Latest news with #classiccar
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Impeccably restored Ford Escort kept in same family for 50 years finally sells for staggering 6-figure sum
AN impeccably preserved Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has been sold for a staggering sum. The 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 was kept off the road in a barn for most of its life. 4 4 4 The amazing vehicle was purchased in 1977 for an unknown amount but the owner only drove it for ten years. The motor then underwent a restoration and was hidden in a barn for over 35 years. After the owner's recent passing, his widowed wife has put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks. The exceptionally rare vehicle sparked a bidding war and went under the hammer for a whopping £276,000. His 'pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a Press car. There were only 109 examples manufactured all together of the model which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Its rallying abilities were enhanced by the 1.8-liter Cosworth BDA (Belt Drive A-Type) engine which generated over 240bhp. The lightweight and nimble chassis and suspension of the Mk. II were carried over from its predecessor. Its responsive handling and balance, especially on loose gravel surfaces, made it a driver favourite thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup. The white car with the small strip of bright and dark blue paint above the wheels has only travelled a total of 24,186 miles, or 500 miles annually on average. Iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is so rare only two in the world exist - but could be yours at auction The sought-after Ford has undergone a second revamp before the auction but has to be treated gently due to its low mileage. A Historics spokesperson said: "Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. "Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. "Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. "The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sat on a pallet next to the RS1800. "Time had taken its toll and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. "The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. "It runs beautifully although needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild." 4
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ford Escort belonging to family for 50 years sells for £276k
A Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has sold for a staggering £276,000. The vendor's late husband bought the 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 for an undisclosed sum in 1977. He drove it for about 10 years before it underwent a restoration and was kept off the road in a barn. The owner died recently and his widow put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Buckinghamshire. The car which was his 'pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a press car. There were only 109 examples all together manufactured of the model, which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Enduring legacy The white car with a thin light and dark blue strip on the paintwork above its wheels has done only 24,186 miles – on average, 500 a year. A spokesman for Historics said: 'Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. 'Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. 'Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. 'Out of the 109 cars that were built, there were five Press cars, owned by Ford Motor Company, and this is one of the five Press cars. 'In March 1977, it was purchased by the second owner, who used the car for a number of years and in the late 1980s it was restored. 'The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sitting on a pallet next to the RS1800. 'Time had taken its toll, and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. 'The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. 'It runs beautifully, although it needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The $4 Million Barn Find Bugatti Hidden in a Garage for 50 Years
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector In 2009, one of the most astonishing barn finds in automotive history stunned the collector car world. Hidden in a dusty garage in Newcastle, England, sat a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante—untouched, forgotten, and coated in nearly five decades of dust. When auction house Bonhams announced its discovery, enthusiasts called it a 'once-in-a-lifetime treasure.' But the story behind how this car ended up locked away is almost as fascinating as the car itself. Watch the full story of this incredible Bugatti barn find in our video below. A Forgotten Treasure The Bugatti was found in the garage of Dr. Harold Carr, an eccentric British orthopedic surgeon who purchased the car in 1955. Once owned by Francis Curzon, the 5th Earl Howe, a renowned Le Mans racer, the Type 57S Atalante was already considered a rare and desirable car in the 1950s. But sometime in the 1960s, Carr parked the Bugatti and never drove it again. For the next 50 years, it sat untouched, with cracked tires, cobwebbed headlights, and dust settling on every surface—a true time capsule. What Makes the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Special The Type 57S Atalante is one of the most sought-after pre-war Bugattis ever built. Only 17 were produced, and its design was considered revolutionary at the time. Equipped with a 3.3-liter straight-eight engine, the 57S Atalante was lightweight, elegant, and fast, with a distinctive teardrop-shaped body that has become one of the most iconic Bugatti silhouettes in history. The fact that this particular car still had its original components intact after 50 years of storage made it even more valuable to collectors. The Auction Frenzy When the Bugatti crossed the auction block at Bonhams in Paris, collectors from around the world competed for the chance to own it. Despite its dusty, unrestored condition, the Atalante sold for an incredible £3.4 million—around $4.4 million USD. Some argued it should be preserved exactly as it was found, while others believed a full restoration would reveal its original beauty. The Mystery of Why It Was Hidden The biggest question remains: why did Dr. Carr hide the car for so long? Some believe he lost interest in driving as he grew older. Others suggest he may have wanted to preserve the car's originality, knowing it could someday be historically significant. There's even speculation that financial concerns or personal reasons may have played a role. Whatever the reason, Carr's decision inadvertently created one of the most important barn finds of all time. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Find Today, the Bugatti Atalante serves as a reminder that automotive treasures are still out there, hidden in garages, barns, and sheds, waiting to be discovered. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Vintage Aston Martin from the 60s so rare only a handful were ever made hits the market for eye-watering price
A RARE vintage Aston Martin has hit the market for a staggering price. The super rare Aston is described as a classic grand tourer and could be yours for a whopping £250,000. 5 5 The 1966 DB6 Mk1 Vantage comes fitted with a manual ZF gearbox. Finished in silver originally, the vintage motor has now been refinished in slate grey. The new colour perfectly compliments the rare motor's stylish black leather interior. The DB6 is to be sold at auction by Iconic Auctioneers at Silverstone, Northants on Saturday August 23. Well looked after by its previous owner, the Aston has clocked up just a few thousand miles since 1991. It has only logged 68,733 miles in total and a full restoration of the vintage car was completed in 2010. Its listing states: "The car was fully restored between 2008 and 2010 by Aston Workshop and Pugsley & Lewis with a colour change to slate grey. "More recently, the ZF gearbox was fully overhauled and there is correspondence from the Aston Martin factory thanking the owner for allowing his DB6 to be used for assessing a new gear set design for the ZF 'box. "EJX 342D was purchased by our vendor from the Aston Workshop in October 2017 with an indicated mileage of 68,733 from new, with less than 5,000 of these added since 1991. "Recent maintenance includes a full service by Hilton and Moss in July 2023 (£10,000) including renewing rear seals, new hubs, electric window refurb and new tyres. Fully restored first edition of iconic Ford motor to be auctioned for huge price after £130k spent on its renovation "Later attention in February 2025 by Farringtons of Knutsford included a full service and the wheel arches and under body were ice blasted and then retreated. "The car is supplied with its V5C, history file, a quantity of expired MOTs dating back to 1991 and the current MOT valid until 2nd April 2026. "While this attractive Aston would make an impressive addition to any collection and would surely be welcome at prestigious classic car events anywhere, we can't help feeling that its best years are still ahead. "Make no mistake, these are now rare cars. "The factory only produced 268 Mk1 DB6 Saloons to a Vantage specification and very few of these were fitted with the manual 5-speed gearbox - the ultimate incarnation. "This is a great opportunity to own a classic Aston which is totally usable and a delight to drive." An initial estimated price of £200,000 - £250,000 has been listed for the super rare vintage motor. Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal. Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week. Here's what you need to know before attending an auction: Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand. Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly. Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups. Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly. Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it. Key phrases to look out for: 'No major mechanical faults' – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine. 'Specified faults' – the auctioneer will read out specific faults. 'Sold as seen' – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale. 'Sold with a warranted mileage' - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check. 5 5 5
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
I tracked down my grandfather's Mini after it'd been lost for DECADES – I restored & now it's worth over £12,000
A CLASSIC car enthusiast has shared the heartwarming story of his Morris Mini, a cherished family heirloom that has been passed down through four generations. Jamie Garrett, from Oxfordshire, was recently named a runner-up in Lancaster Insurance 's prestigious Pride of Ownership award for 2025, after showcasing his beautifully restored and much-loved classic car. 5 5 5 5 5 Speaking to the classic car experts at Lancaster Insurance, Jamie revealed the iconic little motor was originally purchased by his grandfather in 1965 and became an integral part of the family's life. Indeed, it was used for everything from summer holidays in France and Italy to teaching multiple family members, including Jamie's father, how to drive. The car later served as Jamie's father's work vehicle - before rust claimed it in 1977, rendering it undrivable and leaving it off the road for decades. In 1996, an attempt was made to restore the Mini but the project stalled and the car was eventually given away. For years, it was thought to be lost forever - until Jamie tracked it down in 2019. Against all odds, he bought the car back and embarked on the ambitious task of restoring it to its former glory - despite having no prior experience in car restoration. As expected, Jamie faced numerous challenges, including a failed initial attempt, but his determination never wavered and by working with specialists, including a skilled panel expert from the Real Mini Company, the Mini's shell was brought back to life. Better yet, Jamie decided to keep the restoration project a secret from his father until 2023, when he unveiled the fully restored Mini as a surprise - leaving his father overwhelmed with emotion. Together, they worked on the final touches before taking the car for its first drive to visit Jamie's grandfather, who apparently, when he first saw it, said: 'It was never this good!' Speaking to Lancaster Insurance, Jamie said: 'As a family we are immensely proud of the car, and the story that goes with it makes it even more special and brings joy to everyone that meets her. 'She will live on as a lasting memory of my grandparents who are now no longer with us.' The motor now serves as both a functional car and a showpiece - regularly appearing at various events. Lancaster's Pride of Ownership award, as voted for by classic car enthusiasts, recognises not only craftsmanship and dedication. Yvonne Gosney, the firm's Senior Trading Manager, said: 'The work Jamie has completed on this Mini is nothing short of exceptional, and we congratulate him on his deserving podium position in this year's Pride of Ownership. 'Jamie's Mini is a powerful reminder of how classic car restoration can be about more than just metal - it can bring a family's history back to life.' The Morris Mini has become a favourite among classic car enthusiasts and has risen in price in recent years - with the median price, according to the Classic Valuer, being £13,616.
