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Classic Car Weekly – 17 March 2021

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Classic Car Weekly – 24 February 2021

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CLASSIC CAR WEEKLY – 3 FEBRUARY 2021

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CLASSIC CAR WEEKLY – 13 JANUARY 2021

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The perfect weather for a Stag, and no signs of any overheating, either…

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Triumph Stag clocks up 225,000 miles

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17-mile Mini up for grabs

Iconic Auctioneers is to offer the first of two special TVR T350 Cs built for the 2002 British Motor Show at its Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic & Classic Cars at Sywell Aerodrome on 18 May with a guide price of £30-35k.

Iconic said that car number one is ‘One the rarest TVRs ever produced’ because TVR chairman Peter Wheeler commissioned it with a 4.0-litre Speed Six engine, giving it more power than later production cars.

### 'It’s a modern classic from the end of British sports car history'

Iconic Auctioneers’ classic car specialist, Arwel Richards,​​​​ told CCW: ‘We’ve confirmed this as the first T350 and it is listed as the Motor Show car in the TVR factory build sheets. This is not just a special car – it is perhaps the last modern sports car to be launched in such a uniquely British way. It’s a modern classic from the end of British sports car history.

‘TVR Engineering owned the car – badged as a 350C and used as a press car – for the first three years and it was subsequently bought by a dealer. Our vendor is the third private keeper. It has excellent service history and is complemented by a documented engine re-build at 56,000 miles’. Chris Frear

:a[www.iconicauctioneers.com]{href='http://www.iconicauctioneers.com' }

Motor show TVR on the market

Brian Millington bought his Triumph Stag 17 years ago when it had 102,000 miles on the odometer. He and the car have since covered an additional 123,000 miles together, bringing its mileage to 225,000.

Brian told CCW: ‘I’ve never owned a modern car in nearly 40 years of driving; they just do nothing for me. Before the Stag, my daily driver was a Triumph 2.5 PI estate. Before that it was a 2.5 PI saloon, and before that a Triumph 2000 MkI. My first car was a Herald 1200.’

### ‘I've driven here on 40-degree days and it has coped superb'

Brian took took his two Stags with him when he emigrated to western Australia in 2018 but maintaining a British classic there hasn’t been easy. The local auto store can get him consumables such as oil and oil filters but he occasionally has to get parts shipped over from UK via a couple of Triumph specialists 90 minutes’ drive away in Perth. ‘I've driven here on 40-degree days and it has coped superbly though aircon would be nice on days like that!

‘I would like to do some travelling around Western Australia and take it north to the desert areas, which I think would be amazing. Ultimately I'd like to cross the Nullabor Plain in it.’ **Chris Frear**

Manor Park Classics’ 25 May sale in Runcorn, Cheshire will feature a Mini which has just 17 miles on it.

Manor Park Classics said of the special edition 30 model, first registered on 10 October 1989: ‘It is as-new and has recently been recommissioned, complete with a fresh MoT.

## 'The factory stickers are still in the windows'

‘The car would appear to be totally original with all of the correct Mini 30 features and fittings. The factory stickers are still in the windows, as is the factory sticker on the passenger seat.

‘We also have the Mini 30 book that came with the car when new, together with the original book pack, security code, rear view mirror hanger, dealer correspondence with the first owner and the original invoice for £4885.

‘This represents a fantastic one-off opportunity to buy possibly one of the rarest and best Austin Mini 30s available at the present time.’

The pre-sale estimate for this unique lot is £20,000-22,000.

:a[www.manorparkclassics.com]{href='http://www.manorparkclassics.com' }

It’s been another busy week for CCW, we’ve spoken with the Transport Secretary, celebrated Stirling Moss, grilled Paul Cowland, looked back on four decades of the Peugeot 205 GTi and picked up yet another Allegro. But it’s a Vanden Plas this time.

There’s plenty to enjoy in the latest issue as well as the usual spreads of news, reviews, expert opinions, auctions, events and of course, the crossword!

Be sure to pick up your latest copy today!

Don't want to miss an issue? Why not subscribe to Classic Car Weekly today? Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-car-weekly?utm_source=classiccarweekly.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classiccarweekly&amp;utm_content=promo_new_issue_post' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}.

It has just been announced that Alastair Moffatt from Stunt Drive UK will be running two performances a day at the inaugural Inter-club International Weekend at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on 28-30 June.

The CCW-supported not-for-profit event aims to provide a festival where all car clubs can celebrate classics together, in response to the rising costs faced by individual clubs for rallies. More than 40 clubs have so far confirmed their attendance.

Alastair’s ‘Italian Job’-themed stunt show featuring classic Minis boasts fun and precision in equal measure. Alastair, who currently holds nine Guinness World Records for precision driving and is the reigning British Autotest Champion, will be performing within the Motorsport Zone at the Inter-club Weekend where AutoTest competitors will also get a chance to enter any car for a taster session in grassroots historic motor sport.

:a[www.interclubweekend.com]{href='http://www.interclubweekend.com' }

Stunt show set for Inter-Club

Auction house Historics is to sell a 1995 Aston Martin DB7 with just 3583 miles on the clock – making it one of the lowest mileage DB7s on the market – at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre on 11 May. Estimate is £45-55k.

A Historics spokesperson said: ‘This right-hand-drive early production pre-air bag example can only be described as being in excellent condition throughout as one would expect with such a low mileage.

‘It has had three owners from new; the first took delivery on 1 July 1995 but did not register the car until the beginning of 1996. He kept the car for ten years before it was sold to the second keeper in May 2015 with 3196 miles on the odometer. He kept the car for a year putting only a few miles on it before selling the car on once again a year or so later.

‘The current owner bought it in March 2016 for his private collection. It was subsequently taken to HWM Aston Martin in Walton-on-Thames in March 2017 where it was serviced and passed an MoT after a couple of minor repairs and a new battery had been fitted. At that service the odometer reading was 3408 miles.’

:a[www.historics.co.uk]{href='http://www.historics.co.uk' }

Early DB7 comes with V5C, current MoT and history file including original warranty card, bill of sale, purchase correspondence and related brochures, books and instruction manuals.

3500-mile Aston Martin DB7 up for grabs

The government has launched a major consultation in to how it can help to preserve classics for future generations.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said that it was keen to support jobs in the historic vehicle industry, which it said supported 113,000 skilled people and is worth £18bn a year.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said: ‘The way that we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.

‘Alongside our record £8.3bn increase to re-surface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today’s call for evidence is the latest part of the government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs and grow the economy.’

_CCW_ has already reported on the government’s decision not to review tax exemption for classics aged between 20 and 40 years old – despite a petition on Parliament’s website calling for a review attracting more than 12,000 signatures – and concerns from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and Historic Vehicles Alliance about the DVLA handles cases involving older classics.

The DVLA’s chief executive officer, Julie Lennard, said: ‘As evolving technologies continue to improve ways in which classic, historic and re-built vehicles can be modified and restored we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.

‘This is one of the many ways that we are looking at to make things easier and simpler for our customers and want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.’

**What do you think? Let us know by emailing CCW**: :a[editorial@classiccarweekly.co.uk]{href='mailto:editorial@classiccarweekly.co.uk' }

Have your say on the future of classic cars

Have your say on the future of classics

Drive-It Day has been hailed a hit by classic car owners – including some event organisers who reported record attendances.

The national celebration of motoring heritage, organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, included events, shows, runs and meets on Sunday, 21 April with the aim to help raise funds for ChildLine and other charities.

Classic Car Weekly editor David Simister said: ‘Drive-It Day is the nation’s biggest celebration of classics, and we were swamped with pictures from the West Country to the Orkney Isles. A huge thank you to all of you who sent them in – you’ve played a hugely valuable role in showing off our motoring heritage to the wider public.’

Even more pictures of your classics from across the UK can be seen in Classic Car Weekly’s Drive-It Day special issue, on sale now.

The Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club took its classics to Tongue.

Drive-It Day: Your classics in pictures

### The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has reiterated that it is working hard to help classic owners following criticisms raised at the latest Historic and Classic Vehicle Alliance (HCVA) conference. {#h-the-driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency-dvla-has-reiterated-that-it-is-working-hard-to-help-classic-owners-following-criticisms-raised-at-the-latest-historic-and-classic-vehicle-alliance-hcva-conference}

The DVLA had been set to attend but withdrew from the event, where other speakers discussed its lack of progress in resolving cases involving classics (CCW, 17 April).

The agency told CCW: ‘The DVLA engages regularly and constructively with key classic car industry stakeholders through the Historic Vehicle User Group, which includes the HCVA and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. We will continue to work closely with these and other interest groups on all issues of concern around historic vehicles.

## 'We know that there are concerns and challenges' {#h-we-know-that-there-are-concerns-and-challenges}

‘The DVLA is working hard to help preserve classic cars as an essential part of British heritage and an example of British engineering excellence around the world. We know that there are concerns and challenges in this area, which is why we are engaging frequently and directly with a wide range of historic vehicle enthusiasts, and the industry, to ensure that the policies in place help to preserve historic and re-built cars for generations to come’.

If you’ve had an issue with the DVLA send us an email with more details.

**EMAIL:** :a[editorial@classiccarweekly.co.uk]{href='mailto:editorial@classiccarweekly.co.uk' }

DVLA hits back at experts’ criticism

### An unregistered 1984 Mini 25 with just 39 miles on its odometer is up for sale at Humbert Ellis auctions with an estimate of £25-28k. {#h-an-unregistered-1984-mini-25-with-just-39-miles-on-its-odometer-is-up-for-sale-at-humbert-ellis-auctions-with-an-estimate-of-25-28k}

Charles Hurst Motors of Belfast sold the car – which is finished in Silver Leaf with Flint grey cloth upholstery – when it was new and drove it six miles to a sub-dealer who bought it, kept it there and drove it a further 33 miles to the dealer’s home where it has been dry stored ever since and never registered.

Humbert Ellis managing director, Jonathan Humbert, said: ‘This is a truly unrepeatable time-warp example of an iconic car. Simply put, find another!’

The auction started on 22 April and online bidding closes at 7pm this Sunday (28 April).

:a[www.bid.humbertellis.com]{href='http://www.bid.humbertellis.com' }

39-mile Mini for sale and could be yours!

### The Historic and Classic Vehicle Alliance is spear-heading an initiative to improve the quality of parts being supplied to the classic car industry. {#h-the-historic-and-classic-vehicle-alliance-is-spear-heading-an-initiative-to-improve-the-quality-of-parts-being-supplied-to-the-classic-car-industry}

The Historic and Classic Vehicle Alliance (HCVA) is forging ahead with its scheme to certify quality parts and flag up below-par items. Its online form allows business owners, mechanics and restorers to report issues with parts, which can then be fed back to suppliers.

This follows calls from HCVA members with many stating that they would be more than happy to pay more for a better quality part and avoid the hassle associated with poor quality items.

## 'Buying three parts to get one good one' {#h-buying-three-parts-to-get-one-good-one}

Jon Crocker – group sales manager for Web Engineering and British Classic Car Parts –revealed the demand for part quality assurances and the value that a charter mark means for the industry: ‘Some at the organisation’s Heritage Matters conferencee workshops say that they are “buying three parts to get one good one” and similar concerns were raised against new-old stock and deteriorated older parts. This is about working with the industry to ensure a better practice for all.

‘Getting quality parts fitted the first time around benefits everyone. Happy customers are returning customers. Equally, returning faulty parts costs money and it costs even more to shops and restorers when they have to re-fit parts at their own cost.’

The HCVA’s online form offers plenty of scope for detail and asks contributors to include images of parts, drawings, and as much information as possible when submitting details so that it can provide practical feedback further up the chain. It is also looking to produce a seal of quality on known parts and said that a charter mark could instil confidence in customers and vehicle owners.

When Jaguar specialist William Heynes asked if a scheme similar to ‘Red Tractor’ food labelling could see the HCVA support repair shops when fitted parts go wrong and customers come back the HCVA’s executive director, Guy Lachlan said: ‘We will take that idea on board but the problem is that under UK consumer law, the liability is on you as the end person in the chain to rectify issues.

‘We appreciate that this clearly puts a massive load – and an unknown and uncontrollable one at that – on your business so we’re hoping to alleviate some of that uncontrollable risk by certifying good parts and equally flagging bad ones’.

## CCW VIEW: ‘Time is money when it comes to poor parts' {#h-ccw-view-time-is-money-when-it-comes-to-poor-parts}

**Jesse Billington**: ‘I find myself constantly deliberating over parts quality when shopping for spares. Like many of the members of the HCVA who were polled on this scheme, I’m happier to pay more in the assumption that I’m getting a quality item instead of scrimping and just having to re-do the job down the line. While it’s not such a problem for me in my garage on my own time hours spent on a repair or replacement can add up for businesses where time is money in an all too literal sense. Seeing the HCVA taking steps towards shoring up this aspect of the industry is absolutely fantastic and a brilliant example of the work that they do with their ear to the ground, listening to what the people who keep our cars on the road need.’

:a[www.hcva.co.uk]{href='http://www.hcva.co.uk' }

New call to stop shoddy spares

Manor Park Classics’ sale on 13 April will include a relatively low-mileage, matching-numbers Sunbeam Alpine. Built on 26 January 1968, according to the Sunbeam Owners Club it’s one of the last Alpines produced.

The car’s first two owners lived on the Isle of Wight and had clocked up just 50,000 miles by the time it was bought by the third owner and current vendor in 2018. It then underwent a thorough mechanical restoration for use by the vendor’s wife in Spain, since then it has only covered a further 8000 miles, bringing the odometer to just 58,000.

James Gregory from Manor Park Classics told CCW: ‘Our vendor who recommissioned this Alpine is a very talented engineer. He has really gone to town on this car as he was getting it right for his wife, so the safety and reliability was paramount for him, as well as getting the interior as true to original as possible, and clean and feeling new. The bodywork was less important as he wanted the car to be useable, and has the opinion that a concourse car is pretty much unusable as it makes you nervous when you take it out.’

With an estimate of £10,000-12,000 it comes with an extensive history file, original owner’s handbook and workshop manual, invoices, receipts, MoTs and a photo album showing the restoration process. **Chris Frear**

One of the last Sunbeam Alpines built, it has an interesting history and a detailed record of how much has been spent on its meticulous upkeep.

Runout Sunbeam Alpine could be yours!

The Landcrab Owner’s Club International is looking for cars to take part in a special display at the British Motor Museum on 14 July. The club is hoping to have 60 cars on display at its Landcrab Diamond Jubilee rally to celebrate the Austin 1800’s 60th anniversary.

Club chairman, Clive Serrell, told CCW: ‘The last time we did it was for the 50th anniversary and we managed to get 52 cars and seven 3-litres that jumped on our back when they got there because they weren’t booked in with us. So we did quite well and had a good spread.

‘We’re aiming for 60 this year, which is a big ask, but there should be 60 cars because we have 250 members. I have one guy who’s bringing two with him and will bring a third if he can find someone to drive it for him, so hopefully it will happen. It will be great if Landcrab owners come out and support us with it.’

:a[www.landcrab.net]{href='http://www.landcrab.net' }

The Landcrab Owners' Club International (LOCI) managed to assemble 50 cars for the last big anniversary. Can you help them to reach 60 this time?

Landcrabs sought for 60-strong display

Mathewsons sold a 1987 Rover 213S at its 21 March sale for a whopping £7500 – a record sum for the model at auction.

According to auction records, the previous highest price achieved at auction for a 213 was the £2240 that Brightwells achieved in 2021 but the car that the North Yorkshire auctioneer sold had covered only 1760 miles from new and was still wearing the protective factory-applied plastic covers on the seats during the sale.

Derek Mathewson told CCW: ‘It surprised all of us but none of us really knew what to expect. It was an unknown quantity and there was nothing to compare it to. We’re highly delighted with what it achieved but as they say, find another one like it.

‘There are guys out there who live and breathe this sort of thing and that was reflected in the price. It’s a unique car, but having said that, those sort of quotes have a habit of coming back to bite you. You say that this has to be the lowest-mileage one out there and someone rings up a fortnight later and says that they have one with even fewer miles. But in this case it’s unlikely – I imagine that it’s probably going to be the lowest-mileage, most original Rover out there’.

:a[www.mathewsons.co.uk]{href='http://www.mathewsons.co.uk' }

Rover 213S sells for record £7500

Following news that the rate of inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost two and a half years, CCW consulted market experts to see what effect this is having on the nation’s classic sector

The UK’s rate of inflation has fallen to its lowest levels since 2021 – but most classic experts don’t think it’ll make much of a difference for any enthusiasts thinking of snapping up an old car over the next few months.

Working under the assumption that a fall in inflation rates should lower living costs and free up spare cash for hobbies CCW spoke to a number of classic specialists to see what effects, if any, have been noted in the classic sector.

### 'Classic cars are still a luxury rather than a necessity to most.’ {#h-classic-cars-are-still-a-luxury-rather-than-a-necessity-to-most}

Classic Car Auctions’ marketing manager, Penny Tyler, told CCW: ‘I’m guessing that you could say last weekend’s auction at the Practical Classics Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show might be a gauge as to whether the recent drop in inflation rates has boosted car sales, however it might be too soon to see a difference. It’s not like people’s bills and food shops are going to drop overnight. Classic cars are still a luxury rather than a necessity to most.’

That’s a sentiment shared by CCW’s auctions guru, Richard Hudson-Evans: ‘Personally, I see it as establishment spin. The government and the Bank of England are saying that things are getting better but the inflation rate has “dropped” from four per cent to 3.4 per cent and prices in the real world are still going up for essentials like groceries – and classics are not an essential. The average person remains reluctant to splash the cash, be it on buying a classic, maintaining it or going to shows. The cost of fuel and show tickets has gone up and people remain reluctant to spend on non-essentials. I don’t believe that this is going to make a penny’s difference to the average enthusiast.’

CCW’s markets editor, Richard Barnett, agrees: ‘Inflation might be down but interest rates haven't changed so that won't put people in a buying mood and it doesn't really encourage consumer confidence. The upshot is that people won't want to be getting along to an auction (or using the web) to buy a new classic, especially with the likelihood of a general election around the corner.’

### ‘The market is still there, and it’s especially telling that there’s still huge demand in the sub-£10k category' {#h-the-market-is-still-there-and-it-s-especially-telling-that-there-s-still-huge-demand-in-the-sub-10k-category}

However, those in the trade have pointed out that there is still plenty of appetite, particularly for cheaper buys. Anglia Car Auctions’ Guy Snelling, said: ‘The cost of a tin of beans has little effect on the market. A large proportion of classics are bought with disposable income and a fair number of our customers are retired and benefit from the increased interest rates.

‘The market is still there, and it’s especially telling that there’s still huge demand in the sub-£10,000 category. We’re also seeing a lot of classics being sold because of ULEZ, so London’s loss is Norfolk’s gain. There’s also the fact that owning a classic brings an enormous sense of well-being; it’s good for mental health.’

### ‘Optimism isn’t yet on the horizon’ {#h-optimism-isn-t-yet-on-the-horizon}

Motoring journalist, Quentin Willson, added ‘Falling inflation will help to ease pressure on disposable income but the old car market needs financial confidence and that optimism isn’t yet on the horizon. The 14 hikes in interest rates since 2021 still weigh heavily on the market.’

Reducing both interest and inflation rates would help the cost of living, with most people cutting back on luxury items – like classics – when money is tight.

Inflation cut won’t help classic cars

Auction house Bonhams is to offer a 1965 Lotus Elan S2 Shapecraft Fastback Coupé at its auction at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting on 14 April with a guide price of £35-£45k.

The Elan, believed to be one of just 15 Elan S2s to have undergone the Shapecraft conversion at the hands of Barry Wood in Surbiton, has been in single family ownership for more than 50 years and was refurbished extensively in 2017.

Bonhams’ senior specialist, Guy Newton, told CCW: ‘The number of Elans converted by Barry Wood's Surbiton-based business is not recorded but the general consensus is that no more than 15 of his Shapecraft conversions were completed. The Shapecraft design soon found favour with the racing community due to its superior aerodynamics.’

This example is accompanied by an extensive history file including its original sales invoice, various maintenance invoices, the green logbook listing all the previous owners, a letter from Club Lotus confirming the car to be a Shapecraft and a current V5C document. Chris Frear

:a[www.bonhams.com]{href='http://www.bonhams.com' }

No more than 15 of Barry Wood's Shapecraft conversions are thought to have been created so this is a rare opportunity.

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