There’s a superb choice of classics in Iconic’s auction at the NEC but which one will you be bidding on? Richard Barnett casts his eye down the list for the sale’s stand-out models
It’s almost a show within a show, and could very well be the answer for the visitor in the market for a fresh classic.
An admirably strong mix of classics crossed the block in its previous Silverstone Auctions guise and Iconic is continuing the theme. The lots should meet the expectations of many enthusiasts but it’s worth noting that this isn’t a sale of the cheapest motors.
However, value considerations out of the way there’s plenty of temptation. The 400-mile Ford Escort RS Cosworth will definitely appeal to the modern classic lover, but so too will the MG SV-R, which mixes rarity and power in one distinctive package.
Lovers of older cars are well catered-for, too: the 1964 Jaguar E-type FHC, on the market for the first time in nearly 50 years, will garner plenty of interest and the love for pre-war cars will definitely be shown courtesy of the 1931 Bentley 4-litre saloon.
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ICONIC’S LINE-UP SO FAR
AN E-TYPE FOR SALE…FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 50 YEARS
ESTIMATE £20,00030,000
A deceased estate sale and a car in single ownership for almost 50 years, and the history suggests there was a complete engine and body re-build in 1980/1981, when a new bonnet, door skins
and floorpans were fitted. Some work was started (new paint, re-chroming and engine work) in 2010 but this wasn’t completed and it’s believed to have subsequently stood for ten years.
‘It is suggested that your early inspection prior to purchase is encouraged and welcomed to fully understand what additional work will be required to return this Series 1 to top form. Whilst the paintwork finish is not glamorous, it may not take much to return the car to the road to be used whilst a full restoration is being considered and it could represent a very affordable entry into E-type ownership.’
A fresh-to-market E-type is always going to fire up enthusiasm, but coming from nearly 50 years’ ownership adds to this car’s appeal. Just how well that restoration work has lasted means that closer inspection is a needed. One good point is the engine being free and in running order and the estimate’s entirely sensible. Thing is – will the new owner keep the patinated body or re-spray it?
A MODERN CLASSIC THAT COULD SMASH ITS ESTIMATE
ESTIMATE £55,00065,000
It’s an MG SV-R, a Ford V8-engined halo model that saw the light of day not long before MG Rover went into administration. This SV-R has covered 10,669 miles from new and has a manual gearbox. Originally a demonstrator for an XPower dealership its next two owners were associated with MG Rover, Iconic says, and later s
