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Big Cats at Bonhams

Jaguars from all eras at MPH September Sale at Bicester

A 1946 Jaguar Mark IV 2½-Litre Saloon leads a shadow of Jaguars to be offered at the next Bonhams MPH sale on Sunday 20 September. This will be the first live and 'drive through' auction since November 2019 for Bonhams' modern and popular classics arm, featuring 115 lots and taking place at Bicester Heritage, as part of The Classic Car Drive In Weekend.

Jaguar Highlights

This Mark IV is said to be the earliest survivor (number 10) of the first 17 2½-litre versions built after the Second World War. It was the car that bridged the gap between the earlier SS models and Jaguar's successive saloon cars. A highly original car, this example has an estimate of £50,000 – 60,000. It is offered with period pigskin seats and trim in excellent condition and matching numbers.

Other Jaguars lining up at Bicester Heritage include four Mark 2 saloons, offering a choice of 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8-litre engines, with estimates ranging from £10,000 – 30,000. There is also a very low-mileage 1981 XJ6 3.4 litre, previously owned by the Saudi Royal Family, which has covered just 25,000 miles from new. Its estimate is £10,000 – 15,000.

The marque's celebrated sports cars produced over the past 70 years are also represented: from a 1952 XK120 Roadster, estimate £80,000 – 90,000 to a trio of E-Types including a 1966 4.2 FHC, estimate £70,000 – 80,000.

Modern Classics

As ever, the MPH sale will offer a wide range of collectors' cars with a strong representation of modern classics, reflecting the growing interest in 1980s, 1990s and early 21st century models.

One such is a 1995 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II, estimate £35,000 – 45,000. The Integrale was a rally champion, bringing home six world titles for the Italian manufacturer and its road-going model has enjoyed a cult status since its launch as a pure driver's car.

The Evo II was the final incarnation and pinnacle of the Integrale road model, offering the most powerful output of 215bhp and the widest body kit. It also gained a rear spoiler for improved airflow,16' wheels, Recaro seats and increased sound deadening for comfort. This two-owner example is one of the last to be produced and is offered in an unusual 'Lagos Blue' livery.

An opportunity to honour another rally great of the 1990s is offered in the guise of a 1996 Subaru Impreza Series McRae. This limited-edition series was produced to mark the late Scottish driver Colin McRae's first World Rally Championship win with the Subaru 555 Rally Team in 1995, an achievement also being recognised over The Classic Car Drive In Weekend.

Built by Prodrive, the engineering group which created the champion rally car, the cars were identifiable by their 'Rally Blue' mica paintwork, Recaro seats, front wing and bonnet mounted badges and a numbered plaque on the centre console.

This Impreza is offered with a unique '555' registration number and has an estimate of £5,000 – 10,000.

Bonhams MPH is also offering for the gentleman racer a 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports, estimate £50,000 – 60,000. The ultimate Continental GT, this mechanical masterpiece produces 621 bhp with a sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. This car is equipped with the 'rear seat delete' – and so has two front carbon bucket seats – the Bentley NAIM audio system, considered the best in the motoring world, and 'matt grey' paintwork. Its first owner was professional golfer Rory McIlroy.

For the first time a McLaren supercar will line up in the MPH hanger – a 2018 570S Spyder, offered from the estate of the late Joy Rainey, the successful hill climb competitor. Its estimate is £60,000 – 70,000.

Popular Classics

The original SUVs built by Land Rover have become fixtures of the MPH sales and the September auction will again offer several examples, such as:

1951 Land Rover Series 1 80' estimate £32,000 – 38,000

One of the earliest Land Rovers, which originally used at Taunton Fire Station Brigade HQ which accounts for its unusual red paintwork and matching interior.

1971 Range Rover 3-door estimate £30,000 – 40,000

Another early example, in this case of the gentleman farmer's vehicle, with the desirable three-door configuration, including the revolutionary split tailgate.

Historic Vehicles

1931 Leyland Lioness Six FE, estimate £15,000 – 20,000

One of the more historic and unusual lots of the sale is a 1931 Leyland Lioness Six FE, estimate £15,000 – 20,000, one of five fire engines built and the only running example of the three known survivors.

The Lioness served in Bristol for 35 years from new, fitted with a Braidwood body, twin water deliveries and an Ajax extension ladder. In the hands of the current owner, the Lioness has undergone a full restoration, has appeared at 30 Royal Tournaments and is a class winner in three editions of the HCVS London to Brighton Run for historic commercial vehicles.

The MPH September Sale Format

The MPH September Sale will revert to a traditional live drive through auction format, with the auctioneer conducting the sale live from Hangar 113 at Bicester Heritage. Bids will be accepted from clients in the room (respecting social distancing and all COVID guidelines) in addition to online, 'phone, or absentee bidding. The auction will be streamed live and will also offer enhanced video content of the lots.

Viewing and Preview Arrangements

115 lots are consigned and available to view inside Hangar 113 at Bicester Heritage on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September 9am – 6pm and on sale day Sunday 9am – 12 noon, with the drive-through auction starting at 1pm. For those who cannot attend the viewing, live and scheduled interactive video condition reports are available via Bonhams Preview.

The Classic Car Drive In Weekend

The sale will be part of The Classic Car Drive In Weekend hosted at Bicester Heritage - a socially distant celebration of motoring, featuring track parades, car displays and a drive-in movie theatre screening popular classic car films including 'The Italian Job' and 'Le Mans 66'.

Photo credit: Bonhams
posted on conceptcarz.com

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