Sunday 14 December 2014

A Merry Mini Christmas at Barons' Yuletide Classic

1989 Mini 30

A Cherry red 1989 Mini 30, one of 3000 produced in 1989 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of that iconic small car, is to go under the hammer at Barons' Yuletide Classic sale at Sandown Park next Tuesday, December 16th. 

What makes this particular vehicle unique is that it has covered a warranted 137 miles from new; and that was the delivery mileage! The first - and so far only - owner bought the car for his private collection, and the car has been stored in a heated garage since it was driven from the supplying dealer 25 years ago.

It has not been driven on the road since, so has never been MOT'd, and is literally in 'as new' condition. It comes complete with original tax disc, logbook, sales brochure and (unopened) warranty pack and a copy of the book 'Mini Thirty Years On' by Rob Golding, which came with the car courtesy of Austin Rover. The price for this charismatic, pristine little car is £9,750-£11,500.

Mini fans are spoilt for choice in the sale, as no less than six examples are on offer, and all are special in their own way. For rarity value it’s hard to beat the 1977 Vortz Cooper Miglia 1000cc. The car is unique as it was owned by Vortz family members and is a fascinating example of an unusual piece of British motoring history (£6,000-£8,000). 

Also going under the hammer on Tuesday are a 1967 Mini Cooper (£10,000-£13,000), a really splendid 1993 Mini British Open Classic (£9,500-£10,500), a very pretty 1979 Mini Cooper S replica (£4,000-£6,000) and a 1985 Mini City E that has been comprehensively restored (£1,500-£2,500). 

1967 Mini Cooper
In addition to the Minis, Barons' Yuletide Classic features a wide range of classic and collectors' cars to appeal to an equally wide range of buyers. The 1976 VW T2 camper van might just have the edge on the Vortz Cooper in the rarity stakes. There can be few other examples of this charismatic vehicle that have been converted to operate as a cocktail and/or karaoke bar! With drop down side and 6 sq.m opening roof, the T2 comes with bar stools, fridge, sink and on board music equipment. It might not be the ideal T2 to use as accommodation on a surfing weekend, but it would certainly bring the party to the beach – or provide an interesting business opportunity. Estimate £29,000-£32,000.

There’s plenty to choose from for lovers of performance cars. Classic 1960s ‘wind in the hair’ motoring comes in the form of a fine 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII (£28,000-£35,000), while more contemporary potent power is on offer with the 2004 De Tomaso Qvale GTR. One of just 272 built, this is believed to be the only GTR version which features the striking Shelby-style paintwork (£20,000-£25,000).

A little less potent but still offering impressive performance, the fully restored 1974 MkI Ford Escort Mexico – resplendent in its period yellow and black livery – is a superb specimen that would make a fine addition to any collection (£19,000 - £21,000).

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow has been a popular collectors’ car for many decades, and the 1965 example on offer at Barons is something rather special. Chassis number SRH1020 was hand built on 4th August 1965 and was car number 20. However it is believed that the first eight chassis numbers were all mule and sales demonstrators for Rolls-Royce, making this car actually number twelve off the production line; and possibly the oldest surviving Silver Shadow. Estimate: £9,500-£11,000.


Looking for a ‘starter’ classic? How about a 1972 MG Midget (£2000-£3000) or smart 1970 MG BGT (£3,500-£4,500)? If a classic family car appeals, the 1953 Morris 1000 (£4,750-£5,500), 1971 Morris 1300GT (£7,500-£8,500) or the 1954 Wolseley 4/44, which has been in the same family since new and is priced at £2,000-£3,000, could be just the thing.

Finally, fans of the three-pointed star will find much to please them at Sandown Park, with a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models entered into the sale. From the oldest, a handsome 1961 220SE Coupe with the rare manual transmission (£17,500-£19,500), to more recent examples such as the range of SLs spanning over two decades and 1990s E220 Cabriolets, the German marque is very well represented at Barons.

The sale also includes two rare Opus Editions books - one of only two F1 Opus Champions editions still available and a special limited edition Ferrari Enzo Opus. Autographed by all 22 of the living F1 World Champion drivers – including Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sebastian Vettel, Nikki Lauda and Michael Schumacher - plus the late, great Phil Hill and Sir Jack Brabham, the F1 Champions Opus carries an estimate of £7,500-£10,000. The Ferrari Enzo Opus has been signed by a host of Ferrari legends and champions and carries an estimate of £6,000-£8,000.

For further information please see www.barons-auctions.com, email info@barons-auctions.com or call 08454 30 60 60.




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