Posted on 8th February 2019
Cilla Black's Mini, David Beckham's Range Rover and an exceptional 1962 Aston Martin DB4 up for grabs at the London Classic Car Show
Bobby's love letter to the queen of showbiz on sale next week to mark Valentine's day, alongside other classic cars including a 1962 Aston Martin DB4, 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring and rare wheels dating back to 1917
The London Classic Car Show returns to ExCel London on 14-17 February 2019 and part of its classic car auction, courtesy of the show's official auction partner, Coys, will see a wide array of vehicles go under the hammer on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February, including stunning cars lovingly owned by celebrities Cilla Black and David Beckham, along with concourse-ready classics from Aston Martin, Porsche and Maserati.
Bobby Willis and Cilla Black's 30-year romance has been well told and proved a fairytale in the world of showbiz. Eight years after their marriage in 1969, Bobby surprise surprised Cilla with a brand new 1977 Mark IV Mini 1000 that was extensively upgraded by Wood & Pickett on Abbey Road, just a stone's throw from the recording studios; the spiritual London home of Merseybeat. The upgrades included solid black paintwork, extended wheel arches, Margrave leather interior and walnut dashboard. Recently restored whilst retaining its originality, the car will be going on sale on Valentine's weekend this year, in the 60th anniversary year of the Mini, at the London Classic Car Show and is estimated to sell for between £30,000-£40,000.
Thirty years after that gift, David Beckham received his own best of British wheels, with a specially created 2007 Range Rover Sport by Khan Design. Designed and upgraded at a cost of £100,000, this car has a thunderous 4.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine and a highly unique interior. Specified by the Beckhams to include hand-stitched quilted leather seats, a bespoke sound system and twin rear screens to keep the children entertained, this is truly a one off. There is also a plaque bearing the moniker “Designed for David Beckham†and the V5C lists David Beckham as the first owner. Petrol versions of this model are rare enough but with this pedigree and provenance this is certainly an exceptional car for any sporting or motoring enthusiast. Estimate £30,000-£35,000.
Alongside these celebrity-owned vehicles, over 100 magnificent machines will be auctioned at the London Classic Car Show. Amongst them are three exceptional classic heavyweights, including a concourse-ready 1962 Aston Martin DB4 that perfectly balances exceptional high quality, performance and a lavish finish. The fine example ready to go under the hammer has received a comprehensive restoration, with the invoices in its history file totalling just under £200,000. Estimate: £400,00-£450,000.
There's also the chance to acquire one of the most iconic sports cars in motoring history as a 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring will be for sale. This matching engine example was delivered new to Germany in the current colour scheme of Grand Prix white with green 'Carrera' graphics and matching wheels. In the 1980s the RS resided in Florida where it was kept for around 30 years before changing hands and moving back to the UK in 2014 where it's been treated to a cosmetic restoration. Estimate: £370,000-£450,000.
Jumping forward three decades is a Porsche Carrera GT. This fabulous model was first delivered new to Germany in 2005. The CGT has been maintained to a high standard and is finished in Basalt Black with matching black leather interior. The CGT is fitted with the full carbon pack, including steering wheel and luggage set, making it a truly exceptional example of one of greatest supercars of all time. Estimate: £650,000-£750,000.
Other highlights of the Coys auction at the London Classic Car Show include:
1917 Austin Twenty EXP1 Prototype. Driven by Edgar Wren as a promotional car to secure new orders of the 20hp model, this is a rare piece of British motoring heritage that was treated to an extensive restoration during the 2000’s. Estimate £40,000-£50,000
1954 Tojeiro Butterworth Barchetta. A superbly original and unique 1950's 'Le Mans' style sports car that benefits from being road legal! It is sold with a very large file of original letters of correspondence between Palmer, Tojeiro and Butterworth; bills and insurance invoices, articles from Motorsport magazines, articles from the Tojeiro's book, photos and much more. Estimate £70,000-£90,000
1959 Maserati Tipo 60/61 'Birdcage'. To be sold with a significant amount of documentation, photographs, full rebuild invoices from Steve Hart Racing and confirmation of the cars original components. This car offers a collector or historic racer a chance to own the legend that is a Birdcage.
1967 Vanden Plas Princess R, a British ministry vehicle used by Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It was first registered on the 2nd October 1967 and supplied new in Ministry Black livery with Gold coachlines and was fitted with rear seat belts from new. There is an accompanying service history and the odometer reads a staggeringly low 8,500 miles which is believed genuine. The subject of many articles and supplied with a good history file and new MOT, SMT 594F is a superb piece of motoring and political history. Estimate £15,000-£20,000.
1995 Lotus Elan M100 S2. This was produced to celebrate the 50,000th car to come out of the Lotus factory since 1948. The car itself was signed by a number of employees from the Lotus factory and then donated to The Prince's Trust with the help of former Lotus drive Britt Ekland. The car was accepted on behalf of the trust by HRH Prince Charles, who signed the owners hand book. With the assistance of The Sun newspaper the car was entered into a lottery style competition, which raised over £85,000 for the charity.
The auctions take place at 14:00 on 16 February and 14:00 on 17 February, with viewings from show opening on 14 February at 16:30. More information and a list of all the lots is available on the official Coys website at www.coys.co.uk/the-london-classic-car
The auction forms part of the London Classic Car Show at ExCel. Feature highlights at the show include:
The Icon Award: Ian Callum
Ian Callum's prolific career will be honoured with The London Classic Car Show Icon Award and a celebratory exhibition of his work. This will feature some of the most notable and career-defining cars that he has designed over his illustrious career, including the Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar iPace, F-Type and XK and the Ford RS200 rally car. There will also be a Q&A with the man himself at the show. He will attend the show on Thursday and Friday.
Aero Engines by Edd China
Presenter, engineer and inventor Edd China is curating an exhibit of exceptional aero engine machines to be showcased. China's feature will include the 27-litre V12 Thomas Special, 'Babs'. Also known as the 'Chitty 4' or the 'Higham Special', the car was built in 1923 by Count Zborowski. It was bought in 1925 by innovative engineer and successful racing driver John Parry-Thomas, who broke the world land speed record in Babs in 1926 at 171.09mph. Sitting alongside will be the 27-litre Hispano Suiza V12, known as 'Sid' for its characterful hissing after a fast run. This car is a faithful recreation of the 1920s land speed record cars.
The Grand Avenue celebrates Motoring Firsts and Mini's 60th Anniversary
One of the show's most popular attractions, a procession of rare and remarkable vehicles will be fired up and paraded on the live indoor runway, featuring models that have pioneered new technologies, founded manufacturing dynasties and ushered in new eras in automotive development. Amongst the 60-strong fleet of Grand Avenue runners will be a collection of rare and outstanding Minis to celebrate the iconic model's 60th anniversary. Feast your eyes on Sir Stirling Moss' winning F1, a history-making Bentley, a huge array of fabulous Minis and many, many other very special machines.
The Italian Job
Surviving cars from epic chase movie The Italian Job will be reunited in a special exhibit to mark the iconic film's 50th anniversary. The 1969 British heist film, which stars Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill amongst others, is famed for its incredible chase scenes through Turin, Italy, with the cars being the real stars of the movie. The London Classic Car Show and Octane Magazine have curated this special celebratory feature, bringing together original models and replicas to mark the film's half century.
Citroen Celebrates its Centenary
2019 will mark the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, Citroën will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show. The daring manufacturer will showcase a selection of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since 1919, from the vintage Type A through to modern classics.
Supagard Theatre
The Supagard Theatre provides a programme of forums and debates. Hosted by Tiff Needell, experts will share their advice and insight on a range of topics, with one of the key attractions being the Classic Car Investment Forum. The event's star guests will make appearances in the Supagard Theatre and take questions from the floor: Ian Callum will discuss 'A Life in Design', while Edd China will provide insight to the unusual automobiles in his life. ERS, the show's specialist motor insurer partner, will be hosting The Big Electric Classic Debate. Visit the website for the full breakdown of timings.
