RARE RESTORATION PROJECTS TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT NEC RESTORATION SHOW

Rare restoration projects are going to auction later this month as Classic Car Auctions offer a selection of rare cars that require attention to get them back to their glory days.

An Alfa Romeo Montreal, Jensen FF and Maserati Merak are all limited in production runs cars, with the Montreal in better condition and requiring re-commissioning whereas the Jensen and Merak are full but very worthwhile restoration projects.

The Montreal is a particularly rare car, one of 155 made in right-hand drive and is an original UK-supplied car. This classic Alfa Romeo has been stored for 25 years and is now in need of recommissioning with some restoration to get it back to its glory days. The mileage is indicated at 49,011 miles and comes with a stamped service book and original manuals. Finished in Arancio Pastello, this will be a stunning car when finished and is guided at £20,000 to £25,000.

The Jensen FF is a beautiful looking car with the curved rear glass covering the boot with hints of Italian styling. It should not be confused with the Interceptor, as the FF is longer and wider and features the twin vents on the side of the front wings. The FF is one of the rarer versions with FF meaning Ferguson Four-wheel drive. Only 327 were made and it is thought there are 61 remaining, so this is an extremely desirable classic. The current vendor bought the car 15 years ago from the previous owner who had acquired the car via three separate lots. It is now in need of full restoration and estimated at £20,000 to £25,000.

Our next rare and limited in production numbers car is the Maserati Merak SS. This right-hand drive matching numbers car is one of 300 made in this specification and is in need of full restoration. It has been stripped back to bare metal, with all components stored for reassembly. An exciting project estimated at £14,000 to £20,000.

“These three lots are fantastic restoration projects. Their rarity is a standout feature for anyone who is going to take on these projects, knowing that when they are finished, they will own something very special,” commented Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions Manager.

Other restoration projects on offer at The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on the 28^th and 29^th March are a Range Rover with some potential history. It is believed this off-road classic was once owned by legendary reggae musician Bob Marley. Shipped back to the UK in 2018, this 1976 Range Rover is now in need of total rastaration. Estimated at £10,000 to £12,000 this 100 inch 2-door classic is a major project, but a very rewarding one.

We now turn to our cover girl project, the 1976 Jaguar XJ-C 5.3 Coupe which once adorned the front cover of Paul Skilleter’s book, The XJ Series Jaguars. This rare and elegant coupe is currently a non-runner, but such are the values of these 5.3-litre V12s that any expenditure will be rightly rewarded. It is offered at No Reserve.

Our final car, well trike, is the 1961 Moto Guzzi Ercole 500. Known in Italy as the Motorcarro, this 0.5-litre pickup trike would make an ideal promotional vehicle. With the benefit of an enclosed cab, a five-speed with reverse gearbox, this Ercole will provide some great fun, once treated to some TLC. At No Reserve, what are you waiting for.

Gary commented further: “The other three lots mentioned here have their own wonderful story, imagine owning a Range rover that was once Bob Marley’s! Or a cover girl Jaguar. But the Moto Guzzi is just a whole bundle of fun with no end of potential.”

“We have a tremendous catalogue for our first sale of 2020. If you can’t make it on the day, don’t worry, you can leave a commission bid or join us online or via the phone.”

Viewing takes place on the 27^th March between 10am and 5.30pm with the auction getting underway on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th from 12pm.

Classic Car Auctions can be contacted on 01926 640888 or by email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk and with just a week to go now until the catalogue closes, would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car. Alternatively, you can also use their online Value My Classic service.

Forthcoming Auctions
28^th and 29^th March – Practical Classics Restoration Show, NEC Birmingham
13^th June – CCA Summer Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre
3^rd October – CCA Autumn Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre
12^th December – CCA Winter Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre