Are we getting a bit dull when it comes to choosing the colour of our cars?
According to the latest research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) grey continues to be the most popular colour for new cars.
The colour accounted for a quarter of all cars registered last year.
In fact, the Society’s findings show a monochrome top three with black in second place (20% of sales) and white in third (17%).
Combined, the three shades make up 62.5% of all new cars bought in 2022.
SMMT added that grey was seen as ‘a sleek and deeper tone than other shades’ and is often seen as a ‘safer choice’.
Blue has grown in appeal (16%) and red scored 8.5%.
Silver took sixth place with 6.1 % of sales after holding ‘top spot’ for over 12 years in the early 2000s. Coming in tenth was bronze.
Looking into the colour choices a little deeper, research from Uswitch comes up with some interesting conclusions.
They say grey and silver car owners are said to have a ‘sensible nature’, whilst white car drivers tend to be ‘clinical and highly organised’. Owners of black cars ‘tend to ooze sophistication and have great style’.
When it comes to classic cars, according to the Canadian insurance group, Wayfarer, red is the most common colour and whilst yellow is rare for new cars it is popular for older vehicles.
Certain shades are synonymous with particular car brands such as British Racing Green (MG, Morgan and Jaguar), Corvette Yellow, Rosro Corsa (Ferrari) and Mica Blue (Subaru Impreza).
Go back to the 70s and brown was all the rage. Who remembers the copper brown Ford Consul GT 3.0 litre in The Sweeney which took Detective Inspector Regan (John Thaw) on one car chase after another?
Looking back through old classic car brochures it seemed British Leyland had a paint shop full of brown shades. Check out the Austin Princess or the Mini!
Let’s saviour these times, It could be a long wait before we see brown return to favour!
For more information on the latest trend in car colours visit the SMMT website:
We are all familiar with the Ford GT40 which won Le Mans, but have you heard of the Rally equivalent, the Ford GT70? Despite being a rally enthusiast I had never heard of the car until I came across Corgi Whizzwheels model. I thought it was worth further investigation.
Despite the fact that only six prototype models were made there is plenty of information available on line. In particular there is an excellent video featuring Stuart Turner and Roger Clarke discussing the origins of the car and their hopes for the future.
You can see this video here
The car is described as a direct descendent of the GT40 racing programme though, apart from its mid engine layout it is difficult to see much commonality.
The story of the GT70 starts in 1970 when the Ford Escort was dominant on the rallying scene. However Stuart Turner and Roger Clarke came up with the GT70 concept on their return from the Monte Carlo Rally. Stuart explained that even though the Escort was a world beater in tough rallies, on high speed tarmac events such as the Monte, the Porsche 911 and Renault Alpines couldn’t be beaten. Ford planned to move forward with both the Escort on the tougher endurance events and the GT70 on the high speed events.
The mid engine layout reduced overall weight and placed it over the rear wheels to improve traction. It also had a smaller frontal area reducing drag. Stuart also stated that whilst it would be developed as a rally car it was likely that it would be put into mass production as a sports car and was shown at the Brussels Motorshow.
The prototype looked promising with a fiberglass body designed by Ercole Spada and powered by either a 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve Cosworth BDA four-cylinder, or a hopped-up, mid-mounted 2.6-litre Cologne V-6, and a five-speed manual transaxle.
However, its performance on events left much to be desired. One was run in the 1971 Ronde Cevenole Rally in France, driven by Roger Clark, but was plagued by engine, suspension and braking problems. Another ran in the 1971 Tour de France driven by Francois Mazet with partner Jean Todt . Unfortunately, they were unable to finish after colliding with a bridge parapet in the Alps. A third was modified by Ford France with a 1.6 litre Cosworth BDA I4, 5-speed Hewland gearbox and a BP livery and was run in the 1972 and 1973 French tarmac championships withGuy Chassuil as the driver.
Unfortunately design issues with the frame and changes to the WRC rules meant that the car never fulfilled its potential and the GT70 programme was stopped in 1973.
Shipley based race and rally team, Acespeed Historic Motorsport will be promoting the race against dementia at all their events throughout the 2023 season. The Race Against Dementia charity was established by Jackie Stewart after his wife Helen was diagnosed with the condition.
Said Andy Harrison of Acespeed Historic Motorsport.
“Sir Jackie was a great inspiration to me as a young motorsport enthusiast. Not just because of his undoubted talent, but also the work he undertook promoting safety and later as a team owner. As I have become older I have come to know many people dealing with the impact of dementia on their family. Inspired by Jackie’s love and support for his wife, Helen, we have committed to promote his charity at our events during the 2023 season and to encourage our supporters and spectator’s to donate.”
There are 50 million people living with dementia across the globe and every minute this figure is rising. Behind each statistic is a real person and a heart-breaking story – a wife, a husband, a father, a mother. Each has shared memories, passions, ambitions and hopes that are slowly fading away. A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t just impact one person: its effects ripple through entire families, wreaking devastation on countless lives.
Sir Jackie and Lady Stewart married in 1962, Helen is now in a battle with dementia. Since her diagnosis, Helen is struggling with her memory and the disease is taking hold of her mind and body. Helen was Jackie’s stopwatch: the love of his life and a razor-sharp mind that timed his laps to the millisecond. The woman who once kept Jackie at the top is now confronted by a disease currently with no cure. Her battle inspired Sir Jackies to create Race Against Dementia.
“I know first-hand the devastation that dementia brings to entire families when they realise there is currently no cure.”
Sir Jackie Stewart
Acespeed will be appearing at Race Retro in their London to Sydney Marathon car.
There was a time when British car makers ruled the world. Names such as Austin, Morris and Hillman could be found across continents.
Unfortunately, in the later 20th century new car manufacturers emerged – many from overseas – offering lower production costs and bold new designs and technologies. UK makers just weren’t able to keep up and a number disappeared.
This week I look back at five big names consigned to motoring history but still much loved by classic car lovers.
Jowett
Starting in West Yorkshire, Jowett Cars of Idle village, Bradford were formed in 1901 by two brothers, Benjamin and William Jowett, making light and affordable cars and motorcycles. Like many businesses they answered the call of the war effort making munitions and machinery in both First and Second World Wars.
Post-war, the company developed two great cars, the four-door Javelin and Jupiter convertible, both advanced models for the time. Unfortunately, by the mid-50s the business faced major production and sales issues which brought on their demise.
Today, the old Jowett factory site is home to a large Morrisons supermarket. A mural in the store stands as a lasting testament to the workers who made Jowett such a force.
Hillman
The Midlands-based manufacturer was a major name in the mass car market in the 20th century, rolling out a number of popular models.
Among them was the rear-engined Imp, the family-sized Avenger and the classic Minx and Hunter models.
Chrysler took over the complete business from Rootes in 1967 and by 1976 the brand ‘Hillman’ would disappear. The Avenger and Hunter were joined by Sunbeam in being rebadged as Chryslers, that was until 1979 when Chrysler sold its European arm to Peugeot. For a short time the Avenger and Sunbeam lived on, badged as ‘Talbot’.
The French company still own the rights to the Hillman brand today.
Jensen
Jensen Motors started out building car bodies for marquees such as Austin, Ford and Chrysler.
It launched its first own brand car in the 1930s and moved into GT cars in the 1950s. The iconic hand-built open-top Intercepter arrived in 1966, designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy and built in West Bromwich.
Some restyling followed and the Interceptor made comebacks in the 1980s and 90s under new investors. But, sadly by 2002 the game was up for Jensen and the administrators moved in.
Triumph
Triumph had its origins selling bicycles and motorcycles before producing its first cars in 1923.
The company would become a popular small car manufacturer and became part of British Leyland in 1968. Triumph built a fine reputation with its string of TR badged sports cars before being consumed in the struggles of BL.
It’s last mass made model was the family-sized Acclaim which debuted in 1981. The Acclaim was manufactured under licence to Honda and came with an Honda-made engine. Despite strong sales the model disappeared in 1984 and with it the name ‘Triumph’ as a British car maker.
Rover
Another former cycle maker, Rover, had perhaps the most tragic past after developing into a quintessential British car maker. The name ‘Rover’ goes back over a century and by the time of its demise in 2005 it had produced some memorable cars.
Sporting Rover’s famous Viking longship logo, the brand still attracts a legion of discerning buyers. They included models like the P4, P5, P6, SDI and one of the last cars to roll off the Longbridge plant, the much underrated 75.
Despite collaborations with BMW and Honda, the MG Rover Group, as it became, would sink with BMW retaining the Rover trademark. A year later, the German giants sold the Rover brand to Ford.
I’ve touched on five great car makers, but there are many other extinct British makers that remain important parts of our motoring heritage. Names like Daimler, Austin, Morris, Wolseley and Riley are among other special cars long gone.
Today, it’s down to classic car buyers and enthusiasts to keep these brands alive.
Entries are open for the 2023 edition of Sorrento Roads by 1000 Miglia. The spring event scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 2 will offer a small number of participants the chance to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most envied Mediterranean landscapes.
Like last year, Sorrento will be the core of the event: from here, in fact, Friday, March 31 will kick off the “on the road” day that will take the participating cars to discover first the Royal Palace of Caserta and then the Amalfi Coast. The day of Saturday, April 1, on the other hand, will take place entirely in the center of Sorrento. Modern and classic cars built up to 1990 can be entered.
This is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a virtually new, special-edition Ferrari from a decade when Ferrari absolutely dominated the F1 Constructors World Championship.
There is a very strange mindset among some collectors that drives them to keep their purchases untouched for years – be it a Matchbox toy or a Ferrari.
And strangely these collectors do have a point, by denying themselves the pleasure of using these cars they add interest, value and collectability on occasion. It will be interesting to see if this is the case with these two cars.
Unrepeatable, unregistered, as new 430 Scuderia. One of only 279 right-hand drive examples manufactured. £150,000 – £180,00. Eligible for the 2024 ‘1000 Miglia’ and would make a (relatively) inexpensive entry to one of Europe’s most prestigious events.
In 2008, Ferrari put into production their new lightweight 430, evocatively named the Scuderia. Replacing the 360 Challenge Stradale was always going to be a tough proposition, but with 510bhp, a new lightning-fast gear change, and an exhaust note which sounded pure F1, the Scuderia managed to be quicker, yet a lot less demanding to drive than the CS.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia which was supplied in right-hand drive to Hong Kong in 2009. Finished in Bianco Avus with a Nero Alcantara interior, factory options included; Carbon fibre exterior trim, brake calipers in yellow, steering wheel with upper crown in carbon fibre and LEDs, Alcantara trim interior, door covers in carbon fibre and a fire extinguisher. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer showed just 112km, the equivalent of just 70 miles. A right-hand drive 430 Scuderia delivered to Hong Kong is identical to a UK version with the exception of metric instruments and sources indicate this example is one of just 279 right-drive examples manufactured in total.
Since delivery in 2009, this special-edition Ferrari has been dry stored correctly in a temperature and humidity-controlled facility. Accompanying the car is the original Ferrari book-pack, original purchase contract, spare key, tool kit, tyre inflator and fitted Ferrari car cover.
2000 Mini Cooper Sport – 734 miles – £25,000 – £30,000
Just two owners from new, with single ownership for over 20 years and covering just 740 miles from new. Amazingly, the car has been serviced, MOT’d and cared for every year of its life, and once it had received a service and MOT, it went straight back into its single heated garage. Recently it was treated to a three-layer ceramic coating, including the underside. Guide price: £25,000 – £30,000.
After 41 years and with the end in sight, Rover decided to mark the classic Mini’s long life with a penultimate limited-edition prior to the arrival of BMW’s new ‘Mini’. Following the popularity of the ‘Sport Pack’ Minis offered from 1997-2000, it was to be known as the “Mini Cooper Sport” and some 2,200 (1,000 RHD) were built between March and October 2000. They were a totally separate model and externally they could be distinguished by their muscular stance with flared wheel arches and 13″ sports alloy wheels, four spot lamps and Platinum-coloured roof and bonnet stripes. The ‘Sport’ also featured an updated interior with stylish nickel-silver and black leather trim, drilled and polished alloy door and window handles, and a Sport dash in turned alloy silver and black finish.
This remarkable example has a lovely, wholesome story behind it and couldn’t be presented in better order for its first time coming to public sale. Originally registered on 05/09/2000, this pretty Sport, one of 267 finished in British Racing Green, has covered just 734 miles from new with 370 of those miles being added in the last two years.
The car was the pride and joy of our vendor’s cousin who bought it new and cherished it like no other. She kept the Mini until her passing in 2020 at which point a family member purchased the car from the estate, meaning it’s single family ownership from new.
The history file features every tax disc and MOT since new, the original purchase invoices, its original book pack and all associated books, a comprehensive and a chronological work history report from Bailey Automotive who serviced and MOT’d the car every year in our vendors ownership. To preserve the outstanding originality of the car, New Look Detailing were commissioned to carry out a meticulous five-stage ceramic coating to the entire car, including the underside, in order to future-proof its perfection.
With a history of caring ownership, the tiny mileage and in stunning condition, this fabulous little Mini Cooper Sport will be right at home in any collection of rare Minis or at the home of any Mini enthusiast.
More information about these vehicles and the others consigned for Silverstone Auctions next sale at the Race Retro Show on the 25th February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, can be found on their website www.silverstoneauctions.com.
This superb example of the ‘Evoluzione’ II in a very rare colour with low mileage is the personal car of actor, comedian, collector and race driver Rowan Atkinson of Black Adder and Mr Bean fame. It is estimated to sell for £65,000 – £75,000 with Silverstone Auctions on February 25th at the Race Retro Show, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
The car had covered just over 87,000km when, back in May 2021, it was purchased by well-known comedian, actor and petrol head, Rowan Atkinson CBE. He has enjoyed many happy hours in the car, although the total mileage still remains below 90,000km, and the history file confirms recent money well spent on keeping the little Lancia in such fabulous condition.
First seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979, the Lancia Delta Integrale is best known for its domination of the World Rally Championship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Constantly being developed, the first Evoluzione cars were built at the end of 1991 and carried on through 1992 and these Evo models were to be the final homologation cars built for the Lancia Rally Team competing under the Martini Racing banner.
Arriving in June 1993, a further development of the HF Integrale naturally became known as the Evo II and featured an updated version of the 2-litre, 16-valve turbo engine producing a little more power, 215bhp. The Evo II HF Integrale is now considered by many as the ‘one to have’ and this particular car enjoys an exceptional and appealing pedigree.
Originally supplied to Japan, this car was then selected and imported back to the UK in 2011 with all duties paid. It had been chosen for its rare colour of Lord Blue which is extremely smart. Atkinson has enjoyed many happy hours in the car, and it is supplied with a comprehensive history file, including a comprehensive Japanese service history, its V5C and a current MOT. This car is ready to be enjoyed and driven as it should be.
With the Winter months well and truly here how about building your own dream car – in kit form of course?
Model makers like Airfix and Revell offer scores of scale model kits of some great iconic motors, from a pre-war Bentley to a sixties Mustang
The beauty is you can go from taking on a starter set to spending hours on a more advanced build. Kits are handily labelled in varying skill levels and include the all important scale size.
Right now there is a real resurgence in model-making in kit form with lockdown starting a real boom in sales. The hobby seems to have a genuine appeal for some wanting to take a break from Zoom and their computer screen.
The most popular maker, Airfix was started in 1939 by Hungarian businessman, Nicholas Kove and expanded greatly in the 60s and 70s as the interest in plastic kit took off.
Today, Airfix is owned by Hornby and has many grown up ‘super fans’ including former Top Gear presenter, James May.
It’s great rival, Revell was formed in the US and can trace its roots back to 1943. Other model kit makers out there include Heller, whose model kits are produced in France and Germany.
At this point I admit to declaring my interest. I was given an Airfix Jaguar E-Type ‘starter set’ for Christmas. Who remembers their Airfix kit coming in a small plastic bag?
Helpfully for me, today’s packaging includes acrylic paints, a brush, glue and details of its scale, 1:43. To reassure me even more my plastic E-Type is described as ‘Designed for Beginners’ and has just 23 parts!
If you’re looking for a more challenging project, here’s a selection of models I’ve picked out from the internet.
Sticking with Jaguar, Airfix offer the ‘stately’ 4.2 litre Jaguar 420 – launched at the 1966 London Motor Show – in 114 plastic pieces. The 1:32 scale model is described as Skill level 2, but sadly doesn’t include paints.
For the rally fans, Airfix’s product range also includes the Mini Countrymen WRC, launched for the World Championships in 2011. The model information adds it was the first racing Mini to bear the Mini label since the 1960s.
Revell sell a range of US and European cars, from pre-1964 classics such as a Ford Model A Roaster to what they call ‘Street Rods’. A 128 piece Mustang Boss (scale 1:25) caught my eye. The car was manufactured between 2012 and 2013 and the kit features ‘a detailed engine, exhaust and suspension system’.
Back in Europe, one of Heller’s big sellers is a 124 piece Renault 4L (scale 1:24) complete with brush and paints. This front-wheel drive French icon debuted in 1961 and Renault went on to build over eight million 4L’s over four decades.
Goodwood has announced that the legendary American driver, car manufacturer and entrepreneur will be celebrated at this year’s Goodwood Revival, over the weekend of 8-10 September 2023.
The centenary of Shelby’s birth will be honoured with one of Goodwood’s signature tributes, comprising cars that were not only raced, but also designed and developed by the 1959 Le Mans winner. Running across the weekend, the celebration will include the likes of the MG-TC in which Shelby competed for the very first time, in 1952.
Shelby’s impact on motor racing can be seen each and every year at the Revival, and 2023 will be no different, as an assortment of Cobras – the Anglo-American sports cars for which he is best known – are set to take to the track in the all-star Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration. Meanwhile, the Whitsun Trophy will host a number of examples of the Ford GT40, whose design Shelby played such an integral part in refining.
Carroll Shelby raced at Goodwood during the Circuit’s heyday in arguably one of the most important and dramatic races in the annals of British motorsport: the 1959 RAC Tourist Trophy. This race saw him share the winning DBR1/300 with his co-drivers Jack Fairman and Stirling Moss – the latter a late addition after his own car was eliminated in a spectacular fire during a routine pit stop. Earlier in the season, Shelby had won Le Mans, sharing the same DBR1 with Roy Salvadori, and victory in the Tourist Trophy secured the World Championship for Aston Martin.
Once racing returned to Goodwood with the institution of the Revival, Shelby wasn’t far behind, attending the third iteration of the event in 2000 where he ran a Shelby Daytona Coupe driven by American IndyCar champion and F1 driver Danny Sullivan.
Taking place across the weekend, the Shelby tribute will join the full race schedule for the Goodwood Revival, Friday 8 – Sunday 10 September.
A century ago Britain was turning out cars that dominated the roads of this country and many others too. The Morris ‘Bullnose’ Cowley Tourer was one such.
Introduced during 1913, the basic Morris ‘Bullnose’ design lasted until 1926 by which time its variants accounted for an impressive forty-five per cent of new car sales in the UK.
It certainly appealed to the car buying public. Now fully refurbished to an outstanding level this beauty is a true delight to drive and does our automotive heritage proud.
The Cowley was powered by a four-cylinder side-valve engine displacing 1,548cc and rated at 11.9hp, driving through a cork clutch and a three-speed gearbox. It gets its name from the distinctive nickel ‘bullnose’ radiator which became a symbol of quality and at affordable price that competitors could not match.
This lovely four-seat tourer was fully restored some years ago and remains very impressive. More recent works include a complete engine overhaul and a fresh interior retrim.
This car is coming to Auction as CCA’s first sale of 2023 at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show 24th -26th March at the NEC, Birmingham,B40 1NT.All lots are available to view online where you can also register to bid in person, online or via commission.
By Classic Yorkshire Correspondent, Tony Lofthouse.
It’s no secret that our new King is passionate about classic cars but one make, in particular, is a real favourite.
The Midlands-made Aston Martin can boast a royal connection to King Charles going back over fifty years.
His love for this great British icon began when his parents gave him the keys to a DB6 Volante Mk2 convertible, finished in Seychelles Blue. A gift for his 21st birthday.
The DB6 model was launched in 1965 and had a top speed of 152mph.
As a passionate ‘green’ advocate, in 2008, the then Prince Charles had the car converted to run on bioethanol fuel and was proud to reveal it was produced from the likes of surplus wine and whey from the cheese process. The biofuel is blended as E85 by adding 15% unleaded petrol.
In 2011, this rare Volante convertible was driven by his eldest son, Prince William, to whisk his new bride, Kate Middleton, away after their wedding reception.
Charles’ birthday gift was quite a jump in luxury from his first car, an MGC GT fitted with a 3.0 litre straight-six engine.
In 1973 Charles joined the Aston Martin Owners Club and in the late eighties he was gifted his second Aston Martin.
The 5.3 litre V8 Vantage Volante was given to him by the Emir of Bahrain. The Prince would be closely involved in its specification from choosing the British Racing Green paintwork to the mushroom leather interior trim and insisting on a manual gearbox. He also tweaked the body kit design to make the final vehicle less showy.
Aston Martin claim they were so impressed with his personal refinements that they made another 27 cars in the ‘Prince of Wales spec’ for admiring clients, with five built for the US market.
His third Aston Martin, a V8 Virage Volante, was leased from 1994 to 2007 from the company’s Newport Parnell works. This special-order version came with a 500bhp 6.3 litre engine.
It was later sold by Bonhams in 2019 for £235,750.
Why the love for Aston Martin? The Prince said: “It was one of the great British cars”….. “I adore the design and lines.”
Today, King Charles is regularly taken in an electric car to royal engagements and but in his spare time he can enjoy a stunning classic car collection which includes a Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911 and a Bentley Continental GT.
Thankfully, he still has time to enjoy taking his treasured 1969 Aston Martin for drives with Camilla, the Queen Consort.
A fantastic Lotus collection put together by one man, Deryck Norville, a former Cosworth engineer will excite every enthusiast for this marque. Cosworth creates world beating engines and cars fitted with its powertrains have had 176 F1 victories making it one of the top three race engine producers alongside Mercedes and Ferrari.
All these Piddington Collection cars have a wonderful history.
1968 Lotus Elan S4 Coupé ‘Duckworth’
1966 Elan S2 Drophead Coupé ‘Emma Peel – The Avengers’
1969 Lotus Elan – ‘Jochen Rindt’
1968 Lotus Elan SE ‘Rob Walker’
1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupé ‘Ron Hickman’
1975 Lotus Elan Sprint
1966 Lotus Elan S2 – Ex-Peter Sellers
Rob Hubbard, Sales Director of Silverstone Auctions, comments: “If ever you have wanted to purchase a Lotus Elan there will never again be an opportunity like this one, to choose your ideal car from this outstanding collection put together with a master’s eye by Deryck Norville. Each one also comes with a provenance that just adds to their interest. This Piddington Collection is one for the true Lotus afficionado.”
On offer from the Piddington Collection. This rare 1966 Lotus Elan S3-SE was delivered to Peter Sellers’ Haymarket home on June 22 1966 and, when in London, was driven by him, with wife Britt Ekland in the passenger seat, until 1969. The image of Sellers and Britt Ekland buzzing around Mayfair in the ‘Swinging Sixties’ in this little white Elan is too good not to be shared with friends at the pub on a sunny Sunday morning.
The car was delivered to Peter Sellers at 37 Panton St, Haymarket on the 22nd. of July 1966.He was a legendary actor and comedian as well as being a talented singer, director and photographer, who sadly passed away in 1980. In terms of acting and comedy, he is regarded as being in the top 50 in the world at both – ever. His body of work is too vast to list here but Dr Strangelove, the Pink Panther, Inspector Clouseau and the Goon show have all had an influence on British society.
Girls played a major part in his life, he was married four times including Britt Ekland (64-68) and Lynne Frederick (77-80), and during the sixties and seventies was frequently seen in the company of the world’s most beautiful women. Perhaps less known was his passion for cars, having owned dozens, and never missing a photo opportunity with his new companion, whether on four wheels or two legs which makes it strange that we can only locate one picture of him in this car, popping up from underneath the closed Tonneau cover and about to come out with some piece of wisdom in the voice of “Bluebottle”.
With zero miles since its superb restoration and over 60,000 miles from new, there is nothing to preclude using this ‘almost new’ S2 on a regular basis, or its next owner may choose to pop it into a private collection enjoying the Peter Sellers’ provenance, however, we can’t help but feel that a combination of the two might be best.
From the Piddington Collection. This S4 Coupé is particularly special as it was presented to Jochen Rindt by Colin Chapman at Hockenheim in August 1970 after his win in the Lotus 72 at that year’s German Grand Prix. It was to be his final win prior to his untimely death at Monza a few weeks later.
1966 Elan S3 Drophead Coupé ‘Emma Peel – The Avengers’ – GUIDE PRICE: £80,000 – £120,000
On offer from the Piddington Collection. After filming Series 5 and 6 of the Avengers, the Television Company gave this super little S3 Drophead to Diana Rigg who played Emma Peel in 51 episodes of the long-running British TV series.
On offer from the Piddington Collection. This stunning Sprint was formerly the property of Ron Hickman, the South African-born, Jersey-based automobile designer and inventor who worked with Colin Chapman for years and headed up the design team responsible for the original Elan, the +2 and the Europa but is probably best known for creating the Black and Decker ‘Workmate’.
The car was purchased from the Hickman family by our vendor in 2020 and although it remained exactly as it was post-restoration, it was given a very light recommission by Neil Myers upon its return to the UK and prior to joining the Piddington Collection.
On offer from the Piddington Collection. Prepared for Grand Prix privateer and “the ultimate Gentleman Racer”, R.R.C.’Rob’ Walker, to commemorate Stirling Moss’ legendary Monaco Grand Prix win in 1961 aboard the Rob Walker Racing Lotus 18.
1975 Lotus Elan Sprint – GUIDE PRICE: £50,000 – £80,000
On offer from the Piddington Collection. The last Elan Sprint to be UK-registered and possibly the best Fixed Head Coupé in existence.
LRP 301P was originally supplied by Lotus in kit form to the Ken Meyers Partnership who, at that time, were Lotus Main Dealers in Wellingborough Road in Northampton. Ken had planned to build the car as a present for his son Neil on his 18th Birthday but, for some reason, this never happened and consequently, when the car was finished, it was sold to a husband and wife who were both Doctors and had been waiting for some time for a new Sprint. They obviously loved their little Elan as they kept it for 39 years until 2014 when it was acquired by our vendor.
On offer from the Piddington Collection. An S4 Coupé given to Keith Duckworth, co-founder of Cosworth Engineering, by Lotus Cars to commemorate the first win by a DFV-engined Grand Prix car at the Dutch GP in 1967.
More information about these vehicles and the others consigned for Silverstone Auctions next sale at the Race Retro Event on the 25th February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, can be found on their website www.silverstoneauctions.
