Monday 31 August 2015

1980 SIMCA/TALBOT SUNBEAM LOTUS - LAP 63

SHOWROOM CLASSIC
FROM
LAP63 by Ludovic Parayre


1980 SIMCA/TALBOT SUNBEAM LOTUS
LEFT HAND DRIVE


 

"What happens when two visionary mavericks and innovators meet?

In July 1979, hot on the heels of Margaret Thatcher's May 3rd election victory, when the country was wondering how innovation and entrepreneurship would mould, change, destroy, and create the old into the new - for good or bad - a radical American called David Thieme turned up at Silverstone and asked how he could flag his motorsport interests around the track. And he was told, in no uncertain terms, that he couldn't "flag" them. Because all the flags were taken by the big boys already - but he could have a chat with the guys who sold the balloons - 10 foot diameter spherical balloons and blimps that could be erratic in Silverstone's notoriously windy climate.

Undeterred - Thieme was a man who, after all, had turned a design business specialising in jet interiors into a $300 million dollar fortune in just a few short years of networking with his powerful Middle Eastern clients - Essex Motorsport secured its presence just in time for the race. A race which occurred in unheard of glorious windless sunshine, flags drooping with a malaise of ego succumbing to a lesson in humility whilst the proud balloons floated firm and steady, emblazoned in the Essex Motorsport colours of blue, red and NASA space silver - so beloved of the Watkins Jackets of the late '70s - securing a PR coup for the brash newcomer.

The stage was set - Thieme enquired how he could fund a team rather than just a one-off event, and after discussions with Colin Chapman, our other visionary of this tale, Lotus Team Essex was born.

Today F1 hospitality - the Paddock Club in particular - is seen as an obligatory and commonplace part of high-level networking, or even a corporate reward for particularly diligent over-achievers. But until Essex Motorsport arrived on the scene, there was no strategic, consistent, and outcome-based structure to utilising the spectacle and thrills of F1 GPs to provide a backdrop to high-level entertaining. Most teams had some form of standard American motorhome for the drivers to use, Essex commissioned a triple decker with showers, a bar, and a briefing room - all firsts - and dining space for over 130, including the panoramic open-air top deck, during the races. And, if Bernie agreed a little extra space was available (not always a certainty!) - extra dining for several hundred more at trackside. 

No team before had their own season-long 3 Star Michelin Chef, Roger Vergé, who not only has the honour of being one of the joint creators of nouvelle cuisine before his adventures in F1, there was such mutual trust and respect between Vergé and Thieme that when the first hospitality manager was let go, Thieme entirely followed Vergé's advice in installing Julian Rivett - of aforementioned big balloon fame - in his place. Julian - who had inherited the family clothing business in Norfolk, grew it substantially via his associations with designers like Jeff Banks, but, having interests and ambitions to diverge further afield, became a charter-yacht operator in Portugal - given such a vote of confidence by the hugely respected Vergé, then proceeded to run the hospitality side on an almost 7 day a week basis, based in the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo when only a few months previous his bed had been a Portuguese beach with only the stars overhead as company.

The team quickly made a name as the hospitality and networking experts, with their specially commissioned Neoplan 3-tier bus emblazoned in team colours ensuring a highly visible presence on the circuits, and all that was needed was an authentic Lotus Team Essex VIP car to ferry the drivers from the airports to the tracks (Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti, Elio de Angelis, Carlos Reutemann - all have graced our car) and the VIPs to the events.

So you can see, this "little 140 mile per hour shopping car" (as the team affectionately called her) , has a life history a little like that of Terence Rattigan's delightful 1964 film "The Yellow Rolls-Royce" - the car is special enough, but the history of her associations with we squidgy things called humans makes her even more charming - from heroic and sadly tragic Elio de Angelis, even to the Mark Thatchers of our world. One passes not judgment - one merely observes and applauds our little car's full life.

Built to Italian specifications to fit in with life in Monte Carlo, plucked from the production line to be "Essexed" before being re-inserted and completed, then picked up by Julian Rivett on export plates from a wet and cold Hethel in 1980, the sheer power and lightness of the car led her into numerous entertaining twitches and spins on her maiden journey to the South of France  - and he didn't let her go for over 30 years so in love did he become, even though his own F1 foray concluded the same time as Team Essex's, 1982, amid rumours of skulduggery by Swiss bankers towards the ingenious, inventive, risk-taking and ultimately unlucky David Thieme*.

So, to answer our opening question - what does happen when two visionary mavericks and innovators meet?
Well, history groans and creaks a low, rumbling applause. And then she turns completely to her next chosen ones.
We are all in the gutter it is true, but some of us are wearing silver Watkins Jackets and looking at the stars.

*For an even greater insight into David Thieme, please consult "The Risk Takers" by Jeffrey Robinson.


 

MORE IMAGES AVAILABLE AT:


HOLLAND PARK, LONDON, W14
E-Mail: lap@ludovicparayre.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 3589 6666



Saturday 29 August 2015

1968 LAMBORGHINI 400GT - JD CLASSICS

OUR SHOWROOM STAR TODAY
FROM

1968 LAMBORGHINI 400GT

Lamborghini 400 GT, RHD. Grigio St Vincent with Red interior. Matching numbers. 1 of only 4 right hand drive examples produced out of a total of 249 cars built. Total bare metal restoration by UK leading specialist including full engine rebuild with photographic record. 3 owners since new, 1st owner for over 30 years. Extensive history file & old style log book. A very rare and desirable example of a Lamborghini GT. Please contact us for further details.






JD Classics Mayfair
26-28 Mount Row
Mayfair
London, W1K 3SQ

PHONE: +44 (0)20 7125 1400

Friday 28 August 2015

1961 FORD ZEPHYR Mk II FARNHAM ESTATE BY: E.D ABBOT COACHBUILDERS - PERCIVAL MOTORS

Our Classic of the Day comes from one of our regular dealers in the shape of

Please note: Percival Motors are closed for their annual break until 
Tuesday 1st September 2015

1961 FORD ZEPHYR Mk II
FARNHAM ESTATE
BY: E.D ABBOT COACHBUILDERS

FordZephyrEstate693CXCshowroom

This rare and interesting Zephyr Estate has been owned by the last enthusiast for over thirty years. Sixteen years ago he commissioned a full bodywork restoration and an engine refresh by John and Brian at Classic Car Services near Maidstone who have restored many Mk11s. There is a photographic record of this.
The car remains in beautiful condition inside and out. 
It is fitted with a 2.6 litre, six cylinder engine mated to a three speed manual gearbox with an overdrive. It has a detailed engine, a redio cassette player, new chrome and it retains its original registration number.
A very rare and usable Ford which would look lovely criusing through the countryside or parked at Goodwood.
FURTHER IMAGES CAN BE VIEWED AT:
Percival Motor Company. The Old Forge, Pye Corner, Ulcombe, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1EH
Tel: 01622 851841    Email: contact us
Opening Hours  Monday-Friday 9am - 5.30pm    Saturdays 9am - 1.00pm
All major credit and debit cards accepted Credit Card Logos

Thursday 27 August 2015

1986 PORSCHE 930 TURBO SE FLACHBAU - COYS AUCTIONS 06-09-15

CLASSIC OF THE DAY
COMING TO AUCTION PART 2
FROM

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1986 PORSCHE 930 TURBO SE FLACHBAU

ONE OF 48 RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS
ONE OWNER FROM NEW

114 - 1986 Porsche 930 Turbo SE Flachbau  One owner from New.
Estimate: £75,000 - £95,000
Registration Number: UK Registered
Chassis Number: WPOZZZ93ZG5001154
“It offers the finest blend of ultimate performance and refinement I have ever come across...” – Paul Frère on the Porsche 911 Turbo.
What set the 911 Turbo apart from its peers was the relaxed way this stupefying performance was delivered. Comparing the Turbo to similarly quick 'he-man' cars, such as the Holman & Moody-tuned Cobra 427 and the Ford GT40, Motor's Roger Bell reckoned what made the Porsche so different was that it “hurls you forward with similar velocity but in an uncannily quiet and effortless way. To be shoved so hard in the back that you need high-back seats to keep your head on, yet neither to feel nor hear anything more than a muffled hum, is a very odd sensation indeed in a car.”
The Turbo's characteristic flared wheel arches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model, while the interior was the most luxurious yet in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. For 1978, the Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3 litres, gaining an inter-cooler in the process; power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 160mph.
This car is one of the factory “special wishes” range from the mid-1980s era to celebrate the racing heritage of the 935 (Moby Dick) Le Mans cars from that time. From the 948 cars produced between 1983 and 1989, this is one of 49 Right-hand Drive examples, of which even fewer were delivered new in Guards Red.
The car was produced as a limited production run by Porsche for 18 months between 1986 and 1987. The car on offer today was ordered via a dealer in Switzerland in 1986, bound for a client in South Africa. The client at the time changed his mind and wanted a Lamborghini. The vendor had just taken delivery of his new Lamborghini in the UK, when the dealer phoned him and asked if it was for sale. He subsequently took the Lamborghini to Switzerland and fell in love with the Porsche sitting in his showroom, which at the time was unregistered. The exchange was completed and the Porsche was shipped to the UK.
The vendor has owned the car from new, it has however been registered to himself, his company and his son, Edward. Despite this it has stayed in his possession all of its life, and is offered with its original registration number D294 ALR.
The car was maintained in its early life by Swinford Motors Porsche dealer (Stourbridge), then by Wildcat Racing (Birmingham) during the mid-90s, and subsequently by Porscheshop from 2000 to date.

In 2002, the front lower spoiler valance was replaced due to delaminating, this is the only none original body panel on the vehicle, and is a high quality, identical replacement to the original part. As you would expect with a cherished one owner car, the general appearance is very good indeed!

Mechanically, the car is good condition; in 2003 Porscheshop serviced the camshafts replacing the oil feed tubes and reconditioned the starter motor. The car's original matching numbers engine has covered just 69,500 miles.

Looking period correct with color-coded Fuchs wheels, this largely original 930 Turbo will no doubt continue to thrill and excite. The experience at the wheel of this beast will provide the closest thing to a time machine, taking you back to an era when electric nannies like stability control were barely wisps in the burnt rubber emanating from this Turbo's massive rear tyres.
The Flachbau is a model currently very much in vogue for the automotive collector - offered with a highly realistic reserve, chassis 001154 provides a unique chance to be the second custodian of this rare and beautiful 1980s supercar.
For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact our sales department

114 - 1986 Porsche 930 Turbo SE Flachbau  One owner from New.

114 - 1986 Porsche 930 Turbo SE Flachbau  One owner from New.


Wednesday 26 August 2015

1988 TVR 2.8 S1 CONVERTIBLE - GASOLINE ALLEY

FROM THE SHOWROOM
OF
Gasoline Alley logo

01274 561098


TVR 2.8 S1 convertible

1988 TVR 2.8 S1 CONVERTIBLE

1988 TVR 2.8 S1 Convertible (No 9 of 20 made as a S1 run out Ltd edition) Finished in Signal Red with Grey Leather Interior piped red, polished OZ alloys, Quaife 5 speed Manual Gearbox and stainless exhaust The car has a speedometer reading of 44,500 miles which is believed to be correct and ties in with its extensive history file. Long MOT. The car also has a Radio CD player Why? the exhaust is like music to my ears!
The Convertible S range was introduced as an entry level traditional sports car, specifically aimed at those who thought TVRs had grown too fast, too furious and too expensive. Pitched 30% cheaper than the 350i, they found a ready market. Early versions used the same Ford 2.8-litre Cologne V6 .Performance, 0-60mph: 7.6secs, Top speed: 128mph, Power: 160bhp, Torque: 162lb/ft, MPG: 27mpg.
These cars are great fun to drive and excellent value.
Price: £6,750


MORE IMAGES AVAILABLE AT:

Contact Us

Please get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you find the right car.



Gasoline Alley
Stanley Mills
Whitley Street
Bingley
BD16 4JH
West Yorks
Registered in England.
Company Registration Number:

By Telephone

01274 561098
07798 768676

By Fax

01274 561098

By Email

Opening Hours

Viewing by prior appointment


Thursday 20 August 2015

1955 SERIES 1 LAND ROVER - RUMSEY SPECIAL - Vintage & Prestige

FROM THE SHOWROOM 
OF
Vintage Rolls Royce Cars

With Land Rover extending the life of the Defender the legend will continue just a little longer.
So to celebrate we found this little beauty.

1955 Series 1 Land Rover - Rumsey Special

1955 SERIES 1 LAND ROVER - RUMSEY SPECIAL


Registration number: 436 UYE

This Land Rover is truly great fun! Engage the aircraft toggle switches to on, press the starter button and the 3.5 ltr V8 engine will burble to life, feel the smile widen across your face!!

This is a totally unique 1955 Series 1 Land Rover, there is nothing like this on the road today. The vehicle is also known as a Rumsey Special after the late Mark Rumsey, a well-known Land Rover enthusiast who spent an estimated £25,000 restoring this vehicle.

The vehicle is fitted with a 1990s Range Rover (Buick) 3.5ltr V8 engine and gearbox that runs beautifully. The sound this engine makes is fantastic and turns many heads! It is shod with 4 good Land Rover Wolf tyres, which are reputed to best off road tyres available. The vehicle also has high and low range selector as well as diff lock. 

The vehicle is not subject to an MOT, however the previous owner carried one out, which expires at the end of December. There is also zero road fund license on this vehicle.

In approx. 2011 the vehicle underwent a complete restoration, where the engine and the body were overhauled. In the last 6 months the vehicle has had a new radiator, larger uprated brakes/ discs, starter motor, wax oil to the chassis and a tune. The Rumsey was the subject of a multi page article in Land Rover International, where its uniqueness can be verified.

This Land Rover is a great vehicle to drive and has attracted much attention.

1955 Series 1 Land Rover - Rumsey Special



1955 Series 1 Land Rover - Rumsey Special


1955 Series 1 Land Rover - Rumsey Special

1955 Series 1 Land Rover - Rumsey Special

Office 01442 236711

Richard Biddulph 07967 260 673
Adi 07960 781 930
Charlie 07808 178 863

We accept Credit/Debit Cards.
Part Exchange welcome.
Weekend & evening viewings OK.
Viewings by appointment:

Prestige House.
9 Globe Industrial Estate,
Grays, Essex, RM17 6ST

Wednesday 19 August 2015

1975 BMW 1502 (2002 SERIES) - OLD COLONEL CARS

FROM THE SHOWROOM
OF
OLD COLONEL CARS


1975 BMW 1502 (2002 SERIES)

EXCELLENT EXAMPLE

LAST OWNER 22 YEARS

VERY RARE CAR

 A 1975 EXAMPLE
JERSEY CAR FROM NEW
LAST OWNER 22 YEARS
A VERY RARE CAR – ONLY HANDFUL RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS REGISTERED 
VERY UNUSUAL TO HAVE FACTORY SUNROOF
EXCELLENT SOLID EXAMPLE
EXCELLENT TO DRIVE – STARTS ON BUTTON – NO SMOKE – VERY LIGHT AND EXCELLENT VISION – A VERY RELAXING CAR
EXCELLENT CHROME WORK
UNMARKED ALLOYS WITH MATCHING TYRES
PERFECT FOR COLLECTION AND SUMMER SHOWS
BEST IN CLASS AT BMW CLUB SHOW GAYDON 2013
WILL COME ON UK PLATES AND WITH YEARS MOT


Here we have a beautiful example of a 1975 BMW 02. This example if one of the last batch of cars, the 1502. These cars were built with the same body shells as the 2002’s , but fitted with the 1573 cc 4 cylinder engine mated to a manual gearbox. This engine makes an excellent choice for a usable classic, as the engine provides ample performance in this light body. Also these cars are really simple to look after and maintain, the engines have an excellent reputation for reliability.
Finished in one of the best 02 colours, Pastal Blue this car looks stunning. Everywhere you take this car people stop and come over to look and talk. The paintwork has a lovely deep shine and everybody loves this classic shape. Its such a rare sight on our roads and only a handful are in regular use. This is an excellent solid car throughout, all arches are solid, bottom of doors etc. Underneath this car is just as good, the sills, jacking points, floor pan are all in lovely condition. This lovely condition continues to the chrome work and the alloys are unmarked. Open the boot, lift the bonnets, again its all in lovely condition, all solid throughout.
This car has been owned and cared for by its last owner for 22 years. Its always been a Jersey car, built in 1975, supplied in March 1976, now having covered around 87,000 Miles. This owner was a true enthusiast, always looking after and maintaining his car correctly. For parts he either used BMW themselves or well know UK BMW specialists like Jaymic or Linwar Motors. We have a folder full of receipts showing lots of the wear and tear items have been replaced along with receipts for regular servicing work. Looking through this I can see that in the last 2 years this car has been treated to a complete brake overhaul on top of the normal servicing.
I cant stress enough how well this car drives. It starts on the button with no smoke. The gearbox and clutch are a delight, the 4 speed gearbox providing plenty of performance with this 1.6 engine. Lovely light steering, no knocks or bangs from the suspension and the brakes work a treat. I have really enjoyed driving this example. I think the reason its drives so well is that its always been used regularly. The last owner took it to lots of shows, winning many awards, the latest being best in class at the BMW show at Gaydon, 2013. These trips included many long distance trips back to the UK for the big BMW club meets and touring holidays.
If you are looking for a usable classic BMW, thats easy to service and maintain, you cant go far wrong with this car.
It will come with a YEARS Mot and will come with all the UK documents if sold into the UK.





Viewings are strictly by appointment only. Viewings are possible at two sites
Please ring or email to make an appointment to view, we will then give you full directions. Try and give as much notice as you can, as we like to see customers one at a time and give them plenty of time to view the car. If you call up at short notice we may not be able to accommodate you.

MON 9.30 to 5.30
TUE 9.30 to 5.30
Closed Wednesdays
THU 9.30 to 5.30
FRI 9.30 to 5.30
SAT 9.00 to 12.30pm
Closed Sundays

Tuesday 18 August 2015

1973 LAMBORGHINI JARAMA S European Version 1 of 150 - The Gallery Brummen

OUR CLASSIC OF THE DAY
FROM THE SHOWROOM OF
The Gallery 
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1973 LAMBORGHINI JARAMA S
European Version 1 of 150

Unique! This is a rare Lamborghini Jarama S! This example comes from third owner with only 61000 km original. There are 328 Jarama's built of which only 152 original S. The S version features the famous 365 BHP V12 engine. European version with air conditioning five speed gearbox and Matching Numbers. Body very solid and straight, beautiful design, technically good and perfectly working/driving. A true collector’s Item! Further information on request.Over 350 Classic and sportscars in stock. More information and photos on www.thegallerybrummen.nl. Or contact us by phone: 0031-575-564055
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MORE IMAGES AVAILABLE AT:

Contact

Address:
Arnhemsestraat 47  
6971 AP Brummen  
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)575 56 40 55  
Fax: +31 (0)575 56 47 67  

Opened:
Monday to friday 09.00 am - 5.30 pm
Saturday from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

Every 1st sunday of the month
from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

Monday 17 August 2015

1934 JAGUAR SS1 - Joe Macari

FROM THE SHOWROOM
OF

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1934 JAGUAR SS1
We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer this 1934 Jaguar SS1 16hp 6 cylinder with matching numbers.
Built by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, who later became Jaguar, the SS1 was first presented to the public at the 1931 London Motor Show. Despite not being blisteringly quick, these British two-door sports saloons became adored on account of their extremely elegant styling and Art Deco inspired trim, which was designed by W.Lyons himself. The model became a runaway success because of its sinister but sexy coach-worked appearance and because, at the very competitive price of £340, S.S Cars were selling a lot of car for the money; they most likely had to as potential customers were no doubt feeling the pinch of the Great Depression.
Interestingly, the engine featured a 106mm stroke, which is a dimension that all the successive SS models and nearly all future Jaguar 6 cylinder cars would have until the 1980s.
This stunning vehicle has just enjoyed a thorough restoration and is supplied with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate which confirms it as a RHD UK example manufactured in June 1934 and delivered to Sussex.
The SS1 sits in absolutely perfect condition and is the only SS1 produced in this striking colour combination; a perfect companion for a concours, tour or rally, representing also an extremely rare opportunity to own a stylish piece of automotive and Jaguar history.
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South West London Showroom

Tel:+44 (0)20 8870 9007
Email:
Address:      

249-251 Merton Road,
London, 
SW18 5EB