The 2018 Dowsetts Comet by Ant Anstead – a one-off design to be offered at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale

Classic Cars, On The Block

• 2018 Dowsetts Comet in Porsche Crayon Grey
• Remarkable one-off designed by Ant Anstead and his team at Dowsetts Classic Cars
• Offered at The NEC Classic Motor Show Saturday 13^th – Sunday 14^th November 2021

Silverstone Auctions return to The NEC Classic Motor Show for the 10^th year as the official auction partner for this iconic classic car show event.

This long-standing partnership has seen the auction house achieve outstanding results year after year.

The catalogue for Silverstone Auctions final sale of 2021 at the NEC is now open for early entries and they already have a number of exceptional classic cars confirmed including this 2018 Dowsetts Comet.

Having covered only 2,500 miles, the Comet is built around a steel spaceframe chassis which is clothed in GRP reinforced with Kevlar to create a shell that is strong yet light and is looking unique with classic lines of sports racers from the fifties and early sixties without becoming a pastiche of any one model.

Finished in Porsche Crayon Grey, the red quilted leather interior of this car reflects how thought about and special the car truly is. Full harnesses, white-faced dials, a Moto-Lita wheel, turned aluminium short-throw gear lever, satin-finished stainless details, and embossed leather – truly impressive.

This is a special opportunity to acquire a remarkable one-off designed car by Ant Anstead and his team at Dowsetts Classic Car Company. This is the new trading name of the company formerly known as Evanta; whose superbly built creations Silverstone Auctions have been privileged to sell in the past.

Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are delighted to be back as the official auction partner for this event and what a truly delightful and special example to be offered. We are now encouraging early entries, so don’t miss your chance to submit your car next to this remarkable Comet.”

The UK market leader classic car auction house are now inviting exceptional and quality consignments with a number of cars, motorcycles and automobilia already confirmed for the sale. You can view their rapidly growing lot lists on their website.

If you are interested in submitting your best of breed car, motorcycle or piece of automobilia, their team of experts can be contacted on 01926 691141or by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com.

2021 AUCTIONS
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12^th – 14^th November

ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.

We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.

In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.

At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.

We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.

Restored classics and those from long-term ownership confirmed for The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show Sale this weekend

Classic Cars, On The Block

• A truly fabulous example of the 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 SSE Coupe from long term ownership
• 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth offered from 30 years of current ownership
• A freshly restored 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe
• 1989 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible with just one owner from new

The catalogue for Classic Car Auctions (CCA) forthcoming sale has a fantastic line up; with 130 cars, including a number of restored classics as well as those from long-term ownership.

The auction, The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale 2021, is taking place at Stoneleigh Park this Saturday, on 25^th September. One of the stand-out entries is a truly fabulous 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 SSE Coupe which has been owned by the vendor for an incredible 32 years. The UK-supplied example is smartly presented in Black with a grey leather pinstripe cloth interior and has just over 70,000 miles on the clock – estimated at £70,000 – 80,000.

Also offered from significantly long-term ownership is this 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, which has been with the vendor for the past 30 years. Classically finished in Diamond White with a grey cloth Recaro interior, it has been sympathetically upgraded with a full Scorpion stainless exhaust, a Stage 1 remap and upgraded turbo actuator with the work carried out by Brooklyn Ford’s RS Department. The 65,000-odometer reading is supported by a large history file and this modern classic is estimated at £50,000 – 60,000.

Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are delighted to welcome bidders into the auction hall here at Stoneleigh Park from Wednesday 22^nd, through to the morning of the auction on the 25^th. This is a fantastic opportunity to view and inspect any cars or interest as well as their all-important history files. We have put together another fantastic catalogue of cars and if you can’t join us in person, we are still offering online and telephone bidding – so you can bid from anywhere in the world.”

A number of Jaguars will cross the block on Saturday, including this freshly restored 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe. Factory finished in Pale Primrose; it has recently benefited from a photo-documented ground-up restoration. Estimated at £45,000 – 50,000, the standard of work is superb, with a smart black interior and an immaculate engine bay.

This 1989 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible will be offered for sale from its sole owner from new; supplied new to them on 29^th September 1989! Finished in Westminster Blue over Oatmeal leather, this much-loved car has had investment over the years, including work by marque specialists, Swallows. Estimated at £23,000 – 26,000, this car’s story was told in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Magazine in October 2018.

Bidding for the sale can be done in the auction hall in person at Stoneleigh Park, or alternatively from home via phone, online or commission. To register to bid, contact Classic Car Auctions on 01926 640888 or email bid@classiccarauctions.co.uk prior to the auction day.

Images
1986 Porsche 911 3.2 SSE Coupe
1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe
1989 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible

Forthcoming Auctions
Saturday 25^th September – The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale
Saturday 11^th December – The December Sale

Links
Website: http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/classiccarauc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccarauc

About Classic Car Auctions (CCA)
Classic Car Auctions (CCA) is a specialist auction house for the sale of ‘Everyman’ classic cars; offering enthusiasts the opportunity to buy an impressive selection of iconic classic cars from across the eras.

Created in 2015 by the highly respected team from Silverstone Auctions and now an established business itself; we have a consistent sales rate of over 75% for the last three years and have proudly sold over £15,000,000 worth of cars during the same period. 

The majority of our sales are held in and around Warwickshire. Here our sales average a total of £1.5 million, with hundreds of dedicated buyers attending the one-day sale of approximately 150 cars each time. We are also established at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show which is held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, where we have been the official auction partner for the last three years. 

At CCA our aim is to make buying and selling a classic car as easy and as straight-forward as possible. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable classic car specialists will provide sellers with honest and realistic estimates, combined with worldwide marketing and well-presented sale days which will help your car achieve a great price. We offer buyers a fantastic selection of affordable classic cars presented with extensive information and detailed condition reports along with low buyer’s fees.

If you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic car with Classic Car Auctions, call us today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk.

Silverstone Auctions return to the NEC Classic Motor Show for their tenth year and introduce a dedicated motorcycle sale for the show

Classic Cars, On The Block

• The 2021 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be Silverstone Auctions tenth year as the official auction partner
• This will be their first year which includes a dedicated motorcycle auction alongside a two-day classic car sale
• Early motorcycle consignments include a 1950 Vincent Series ‘C’ Rapide in outstanding condition
• A 1939 Brough Superior SS80 with Alpine ‘Petrol Tube’ Sidecar, a true rarity to come to market
• A 1921 Triumph Model H 550cc which has had the same ownership since 1968
• A 1978 Harley Davidson SX125 with just 712 miles from new

Silverstone Auctions are returning to The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, for their tenth year as the official auction partner for the popular motoring event.

Taking place on the weekend of the 12^th – 14^th November, a dedicated motorcycle sale will take place on Friday 12^th, followed by their classic car and automobilia sales on the Saturday and Sunday (13^th – 14^th).

The motorcycle sale is a new addition for the 2021 event at the NEC, this follows the introduction of the motorcycle department within Silverstone Auctions earlier this year – which has already seen a successful sales rate of over 70%. A number of historic and collectable motorcycles are already confirmed for the auction, including this 1950 Vincent Series ‘C’ Rapide. With matching-numbers, this Series ‘C’ Rapide has a known history from new and still remains in outstanding condition. This bike had a lengthy feature in Classic Bike 2013 which is included within the history file. Ready to grace any serious collection, it is sensibly guided at £35,000 – £45,000.

Another bike confirmed in the catalogue is this 1939 Brough Superior SS80 with Alpine ‘Petrol Tube’ Sidecar. This outstanding and desirable example is possibly the most complete and original Brough Superior Combination ever to be offered at auction. This distinctive motorcycle has a known history from day one and is a true rarity which is rarely seen on the open market. Estimated at £50,000 – £60,000.

Mark Bryan, motorcyclist specialist for Silverstone Auctions added “We already have a number of unrepeatable examples for our debut motorcycle sale at the NEC. Bikes play a huge part in the wider event so it is fitting that we can now offer clients an opportunity to sell (and buy) at this classic event. If you are interested in submitting your bike, you can join the catalogue next to some truly superb examples with great provenance.”

Well-presented and crossing the block on the 12th is this 1921 Triumph Model H 550cc. This bike has been in the same family ownership since 1968 and has had an older restoration which has aged really well. With correct numbers, it is a great Banbury Run machine and is complete with its old RF60 Buff Logbook. Silverstone Auctions have sensibly guided this bike at £10,000 – £12,000.

This garage find 1978 Harley-Davidson SX125 has covered just 712 miles from new! Built by Harley’s former Italian subsidiary, Aermacchi, it is remarkably original and unrestored – having been with the same owner until the start of this year. From the last year of production, this is a rare bike and is estimated at £4,000 – £5,000.

If you are interested in submitting your classic car, collector motorcycle or piece of automobilia, the auction house are inviting you to join their already fabulous lot list for the sale. To talk to a member of their expert team, you can email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or contact them on 01926 691141. Tickets for the Classic Motor Show are currently available by visiting their website here.

IMAGES

1950 Vincent Series ‘C’ Rapide
1939 Brough Superior SS80 with Alpine ‘Petrol Tube’ Sidecar
1921 Triumph Model H 550cc
1978 Harley Davidson SX125

For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below

2021 AUCTIONS

The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12^th – 14^th November

The final production Ace of Spades, unfinished and offered directly by former Lea-Francis owner, Barrie Price

Classic Cars, On The Block

• CCA’s forthcoming sale will see chassis #5506, the final Lea-Francis production car, go under the hammer
• Offered directly from former Lea-Francis owner, Barrie Price
• The rare car had its build suspended in 1990 and as it was never recommenced, the car is unfinished
• To be offered late September, without reserve, at Stoneleigh Park

Classic Car Auctions (CCA) next sale will see a hugely rare car form part of the catalogue, the final production Ace of Spades which remains unfinished and is offered directly from the former Lea-Francis Cars Ltd owner, Barrie Price.

Mr Price, a Midlands engineer and entrepreneur, purchased the company in 1962 and in 1980 he and his friend, the late Peter Engelbach, decided to produce a new car and launched the distinctive ‘3-litre Sports’ using a ladder-type box-section chassis frame, with a hand-crafted aluminium body. At the 1992 Motor Show a longer version was shown, which revived the name Ace of Spades. 

Five Ace of Spades were built to order in either short or long chassis configuration. The car offered here by CCA is the sixth and final example, chassis #5506. Its build was suspended in 1990 and therefore has remained unfinished its entire life. Accompanying the car is a letter of provenance from Mr Price which details his intentions to sell the car, as well as a fitted brass plaque which confirms the chassis and engine numbers.

Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented: “This is a rare opportunity, and we are delighted to offer chassis #5506 on behalf of Mr Price in our Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show Sale. Whilst the car requires a degree of work, finishing it is both exciting and special as it is one of just six!”.

Significantly, the Ace of Spades will be offered without reserve, on Saturday 25^th September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The CCA website not only details a series of photographs but a video from David Harper to which focuses on the car as well as featuring Mr Price too.

There are many more examples now live on Classic Car Auctions website now. To submit an entry alongside this one, please contact Classic Car Auctions today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk to ensure you don’t miss out.

Images

1990 Lea-Francis Ace of Spades

Forthcoming Auctions
Saturday 25^th September – The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale
Saturday 11^th December – The December Sale

Links
Website: http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/classiccarauc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccarauc

Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars offers winning bidder the chance to be on television with its restored Lotus Esprit Series 1

Classic Cars, On The Block

• A rare 1976 Lotus Esprit Series 1 restored by the TV show, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars is due to be auctioned Car & Classic’s online-only platform next week
• Freshly restored and not yet fully run in, the winning bidder has the option to take delivery of the car on the leading enthusiast car programme
• One of 15 right-hand drive examples to leave the Hethel factory in Colorado Orange, presenting duo Paul Cowland and Drew Pritchard have worked with leading restorers to keep the Esprit’s original specification including its bright tartan interior
• Its original engine and gearbox have all been refreshed, with the car having done less than 500 miles since its in-depth restoration
• Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars is now in its 6th series and has worked with Car & Classic previously to auction its rebuilt, low-mileage Citroën DS 21 earlier this year
• Auction starts at 5pm BST on 3^rd September, running for seven days online
• www.carandclassic.co.uk/auctions

Car & Classic is offering the ultimate Lotus for enthusiasts of the brand, as it brings a 1976 Lotus Esprit Series 1 restored by Salvage Hunters:

Classic Cars to its online-only auction site this week; and provides the winning bidder the chance to be on the TV show to collect it. Finished in rare original factory colour combination of Colorado Orange with a striking Seventies tartan interior, the restoration was initiated by Lotus enthusiast, Matthew Oxley, and was finally completed under the guidance of Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars’ Paul Cowland and Drew Pritchard with support from other key specialists.

The Lotus Esprit is one of the most iconic models from the well-known British sportscar manufacturer. A hit with James Bond and appearing in other films such as Basic Instinct and Pretty Woman, this Lotus Esprit is the latest screen star, to be broadcast on Quest in early 2022 and available on Discovery+, as the latest project the renowned Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars team has embarked upon.

It is now available to buy, via online auction on Car & Classic, direct from the production team, with the option for the winning bidder to take delivery of their new Lotus on the TV show. The early Lotus Esprit Series 1 found its way to Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars in an unorthodox way as it was delivered by its previous owner, Lotus enthusiast and skilled mechanic Matthew Oxley, as a box of bits. Matthew, who started the restoration and had completed a suspension and engine rebuild, sold this special early Lotus Esprit direct to the Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars team to put it back together, piece by piece.

With any fresh, body-off restoration, especially one that was essentially in boxes, they looked at what they had, what had already been restored and what needed work. Starting with the body, which was in excellent condition and free of the typical stress cracks and trapped moisture that can affect glass fibre, they handed it over to SMS Autospray, specialists in fibreglass work, who expertly repainted the car in its original colour. The factory finish was assured thanks to the team carefully applying all original-specification Esprit decals along with the Lotus badges and plaques. It even created reproductions of the number plates in the original style at the time of construction.

For its incredible tartan interior, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars turned to none other than Steve Fulcher of Fulcher Coach trimmers to help recreate the exacting and desirable period look and feel. Trimmed in a stunning orange with green and red tartan, the interior of this Lotus Esprit Series 1 looks impeccable and fitting of a late-Seventies car.

Adding to Matthew Oxley’s work on the engine and suspension, the Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars presenters asked Matthew to continue where he left off and he painstakingly restored the five-speed manual gearbox to factory-correct specification. Having done less than the 500 miles of ‘run in’ on the engine and transmission, Matthew has said that he would be able to be on hand to help the new owner to ensure the running in goes smoothly and that any adjustments or changes are done correctly, too.

Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic said: “We rarely see such beautifully restored vehicles to their original specification. This is perhaps one of – if not, the finest examples of the Lotus Esprit Series 1 available to purchase. The time, effort and money that has gone into this vehicle restoration is truly incredible, so much so that that it could be part of a museum exhibition! We are very excited for its new owner, whoever they may be and hope to see them collect the car on the Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars TV show.”

The online-only auction for the Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars Lotus Esprit Series 1 starts on 3^rd September at 5pm (BST) and ends 10^th September at 5pm (BST).