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Historics hail stars from the States ... Appreciation of American classics on the increase


 

Ahead of its autumn auction, Historics at Brooklands believe a rising popularity in cult American cars is taking US classics from the fringes of the classic car scene, to centre stage.

This view, shared by the foremost magazine on American marques, Classic American, will be put to the test when Historics lines up its latest collection of cars at Brooklands, on Saturday 1st September.

Ben Klemenzson, Editor of Classic American magazine comments: “The prevalence of American cars in popular culture has helped tackle some of the snobbery towards US models, and highlighted how fun, affordable and easy to run they can be.

“They're also appreciating in value: cars like the Mustang, Corvette and most Mopars have more than doubled in value over the last decade. The trick is to buy the best you can and stick with what's popular: Mustangs, Corvettes, GTOs, Chargers, Challengers and Camaros,” he concluded.

Historics at Brooklands Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, is equally convinced of the role popular culture has played in pushing American classics to the fore.

“Our white glove sale of all 56 vehicles offered from the big screen blockbuster, Captain America, back in our March 2011 sale, demonstrates how film and television has pushed these cars into the public conscience.”

He continued: “With parts often readily available, American cars are eminently useable, and we’re delighted to be able to continue offering the best US classics to our enthusiastic followers.”

The autumn auction will be no different, with a number of equally intriguing American classics already consigned to the catalogue.

Featuring fresh design cues over the 1965 model, of integral bumpers and grilles, more rounded wasp-waisted body contours and flared sculpturing of the door and rear three quarter sections, the 1967 Pontiac Catalina ‘Wide Track’ Convertible became one of the most sought-after 1960s American soft-tops.

Imported from Texas in 2011, Historics’ 1967 example is fitted with the 6 ½ litre 400 engine and Turbo Hydramatic automatic gearbox, while power front brakes provide suitable stopping power.

Finished in maroon with black interior, the car is accompanied by a complete service history including Texas registration certificate, and is estimated to fetch bids in the region of £29,000 - £35,000.

Equally eye-catching, Historics is also bringing a 1958 Buick Limited Riviera Sedan - lavished with every conceivable extra - to its September sale.

The Buick Limited series was touted as the ultimate Buick, and was typified by a healthy use of chrome, most noticeably on the grille, rear quarter panels and tail light housings. The style statement was backed up by quad headlights and ‘Dual Jet’ reversing lights.

Measuring a mighty 19 feet long, the four door pillarless sedan also boasts electric power windows, servo assisted brakes, power steering, electric antenna and factory fitted air conditioning.

A multiple award winner over the last two decades, the Buick Limited Riviera Sedan is in original condition and is anticipated to attract offers of between £18,000 and £24,000.

Like the Buick Limited, Chevrolet’s ‘Bel-Air’ typified the US public’s post-war preference for exclusivity over economy.

Automatic transmission, electric windows and electric seat adjusters were a mainstay, with the 1957 Two-Ten Station Wagon ‘Bel-Air’ consigned by Historics and offered at No Reserve, also boasting a resplendently restored interior.


Consignm.

Title

S/N

Low Estimate (£)

3495

1938 Lea-Francis 12hp Sports Roadster by Carlton

52

38,000

3496

1962 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8 litre Saloon

209221BW

28,000

3497

1926 Fiat 507 Torpedo Tourer

7202620

19,000

3498

1966 Triumph TR4A IRS

CTC657690

11,000

3499

1995 Mercedes-Benz SL60 AMG

WDB1290672F119240

14,000

3500

1967 Pontiac Catalina ‘Wide Track’ Convertible

252677P267137

29,000

3501

1936 Alvis Speed 20 SD by Vanden Plas

13026

65,000

3502

1984 Volkswagen Scirocco Mk.II Storm

WVWZZZ53ZEK034825

5,000

3503

1964 Aston Martin DB5

DB5/1635/R

230,000

3504

1991 Bentley Continental Convertible

SCBZD00A5LCH30130

55,000

3505

1983 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL

WDB12603722029019

4,000

3506

1981 TVR Tasmin 280i Series II Convertible

DH5144F1

6,000

3507

1957 Chevrolet 210 Station Wagon ‘Bel-Air’

VB57S27124

3508

1932 Alvis 12/50 TJ Ducksback by Lambourne

9705

35,000

3509

1958 Buick Limited Riviera Sedan

8E6017033

18,000

3510

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG F1 Performance Package

WDB2304742F087303

3511

1995 Mercedes-Benz E220 Cabriolet

WDB1240622C245424

6,000

3512

1996 Mercedes-Benz S500 Limousine

WDB1400512A330478

9,000

3513

1978 Ferrari 308 GT4, Series II

13540

16,000

3514

1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster Keswick Town Car

237AJS

58,000

3516

1963 Jaguar E-Type Convertible 5.3L series III

861085

28,000

3518

1968 MG Roadster

GCN1U2681G

18,000

3519

1925 Alvis SC 12/50 Open Tourer by Cross & Ellis

MB8006

28,000

3520

2002 Maserati 4200 Spyder

ZAMBB18C000005256

12,000

3521

1988 Porsche 911 3.2 litre Carrera Targa Sport

WPOZZZ91ZJS140985

15,000

3522

1947 Allard K1

71K/467A

65,000

3523

1934 Lagonda Three Litre Continental Open Tourer

210882

65,000

3524

1989 Porsche 911 Targa

WPOZZZ91ZES140966

10,000

3525

1958 TVR Grantura Mk. I

7/FS/112

14,000

3526

1991 Ferrari Mondial T Coupé

ZFFKD32C000086189

16,000

3528

1939 Alvis 12/70 Competition

15882

85,000

3529

1965 Bentley S3

B60HN

14,000

3530

1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 to 'M' specification

BN2L233104

28,000

3531

1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Two Seat Open Tourer by Rippon

1557

450,000

3532

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk.III Phase II

HBJ8/30854

36,000

3534

1976 TVR 2500M

3816FM

3535

1984 Porsche 911 Targa

WPOZZZ91ZES140966

12,000

3536

1960 Rover 100

650003483

8,000

3537

2004 Jaguar XJ8 3.5 SE

SAJAC72N73RG06817

4500

3538

1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Limousine

WDB1260242A515525

7500

3539

1975 Volkswagen La Grande Bug

1352248855

24,000

3540

1979 Volkswagen ‘Triple White’ Cabriolet

1592039472

24,000

3541

1986 Porsche 911 SSE

WPOZZZ912GS101738

18,000

3542

1994 Porsche 993 Carrera Convertible

WPOZZZ99ZRS332577

12,000

3543

1935 Aston Martin 12/50 Standard

E5/574/L

120,000

3544

1998 Aston Martin DB7 V8 Vantage

SCFAA1114SK100528

70,000

3545

1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

tbc

38,000

3546

2003 BMW 330 Ci Sport

WBABS52060ET58295

13,000

3626

1993 Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL

WDB1400572A105972

9500

3634

1994 AC Cobra

SA9AK3024LA017351

48,000

3635

1970 Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible

GE64334CV

4,000

3636

1956 Austin-Healey 3000 BN2 Restoration

BN2L 233026

10,000

3675

1977 Maserati Merak SS

AM122A435

20,000

3676

1989 Bentley Eight

SCBZE00A9LCH31181

6,000

3677

1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur

SCAZN0002DCH06846

6500

3678

1971 Lotus Elan  2 130S

7109150589L

10,000

3679

1952 Bristol 401

401/1040

26,000

3680

1967 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Cabriolet

1120232209839

45,000

3683

1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa

WPOZZZ91ZJS141214

8,000

3684

1990 Bentley Eight

SCBZE00A2LCH32351

6,000

3687

1955 Jaguar XK

S817538

52,000

3688

1980 Ferrari 308 GTS

30953

24,000

3689

1979 Chevrolet Corvette

1287895404257

9,000