Tag: Coy’s

ON THE BLOCK: Coy’s “True Greats” Christmas Sale Highlights Niki Lauda’s First F1 Car and Porsche 904/6 Carrera GTP

November 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

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With more than seventy cars going under the hammer, including Niki Lauda’s first F1 car and a huge number of cinema posters, Coys end of season ‘True Greats’ Christmas sale at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on December 2nd is likely to be a real blockbuster.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner at Coys, said: “We have an amazing number of interesting cars going under the hammer. It will be a truly unique opportunity for any serious collector to acquire some of the most spectacular cars available on the open market.”

The auction will feature three times World Champion Niki Lauda’s first F1 car. This iconic former Grand Prix March from the “Golden Era” was built in 1971 for Ronnie Peterson, who used it as his initial Works Team Car at Kylami, Monaco and the memorable Zandfort race. This then became his spare car after he took over the new 711 -6 chassis at the German Grand Prix of that year. It was at this time in 1971 that this car became the career opener for Niki Lauda when he started at Peterson’s team as the second works driver. It is estimated at £450,000 to £500,000.

The sale will also feature a 1964 Works Prototype Porsche 904/6 Carrera GTP, possibly one of the finest and most successful Porsches ever constructed. It kick started a program of racing cars, that would eventually result in the all-conquering 917. It also holds a unique spot in the manufacturer’s history as the last dual-purpose sports scar Porsche ever built. The car comes with a file containing letters from Porsche Works confirming 904-108`s works prototype history and pictures of its works participation at the 1965 Targa Florio. Immaculately presented, ready for use and running as it should, this is a world-class car for a world-class collection. It is estimated at £1,100,000 to £1,300,000.

A wonderful 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 6 C is also on offer. This is an early short nose example in excellent all round condition in its distinctive Giallo Fly, a colour that complements the 275’s lines beautifully. Mechanically, it is in outstanding condition, it boasts an interesting specification, proudly bearing the rare and desirable 6 carburettors. It is estimated at £1,100,000 to £1,400,000

Serious collectors or Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will find an example of one of the most desirable sports-coupes ever made, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. This exceptional car boasts a desirable original specification and retains its original engine. It is estimated at £950,000 to £1,100,000.

A 1936 Alvis Speed 20 Vanden Plas Tourer, ex Brooklands winning car and one of only six produced will be on sale, estimated at £110,000 to £130,000. This matching numbers car, with extensive pre and post war race history, is offered in its original factory specification. Finished in silver beige over black with a complementary and original beige interior, it is supplied with full VSCC and FIVA papers, which enable it to compete in many events worldwide. It is estimated at £90,000 to £110,000.

The auction will also feature a 1970 Renault Alpine A 110 Factory prototype “Group 4” with FIA papers, estimated at £190,000 to £ 220,000; a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux, estimated at £250,000 to £280,000; a beautiful and original 1948 MG TC, estimated at £20,000 to £25,000; and a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, estimated at £350,000 to 450,000.

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

July 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

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 12^th 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 11^th.

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 350^th 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 350^th 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 11^th 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 11^th 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.

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

May 20, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

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.

ON THE BLOCK: Keith Richards Ferrari Dino 246GT Offered with No Reserve at Coy’s Monaco

May 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT, first owned by the Rolling Stones rock star Keith Richards, is to be sold at no reserve at Coys’ auction in Monaco on Friday 9th May.

The Dino 246 is one of those rare examples that acquired the title of “collector’s car’ almost while still in production. It established itself rapidly as one of the ‘must have’ accessories of the 1970s and gained a fairly star-studded list of owners. This example on offer at Coys’ auction must represent one of the most starry as it was purchased new by the rock and roll legend Keith Richards in California in February 1972.

Already a connoisseur of fine cars by the time he took delivery of this car, Keith kept the Dino for fourteen years until 1986, and in this time he covered over 25,000 miles. He brought it to the UK in 1975 where it was registered to his address in Munro Terrace in Chelsea, London, and assigned the UK registration number GYL 157N.

Accompanying the car is a letter from the Rolling Stones’ manager Alan Dunn confirming Richards’ ownership and mileage up until April 1986. The car has since then spent an extended period in a prestigious Japanese collection.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner at Coys, said: “A Dino offered at no reserve is rare enough in itself and would make this is a highly desirable and collectible item in its own right, but when one adds to this proven long-term ownership by rock and roll aristocracy, the Keith Richards’s car has to be the ultimate Dino and will surely give any car collector and rock enthusiast a great ‘Satisfaction’!”

The sale will also feature a 1950 Cisitalia Abarth 204 A Spyder, driven by the legendary Italian motorcycle and race car driver Tazio Nuvolari on at least two occasions in 1950. First, he raced it in the April 2nd Targa Florio, where he was sidelined by transmission failure, and then a week later in the April 10th Palermo Monte Pellegrino hillclimb, where he brought it home first in the 1100cc class. This was the final race of Nuvolari’s overwhelmingly diverse and successful career.

This car is one of four two seat Cisitalia 204 A Spyder Corsas taken by Carlo Abarth, which were the basis of Abarth & Co. Srl. This car is Cisitalia chassis number 4 and is the last one built in Italy. It was then assigned chassis number 8 by Abarth in the sequence of 204 A’s built and is the first Abarth, documented by the original Certificate of Origin retained by a museum in Italy. The car is estimated at €1,400,000 to €1,800,000.

The 204 A was designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi with spare botticella style Spyder Corsa coachwork crafted by Carrozzeria Rocco Motto and adaptable to both formula competition and, with bumpers and lights added, as a road going sports car.

Chris Routledge said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the most serendipitous gathering of postwar racing and automobile personalities. A car with splendid appearance, impeccable history and tailored to the requirements of “The Flying Mantuan”, Tazio Nuvolari, by a master of Italian speed, Carlo Abarth. Likely to be one of the most historically important sport racing cars, this may be the only opportunity to acquire this icon at auction.”

For further details about this cars and other important lots for sale, please visit www.coys.co.uk

ON THE BLOCK: Au-Di – Princess Diana’s Audi Convertible at COYS Blenheim Palace Sale

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A 1994 2.5l Audi Quattro convertible once owned by Diana, Princess of Wales and to be auctioned by COYS at their traditional sale at Blenheim Palace on June 29th has gone on display in London at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel.

This Audi was the family car in which Diana, Princess of Wales was photographed in a number of occasions driving Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince Harry in 1994.

Chris Routledge, Managing Director of COYS, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Royal History. We have put a guide price on the car of between £20,000 and £25,000 but we have no idea what it will go for.“

He added: “Although we have not formally released the fact that the car was for sale until this press release we have already had enquiries from around the world and particularly from America.”

Claire Farrington, Partnership Manager of Grange Hotels, said: ”We are delighted that potential purchasers and the public will have a chance to see this iconic car on display at the Grange St. Paul’s which of course is just a few yards from St. Paul’s Cathedral which holds such an important place in the history of the British Royal family.”

The car is in immaculate condition and has only 21,000 miles on the clock. Visitors to the Hotel will also have the opportunity of leaving a sealed bid for the vehicle, which will then be given to the auctioneer at Blenheim. COYS and Grange Hotel are also planning a competition where the lucky winner will be driven in the car at the Blenheim auction, entertained to lunch and will then attend the auction.

ON THE BLOCK: Sir Elton John’s Ferrari 512 TR at Coy’s Spring Classics

March 8, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A Ferrari Testarossa formerly owned by Sir Elton John with only 2,100 miles on the clock is to be sold by international auction house COYS at their Spring Classics sale in London, next week.

The 512 Testarossa, which was purchased new by Sir Elton John, is one of 40 cars that will go under the hammer at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, on Tuesday March 12^th.

The car only covered a remarkable 1812 miles while in his ownership but was always subject to an annual service.

It is well known that Elton drove all 28 of the cars in his collection on a regular basis, and gave rides to many other dignitaries and celebrities before they were auctioned off by Christie’s in 2001. The 512 on offer here sold for £98,000 at the time and passed to its current owner.

Having covered a mere 2,100 miles from new, this 512 TR is still reported to be in pristine condition. Finished in the stunning Rosso Corsa with complementary beige interior, it comes with a complete service history and a letter of ownership authenticity from Sir Elton. Most recently this year it has been serviced at Meridian Ferrari – where it has had its cambelts replaced. This Ferrari is estimated at £90,000- £110,000.

Chris Routledge, the Managing Director of COYS said: “This must be the lowest mileage 512 TR available on the market today, with exceptional ownership provenance. With Ferrari prices continuing to rise, this car offers the opportunity for a real blue chip investment. Unique.”

The sale will also feature two Ferrari Dino’s, arguably one of the most beautiful Ferraris built to date. The first example is a 1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT, one of only 152 models produced, which was once owned by Canadian film director David Cronenberg and is estimated at £180,000 to £210,000. The second model is a 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS in the distinctive “French racing blue”, estimated at £170,000 to £180,000. This Ferraris are becoming one of the most sought after examples of this marque and would be a sensible investment for the future.

Another important collectors’ car going under the hammer includes a rare and exclusive 1974 E-Type Commemorative, one of the fifty special roadsters built to mark the end of the model’s production in 1974. This iconic Jaguar, with only 25,950 miles from new, is estimated at £115,000 to £135,000 and would be an unrepeatable opportunity to become a member of the most exclusive E-type club.

Additionally, in the year of the 100^th anniversary of the marque, the auction will feature a 1975 Aston Martin V8 estimated at £55,000 to £65,000. The car is finished in metallic blue with a blue hide interior and has been held in pristine, original and un-molested condition throughout. It even comes with an extensive service history and MoT certificates dating back to 1984.

COYS ‘Spring Classics’ auction will also include a general mix of pre and post war sports and touring cars. Further details will be published on the website – www.coys.co.uk.