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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
I own six Morris Minors – including the rarest in the world
Car auctions can be nervous affairs at the best of times, especially when your heart is set on a particularly special vehicle. Just when you think the gavel's strike will signify yours is the winning bid, another offer is submitted, increasing the tension. Such see-sawing emotions were certainly part of the experience for Nottinghamshire-based Anna Ellison, 53, before she became the proud owner of a 1949-registered Morris Minor 'Lowlight'. But this isn't any old Morris Minor. It was the seventh example of the popular British classic to leave the production line, carrying serial number 507. With 501 (the first production car) in a museum and no trace of 502-506, Ellison owns not only the second oldest Minor in existence but the oldest in private ownership. Launched as an economy saloon in 1948 for under £400, the Morris Minor became so popular that it remained in production for more than two decades. The earliest model The 'Lowlight' tag instantly identifies this car as one of the earliest MM-Series production cars, which had headlights set low in the grille. Later 'Highlight' models had the lights set much higher, to meet new US regulations. Lowlights are rarer and more valuable than later models. Ellison, a corporate banking manager, spotted the car on Facebook. 'Earlier in the year Damian, my partner, and I had seen the very first Morris Minor ever produced at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon while attending the Morris Minor Owners' Club annual national rally,' she said. 'I loved the car, which was in platinum grey, had a wonderful comfy leather interior, large Bakelite steering wheel, incredibly long gearlever and gorgeous 1940s lines. 'Not long after, I spotted a similar car being auctioned. It was every bit as beautiful as 'Number 1' and I was smitten. I passed the iPad to Damian, saying: 'I think we have to buy this,' tongue in cheek really, because we already had three Morris Minors at that point.' However, the more they discovered about the car's history, the more determined they were to turn the dream into reality. 'Having read about the dedication and attention to detail the previous owner, Phillip Hughes, had shown in restoring and preserving the car, we wanted to ensure it continued to get the same care and attention. The only way to achieve that was to own it,' said Ellison. In tribute to the previous owner, the car is nicknamed Hughie. Nail-biting auction Ellison will never forget the day of the auction. 'A representative was there while Damian and I were on the other end of the phone. After a stressful few minutes, which felt like hours, we were literally jumping around our living room when it was confirmed ours was the winning bid.' They collected the car on the same day. 'The pride I felt when collecting him was immense, and I've felt that ever since.' How does Hughie perform, I wonder? 'He's much slower than other cars, even our Morris 1000s,' admitted Ellison. 'The 918cc side valve engine was only used in Morris Minors for a few years before changing to the 1,098cc A-series engine in 1952. But he's very smooth and feels safe and solid.' Who needs seatbelts? The lack of seatbelts takes some getting used to, according to Ellison. 'Many people fit them retrospectively, but we want to keep the car as original as possible. With the low speeds that we do, combined with limited mileage, we're comfortable with the risk that not having seatbelts represents. 'The interior is comfortable, too. Luxurious leather seats mean it's a pleasure to sit in and drive, viewing the way ahead above the Art Deco-styled dash, gorgeous brown steering wheel and curved bonnet. Of course, there's no air-conditioning, but the quarterlights are a decent alternative.' Ellison, who is the sixth registered owner of Hughie, admits that the car is very cosseted and only driven short distances on occasional dry days, usually to shows. As for its history, it's believed that the car was used as a showroom vehicle by Llantrisant Motors Ltd in Wales before being sold a few months later. 'Phillip Hughes bought the car in 1965 from a neighbour,' said Ellison. 'It had been re-sprayed blue with mod cons added. Realising how early the car was, Phillip restored it to the original condition. He was a real stickler for getting the details right and spent around 20 years searching for the correct rear lights.' The pursuit of happiness Why does Ellison have such a strong predilection for Morris Minors? 'They are 'happy' cars,' she replied. 'You meet so many people who either learnt to drive in one, had one as a first car or whose mum drove one when they were little. They were so popular that most people seem to have some form of connection.' Ellison and Damian have taken part in shows and events home and abroad, courtesy of the Morris Minor Owners' Club. Most recently, they drove to France as part of Minors on Tour. 'Every year, a member or group of members organises an overseas trip, usually to France, Belgium or the Netherlands,' said Ellison. 'Members make their own way, though many arrange to travel in convoy because there is safety in numbers in case of breakdowns and so on. 'This year around 70 Morris Minors gathered in the Loire Valley. It's a great opportunity to meet owners from further afield. Over the years, we've made many friends.' She said that her fascination with Morris Minors started during Covid, although she has always been interested in classic cars. 'My dad bought classic car magazines and I remember working through the classified adverts, circling all the cars I wanted,' she said. 'Fast forward to 2020 and for something to do while stuck at home, Damian and I started watching car auction sites which live-streamed their sales.' The John Noakes connection While watching an Anglian Car Auctions sale, a Morris Minor saloon sold for a reasonable sum. 'I mentioned to Damian how much I liked it and that we could afford one. He replied that the only Morris Minor he'd be interested in was registration plate 284 UPH, the Minor convertible used in the TV series Go With Noakes.' Six series were screened between 1976-80, with the late John Noakes travelling the country with his trusty dog, Shep. Said Ellison: 'John Noakes was Damian's childhood hero. A few days later, unbelievably, 284 UPH appeared on eBay. Some things are just meant to be, so we quickly bought it.' The 1961 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible – christened Nellie by Noakes – is the 'perfect classic car', according to Damian. 'We attended a Morris Minor rally in Wales, and as the parade of cars drove past we were applauded and everyone waved. It was a lovely feeling. Not many cars have that effect on people, perhaps it's because they hark back to happier, more simple times.' Since buying Nellie, five other Minors have joined their collection. Ellison explained: 'We enjoy all the aspects that Morris Minor ownership has provided, particularly the social aspect. We've developed a true passion for the cars. 'Each has its own character and they are a joy to own. We've had such great times because of the cars and feel a responsibility to ensure they will be around for future generations. 'I've fallen in love – hook, line and sinker – with the Morris Minor.' Minor obsession: Anna and Damian's collection Hughie Morris Minor MM Lowlight saloon, registered 1949, platinum grey. Bought at auction in September 2023 for £25,200. Little Richard Morris Minor MM four-door saloon, registered 1952, mist green, partly restored. Bought at auction in April 2023 for about £6,000. Big Dave Morris Minor 1000 Traveller (estate), registered 1966, old English white. Bought at auction in July 2023 for £16,200. Nellie Morris Minor 1000 convertible, registered 1961, old English white. Bought in September 2020 for about £10,000. Anthon Morris Minor MM Lowlight saloon, registered 1949, platinum grey. A barn find and currently unrestored. Bought February 2025 as part of a larger transaction, including spares. Unnamed Morris Minor MM Lowlight saloon, registered 1949, platinum grey. A barn find and currently unrestored. Bought February 2025, as above.
Auto Blog
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
How to Sell a Classic Car Online Without Wasting Your Time
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Selling a classic car online isn't about casting the widest net; it's about putting your car in front of the right people. Whether it's a restored Chevelle, a vintage FJ40, or something unique and minty like a Saab 900 Turbo, you're not trying to appeal to everyone. You just need one buyer who gets it. That's why the platform you choose matters. Some sites are built for high-end, collectible, or enthusiast cars. Others are just dumping grounds for clapped-out commuter sedans and 'ran when parked' listings. If you want a real shot at selling your classic quickly and for what it's actually worth, you need to list it where people know what they're looking at. 0:09 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More Below are three solid platforms that are actually built for cars like yours. Each one works a little differently, and depending on what kind of sale you want—fast, auction-style, or fully managed—one might make more sense than the others. Source: Canepa Exotic Car Trader Offers Fully Managed, High-Exposure Listings Despite the name, Exotic Car Trader isn't just for Lamborghinis and McLarens. They list plenty of vintage muscle, European classics, and garage-kept oddballs too. If your car has collector appeal and you don't want to deal with the selling process yourself, this one's worth a look. They take care of everything: photos, listing copy, buyer vetting, negotiation, payment, even shipping if needed. Your car also gets listed across multiple platforms, so it gets in front of a wider pool of buyers without you having to manage a dozen listings. It's ideal if you've got a strong car and don't feel like handling the sale yourself. Get a free offer quote and list your car online with ECT by clicking here. Bring a Trailer Lets the Crowd Decide Bring a Trailer is probably the best-known name in online auctions for classic and enthusiast cars. Its listings range from museum-grade restorations to honest, daily-driven classics. You'll see all kinds of gems, like first-gen Broncos, C2 Corvettes, air-cooled 911s, and vintage Datsuns. The setup is pretty straightforward. You submit your car, they approve it, and it goes live in a seven-day auction. Some sellers write their own listings, others pay for help with photos and copy. Either way, once it's up, the BaT crowd takes it from there by commenting, asking questions, and bidding. If your listing's clean and your car is solid, you can do really well here. You can check out BaT by clicking here. duPont Registry Has Cash Offers for the Right Cars If you're not trying to run an auction, or deal with any of the noise that comes with it, duPont makes things simple. You fill out a form with the car's details, they look it over, and send you a cash offer. That's it. No live listing, no waiting, no managing questions or comments. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. It's mostly geared toward higher-end classics, like rare builds, low-mileage originals, or cars that fall into the 'collector' category. If that's what you've got and you just want to sell without all the extra steps, this is probably your fastest route. Once you accept duPont's offer, they pick up the car, handle the title, and wire you the money. You can check them out by clicking here. Source: Barrett-Jackson Proper Ad Prep Still Matters No matter where you decide to list your classic, get the basics right. Clean the car properly. Shoot it in good light and get full shots of the front, back, interior, engine bay, and undercarriage (if it's worth showing). If you've got a video of it running, even better. Most platforms will help you with photos or offer a pro option, so use it if your phone pics aren't doing the car justice. You'll also want your paperwork in order, which includes the title, service records, restoration receipts—whatever you've got. And be honest. If there's rust, say so. If the paint's not original, say that too. People buying classic cars expect a story—they just don't want a surprise. Sell Your Classic Where It Will Actually Sell You only need one buyer. The key is putting your car where that person will see it. Whether you want to test the market, take the first strong offer, or hand the whole thing off to someone else, there's a platform that fits. Use one that understands classic cars. The rest is just photos, facts, and letting the right person find it. About the Author Michelle Nati View Profile
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dua Lipa's Custom Porsche 911 GT3 RS Heads to Auction for Charity
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 GT3 RS designed by pop superstar Dua Lipa is heading to the auction block at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, with all proceeds benefiting the Sunny Hill Foundation, her nonprofit supporting arts and culture in Kosovo. Unveiled earlier this spring during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, the custom Porsche—dubbed the 'Dua Lipa Rennstall GT3 RS'—features a vibrant livery that blends green, black, gold, and red swirls. The British-Albanian singer was directly involved in the creative process, giving Porsche's most track-oriented 911 a bold, personal touch. 10 Must-Have Tools and Gear for the Modern Car Collector (Amazon Edition) Built around the high-performance 992-generation 911 GT3 RS, the car boasts a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. With 525 PS (518 horsepower) delivered to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Rennstall GT3 RS retains all the ferocity of its production sibling—paired with one-of-a-kind star power. Auction house RM Sotheby's is overseeing the sale, with the vehicle drawing attention from car collectors and pop culture enthusiasts alike. It marks one of the few instances where a celebrity-designed modern Porsche is offered for public sale with philanthropic intent. 'I wanted to create something that fuses the emotion of music, design, and driving,' Dua Lipa said in a recent statement. 'The Sunny Hill Foundation has always been close to my heart, and this project is a celebration of the culture and creativity it supports.' The auction will take place during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the UK's premier automotive events. While no reserve has been publicly announced, industry experts predict the GT3 RS could fetch well over £500,000 due to its exclusivity and celebrity connection. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A 1965 Porsche 356 C 1600 SC Coupe in Photos
More from Robb Report Why the Iconic Porsche 356 Is a Bucket-List Classic for Any Collection The 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 May Turn Out to Be a Very Rare Collector's Car Porsche Just Unveiled 3 New All-Wheel Drive 911s Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article. This 1965 Porsche 356 C 1600 SC Coupe sold for $145,600 through RM Sotheby's in 2023. The most advanced and well-built versions of the model are the 356 C and SC (shown here), made in 1964 and 1965. According to the auction house, this example is dressed in its factory-correct Kunstleder Schwartz (Black Leatherette) trim. A close-up of the gearshift for the car's four-speed manual transmission, which was the only shifting option throughout the entire 356 dynasty. The two-door vehicle features a 2+2 seating configuration. This car's 1.6-liter flat-four engine originally made 95 hp, though its original twin Solex carburetors were subsequently replaced with a twin Weber setup. This 1965 example of Porsche's 356 had its body built by Reutter. While a car with its engine hung over the rear wheels was a novelty at the time, the concept is very familiar to today's drivers, who will find a 356 manageable if the laws of physics are generally observed. Porsche's 356 is a wonderful classic to own and drive, and is especially coveted by enthusiasts with an appreciation for purity of concept and refined design.
Motor 1
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
You Can Buy Jeremy Clarkson's Ferrari F355 GTS
During his original stint on Top Gear , Jeremy Clarkson was smitten by the Ferrari F355. Who could blame him? It was a leap forward for Ferrari, and in time, enthusiasts have rightly deemed a classic. Clarkson bought this F355 GTS in 1996, but found Ferrari ownership wasn't quite what it was cracked up to be. Now, though, you can try your hand at F355 ownership. RM Sotheby's is auctioning Clarkson's F355 GTS at its Cliveden House 2025 event next month . The car has just under 15,000 miles on its odometer, and importantly, it just got a recent major service. That's huge because F355s are maintenance-intensive cars, and the only thing more expensive than servicing one is fixing one that hasn't been taken care of. RM Sotheby's estimates a sale price of between $245,000 to $300,000, which is very strong for an F355, but this one has provenance and a couple of rare options. Clarkson owned the F355 for just four years, putting around 6,000 miles on its odometer. He featured the car in his Sunday Times and Top Gear magazine columns, and in a hilarious segment in his Clarkson's Car Years special. He admitted that he wished he hadn't gone for the classic Rosso Corsa red, and for the open-top GTS model either, and that he couldn't bear the shame of driving it around. As RM Sotheby's notes, Clarkson gave away the car in a Sunday Times giveaway in 2000. The contest winner kept it for a few years before selling it to the third owner. The current owner bought it in 2013, and apparently took excellent care of the car. Photo by: Jonathan Jacobs / RM Sotheby's Photo by: Jonathan Jacobs / RM Sotheby's Beyond its famous first owner, this F355 is notable for being a manual-transmission targa, a pretty rare combination. Once Ferrari introduced the soft-top Spider in 1995, GTS sales plummeted. The arrival of the paddle-shift "F1" transmission in 1997 had a similar effect on the standard manual, too. Clarkson also ordered the car with cream and red sports seats, which you almost never see on F355s of any stripe. If you're an American reading this, you can import this car, as it's well over 25 years old. Obviously, you'll have to deal with it being right-hand drive, but that might not be such an issue for getting one of the most famous examples of a beloved Ferrari. Funnily enough, Clarkson never owned another Ferrari. His former Top Gear and Grand Tour co-hosts have, though. Richard Hammond owned a 550 Maranello and the 308 GT4 from a Top Gear cheap-car challenge, and James May owned a 308 GTB, a F430, and currently owns a 458 Speciale. More on Clarkson's Antics Jeremy Clarkson: Modern Cars Are 'All Shit' Jeremy Clarkson Thinks Lexus LFA Is Best Car He's Ever Driven Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Gallery: Jeremy Clarkson's Ferrari F355 GTS 35 Source: Jonathan Jacobs / RM Sotheby's Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
