FV race

Herndon, VA – Formula Vee will celebrate a big birthday at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this coming weekend (24–27January). Fifty years after the debut of the formula as an officially-sanctioned Sports Car Club of America race series, Volkswagen will return to the place where it all started with a number of significant car and drivers from the past. Among those present will be several ex-FV drivers who went on to become international motorsport stars: Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk; Indycar star and team owner Michael Andretti; Daytona champion Didier Theys; two-time Daytona winner Elliott Forbes-Robinson; former DTM and sportscar stars Hans-Joachim Stuck and Dieter Quester; and rally icon Markku Alen.

“Volkswagen can look back on major success on the motorsport scene. However, the continuous promotion of young drivers has been even more successful,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “Fifty years ago, Formula Vee was pioneering in this regard. Many eventual motorsport legends took their first steps towards a career in motor racing with us. Many of these legends will be brought together for the revival in Daytona and I’m really looking forward to this reunion.”

Formula V in the USA – the success story that began back in 1963

The first-ever SCCA Formula Vee race was held at the Daytona Speedway in August 1963, although cars had raced around the south-eastern U.S. prior to that event. Armed with the 40 horsepower, 1.2-liter engine and the running gear from the Volkswagen Beetle, motorsport enthusiasts put together extremely cost-effective single-seater racing cars—and launched a boom that was soon to spill over to Europe. On July 4th, 1965, Formula Vee made its official European debut in front of 50,000 spectators at the Norisring in Nuremberg, Germany.

This proved to be the start of a huge success story, to which a new chapter was added from 1971 onwards with the Formula Super Vee series, which ran parallel to the established Formula Vee 1300. FSV cars used a 1.6-liter Volkswagen engine that initially generated 120 hp, a figure that later rose to close to 200 hp.

Formula One world champions Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Keke Rosberg all began their careers in Formula Vee championships, as did Le Mans winners Gijs van Lennep, Dr. Helmut Marko, and Jochen Mass. Indycar stars such as Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Arie Luyendyk, and Scott Dixon competed in FV and FSV in their formative years. As such, Formula Vee formed the basis for the tradition of promoting young drivers in motorsport, one that lives on today through the likes of the German ADAC Formula Masters “powered by Volkswagen.”

The best Formula Vee racing cars from Europe and the U.S. will complete a “lap of honor” ahead of the start of the 24-hour race at Daytona, driven by some of the heroes from the series’ heyday.

IN HISTORICS: Speed is of the Essence

November 6, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Historics urges fans to act fast in pursuit of Porsche 911 Speedster

Despite a span of 35 years between Porsche’s original Speedster, the 356, and its 911 namesake, the auctioneer Historics at Brooklands suggests there are signs the ’80s icon is developing a similar aura of adulation that has seen its predecessor become one of the most collectible classic cars.

With its steeply raked, low-cut windscreen and sleek “double-hump” fiberglass cover – paying homage to the 356 and other sports-racers of the 1950s era – the Carrera 911 Speedster stole the show at its public unveiling during the 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Just as the 356 Speedster was introduced on the basis that a lower-cost, simply trimmed, open-top version of the car could sell well in the speed-obsessed American market, Helmuth Bott’s evocative design for the 911 Speedster was equally unequivocal in its desire to adopt an overtly sporting presence.

Although production models were marginally more luxurious than the Frankfurt prototype, with a taller windscreen and roll-up windows, the convertible top was manually-operated and simpler than that of the 911 Cabriolet, with no headliner and thinner insulation used.

Build of the new-generation Speedster began in 1989, with construction capped at just 2,104 Speedsters, all produced in a six month period from January to July. All were equipped with the Turbo-specification chassis and competition-style brakes with cross-drilled discs and four-piston calipers.

Although 171 cars were fitted with a narrow body, the majority of Speedsters were equipped with Porsche’s striking “Turbo Look” bodywork.

Historics’ 1989 wide bodied 3.2 litre model is presented in metallic Zermatt silver with a full claret red leather interior and matching soft top. A right hand drive, UK specification car, it’s fitted with a five speed manual gearbox, 16” Fuchs alloy wheels, stainless steel exhaust and electric sports seats.

With the 911 Speedster the last Porsche model produced at the old factory in Stuttgart; a fact that along with its rakish lines and limited production numbers ensured it became a highly collectible car from the outset, Historics is expecting offers in the region of £62,000 to £76,000 at Brooklands on Saturday 24^th November.

Much as the 911 Speedster saw its styling born out of the standard 911, so the earliest Porsche Speedster took its cues from the original 356 and in a further fillip to fans of the Porsche marque, Historics has consigned a 1960 Porsche 356B T5 Super Cabriolet to its sale.

Originally supplied to Brumos Porsche Car Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, the T5 body styled 356B Cabriolet was imported to the UK in 1995, before being given a sympathetic restoration and a new lease of life by marque specialists.

With every attention paid to detail, including an interior re-trim that features the correct carpet weave, Historics is predicting no let-up in love for a model it has sold at each of its first three auctions in 2012, and expects significant interest in its latest consignment, with an estimated sale price of between £40,000 and £50,000.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday November 24^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

IN HISTORICS: The most valuable cars in the world will gather at Goodwood Revival 2012

September 4, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

With a mouth-watering array of rarely-seen automobiles, the total value of the cars being gathered together at Goodwood is almost beyond comprehension. Just consider the following…

In the pantheon of desirable cars, one stands above all others. The Ferrari 250 GTO has everything – stunning looks, fantastic performance, and impeccable heritage. Launched in 1962, the GTO reaches its half century this year, and to celebrate the Revival will feature a display and daily track parade of 15 GTOs, which is sure to be one of the most jaw-dropping (and valuable) sights in Revival history. With an average value estimated at £20 million each, the value of the 15 Ferrari GTOs displayed at the Revival totals a cool £300 million.

In addition to the 250 GTOs, this year’s Revival will offer visitors a truly unique opportunity to see a large gathering of mythical pre-war Silver Arrows being demonstrated on track together at speed for the first time in more than 70 years. The sensational Auto Unions and Mercedes-Benz will appear alongside examples of the ERAs, Maseratis, Rileys and MGs they trounced on their first appearance on British soil, 75 years ago at the 1937 Donington Grand Prix.

Goodwood estimates that the Revival will see the largest ever gathering of Silver Arrows racers brought together in the same place at the same time, with at least ten examples. Although most are priceless, and virtually impossible to estimate their true worth, a combined value of the collection in the unlikely event they would ever be offered for sales is comfortably in excess of £100 million.

The one-hour, two-driver Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race for closed-cockpit GT cars remains the jewel in the Revival’s crown. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a spectacular grid of super-rare GT cars racing in anger, driven by great aces past and present. The grid will once again feature a breathtaking £100+ million array of internationally-renowned historic cars, including Ferrari 250 GTO and GT SWB; Aston Martin DB4GT, Zagato and Project cars; plus Jaguar E-types and E-Type Lightweights.

This year’s Saturday feature race will be very special indeed, featuring a grid exclusively made up of AC Cobras and variants in the Shelby Cup, in celebration of the model’s 50^th anniversary. It will be a 45-minute two-driver race, with driver changes in the pits between 15 and 30 minutes. With a mixture of standard cars and special-bodied coupés, it should make for an intriguing spectacle and a fitting tribute to this iconic Anglo-American sports car. Racing Cobras with known history can change hands for up to £2 million each at present, so a mild average value estimate of £500,000 per car still adds up to a £20 million grid of snarling V8s.

The total value of the other cars and motorcycles in the remaining Revival races add up to another £80 million, and that’s not including the stunning array of vehicles offered for sales in the Bonhams auctioned at the event on Saturday 15 September, nor any of the 2,000 tax exempt classic cars that park-up in the Revival Car Show each day!

So, the combined value of the vehicles appearing at this year’s annual Goodwood Revival is conservatively estimated at over £600 million. That’s an awful lot of lottery wins needed to acquire that lot. Revival-goers are certainly in for a very special treat next week!

Tickets and further information for the 2012 Goodwood Revival can be ordered by on the Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motor sport/), or via the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
On-line via the Ticket section of the website www.goodwood.com/motor sport

IN HISTORICS: BMW North America Chairman to Drive Factory 3.0 CSL at Monterey

July 6, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

MONTEREY, Calif., July 6 — It’s not every day that the chairman of an automobile company swaps his suit and tie for a Nomex driving suit and straps himself into a race car, but that’s Ludwig Willisch’s style. As head of BMW North America, Willisch will pilot a 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 17-19 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The BMW 3.0 CSL that Willisch will be driving is one of only five team cars campaigned by BMW North America in 1975 and 1976, winning IMSA races at Sebring, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Riverside, Daytona, Lime Rock and Talladega. Among the notable drivers involved in campaigning the 430-hosepower BMW were Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman and David Hobbs, among others.

“I can’t wait to drive the CSL at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,” said Ludwig Willisch – President and CEO for BMW of North America, LLC. “The 3.0 CSL is a storied car in BMW of North America’s history as it won the 12 Hours of Sebring just days after the subsidiary was founded in 1975. Driving it on an equally legendary circuit will be quite a thrill.”

Complementing the BMW 3.0 CSL in the paddock is the 490-horsepower 1980 M1 Group 4 car with sports car racing champion Brian Redman behind the wheel. This car was campaigned in the 1981 IMSA GTO Series, seeing action at the 24 Hours of Daytona, Watkins Glen and Mosport.

The third entry in the BMW trio is the 800-horsepower 1986 BMW March GTP prototype that will be driven by American Le Mans Series driver David Murry. One of three produced, this car is capable of more than 200 miles per hour. Its lone win came at Watkins Glen in 1986 where Davy Jones and John Andretti set a new race record around the 3.7-mile circuit.

BMW will be celebrating 40 years of M Power at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion with these three BMW-owned race cars and a display of newly introduced production cars, including the new M6 Coupe, 6 Series Grand Coupe’, and M5. Lastly, Reunion visitors can join BMW in celebrating its 2011 ALMS GT Manufacture Championship by getting their picture taken in the company of the BMW M3 GT.

“BMW returns for its second year as an active partner at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, providing fan activities and demonstrating some of the company’s latest models,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Now, they’re taking even more active participation with fielding three terrific factory cars to complement the 550-plus entries that will be present.”

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will run 17 race groups, from pre-war to stock cars. With this year’s Shelby Cobra as the featured marque — celebrating its 50thanniversary — a full grid of 45 period- and mechanically-correct 1960s Shelby Cobras will line up, making for a thunderous start to their race. Add to that, more than 200 Shelby Cobras expected in the Cobra Corral, it will be the largest gathering and tribute to the late Carroll Shelby.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion advance general admission tickets start at $50. A three-day ticket is only $130 and includes a complimentary souvenir magazine. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Hospitality options begin at $200 per person.

For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion or to purchase tickets, call 800-327-7322 or visit www.MazdaRaceway.com.

IN HISTORY: Lotus Elan Turns 50

June 27, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Recalling Sixties spy-fi show The Avengers, the first thing men of a certain age remember is Mrs Peel’s black leather cat suit. But the character’s object of desire was her cute-as-a-button LotusElan.

The Elan was launched in October 1962 at the British Motorshow, just as the Sixties started swinging. Jaguar had launched the E-Type the previous year, and AC had the Cobra and Ferrari the GTO. Big, expensive, powerful muscles cars. The Elan was very different, and typically Lotus – ultra modern, lightweight, rapid and huge fun.

It summed up the Sixties: a playful topless two-seat ticket to freedom, it was technically innovative with the first backbone tube chassis of any road car, a fiberglass body, four-wheel independent suspension, 670kg with a peachy power-to-weight ratio, bang up-to-date styling beloved by Kings Road cruisers, and a liberating, rock n’ roll attitude.

It came with luxuries that were a rarity at the time, like electric windows, carpets, a heater, and in vogue wooden fascia, but it was still light enough on the scales to outrun other automotive competition – not to mention groupies.

The Elan Sprint, a more powerful 1973 alternative, could hit 60mph in 6.6 seconds, which even now would be considered respectably fast. Back then it was Neil Armstrong territory.

Its pop-up headlights could wink at admirers. It turned heads on Carnaby Street, where the Swinging Sixties embraced cool new design. As well as its turn on TV, defeating baddies and complimenting Diana Rigg’s risqué wardrobe, it found its way onto a magazine cover with Jimi Hendrix posing on the bonnet, and even inspired the lyrics to The Beatles’ A Day In The Life.

The Elan was Lotus’ biggest commercial success to that point, reviving a company stretched thin by the more exotic but in turn more costly to produce Elite. Four different series were produced up until 1973, including a coupe version. Seventeen thousand original examples, including the Elan +2, were produced.

The car was designed by Ron Hickman, who went on to make millions when he patented the Black & Decker WorkMate. He died last year, having earned an OBE for services to industrial innovation.

The Elan was the design inspiration for the Mazda MX-5, which was one of the biggest selling sports cars of the 1990s, and it’s clearly the mother of the Lotus Elise, which has been a staple of the Lotus line-up since 1996 and is on its third evolution.

The late motoring journalist LKJ Setright summed up the Elan when, in the early 1960s, he wrote poetically, “The package that results may not appeal to those conditioned to judge a car by the shut of the door, the depth of the upholstery or the weight of the paint; but to those whose sensual and cerebral appreciations of motoring offer more relevant criteria, the Lotus is as much a machine for driving as a house by Le Corbusier is a machine for living.”

Fifty years on, the Elan has never gone out of style.
A little more Elan history

First introduced in 1962 as a roadster (Drop Head), an optional hardtop was offered in 1963 and a coupé (Fixed Head) version in 1965. It was the first Lotus road car to use the a steel backbone chassis, a technology that continued until 1995 on all Lotus road cars including the Europa, Excel and the Esprit supercar, when it was replaced by the Elise’s amazing extruded and bonded Aluminium chassis sub frame with a glass reinforced composite body.

It was also available as a kit to be assembled by the customer. Although a kit was not really the best description of these cars – they could easily be assembled in a weekend, as only a few key components had to be mated together.

The Elan was technologically advanced with a twin-cam 1558cc engine (early Elans in 1962 came with a 1.5 litre engine), 4-wheel disc brakes, and 4-wheel independent suspension.

Mirroring the changing lifestyle of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman, an Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 with two rear seats. These rear seats were compact but by no means occasional and it’s not coincidence that it perfectly accommodated Colin’s growing family – a car boss has to be able to use his own cars after all!

Elan production finished in 1972 and the +2 ended two years later. With a production run of 17,392 cars, the Elan family was one of the most successful in Lotus’ history, surpassed only by the Elise. In the 1970s with Lotus’ unprecedented success on the racetrack, especially in F1, Colin Chapman introduced the now legendary Lotus Esprit, Elite and Eclat ranges, taking Lotus into the higher value market and introducing the brand to the glamour and sophistication of supercar territory.