The Aston Martin Bulldog was created in 1979 to become the world’s first car to hit 200mph.
More than four decades on, following a ground-up restoration, a team of enthusiasts hopes finally to achieve this goal – and the reborn supercar has already hit 162mph during its first test session.
Bridgnorth’s Classic Motor Cars is behind the restoration, commissioned by Aston Martin fan Phillip Sarofim.
Running the Gauntlett
Sarofim has recruited Richard Gauntlett, son of former Aston Martin chairman Victor Gauntlett, to oversee the project on his behalf – and Richard has already expressed his “elation” at the latest achievement during the shakedown test.
“Seeing the car run like this for the first time in 40 years is a dream come true.”
His father was behind plans for the Bulldog back in 1979 – but sadly, plans were shelved in 1980, despite the car reaching nearly 192mph.
The car was sold and effectively disappeared, only fully resurfacing once Mr Sarofim bought it two years ago. “I grew up with the car,” said Richard. “I had a poster of it on my bedroom wall.”
Aiming for 200mph
Now, the team aims to finally achieve the top-speed landmark it was originally created to hit, with another test planned for later in 2021 or early 2022, before finally going for the 200mph record.
CMC managing director Nigel Woodward said that there is still much to do, but the test session “not only validated the car but also provided a lot of very useful data.
“The fact that, without trying, and in the teeth of a 50mph crosswind, we sailed through the 160mph mark in only three-quarters of a mile, at reduced boost and on partial throttle, says much.
“It was only a lack of bravery on my part, and the fact we were still evaluating the car, that prevented us going faster.”
The Market auction platform is hosting the 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T, which comes with an ultra-desirable specification.
Finished in bright Hemi Orange, and previously restored, this could have serious appeal to fans of big engines with serious power.
“That thing got a Hemi?”
Developed for NASCAR use, the 426-cubic inch (7.0-litre) Hemi engine is a genuine legend in the Mopar enthusiast world.
Producing 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque, the 426 Hemi transformed a pony car like the Dodge Challenger into a flame-spitting monster.
Dodge would only offer the Challenger with this engine for two years, making them a true collector’s item.
Four on the floor
Making this particular car even rarer is it being equipped with a four-speed manual transmission.
Using the Hurst ‘Pistol Grip’ shifter, the Hemi Challenger could run a quarter-mile sprint in 13.1 seconds at 107.1 mph.
Of the 165,437 first-generation Challengers sold, only a small percentage were made with a manual gearbox and Hemi engine. For the 1970 model year, in R/T hardtop form, just 137 left the factory.
Time to bring the noise?
Imported from Canada in 2017, the Hemi Challenger had been restored in the early 2000s. It still retains its original engine and transmission, with a total mileage of 47,800 recorded on the odometer.
The combination of Hemi Orange paintwork with a black vinyl roof makes it hard to ignore, with the colour-coded wheels an original touch.
The Market does note that the Challenger is currently fitted with a California-specification exhaust. This makes for a quieter sound, although a new owner may want to change this to for the full Hemi experience.
Along with the Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, the interior is finished with black vinyl bucket seats. A wood-rimmed steering, and even an eight-track tape player, complete the retro look.
Measure your garage before bidding
As a genuine ‘unicorn’ of the American 1970’s muscle car craze, a genuine Hemi Challenger will command serious prices in the United States.
Restored concours-condition versions can surpass $250,000 (£188,000) at auction in the USA, with prices rocketing skywards during this past year. It makes a pre-auction estimate of £85,000 to £110,000 for this example seem particularly fair.
Being left-hand drive, and not small in stature, driving a classic Challenger on UK roads might not be for everyone. The sheer thirst of the 426 Hemi is also a factor to consider.
However, it does represent a true piece of automotive history, and should see plenty of bids before the auction ends on Monday, 29 November.
This weekend’s 2021 NEC Classic Motor Show will see the launch of the UK’s newest dedicated classic car club.
Intended to welcome enthusiasts from across the motoring spectrum, the Great British Car Club will major on celebrating diversity.
The club has been started by Richard Usher, founder and CEO of the Great British Car Journey attraction in Ambergate, Derbyshire.
A broad spectrum of motoring enthusiasts
Richard explains: “Having been a member of numerous clubs, I have noticed that younger enthusiasts and even oldies like me, have become less fixated on a single make.
“Enthusiasm for old cars now covers a very broad spectrum of makes and models and I wanted to create a club which represented this.
“There are hundreds of excellent car clubs who are doing a great job encouraging interest in and the use of old cars, but we have the luxury of facilities at Great British Car Journey, which we can put at our members’ disposal.”
Membership of the Great British Car Club will start at £31 per year.
This will entitle members to unlimited free visits to the Great British Car Journey museum, along with invitations to other special events.
Newsletters, online forums, and discounts on classic car products are all envisaged, too.
Those interested in joining the club will find it on stand 5-320, within the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) village at the NEC Classic Motor Show.
On the Great British Car Club’s stand at the NEC will be a McLaren 650S. This will be joined by a rare 1905 Arrol-Johnston Dogcart.
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale is fast approaching, with a variety of rare and intriguing vehicles listed for auction.
Run by Silverstone Auctions, the sale itself takes place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November 2021.
Among the huge range of cars up for grabs, we have profiled some of the hottest performance Fords.
1971 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600
It seems only right that we begin with the Escort RS1600: the car that kickstarted the Ford Rallye Sport brand. A Cosworth BDA engine, alongside tuned suspension and a strengthened bodyshell, made the RS1600 perfect for motorsport.
A total of 1,137 RS1600s were made by the Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations facility. This example was exported to Malta by its first owner, helping preserve its body from rust. It returned to the UK in 2005, then underwent an eight-year restoration.
Still in the factory paint colour, and with its original engine and gearbox, it should fetch between £65,000 and £75,000 at auction.
1980 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom
Instantly recognisable, the ‘droop snoot’ Mk2 Escort RS2000 added new styling and a larger engine to the Rallye Sport offering. Its tuned 2.0-litre Pinto engine produced 109hp, propelling the RS2000 to 60mph in 8.5 seconds.
The car up for auction is said to be in incredibly well-preserved condition. With only two owners recorded on the V5C, the Escort has covered 28,000 miles from new. Stored since 2014, even the cigar lighter and ashtray are unused.
For such an original car, a pre-auction estimate suggests a price of £40,000 to £50,000.
1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
It would not be a fast Ford auction without a Sierra RS Cosworth. Developed to help the Blue Oval dominate Group A touring car racing, the RS Cosworth was a true homologation special.
The combination of Cosworth’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and some wild aerodynamic additions created a winner on the track. Ford produced over 5,500 examples, with this 1987 car being one of the later examples made.
Finished in Diamond White, this RS Cosworth has three former keepers. It shows just 10,490 miles on the odometer, supported by extensive paperwork.
The legendary Ford is expected to sell for between £80,000 and £100,000.
1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500
Considered the Holy Grail of Sierra Cosworths, the limited-production RS500 is likely to be in major demand at the NEC sale.
Built to help keep the RS Cosworth competitive on track, the RS500 brought a larger turbocharger and other engine enhancements to the party. An extra rear spoiler was added to the tailgate, with the front bumper swapping fog lights for brake cooling ducts.
The black RS500 up for auction has covered 15,103 miles from new, and comes with what appear to be original tyres. Professionally stored since the late vendor took ownership in 2006, a pre-auction estimate suggests £100,000 to £120,000.
1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4×4
The final chapter in the Sierra Cosworth story, the 4×4 version of the Sapphire saloon brought extra traction to the RS package.
Sold as an executive express, the combination of 220hp and four-wheel drive attracted plenty of attention in the UK. Not all of it was good, with the Cosworth 4×4 gaining fans among the criminal fraternity.
Fortunately, this car appears to have escaped the underworld, with three previous owners from new. The 58,545 miles shown are supported by a long service history, plus all its MOT certificates.
Compared with the other fast Fords up for auction, an estimate of £20,000 to £25,000 makes it a bargain, too.
2003 Ford Focus RS
Many of the cars listed above would be classed as ‘low-mileage’ examples, but this 2003 Ford Focus RS takes the ultimate prize. Kept from new by its original owner, it has covered a mere 335 miles.
Inspired by the contemporary World Rally Championship Focus, the RS came with a 215hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, but front-wheel drive. A Quaife torque-biasing differential was used to transfer power to the road.
Stored after being driven for just one weekend, the Imperial Blue Focus RS comes with all its original manuals, service book and a fresh MOT. The price of the nearly-new Focus RS is estimated at £70,000 to £80,000.
Now an example of the BX 4TC Evolution, one of the rarest Group B rally cars ever made, has sold for more than £350,000.
Racing to be ready
Citroen began the BX 4TC Evolution programme with Group B rallying already underway. It meant the team was immediately playing catch-up to other manufacturers.
A number of prototypes were built, but a shortage of cash saw Citroen opt for a conventional design. This meant a traditional monocoque chassis, combined with a front-engined layout.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 380hp, with the BX 4TC weighing in at 1,150kg. This put it above the minimum weight limit for Group B, and with less power than its competitors.
Although four-wheel drive was fitted, the lack of a centre differential would compromise how effective it could be. Tarmac stages in particular would pose a major challenge.
Limited time to impress
To keep the BX 4TC in touch with the road-going version, Citroen fitted its trademark hydropneumatic suspension system. It meant the BX 4TC would impress on gravel stages, but lacked reliability.
On its debut in 1986, the BX 4TC Evolution failed to finish the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally. A sixth place for Jean-Claude Arudet on the Swedish Rally would be Citroen’s only high-point.
A development break saw the car sidelined for several rounds, reappearing at the Acropolis Rally.
This came just after the decision to freeze the development of Group B cars, and ban them from rallying for 1987.
A grande retreat
Citroen chose to quickly cancel the BX 4TC programme, and attempted to close the lid on its embarrassing competition record.
This extended to buying back a number of the road-going homologation versions in order to crush them. Examples of the BX 4TC Evolution rally car were also disassembled, leaving just six or seven to survive.
Purchased directly from Citroen after its short-lived competition history, the BX 4TC had been preserved in The Manor of the Automobile museum.
Being the 4TC Evolution driven by Jean-Claude Andruet added to its desirability. It makes it extra-special, even amongst the handful of Group B BXs that remain in existence.
The winning bid secured the car for €417,200 (£352,200), making it notably cheaper than other Group B icons sold at auction.
A trio of Ford Sierra RS500s, built to Group A specification, are set to be created by CNC Motorsport AWS.
The three cars will be sanctioned by touring car legend Andy Rouse, and wear Andy Rouse Engineering (ARE) badging.
As a continuation of one of the most dominant racers ever made, the new RS500s will be eligible for historic motorsport events.
Made to original Andy Rouse specification
Each of the three cars will be transformed from an original Ford Sierra bodyshell by Gloucestershire-based CNC Motorsport AWS. Alan Strachan, the company founder, worked for ARE during the Group A period.
The outfit is the only certified producer of ARE roll cages, and has access to original technical drawings. This will see exact 1990 Rouse-specification parts used, including the front suspension uprights, fuel tank, and flame-spitting side-exit exhaust system.
Powering the continuation cars will be a newly built Cosworth YB engine. Vic Drake, the original ARE engine builder, will have input into the 575hp units. As someone who made more than 100 RS500 engines in period, Drake’s credentials are impossible to beat.
A five-speed Getrag manual transmission will be used, sending drive to the rear wheels through a 9-inch viscous differential.
British Touring Car Championship icons
The completed cars will be finished in white, but owners can select from a range of painted liveries. Andy Rouse’s Group A RS500s wore iconic colour schemes during the 1980’s and ‘90s. It means buyers should have plenty of choice.
During his motorsport career, Rouse won 60 rounds of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). This led to four BTCC championship titles, and saw him voted the best driver of all time in the series.
“When Alan told me he had acquired a brand new bodyshell, we came up with the idea to build correct continuation cars just as we did in our Binley workshop,” said Rouse.
“Having seen Alan develop his own engineering business, he was the only person I trusted to build cars that would carry the ARE build plate.”
Ready to hit the historic grid
Pricing for the CNC Motorsport AWS will begin at £185,000, including the original 909 Motorsport bodyshell.
Given the amounts paid for Andy Rouse’s own Ford Sierra RS500s, such a price tag does not seem unreasonable for the authenticity behind the CNC Motorsport AWS cars.
The first car is set to be completed in early 2022 by CNC Motorsport AWS It will come with an FIA Historic Technical Passport, ready for the classic motorsport season.
However, what makes it even more special is that the roadster has only covered 77 miles from new.
Limited Edition, limited miles
The MGB was ordered as one of a pair by the owner of a tyre company in Hereford. Added to a small collection, the cars were kept in a heated and dehumidified garage until 1983.
Sold to a new owner, the MGB had covered just 30 miles. The subsequent three owners have recognised its significance, nudging the total mileage up to just 77 miles.
With such a low mileage, the MGB’s service book is relatively untouched. Fluid changes have been undertaken, while the original spare wheel, jack and tools are still in their packaging.
Retrospectacular
Created at the end of the 1970s, the MGB Limited Edition came as standard with Bronze metallic paint and gold stripes. The interior is an equally period combination of orange and brown.
Power comes from a 1.8-litre B-Series four-cylinder engine, connected to an overdrive manual transmission. The engine bay appears immaculate, with nothing changed under the bonnet.
For fans of complete originality, the Uniroyal tyres fitted to the MGB appear to be those it left the factory with.
Ready for the road?
Whether a new owner will add more miles to the classic MGB remains to be seen. Given its incredibly low mileage, placing the roadster in a museum or private collection seems more appropriate.
Bidding on the MGB is now live, with plenty of interest already shown in the car.
A guide price of £30,000 has been estimated and the auction continues until 27 October.
An ultra-rare Vauxhall Monaro VXR500, with a special ownership history, is currently listed for auction on the Collecting Cars website.
The car was part of Vauxhall’s press fleet, used for testing and evaluation by journalists across the UK. After retiring from front-line duty, it has been maintained as part of the brand’s heritage fleet.
With Vauxhall having to move its heritage vehicles to a new location, a number of models from the collection have recently been sold.
Thunder from Down Under
In the early 2000s, Vauxhall began importing the Australian-built Holden Monaro into the UK.
Adding the Vauxhall badge to a handsome coupe with a 5.7-litre V8 and affordable pricing meant nearly all the cars allocated for 2004 sold out immediately.
For 2005, the Monaro’s engine was upped to a 6.0-litre Chevrolet LS2 V8 for the VXR-badged version. This offered 404hp and a potential top speed of 180mph.
However, the final hurrah for the Monaro would be the 2006 VXR500. Created as a special project by Greens of Rainham in the UK, just 18 examples were made.
Charging up the power
Greens added a Harrop supercharger to the Monaro’s V8 engine, pushing it to 493hp and 500lb ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard for all cars, as was the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The particular VXR500 up for auction benefited from an AP Racing brake upgrade, installed when new. With ventilated and grooved discs, it improves stopping power for the heavy Monaro.
VXR models also came with stiffer suspension, although handling is still likely to be more ‘muscle car’ than ‘BMW M-car’.
Good enough for Richard Hammond
As a member of Vauxhall’s press fleet, the Monaro VXR500 will have been subjected to some ‘rigorous’ performance testing by journalists.
Most notably, the car featured in the December 2013 issue of Top Gear magazine. There it was driven by muscle car fan Richard Hammond, as part of his ‘Icons’ series.
You can still find images of V55 VXL going very sideways on the Top Gear test track.
Although there is no documented service history, the Monaro was maintained by Vauxhall’s own in-house heritage fleet technicians.
A ‘fair dinkum’ interior
Paint colour choices were limited for the Monaro, and this VXR500 is finished in its original Quicksilver hue. Some stone chips are noted on the bodywork, but a genuine Holden Special Vehicles touch-up paint pot is supplied.
Although the Monaro’s cabin has black leather upholstery, there is little in the way of extravagant style. However, standard specification was strong, with cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors and a Blaupunkt sound system.
With the car having just 8,553 miles on the clock, the interior is said to be in excellent condition. All original handbooks, tools, the jack and fire extinguisher will be included with the sale.
Griffin history for sale
With such low numbers sold in the UK, finding a Vauxhall Monaro is not the easiest task. Trying to source one of the 18 VXR500s made is near-impossible.
The chance to own the VXR500 kept on Vauxhall’s own heritage fleet will thus be a unique experience. For fans of the Griffin brand, or lairy Australian V8s, this is a unicorn moment.
Being sold with no reserve, bidding on the Monaro has already been enthusiastic. With the auction due to run until Tuesday 18 October, there is still time to grab this Anglo-Australian legend.
The Cerbera coupe was arguably the finest car to emerge from the crazy world of TVR.
Combining 2+2 seating space with a top speed in excess of 180mph, it shocked and amazed when launched in 1996.
TVR’s own engines brought serious power, but reliability could be an issue. It led many, like the owner of this car listed for auction on The Market, to seek a replacement powertrain.
Blackpool body, Modenese heart
The affordability and dependability of Chevrolet’s LS family of engines has made them the unit of choice for upgraded TVRs. However, instead of the traditional American big-block V8, this particular Cerbera has gained some Italian soul.
Underneath the bonnet is a modern, Maserati-sourced 4.7-litre V8. The modified Cerbera serves up nearly 478hp when used in ‘full power’ mode.
With the engine set to Eco mode, however, and with the exhaust resonators in place, output drops to 446hp.
There is still a hint of American engineering included, though. A six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission has been added, sourced from a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro.
Wider and wilder
TVR fans will immediately notice the new wide wheelarches, deep front splitter and prominent rear spoiler.
Other exterior changes include headlights inspired by the later TVR Tuscan, aluminium mesh grilles, and modified BMW M4 bonnet scoop to accommodate the Maserati engine.
Almost everything is finished in Candy Purple paint, with details left in gloss black. A set of 20-inch alloy wheels are likely to be even more divisive than the Italian engine.
Avant-garde interior
Just like the radical exterior, the Cerbera’s interior has also seen plenty of attention.
Front seats from a later TVR Tuscan are fitted, bringing extra support and comfort. A Tuscan has also provided the aluminium pedal box, with stainless steel trim added to the dashboard.
Completing the makeover is an elaborate retrim, with a mixture of leather and Alcantara. Diamond-stitch detailing has been used throughout, with even the boot neatly trimmed.
A unique proposition
According to The Market, the current owner of the Cerbera “drove the car like he’d stolen it” for the first 5,000 miles after completing the Maserati conversion. A total of 20,000 miles have been covered in total, with multiple pan-European trips included.
Some TVR purists may be upset by the Cerbera’s altered exterior, and the unusual choice of engine conversion. However, it still delivers the TVR mantra of excitement and performance.
Before the online auction went live, a price of £50,000 to £60,000 was suggested for the Maserati-powered Cerbera. Bidding remains open until Wednesday, 13 October.
Fifty years after making its debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the original Lamborghini Countach has been recreated.
Displayed as a concept car, the Countach LP 500 wowed showgoers and the international press in Geneva. However, the iconic car would later be destroyed.
After extensive work by Lamborghini’s Polo Storico department, however, the LP 500 made a public return at the 2021 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event.
Origin of the species
Lamborghini developed the Countach LP 500 as a replacement for the mid-engined Miura. Its distinctive wedge-shaped styling was an instant sensation, and the completed Countach entered production in 1974.
Following several years of pre-production testing, the LP 500 show car was sacrificed for crash testing requirements. It meant the original Countach only existed in books and period photographs.
The LP 500 would remain a forgotten legend until 2017, when an enthusiast asked Lamborghini about the possibility of recreating it.
Building back better
Lamborghini’s Polo Storico department undertook detailed research to uncover as much archive information on the LP 500 as possible. Numerous photographs, drawings and meeting notes were studied to gain exact dimensions and build details.
A bespoke chassis was then created, using a combination of modern technology and classic coachbuilding skills. Period-correct Lamborghini spare parts were used for all mechanical components, including the V12 engine.
To complete the bodywork, Lamborghini’s own Centro Stile design team worked to build a 1:1 scale model. This took some 2,000 hours for the exterior alone, with a 3D model of the interior also made.
Pirelli was able to build a modern replica of the tyres fitted, with paint company PPG identifying the correct shade of yellow for the exterior.
A celebration of design DNA
Recreating the LP 500 Countach took an incredible 25,000 hours. Naturally, Lamborghini was keen to show off its achievement, displaying the LP 500 in the concept car class at the 2021 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Mitja Borkert, head of design at Lamborghini Centro Stile, explained: “The LP 500 is of paramount importance to Lamborghini because it gave rise to the design DNA of all subsequent models.”
Placing a value on the ‘new’ LP 500 would be almost impossible. It would certainly dwarf the £255,000 recently paid for a 1982 Countach in need of restoration.
