CLASSICS TODAY

Thursday

GREAT HOPE FOR 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR

150 bhp, 279.9 cu. in. eight-cylinder inline side-valve engine, three-speed manual gearbox, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, two-speed live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

The 1935 Auburn styling was the work of Gordon Buehrig, who had designed the immortal Model J Duesenberg. Making the 1934 theme more upright yet more graceful, Buehrig also lowered the speedster’s tail, making it smoother and more aerodynamic. With the V-12 gone, a more powerful eight was called for, so Auburn turned to August Duesenberg to adapt the Model J’s centrifugal concept to the side-valve engine. With 6.5 to 1 compression, the supercharged Model 851 developed 150 bhp at 4,000 rpm. On the Bonneville salt flats, company driver Abner “Ab” Jenkins, a former Indy 500 driver of note, set 70 new unlimited and American speed records for stock cars. Each new speedster was delivered with a dashboard plaque certifying that the car had been driven by Jenkins to more than 100 mph.

Located in England....+44 (0) 20 8870 9007

Tuesday

ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

1968 MGA

A rare, wonderfully equipped and well sorted, 1959 MGA Coupe. The stylish lines echo the XK120 Coupe. We have serviced and improved this car for the last three owners, with combined ownership covering over 35 years. This car now has very unique looks and specifications. The current owner made many upgrades in our shop so he could use the car on vintage rallies. He wanted this car to be exceptionally appointed inside and equipped to perform effortlessly over long distances. The car is now fitted with a 1840cc MGB five main engine, backed by a Moss 5 speed transmission. To insure the car would handle and stop, the front suspension was upgraded to MGB complete with disc brakes. The final differential ratio was changed to 3.90 from 4.22 to take full advantage of the overdrive gear. To ensure smooth, shimmy-free, high speed driving, 15X6 8 spoke Superlite alloy wheels were fitted. The end result is a reliable well balanced coupe that can keep up with modern traffic. All mechanical work has a mere 2500 miles since completion. This car is well sorted and ready to drive.

This MGA is fitted with a stunning interior. The leather seats are comfortable and have a proper patina free of flaws. The carpets are new, wool type, well-padded and nicely installed. The under carpet at the transmission has been padded with a thermal heat barrier. The headliner is new and the white color makes the interior feel more spacious. The original dash was sent to Madera Concepts to have a stunning book matched walnut veneer installed and then finished like fine furniture. The real wood steering wheel complements the dash and is a pleasure to hold. The interior looks even better in person.

All mechanical work was done with no expense spared. Approximately $20,000 was spent to make this the best equipped MGA coupe. MGB five main engine bored +40 balanced, fitted with large intake valves and a mild camshaft that has been degreed for best performance. The transmission is a 5-speed full syncro overdrive on top gear. Front suspension is all new including shocks and disc brakes. The diff is a rebuilt 3:90 unit. All brake and clutch hydraulics were replaced with new cylinders and hoses. Radiator has been upgraded and car runs cool even on hot days. Starts, runs and drives very smoothly and as a bonus it is very quiet at cruising speeds. All dash controls and gauges work.

Body is very solid and has no signs of serious accident damage or rust. The chrome is good to excellent, with only a minor dent on the l/h front bumper. Paint work is a nice warm shade of white and is smooth and glossy. The chassis is very straight and solid. Glass is all good. The doors close well and panel gaps are all good.

New 15X6 Superlite alloy wheels with 195/60 tires. Approximately 3,000 miles on set. The true and well balanced wheels make for some smooth driving and excellent cornering.

This car is a pleasure to drive. It starts easily, has excellent power, and retains a nice steady idle. The five speed transmission is effortless to shift, makes the car quiet, and really performs well. The interior view from the driver’s seat is great and the dash gives a sense of richness that nothing short of a Jaguar can match. This car is comfortable to drive and performs way above a regular MGA. A car good for years of reliable touring, and is a great alternative to a Porsche 356 coupe. This is a wonderful car to tour or rally.

Located in Oregon...1-541-683-6101

photo and edited text credit: Sports Car Shop

Monday

TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

1972 DETOMASO PANTERA

1972 DE TOMASO PANTERA, 1972 DETOMASO PANTERA BLK/BLK WITH 35,900 ORIGINAL MILES. NEW PAINT ON BARE METAL RESTORATION. RUST- FREE BODY NON MODIFIED BODY, ALL STAINLESS TRIM AND BUMPERS ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION INTERIOR IS IN LIKE NEW CONDITION WITH NEW CARPETS AND ORIGINAL SEATS THAT HAVE BEEN RECOVERED IN BLACK CLOTH. THE DASH, CONSOLES, AND HEADLINERS ARE IN PRISTINE SHAPE. 17 INCH PI MOTORSPORTS ' BOYD CODDINGTON WHEELS ARE NEW AS IS THE 315/35/17 AND 225/45/17 Z-RATED TIRES. THE CAR IS LOWERED TO EUROPEAN RIDE HEIGHT FOR A MORE MENACING STANCE. REAR UPRIGHTS AND UNDER RADIATOR IS VERY SOUND CONDITION. VERY STRONG ORIGINAL 351 CLEVLAND MOTOR WITH POLISHED DETOMASO VALVE COVERS. AC BLOWS COLD, ENGINE AND ENGINE BAY KEPT IN STOCK LOOKING CONDITION. PI MOTOR SPORTS MUFFLERS WITH EARLY FACTORY HEADERS. COOLANT SYSTEM IS IN EXCELLENT ORGINAL CONDITION AND RUNS COOL. LUGGAGE TUB HAS BEEN RECOVERED. THIS CAR IS AN EARLY 72 WITH A FLAT REAR DECK. IT IS SET UP AS A VERY STRONG STREET DRIVEN CAR. IT IS GETTING HARDER TO FIND CARS THAT ARENT OVERELY MODIFIED. THIS CAR IS VERY RELIABLE AND A GREAT STREET PANTERA.

Located in New Jersey....1-856-309-8088

Sunday

NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

1967 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MK III

Chassis number: H-BJ8-L/41750

Engine number: 29K-U-H/16358
Body number: 86626
Gearbox number: 429
Rear Axle: 15094
Built May 25- June 2, 1967

This beautiful North American Export Austin-Healey BJ8 has lead a charmed life. The 1967 models are considered by many as the pinnacle of the big Healeys, with roll up windows, a more luxurious cockpit, and all of the mechanical refinements over the years. #41750 was purchased by the current owner in 1983 with just 36,300 miles, and in 1999, was treated to a full restoration by noted marque authorities Fourintune Garage. Tom Kovacs reports that there were no floor pan or door jamb repairs required, but a complete mechanical freshening was in order. It is a complete numbers matching car with all original panels, and is restored accurately in British Racing Green with black interior.

Today, the car has 46,340 miles, and has travelled just 3,000 miles in the ten years since restoration. The 3 items changed by the owner can all easily be brought back to stock – a “Texas Cooler”shrouded fan, a stainless exhaust system, and chromed 72 spoke wire wheels – all for drivability. It’s lived in a heated garage, is immaculately clean throughout, and offers a known history, with complete Heritage Trust documentation and extensive restoration documents. All tools, accessories, and literature is included with no surprises.

Located in Texas....1-260-925-6789

Saturday

EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

1959 LOTUS 15

The Lotus 15 marked the end of the era of large cubic capacity cars in the Manufacturers World Championship. In 1958, the DBR-2 Aston Martin with its 3.9 litre engine dominated its rivals thanks to its lightness and its remarkable road-holding. In the British Empire Trophy Graham Hill, at the wheel of a 1.5 litre Climax engined Lotus, managed to maintain a steady gap between himself and Stirling Moss. Cliff Allison also experimented with a 2 litre engine and a five speed transaxle gearbox on a Formula 2 Lotus. In 1959, the works driver, Graham Hill, was still able to find enough speed to keep a whole pack of opponents at bay among which were 150 and 200 S Maseratis, RSK Porsches, TN-Oscas and above all the 2.5 Litre rear-engined Cooper. However, the days of the front-engined racing car were numbered and in the 1959/60 season both the Lotus 19 and 23 had their engines mounted behind the driver.

The Lotus 15 offered here was supplied new directly to the USA for SCCA events, the first owner being Mr.Chamberlain, who used the car with Pat Pigott in 1959/60. In 1961 the car was sold to a John Willock, who continued to race the car in America, sharing drives with William Wonder. In 1970, the car was sold to Murray Smith, an English gentleman that has always lived in America and is very well known in the historic racing scene. In 1975, Steve Grizwald purchased the car, which was sold again in 1981 to Peter Kaus, at the Rosso-Bianco Museum in Germany.

The car was displayed in the museum, and features in the famous Rosso-Bianco book, as a full page (Page 123). In 1997, the car was purchased by Coys on behalf of a very highly regarded UK collector, and has been in his ownership until now. During this period, the car has been maintained by Martin Greaves at Classic Performance Engineering.

Located in England....+44 (0) 208 614 7888

Friday

SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

1937 FORD "WOODY"

The 1937 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon is a great example of workmanship. Finished in jade green with chocolate brown interior and a black leatherette roof. It’s restoration was just finished so the car is fresh and ready to go. Modestly equipped with a radio, blue dot taillight, locking hood latch, hubcaps, trim rings and whitewall tires, the bodywork, paint, interior and woodwork are all done to uniformly high standards. This outstanding Ford, which has never been shown, is ready to go straight to the most demanding shows and concourse.

This woody is also ready for touring or a Sunday afternoon drive. It keeps up with modern day traffic along with excellent braking capabilities. Odds are you won’t see another on the road or at a car show. This woody is as beautiful as it is unique!

Located in Missouri....1-314-993-7104