We found 12684 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 12684 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
12684 item(s)/page
Lot 58
1933 MG J2Registration number ALX 934Chassis number J4199Frame number 2767AJBlack with a red leather and vinyl interiorHood and tonneau cover are in black 'Wigan' materialDVLA declared manufactured 1978Wonderful history with the first owner being the vendors father, he spent some time looking for this car which he evenutally discovered and, as being an engineer, completely restored to better than newExtensive history file with copy of early photosPlease see the condition report online for the history of this carThe owner also has a large box containing many small parts removed, replaced or bought and not used, to be collected by the buyer from the postcode area TA13 at a mutually agreed date and timeAll lots in this sale are sold as is and bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Please read our terms and conditions With V5C, HPI clear AA badge & St Christopher on dash will be retained (shown in photos) View video Information from the owner: General History up to 2024 This car was bought new in November 1933 by my father, then a serving Flying Officer with the RAF who had just returned from a 3 year posting with No 27 Squadron in the North Western Frontier region of India (now the Pakistan/Afghanistan border areas) flying the Westland Wapiti” 2 seater Bomber/Army support aircraft and had saved enough to pay the £200 for his new J2 At the time he was based at RAF Henlow and during the 6 month guarantee period there was a good bit of correspondence between him and the MG company, I have copies of the Abingdon responses from which it seems that he had problems with performance 'maximum speed only 68 mph' and other small matters including vibration. It seems that in April 1934 a new gearbox and remote were fitted plus new front engine bearings etc. These seem to have been dealt with promptly and efficiently. Mileage by then was over 4,000 Sometime in 1934 father and friend took the car on a long tour into Southern Germany and there are several photos taken on that trip including loading (or unloading) onto channel ferry, just guessing Newhaven/Dieppe The next report is it taking part in the Great West Motor Club’s London to Bournemouth trials at the end of March 1935 and I have a photo of it taken at the Bovington Camp section. As father married later in April that year it seems unlikely that he was the entrant so he must have traded it in by then for the 2 Litre Lagonda he next had. The only clue as to its location after 1935 is a repair plate on the radiator header tank by Sercks of Maidstone, Kent and a tax disc issued by London C C expiring end of June 1938. The next phase in the story is that in 1937 or 1938 the car was bought by a young Lincolnshire man, Colin Muncaster. I was able to contact the widow of Colin’s brother, Ray, and she (Phyllis) was able to tell me quite a lot and the rest of the history comes from her and another name she mentioned, Mike Hewson, who lived very near the Muncasters in Horncastle. Mike Hewson’s father was with Colin when he bought the car and they took it to the British Grand Prix held at Donington Park in 1937 or 38. Colin was keen on some competition driving and had the car worked on by the well known MG fettler Harry Lester. The engine had a Laystall crank fitted, cylinder head modified with polished ports enlarged to 1 1/8 inch dia and bigger 1 1/8 inch carburetters fitted. The brakes were converted to hydraulic using components from a Wolseley Hornet with 9 inch drums. Ignition was by 'Scintilla' magneto. Phyllis told me that Colin and Ray were coming home from the pub when they ran off the road near Horncastle and Ray, being thrown forward, lost his front teeth on the dashboard. She asked if the marks were still there on the aluminium panel. I looked and indeed they were and still are! I imagine this was the cause of the bent chassis discovered during restoration. Apparently during the war Colin bought another MG (understood to be a J1 salonette) to use that engine to 'save' the original 'good' engine until war was over, but the car was taxed for a while in 1941 and 1943. Colin was born in 1914 but for some reason wasn’t called up for military service. He had a Garage business and after the war worked for the Council. I have photocopies of ALX 934 taken from late 1930’s on some showing his Hill Climb runs and trophies won, all presumably in the Lincolnshire general area up to about 1952 when by then it was fitted with 16 inch rear wheels. The 19 inch wheels went back on for everyday use until 1955 when it was pushed into an open ended Nissen hut until bought by Harry Dickinson of Bucknall, Lincs, in 1978 where it sat unused for another 27 years until I bought it from Harry’s widow. Before that a chance conversation with another J2 owner at a car show in 2005 led to the discovery that father’s old car still existed and was for sale. I went up to Lincolnshire to see it; very much as I would have expected after so long unused although the engine had been started and run occasionally. It seemed complete and original and there was a large amount of spare parts included. My offer was accepted and we hauled it back to Suffolk a week or so later in July. It soon became apparent that it needed much more than a tidy up and it looked like a total strip down was needed, everything that could wear was worn and the woodworm had consumed most of the plywood trim. The first thing to do was to drain and refill the engine oil, water in radiator, connect to a battery and take a fuel feed from a petrol can. Starter pushed, and engine started and ran strongly, still on its magneto, so this was encouraging. So began over 2 years of work whenever I was able. The most useful tool was the angle grinder to cut off all the rusted up nuts and bolts and with body off I could see what had to be done. The body and chassis went up to David Wall in Wroxham where he repaired and replaced any damaged and rotten timber and re panelled in steel or aluminium where necessary. The chassis was straightened and new stubs welded on the rear chassis cross members to take the spring trunnions. Other steel fittings, plates, brackets, stainless battery box etc. were made up for me by the people at the metal fabricators whom I then worked for. A trip to Sports and Vintage in Shrewsbury supplied me with all the other bits and pieces I thought I needed as well as relining the clutch plate. This was followed by a trip to Jones Springs to recondition the springs. This lot must be collected by 12.30pm on Friday 25th October. If the buyer has not collected by this time it will automatically be removed and placed into storage, incurring a removal charge of £100 + VAT, to include the first week of storage, unless otherwise noted. Storage will then be charged at £10 + VAT per day or part thereof. If collecting from storage, please provide 24 hours notice
Lot 89
Football Memorabilia: Folder of Club letters x14 on club headed notepaper inc. Chelsea, Celtic, Wolves and Sunderland. Fanzines x4 incl. West Ham and Southampton, Booklets x6 including 1963/64 World Soccer Digest and 1960s Birmingham '10 Years to Remember'; 3x Minor Cup programmes comes with several other pieces incl 1968/69 Southampton Handbook, 1976 First Day Cover titled Southampton FAC win! Also 1970s Leatherhead Cup Final Rosette (40 approx)
Lot 600
Ten stamp albums containing British and world stamps to include: a Windsor Loose-leaf album containing mint stamps; a Windsor Loose-leaf album containing 1 Penny Black, 2 Blues and a good quantity of Penny Reds; an album of New Zealand stamps; Channel Islands album; four Royal Mail First Day Cover albums.
Lot 120
South Africa rugby interest; collection of rugby related collectables, to include South Africa RWC 1995 signed shirt, with signatures from the starting squad, bench and backroom staff, framed and glazed, together with a limited edition Rugby World Cup Wales 1999 framed and mounted badge set, edition 457/4000, South Africa rugby 1889-1999 centenary limited stamping signed first day cover, number 90/100, framed and glazed, Springbox captains and heroes 1995 signed first day cover, framed and glazed, The Famous Grouse salutes the past and present South Africa 1891-1995 rugby captains, framed and glazed, Rugby World Cup final 1995 photograph, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, framed and glazed (6)
Lot 95
"Escaping Society cover Signed 18 RAF WW2 Battle of Britain Dambusters VC winners. Escaping Society Caterpillar Club Signed 18 Members Battle of Britain, Dambuster 8 May 85 BFPS 1945 40th Anniv of VE Day. Caterpillar Club Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Formation of the RAF Escaping Society. Cover flown in Hercules. Personally Signed by 5 RAF Falcons Display Team & 18 Caterpillar Club Members a Cross section Range from one of the earliest member’s, a per – war jumper, through the Battle of Britain, Dam buster pilot, and Bomber Battle of Germany to a post – War member , the only one on this list who used an ejector seat first. Dambuster A F ( Tony ) Burcher DFM Rear Gunner M for Mother Mohne Dam 16th May 1943.( Dambuster Raid ) Hit by Falk while approaching the target before being crippled by the blast from its own weapon which overshoot and exploded beyond the parapet Crashed Hopgood, Brennan, Earnshaw Minchin Gregory all killed in the Crush only J W Fraser & A F Burcher Survived the crash. Whilst Bailing out Burcher was stuck across the back by the tail. His parachute carried him to earth but a broken back prevented him from moving. He lay there for 3 days until some Hitler Youth found him. They tied a rope around his feet and dragged him to the nearest Gestapo Station who believing he was going to die gave him over to the care of a man they believed was a local vet. This man was prior to the war a back surgeon who had lied to the authorities so as to not have to do War work. Prisoner of war sent to Stalag Luft III sagan where he found an old polish friend from the RAF. The two took part in three famous tunnel escapes Captured by the Germans them realizing who they were they were to be executed as per Hitler's orders the next day. That night the lines ahifted and in the morning the Russians were in charge of the Prison. For reasons unknown the Russians decided they should hang on to these two and so they were sent into internment in Russia. Burcher wasn't repatriated until 1947. WO John Bettany CGM Bales out Lancaster.AVM H A C Bird Wilson Pilot Battle of Britain, Air Marshal Sir Harry Burton, Pilots Wellington shot down over Germany bailed out and escaped back to Great Britain 1st airman to return. Gp Capt John Cunningham Most Successful night fighter Pilot, Air Commodore Alan C Deere, Battle of Britain Pilot bailed out many times and wrote a book called nine Lives. Sqn Ldr Robert F T Doe Battle of Britian Pilot Baled out aircraft on Fire, one of Mcindoe’s ‘’Guinea Pig’’. Gp Capt D E Gillam Battle of Britain Pilot Baled out. Gp Capt Tom P Gleave Battle of Britain Pilot Baled Out on fire became one of McIndoe’s chief ‘’Guinea Pigs. W/O Norman C Jackson VC ( Victoria Cross Holder ) climbed on the wing of his Lancaster to put out the fire in one of the engines, He did this, but the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and he was blown off the wing. His parachute saved his life. Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace ( Digger) Kyle, An Australian is the most senior member of those who have signed these covers. He had to bail out of a Bulldog in the mid – thirties. Sqn Ldr James H (Ginger) Lacey fought in the Battle of France and was top scoring British Pilot in the Battle of Britain. He used his parachute on at least 6 occasions. Gp Capt W S O Randle served with Bomber Command throughout the war. He was shot down over Belgium, made his way through France across the Pyrenees into Spain and reached Gibraltar. Served happily in the Royal Air Force until 1972. Flt Lt William Reid VC won his Victoria Cross with 61 Sqn later joined 617 Sqn. When on an operation over Germany his Lancaster was hit by a bomb from a fighter flying Aircraft in the Bomber Stream. He bailed out with some members of his crew and finished up as a POW in Stalag Luft 111. Air Chief Marshal Sir F Rosier Pilot fought in both the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. It was in this period that he had to use his parachute. Air Vice Marshal Sir Colin Scragg . Pre War airman served with Bomber Command until 1944 when with 166 Sqn he was on a mission over Germany and had to bail out. He finished in Stalag Luft 111. Wg Cdr Robert (Bob ) Stanford – Tuck. Battle of Britain Pilot and was one of the top scorers. Had to bail out of his Spitfire in a sweep over France much later on in the War. POW Stalag Luft 111. Marshal of the RAF Sir Keith Williamson. Only member to bail out Post- War . He bailed out having used his ejector seat first from a Hunter. Full Details enclosed. Certified Copy no 11 of 12 Covers Signed. " Good Condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99
Lot 125
India, Chamba.- Reid (W.) Chamba Chortlings... Being an Account of Some Things that We Did, and a Good Many that We Didn't [Diary of a hunting expedition to the Chumba District accompanied by Major Hardinge Monteith Hogg], typescript signed, all laid down on card, title and c. 53pp., c. 70 photographs, title cut down and mounted, first f. damp-stained with loss, next 4ff. affected by damp, original half morocco, gilt, worn, lacks upper cover and spine, 4to, 1907. *** Places visited include: Chitrari, Olansa, Bharmour, Chaubia etc. An amusing and realistic account of the hardships and travels of a hunting expedition through this largely unexplored region in the early twentieth century. \"I hate this place... I had never realised what Hell looked like until I came upon this ah to-day... . It is a perfect picture of the Valley of the Damned.\" - W. Reid.
Lot 142
Suffolk. GARDNER (Thomas) An Historical Account of Dunwich, ... Southwold, 1754, small 4to, lacking folding plan (supplied in facsimile), 4 plates, calf; COPINGER (W A) Suffolk Records and MSS, 5 vols., no date, early 20th century, original blue cloth, gilt lettered; Suffolk Record Society, 9 vols.; with others on Southwold, Dunwich and Aldeburgh etc, mostly 20th century (35) Gardner's Dunwich inscribed in ink "Kenneth Kemp/Gissing Hall" to the inside front cover.free front page with inscription in Latin "Sciant presentes...... etc etc" and then noted underneath "Copyed from the Original Deed by John Ingham the 19th - / day of May 1755/ Date of deed is Monday after ther 19th of May 1424. Rogert Thorp, and Richand Codon being then Bailiffs of Dunwich/Thomas Beaufort was then Duke of Exeter. Rep:hist of Engl:" additional name added to first printed page "John Ingham 1755"Beccles Fen: stamps to the front Beccles Public Library (B33.23 Bibliography 3733 Stock no 2402) F4B3733-1 15
Lot 39
Registration No: GX 2487 Chassis No: OH10116 MOT: ExemptA genuine Cozette 'blown' 'low chassis' model supplied new as a fabric-bodied TourerComprehensively restored by well-respected marque aficionado Peter WhenmanAccompanied by a large history file supplied in two full suitcases!Recently subject to magneto, dynamo and starter motor overhauls by Overton EngineeringHaving established its reputation by winning the Moscow - St Petersburg Reliability Trial of 1910 with a 30hp Six, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. The latter abandoned the firm's traditional in-unit gearbox in favour of a midships-mounted transmission, but of greater technical interest was the engine. Designed by Arthur Davidson, the 2-Litre Four featured twin camshafts, mounted high in the block, operating inclined valves in hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output of this advanced design was a highly respectable 60bhp. For the 1929 season, a 'low chassis' Speed Model was introduced, featuring revisions to the frame's front end and a higher-compression engine fitted with twin carburettors.The Speed model had resulted from the factory's Le Mans effort of 1928, when the 2-Litre driven by Andre D'Erlanger and Douglas Hawkes had finished 11th overall in the 24-Hour endurance classic. A classic example of racing improving the breed, the 'low chassis' 2-Litre possessed markedly superior handling characteristics courtesy of its lower centre of gravity. In 1930 a supercharged version was introduced, with the 'blower' mounted vertically in front of the engine, which was fitted with a stronger crankshaft, while a 3-Litre rear axle beefed up the transmission. A Powerplus supercharger was specified at first, but most 'blown' 2-Litres came with a Cozette. Thus equipped, a 'low chassis' 2-Litre was capable of up to 90mph.Supplied new to the South East London area on the 18th May 1932, 'GX 2487' was originally specified as a Speed Model with Cozette Supercharger and bodied as a four seat, fabric constructed tourer. Little is known of its early history up to 1953, when a record of ownership started being kept and all owners are traceable from this period until the present day. The rare Lagonda is known to have been exported to Singapore during the 1970s by a member of The Malaysia and Singapore Vintage Car Register with whom it was found in a neglected state (and missing the all important Cozette supercharger) in his possession by the most recent previous owner. After much persuasion, 'GX 2487' was finally bought in 1985 and was to be repatriated to the UK four years later. Once back home in 'Blighty', the Lagonda was entrusted to the late Peter Whenman, the pre-eminent restorer of Vintage Lagondas, for a comprehensive restoration which would be completed in 1994.During the restoration, OH10116 was disassembled to the bare chassis and the body was overhauled with a new ash frame to the original specification and re-covered with new fabric. New cycle wings and a new bonnet were fabricated using traditional methods in aluminium and the interior was entirely reupholstered to original specification in high quality Dark Green hide. Mechanically, the 2-Litre power unit and four-speed gearbox were also given similar treatment, with a new cylinder head supplied by Peter Jones of Wessex Workshops. The all-important supercharger was also reinstated in the form of a replica Cozette unit. A new Black ‘double-duck’ hood and tonneau cover were also supplied and fitted to the original frame with a new set of side screens made especially. Finally, the original Lagonda radiator was treated to a re-core and entirely new 21” wheels were commissioned.After completion, the Lagonda was collected from Hartley Witney and was pressed straight into service, being driven all the way to its new, loving home in the North East of England. Thereafter, ‘GX 2487’ saw its first outing attending the Le Mans 24 Hour race in France in 1995, in the company of other members of the Lagonda Owners Club who were celebrating the 60th anniversary of Lagonda’s Le Mans victory in 1935. The improvements didn’t halt after the restoration, however, and new brake drums from Wessex Workshops were fitted in 1996 (with the original finned brake drums, which were standard on supercharged cars, accompanying the car to sale). Recent works to this 'blown' Vintage Tourer have included a service, magneto overhaul, starter motor overhaul and sump gasket change by Overton engineering in Shoeburyness, Essex, to correct some minor running issues and an oil leak, which were commissioned by the vendor earlier in 2024.'GX 2487' is accompanied by one of the largest history files we have come across (two whole suitcases!) that comprises two voluminous ring binders attesting to the history and restoration work, with a hand-written “costing” document equating to some £70,184 of spend between 1990 and 1994. The files document back to 1954 and also hold correspondence with then Technical Advisor to the Lagonda Club, Ivan Forshaw. The car is today rated by the vendor as ‘excellent’ regarding both its mechanical and cosmetic condition. Now to be offered to the market by the vendor due to needing funds for a business venture, 'GX 2487' could be one of the finest examples of a Speed Model Lagonda in existence today.PLEASE NOTE: After investigation we have established that 'GX 2487' is not fitted with the original engine block, the replacement unit which has been fitted to the car since its restoration is numbered SL 926. For more information, please contact: Lucas Gomersall lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk 07484 082430
Lot 89
Registration No: Y834 MWL Chassis No: SCFAC133X1B500004 MOT: July 2025Loaned by Aston Martin to EON Productions for a photoshoot at Pinewood Studios with Pierce Brosnan to promote the twentieth James Bond film, 'Die Another Day'Finished in the same Tungsten Silver with Charcoal leather and an aluminium centre console as the hero cars in the film (hence the reason it was requested for the photoshoot)A notably early production example and one of seven cars which were initially retained by the factory for press dutiesSubsequently road registered as 'M16 SPY' and 'A12 AML'Part of a prominent Aston Martin collection since 2003The lead car in a parade to commemorate the opening of the M6 Toll roadJust c.37,800 miles from newPLEASE NOTE: The check engine light has recently appeared on this lot.A landmark model in Aston Martin’s history, the Vanquish MkI was unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Salon. Styled by Ian Callum and notable as his first ‘clean sheet’ design for the marque (as opposed to the DB7 which sat on a modified Jaguar platform), the newcomer featured a bonded composite aluminium chassis with carbon fibre backbone. Developed in conjunction with Lotus, the structure was equipped with all-round independent suspension and four-wheel, ventilated ABS disc brakes. A true Grand Tourer available in two-seater or 2+2-seater guises, the Vanquish was powered by a 6-litre V12 DOHC engine allied to automated six-speed manual transmission. With some 460bhp and 400lbft of torque on tap, the Fixed-Head Coupe was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5 seconds and 190mph. Although it broke a lot of new ground, the Vanquish was also notable as the last Aston Martin to be handbuilt at Newport Pagnell, with just 1,503 being completed before the arrival of the Vanquish ‘S’ in 2004. Confident that it had produced a winner, Aston Martin readied seven early production cars for UK press duties road registering them as ‘Y829 MWL’ through to ‘Y836 MWL’ during June 2001 (with the exception of ‘Y830 MWL’). The septet then appeared in a plethora of magazines and brochures. Taken on a road trip to Scotland, this particular example – ‘Y834 MWL’ – was the subject of a multi-page article entitled ‘Loch, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. However, its true claim to fame came was when it was delivered to Pinewood Studios to be photographed alongside Pierce Brosnan as part of the promotional campaign for the twentieth James Bond film, ‘Die Another Day’.Notable as the first 007 outing since ‘The Living Daylights’ in 1987 to star a current Aston Martin model as the hero car, ‘Die Another Day’ signified a re-forging of the links amid the British manufacturer and EON Productions such that the world’s most famous spy has remained a resolute Aston man ever since! Invited to the factory before filming commenced, Brosnan was sufficiently bowled over by the Vanquish to acquire one which remained with him until 2015 (when it was sadly destroyed in a house fire). Finished in the same Tungsten Silver with Charcoal leather and an aluminium centre console as the Vanquish's that lit up the silver screen but sadly lacking their ejector seat, missiles and machine guns, ‘Y834 MWL’ was an obvious choice for the Pierce Brosnan / Pinewood Studios photoshoot which was subsequently syndicated worldwide. Indeed, images from the iconic collaboration between James Bond and ‘Y834 MWL’ are still being used by numerous newspapers, magazines and websites today. Having graced the front cover of Aston Martin News in February 2002, the GT sported the appropriate number plate ‘M16 SPY’ for a brief while before being sold to the vendor by JCT600 of Leeds the following year. A prominent (and prolific) Aston Martin collector, the seller has enjoyed exhibiting his ‘James Bond’ Vanquish at numerous events and shows over the years, not to mention touring abroad with the Aston Martin Owners’ Club to the Le Mans 24-hours and Portugal etc. However, his favourite memory of the Tungsten-hued Coupe is from 9th December 2003 when he headed the parade of cars which were the very first to use the M6 Toll road. Registered as ‘A12 AML’ at the time (aping the ‘V12 AML’ number used by the factory), the GT reverted to its most famous plate ‘Y834 MWL’ during February 2022. Accompanying service invoices suggest that the Vanquish has covered 18,000 of its warranted c.37,800 miles in the vendor’s hands (albeit less than 4,000 of those have been accrued over the past decade). Highly original, the GT looks very much the same as it did when promoting ‘Die Another Day’ twenty-two years ago. Any Vanquish is a special car with Evo magazine naming the model as one of its 25 most significant performance cars of the last 25 years in 2023 and commenting thus: “If the DB4 of 1958 signalled the start of Aston’s original golden era, the Vanquish kick-started a new golden age that would see Gaydon-built cars, led by DB9 and Vantage, achieve unprecedented sales. Quite simply, it sparked the most successful period in Aston history, and for that Aston fans – and really anyone who enjoys the rich tapestry of performance cars – should be forever grateful”. However, as a bona fide piece of James Bond memorabilia, ‘Y834 MWL’ has a significance all its own. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file, owners handbook and service book plus current MOT certificate valid until July 2025. For more information, please contact: James McWilliam james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk 07943 584760
Lot 15
Registration No: GCL 269Y Chassis No: SCCFC20A8DHD10895 MOT: ExemptOriginally built as a pre-production Essex Turbo Esprit in 1980 and loaned to the DeLorean Motor CompanyThereafter developed by Lotus Engineering and fitted with experimental Active Suspension for Formula OneRetained by Lotus Cars on long-term display until 2016 and only one private keeper sinceJust 6,500 miles from newExtensively but sympathetically restored in current ownership at a cost of in excess of £60,000A highly significant car in the history and development of Lotus!Chassis number SCCFC20A8DHD10895 is no ordinary Lotus Esprit Turbo, and it is against all odds that it still exists today! With a ‘Signed from Production’ date of the 8th July 1980 in its initial guise, the Esprit began life as a pre-production Essex Turbo Esprit and according to the Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance that accompanies the car, it is believed to be the first pre-production Essex Esprit built. Thus, originally finished in the colours (Essex Blue) of Lotus F1 sponsors of the time, the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, thereafter the Esprit was loaned to the DeLorean Motor Company. Upon the return of ‘10895’ to Lotus in c.1982/83, it was provided to Lotus Engineering and was built by Team Lotus with experimental Active Suspension for Formula One (and possibly the first car worldwide with it) and was repainted into the John Player Specials colours with JPS now the Lotus F1 sponsor. With Lotus at the forefront of Active Suspension for some time, this Esprit's significance cannot be overlooked.Road registered in 1983 as ‘GCL 269Y’, it was used for promotional activities such as featuring in a BBC Top Gear episode and being test driven by Nigel Mansell, and it is even reputed that Colin Chapman personally sat in the car shortly before his death. When the promotional and development activities ceased, much like many prototypes at Lotus, the history was deemed insignificant, and the Esprit was left behind in Hangar 4 (Service) at Lotus under a cover for numerous years until its fate seemingly was doomed for even worse. Spotted by the bosses of the new owner's Proton, the Active Esprit was ordered for scrapping, but fortunately, Brian Angus (the Esprit Platform Manager for 14 years) knew its significance, and continually hid the Active Esprit in several different locations on site, and got his knuckles rapped at one stage for doing so!As part of an audit of the Essex Esprits in 2005, following the hike in interest and value, the Active Esprit saw the light of day again, and Brian Angus fortunately found someone within Lotus' Senior Management who concurred with his belief of the significance of the car and so ‘GCL 269Y’ was tidied up and mechanically, it is understood that only renewed fuel lines, a new battery and fresh fuel were required to bring the Esprit back to life. Placed on display in the White Building at the factory, it remained on display at Lotus for many years, in fact, such a length of time that it resided in the White Building before and after its completion, the internal walls were built around the Esprit!Changes in financial priorities led to the firm having to raise money and so the Esprit was sold to the current vendors, a father and son ownership (the former having worked at Lotus as a development engineer for 10 years), who are ‘die-hard’ Lotus enthusiasts having had a significant collection of Lotus’, and who had persistently enquired as to the availability of ‘GCL 269Y’. Removal of the Active Esprit was no easy task with the only available exit being a personnel door and extraction involved placing the car on a rotisserie to reach the outside world sideways! From there, the vendors embarked upon an exhaustive restoration that took approximately two years to complete and with expenditure understood to have surpassed £60,000 in total. The restoration work included full engine and gearbox overhauls; renewed front and rear bulkheads; re-wiring; full brake refurbishment, new exhaust system; and amongst much more with most of the work completed by specialists, NTC Cars. Cosmetically, the restoration's focus was to maintain originality as much as possible and thus the original paintwork was carefully revitalised and pleasingly the original hand-painted decals remain. The original interior was restored, recoloured, and re-connollised, and the sympathetic focus of the restoration can be seen throughout by the retaining of items such as the model-specific cam cover and Active Suspension control panel.Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the Active Suspension components and original control panel are still present and have been plugged into a computer to produce data, although further research and attention would be required to get it operational (a firm who can complete this task have been located however). Offered now having covered just c.6,500 miles, the Lotus is offered with a history file that contains the Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance; Security Release Pass for Development, Sales, PR, and Executive Vehicles; a copy of Car Magazine from November 1983 featuring the car; a copy of Absolute Lotus featuring it; correspondence with Brian Angus; photos of the removal from the factory; copy of the marketing specification sheet; data from the active suspension; and sundry paperwork. Also accompanying is a current V5C Document which notably shows just one former keeper, ‘Team Lotus International Ltd’.Only offered now due to a change of focus to increased amounts of historic racing (in Lotus’!) by the vendors, the Active Esprit is undoubtedly not one to miss for a collector or enthusiast, being such a highly significant car in the history and development of Lotus, with Active Suspension, of course, becoming prevalent in Formula One until it was banned by the FIA in 1994! For more information, please contact: Paul Cheetham paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk 07538 667452
Lot 127
A mixed lot of Lord of the Rings memorabilia and ephemera, to include: - Various first day covers, stamps and postcard sets - Isle of Man post stamp collection bearing the signature of Billy Boyd (Pippin) - First day cover bearing the signature of Ian McKellan (Gandalf) - Korean poster book - The Two Towers sticker sheet - Various limited edition lithographic prints - 2004 Return of the King calendar - Newspaper specials etc
Lot 617
A very large collection of GB and Commonwealth stamps, Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, mint and used in a quantity of albums and stockbooks, together with numismatic Royal Mint 2022 set of coins, Concorde, Railway and Titanic related coins, two watches, Royal Mail first day cover coin covers in presentation folders etc
Lot 62
A framed and glazed display containing two door handles and a keyhole cover from St Peters Church, Woolton. The items are mounted onto a piece of wood with an engraved plaque that reads as follows: ‘These door handles were removed from the outside kitchen door of St Peters Church Hall Woolton on 11th May 2002. The hall was being restored and the door was replaced and thrown in a skip.’ The piece of wood has been framed with a photograph of the original door in the skip and a reproduction programme from the Garden Fete held on 6th July 1957. It was on this day at St Peter’s Church that Paul McCartney met John Lennon for the first time. The meeting took place at the church hall on the evening of the 6th July. Whilst waiting to play at the church dance John Lennon and the other Quarrymen Skiffle group were introduced to Paul by a mutual friend. The meeting was brief, but Paul demonstrated his musical ability and even showed the Quarrymen how to tune their instruments. Shortly after this meeting Paul accepted an invitation to join the group and the rest is history. The display measures 42cm x 32cm x 7.5cm (16.5 inches x 12.5 inches x 3 inches). The condition is very good. Provenance: the reverse of the display has a handwritten note from the original recipient detailing how he was given the handles by the painters who were working on the renovation of the hall.
Lot 732
Plush red special album of 'The Visit of Pope John Paul II' Limited Edition of 13 First Day Covers. Simplex Junior Album with GB collection from 1887-1977 with many later mint stamps, three small, older albums, five stock books with wide selection of GB, Commonwealth and World stamps, plus two First Day Cover albums, a Stanley Gibbons Collect by Theme Album for Stamps of the World and a Stanley Gibbons Collect by Theme Album for Stamps of the World and a Stanley Gibbons GB concise Stamp catalogue
Lot 140
1938 Excelsior G15 500cc Manxman Special Registration number ETV 857 Frame number MVG201 Engine number GJB 100 This machine was the first Manxman G15 produced and used for initial trials and road testing by the works riders Ginger Woods and Tyrell Smith Whilst undergoing tests at Donington Park in the hands of Ginger Wood, George Richards approached the works asking to use the bike for solo and sidecar competitions The factory agreed to let him use the bike and it was updated and modified by the works on several occasions during 1937 always referring to it as GJB 100 in the works records One of only 20 Manxman specials to be built by the factory, all fitted with bronze cylinder heads We are informed that only 9 motorcycles and one engine are known to exist today The bike represents an important part of the Excelsior Manxman development story A very rare historic machine and with the George Richards connection it would be a significant addition to any collection and a good investment opportunity Purchased 2019 All lots in this sale are sold as is and bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Please read our terms and conditionsWith V5C, selection of photos before and after restoration, original Manxman handbookLetters from specialist Paul Ingham, Phil Heath, Manxman registrar and previous ownersVarious invoices, restoration notes, 1936 'Motorcycling' article, photocopy of maintenance bookSupplied with the original primary chain case, timing cover, spare gearbox, gaskets and sealsThis lot must be collected by 12.30pm on Friday 4th October. If the buyer has not collected by this time it will automatically be removed and placed into storage, incurring a removal charge of £60 + VAT. Combinations will be charged at £100 + VAT. Storage will then be charged at £10 + VAT per day or part thereof. If collecting from storage, please provide 24 hours notice
Lot 5414
Numismatics – A collection of modern commemoratives and special editions including: 1970 Royal mint decimal 5 coin set unc. in blue folder of issue; 1975 Michelangelo 500th Anniversary silver token and first day cover on folder of issue; 1975 USA & Russia Soyuz/Apollo sterling silver medallion and first Day cover in card mount of issue; 1977 Silver Jubilee Danbury mint silver stamp replica (75.1gr) with first day cover in Danbury Mint presentation case with certificate; 1979 USA Susan B Anthony dollar BU in plastic case of issue; 1981 Isle of Man £5 BU on card mount of issue; 1982 Isle of Man 20p first issue BU in card mount in folder of issue with certificate; 1994 Royal Mint £2 in special folder illustrating stages of production in folder of issue (qty)
Lot 338
STAR WARS; a limited edition first day coin cover with 1999 £5 coin, no. 019146, signed by cast members including Alec Guinness, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker (R2D2), and David Prowse (Darth Vader).Condition Report: - We have not authenticated these signatures, please satisfy yourself as to the veracity of the item prior to bidding.
Lot 353
NELSON MANDELA; three Nobel Prize first day covers signed 'Best Wishes Mandela 12.12.2000', and Yasser Arafat, a cover signed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, one signed by Mikhail Gorbachev and one other (3). Condition Report: - We have not authenticated these signatures, please satisfy yourself as to the veracity of the item prior to bidding.
Lot 336
DAD'S ARMY; a first day coin cover with 1997 £2 coin, bearing the signatures of the writers and cast, to include Clive Dunn, David Croft, Bill Pertwee, Ian Lavender, etc, two theatre programmes for 'Allo Allo', signed to inner pages by cast members, together with a signed black and white still photograph of Ronnie Corbett, from the TV series 'Sorry' (4).Condition Report: - We have not authenticated these signatures, please satisfy yourself as to the veracity of the item prior to bidding.
Lot 281
ROLLING STONES; a torn page from an autograph album bearing the signatures of Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman, together with a first day cover signed Charlie Watts (2).Condition Report: - We have not authenticated these signatures, please satisfy yourself as to the veracity of the item prior to bidding.
Loading...-
12684 item(s)/page