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Plenty of Verve: you could buy Richard Ashcroft’s Ferrari 456 GTA

May 24, 2024

A elegant Ferrari grand tourer, previously owned by The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, is currently up for sale.

As frontman with The Verve, Ashcroft famously sang on the anthemic – and hugely successful – Urban Hymns album in 1997. He is also known for his fondness for classic Ferraris.

The front-engined Ferrari 456 GTA is being offered for sale by Furlonger Specialist Cars in Kent.

Love Is Noise

Launched in 1992, the year The Verve was first formed, the 456 was part of a long tradition of front-engined V12 Ferraris.

Styled by Pininfarina, it was the final Ferrari fitted with pop-up headlights. The interior offered seating for four (at a squeeze), along with the boot capacity required for continental touring.

Beneath the bonnet was a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing 436hp and good for a top speed of 185mph. Buyers could choose between two transmissions: the 456 GT had a six-speed manual gearbox, while a four-speed automatic was used in the 456 GTA.

Lucky Man

The four-speed auto was chosen by this car’s first owner, a Mr Stanley, who purchased the 456 GTA from H.R. Owen in October 1998. Instead of the traditional Rosso Corsa red paintwork, Mr Stanley opted for a subtler colour combination of Grigio Titanio with a Nero leather interior.

Used sparingly, the 456 GTA had covered only 2,498 miles by January 2000. Much of its early life was spent being serviced by Ferrari main dealerships, with specialists used from 2007 onwards.

There is limited information on the nature of Richard Ashcroft’s ownership, although his signature can be found on the driver’s sun visor. An original service book, leather backpack, red master key and an extensive history file will be included in the sale.

With its current mileage just below 45,000, the 456 GTA will be prepared for its new owner in Furlonger’s own workshop.

A Bitter Sweet Symphony

There is no denying the naturally aspirated V12 is threatened with extinction. Ferrari remains one of a handful of companies still producing supercars that are powered by V12 engines without the assistance of turbocharging or hybrid tech.

Combine its 12-cylinder powertrain with timeless Pininfarina styling and celebrity ownership, and this 456 GTA looks an attractive proposition.

Listed for sale at £44,990, the four-seat Ferrari could cost less than buying a new family SUV or hot hatchback. Naturally, the running costs will be far higher, but how much of a price can you put on timeless style and supercar performance?

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1990 Vauxhall Nova review: Retro Road Test

May 23, 2024

Looking at this page, some people might see an old hatchback that has somehow dodged the scrap yard. But what we have here is an endangered species: the humble Vauxhall Nova. At one point in the mid-1990s, it would have been one of nearly 450,000 on the roads. Now there are fewer than 60 still taxed.

This 1990 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Merit is in stunning condition, too. Belonging to Vauxhall’s heritage fleet, it had covered less than 20,000 miles when we drove it. Showing all the signs of the archetypal elderly owner, it’s no exaggeration to describe this example as ‘like new’.

What are its rivals?

The number of rivals for today’s Vauxhall Corsa has started to dwindle, but there was no shortage of supermini alternatives to the Nova back in the day.

The Ford Fiesta was the arch-enemy, while the British-built Austin Metro was getting outdated by the time this 1990 Nova was sold. Car manufacturers all across Europe were competing in this market, with vehicles such as the Fiat Uno, Renault 5, Peugeot 205 and Volkswagen Polo.

What engine does it use?

This Nova tested here has the most popular 1.2-litre petrol engine. It produces a heady 55hp and makes the little Vauxhall capable of 94.5mph (because that extra 0.5mph really matters).

Other engines available included an entry-level 1.0-litre petrol and the sporty 1.6 used in the Nova GTE hot hatchback – as well as an economical 1.5-litre Isuzu diesel.

What’s it like to drive?

Intimidating. Not in a mid-engined supercar kind of way – but in a ‘that Audi Q7 could drive over me and barely notice’ kind of way. At 3,632mm long, the Nova is 428mm shorter than the equivalent Corsa today – and a whopping 420mm narrower as well.

Despite this, the interior feels spacious – not unlike the Austin Metro that has previously been subjected to our Retro Road Test.

It feels more modern than a Metro, though. The five-speed gearbox (optional with the 1.2-litre engine) is easy to operate and the unassisted steering is surprisingly light once the car is rolling. At around 800kg, the Nova doesn’t weigh much by today’s standards, meaning it feels very sprightly for its 55hp.

Around town, a tight turning circle and excellent visibility make the Nova a pleasure to drive. On rural roads, it’s not as fun as rivals of its time (the Metro, Fiesta and 205 were all sweet handlers), but it’s still a far more analogue experience than modern cars.

Reliability and running costs

Buy a looked-after Nova and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be pretty reliable. As with any 34-year-old vehicle, it’d be wise to invest in breakdown cover and keep on top of maintenance, but this is a fairly simple machine.

Car insurance should be cheap, too – classic policies will cover it, and it certainly won’t be a gas guzzler.

Could I drive it every day?

Look at it this way – 30 years ago, everyone drove cars like this every day. Sure, a Nova will need a little more maintenance than a new Corsa, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a retro runabout for a quarter of the price of a modern alternative.

How much should I pay?

It’s a typical case of buy as much as you can afford – spending a five grand on a low-mileage Nova might sound like a mad idea to some, but the number of cars has dwindled and the best examples now command strong money.

Still, find the cash up front and you can enjoy a characterful retro car that shouldn’t throw up any big bills.

What should I look out for?

Tidy, unmolested Novas such as the one we’ve tried are desirable. Avoid badly modified examples (or any modified examples, for that matter), and be wary of any that haven’t covered many miles in recent years. If the car has been sitting around, things could go wrong as it is shocked back into use.

Also, be very cautious of rust – like most superminis of this era, you can practically hear the Nova fizzing if it’s not kept clear of road salt and grime.

Should I buy one?

Not everyone will understand the appeal of a 1.2-litre Nova. But as a relatively affordable, cheap-to-run classic car, it has a lot going for it. There’s an uncomplicated pleasure to pootling around in a simple supermini like this one.

Please just take better care of it than you might have done as a 17-year-old in the 1990s.

Pub fact

Colin McRae is better associated with driving blue and gold Subaru Imprezas. However, the late Scottish rally champion actually made his WRC debut in a humble Vauxhall Nova.

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The government wants YOUR advice on preserving classic cars

May 10, 2024

The UK government has launched a call for evidence to ensure classic cars can be preserved for decades to come. The initiative aims to make re-registering an older vehicle easier – if it has been converted to electric power, for example.

The Department for Transport says policies on how classic cars are registered after modifications are carried out ‘have largely remained the same’ since the 1980s and ‘do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.’

Now the government is looking for proposals from the industry and car enthusiasts that prioritise road safety and assist with keeping accurate vehicle records.

Changes could make it easier to re-register vehicles and also protect prospective buyers. They may also reduce the red tape around modifying classic cars to improve their performance and retro-fitting them with electric powertrains. The call for evidence asks for input in relation to kit-built cars, too.

What does the law say now?

The law currently states that every car owner must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any changes made to their vehicle – regardless of its age – that result in the information in the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) becoming incorrect.

The process allows for updates to be made to the vehicle record held by the DVLA, which is then transferred to the V5C and shared with agencies such as the police.

The DVLA requires notifications of changes made to vehicles that have been rebuilt, converted to electric power or radically altered to such an extent that it affects the identity of the car.

How can I give my feedback?

The call for evidence period will run from 9 May until 4 July 2024. You can click here to view the full details, including the questions that are being asked.

“As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date,” said Julie Lennard, CEO at the DVLA.

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Up for auction: The Austin Rover company name could be yours

May 10, 2024

Consider yourself a fan of British automotive heritage? Then we may have found the auction item for you.

The forthcoming Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest sale includes the chance to buy the Austin Rover Ltd company name and registration number.

Winning the auction would give its owner sole rights to use the name, along with an Austin Rover email address and a ‘vast amount’ of drawings for the legendary MG Metro 6R4.

The lot will go under the hammer on Saturday 18 May 2024, with the sale taking place at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton.

British brand values

Austin Rover arrived in 1982 as the mass-market car manufacturing division of British Leyland. The name lasted until 1989, when the business was rebranded as Rover Group.

During its relatively short existence, Austin Rover was responsible for launching the Austin Maestro and Montego, along with the Rover 200 and Rover 800.

When the MG Rover Group finally collapsed in 2005, the Austin Rover name was sold by PricewaterhouseCoopers as part of the administration process. It has lain dormant ever since – simply being retained by the current vendor.

‘A unique opportunity’

No guide price has been given for the Austin Rover name and associated documents, and Lot 245A will be sold without reserve.

Although an unusual item to appear at auction, it could hold appeal for serious fans of Rover products.

The original MG Metro 6R4 drawings are also likely to be of value to companies such as MST, which builds a modern version of the Group B rally car.

Nigel Gough, automobilia specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, said: “This is a unique opportunity for someone to own a piece of British motoring history and possibly do something exciting with the brand. We recommend that any interested buyer comes to view Lot 254A in person to fully understand what is included.”

For those who’d rather not build their own 6R4 up from technical drawings, the Iconic Auctioneers sale also includes a genuine ex-works 6R4 rally racer.

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Porsche 911 Turbo prototype to star at Hampton Court this summer

May 9, 2024

One of the most important Porsches ever to leave Stuttgart will play a starring role at the Concours of Elegance this summer.

The original Porsche 911 Turbo prototype, first shown at the 1973 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, is part of the main concours display.

The 911 Turbo will form part of a lineup encompassing 70 of the world’s rarest cars at Hampton Court Palace in west London.

A legend in the making

Built as a concept especially for Frankfurt, the first Porsche 911 Turbo was intended to let show-goers see how a production car could look.

Overseen by chief engineer Helmuth Bott, a standard Porsche 911S was used as the basis for the prototype. It was painted in a one-off shade of silver, with the white ‘Turbo’ script applied by hand.

Beneath the bodywork, there was no real air-cooled 2.7-litre turbocharged engine. As the production flat-six was not ready, a naturally aspirated engine was used instead. Extra components, including the turbocharger, were made from wood and painted to look real.

The show car also demonstrated styling elements that would be used on the ‘G-model’ 911, along with previewing the 3.0 RS road car and RSR racer. Widened wheelarches, a ‘whale tail’ rear spoiler and larger Fuchs alloy wheels were the major changes.

Travelling the world

Although it lacked a real turbocharged engine, the show car proved effective, generating plenty of interest in a production model. When launched in 1975, the 911 Turbo was arguably Porsche’s first supercar.

Following its Frankfurt debut, the Turbo prototype travelled the world. It was then bought by Alan Hamilton, the Porsche importer for Australia.

Traded between Porsche enthusiasts Down Under, the 911 Turbo was eventually exported to the United States in 2010.

In 2016, it was purchased by its current owner, who returned it to Europe. A genuine turbocharged engine was then fitted, with the car remaining in otherwise original condition.

The rarest cars in the world

The 911 Turbo prototype will certainly be a major attraction at the 2024 Concours of Elegance. The show takes place between 30 August and 1 September 2024 at Hampton Court Palace.

Along with the main concours display, the event will feature other car collections. The Levitt Concours is dedicated to female owners, while the ’30Under30′ section celebrates young enthusiasts.

Live discussions, fine dining and luxury shopping will also be part of the experience. Tickets for the Concours of Elegance are available to buy now, priced from £45.

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Classic comeback: Alvis delivers first new Graber Drophead

May 9, 2024

British marque Alvis has delivered the first of its Graber Drophead continuation models to a customer in Japan.

Hand-built utilising 25,000 original drawings and 23,000 individual records, the car recreates an original design by Carrosserie Hermann Graber of Switzerland, albeit with mod-cons such as air conditioning, upgraded brakes and power steering.

Alvis says each Continuation Series model ‘remains faithful to the original designs, to retain their traditional character and quality, yet they are emissions-compliant.’

The Graber Drophead is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six. Its engine block was stored in a crate for more than five decades before finally being pressed into use.

Recreating ‘lost cars’

Prior to the Second World War, Alvis was one of the UK’s leading car manufacturers. The Coventry-based firm developed a reputation for innovation and quality engineering – and produced cars to rival the pre-eminent luxury marques of the time.

Never afraid to push boundaries, Alvis was the first carmaker to design and race a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the first to develop an all-synchromesh gearbox, and the first to start work on a British car with independent front suspension.

Unlike for some continuation cars and restomods, the modern incarnation of Alvis has worked with the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure its vehicles are entirely road-legal.

Made using traditional techniques

The engine in the Graber Drophead isn’t to original specification. Fuel injection, a higher 9.5:1 compression ratio, electronic engine management and the use of CNC machining to achieve tighter tolerances allowed Alvis engineers to increase power by 32 percent to 172hp.

The Graber’s body took more than 2,500 hours to create, being hand-beaten over traditional wooden bucks and 3D-printed formers.

With such a labour-intensive build process, Alvis only produces cars in tiny volumes. This year, just three cars will be delivered: another Graber Drophead and a pre-war Lancefield. For comparison, Volkswagen’s plant in Wolfsburg churns out around 3,800 vehicles a day…

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TVR T440R: unique Le Mans homologation special heads to auction

May 3, 2024

TVR is back in the headlines again, although not because it is finally launching the all-new Griffith sports car – originally promised to arrive in 2018.

Making the news this week, the amphibious TVR Scamander concept will make a surprise appearance at the forthcoming London Concours event.

However, it is the auction of another one-off TVR, the 2002 T440R – being sold at this month’s Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest sale – that has really grabbed our attention at Retro Motor.

A homologation hero

The T440R sprang from one of the most ambitious plans created by the late Peter Wheeler. The owner of TVR between 1981 and 2004, Wheeler decided to take the marque racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1990s.

To secure homologation for the GT1 class of endurance racing, a car initially called the Tuscan R was developed. Later changes would lead to it being renamed T440R.

A bespoke tubular chassis with an integrated roll cage was the starting point for the T440R. A carbon fibre tub was bonded to it, with carbon body panels bolted on for good measure.

Underneath, a completely flat floor (made from resin-filled aluminium honeycomb), contributed to a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.32. The T440R was a thoroughly modern race car with the potential to go beyond 200mph.

The sole survivor

Early plans involved the use of a 4.0-litre version of TVR’s Speed Six engine, producing 400hp. However, this was later upped to a 4.2-litre unit with 440hp – hence the ‘T440R’ name.

A 585hp supercharged Typhon model, with a six-speed sequential transmission, was planned as the ultimate incarnation of the T440R. Sadly, Peter Wheeler had sold TVR before the Typhon came to fruition.

Only two examples of the T440R were produced, with this Candy Apple Red car being the sole survivor.

The first example completed, it appeared in the Jeremy Clarkson film No Limits, along with being displayed at Le Mans for promotional purposes.

Blackpool’s best made better

Sold into private ownership in 2008, the T440R has undergone a complete restoration by TVR specialists. This includes a 4.4-litre Speed Six engine being installed, which is close to the ‘aspirational’ 440hp output.

A new close-ratio gearbox, clutch and differential have also been fitted, along with replacement suspension dampers. The unique nature of the T440R meant many parts required custom fabrication.

The exterior has been resprayed in authentic Candy Apple Red, with the interior upholstered in a combination of black and red leather.

A packed folder of paperwork, documenting all the work undertaken, will be supplied with the car when sold.

Putting a price on TVR history

When it comes to a guide price, Iconic Auctioneers has given an estimate of between £190,000 and £230,000.

For a genuine Le Mans homologation special, with endless provenance and coming fresh from a complete restoration, this seems to us like relatively good value.

For comparison, a TVR Cerbera Speed 12 sold by Iconic Auctioneers achieved £601,500 on the block in 2003.

If such prices look too steep, however, the Supercar Fest sale also includes the first of two TVR 350C models commissioned for the 2002 British Motor Show. You could grab a potential bargain, with an estimated sale price of £30,000 to £35,000.

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For sale: Ayrton Senna’s classic Honda NSX

April 24, 2024

An original Honda NSX first owned by Ayrton Senna is currently advertised for sale on Auto Trader.

This red 1991 coupe is arguably the most recognisable NSX used by Senna, and the late F1 driver was frequently photographed with the car.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Senna’s tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the sale of the NSX is your opportunity to own a piece of true motorsport history.

A winning partnership

Starting with Lotus in 1987, and continuing until the end of the 1993 season with McLaren, Senna drove Formula One cars powered by Honda engines.

All three of Senna’s F1 World Drivers’ Championships were achieved with Honda power, along with 32 race wins and 46 pole positions.

This success gave the Brazilian driver a close association with the Japanese brand, which led to him undertaking development work on the NSX.

Senna drove several final prototype versions of the V6-engined supercar, providing feedback to improve its suspension and chassis rigidity. This resulted in a number of detail changes, helping to hone the renowned driving machine.

The world’s most famous NSX?

Although he owned two other examples of the NSX, this 1991 coupe is the car most closely associated with Senna.

It was given to him by Honda Portugal for use when in Europe. His two other black NSXs were kept at home in Brazil.

Finished in Formula Red, the NSX up for sale was also made famous by featuring in the 1992 movie, Racing Is In My Blood.

In 2019, the NSX was driven around the Imola circuit by Giancarlo Minardi, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Senna’s death.

‘A real pleasure to own’

The NSX’s current owner, Robert McFagan, purchased the car in 2013 during a trip to the Algarve in Portugal.

McFagan commented that the car has since “sat proudly at my estate in East Sussex”.

He added: “Being a huge Senna fan myself, I was delighted when I was able to get my hands on the NSX. It’s been a real pleasure owning what is one of the most famous cars belonging to a true sporting legend and the thrill of driving Senna’s car never goes away”.

Registered in the UK, the left-hand-drive NSX has amassed just over 39,100 miles from new.

Formula One history for sale

Inevitably, a car owned and driven by one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history does not come cheap. The NSX is advertised on Auto Trader for £500,000.

For comparison, a Honda NSX Zanardi Edition, owned by Canadian superbike rider Miguel Duhamel, sold for £214,000 in 2020.

Following the listing of the Honda NSX, Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader, commented: “Senna’s impact on Formula One and the world of motorsport was immeasurable and Senna’s iconic Honda NSX is a chance to own a rare piece of sporting history that will no doubt turn heads and spark conversations amongst friends, family and neighbours”.

All images (c) @senna_unofficial

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2010 Seat Leon Cupra R review: Retro Road Test

April 23, 2024

Cupra is now Seat’s standalone sporty sub-brand, producing cars such as the Ateca and Formentor SUVs, alongside the compact Cupra Born EV.

In the not-so-distant past, however, the Cupra name was affixed to the hottest Seat hatchbacks. These racier versions of the Ibiza and Leon were generally more exciting to drive than their Volkswagen Polo GTI and Golf GTI siblings – and more affordable to buy, too.

The second-generation Seat Leon Cupra R, launched in 2010, shared its 2.0-litre petrol engine with the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 of the same era. Thanks to an ECU remap, high-pressure fuel pump and revised exhaust system, it produced 265hp: a useful 25hp more than the regular Cupra and good for 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds.

How does it drive?

With all that power going through the front wheels, the electronics struggle to stave off torque steer if you are indelicate with the throttle. This is obviously amplified in wet conditions, but it’s avoidable – just be smooth with your inputs and the Cupra reacts well.

Take a ham-fisted approach, though, and you must be prepared to lift off gently when you detect a hint of scurry through the steering wheel.

It’s no unruly Mk1 Ford Focus RS, though, and the electronics do a good job of mimicking a proper limited-slip differential on B-roads. Tuck it into a bend, accelerate and the power quickly shifts between the front wheels and then drags you out the other side. The steering is rather light, but it’s communicative enough to tell you when less is more.

Even by today’s hot hatchback standards, the Mk2 Cupra R’s ride is easily unsettled. Around a third firmer than the non-R Cupra, it transmits every minor lump and bump into the cabin. The plus side is, despite its almost MPV-like appearance, there’s little body-roll when you drive enthusiastically.

It feels quick, too – not just in the bends, but also in a straight line. Even in an era of 300hp-plus hot hatches, the 265hp Cupra R still thrills.

Tell me about buying one

Production ended in 2012, so finding a good Cupra R of this generation shouldn’t be too tricky. They didn’t sell in huge numbers, though, so be prepared to travel for the right one. An Auto Trader search reveals prices starting at around £6,000, increasing to £11,000 for a tidy example sold by a dealer.

Don’t assume that because the Leon is a Volkswagen Group product, it will feel solid. The very nature of the Cupra R means it could have led a hard life, so we’d insist on a detailed service record and, ideally, a chat with the previous owner. Buying privately gives you the benefit of finding out how it’s been used. Has it been lapping racetracks or spent its life on the motorway?

Finding four matching premium-brand tyres with plenty of tread is always a good sign. While you’re there, inspect the shapely alloy wheels for signs of kerbing.

Seat Leon Cupra R: verdict

In the era that followed the ‘FN2’ Honda Civic Type-R and five-cylinder Ford Focus ST, hot hatches like the Leon Cupra R became increasingly capable, but struggled to retain the magic of their predecessors.

At the time, many people complained the Seat was too discreet, but it did represent good value for money alongside the related Golf GTI.

Today, it makes for an interesting used car that is fun to drive, still feels relatively modern and shouldn’t cost a fortune to maintain. Just like when new, the Cupra R looks a bargain to buy, too.

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Paul McCartney’s Wings open-top tour bus up for auction

April 17, 2024

Wings Over Europe Tour Bus Auction — © Reg Lancaster - Getty Images

The famous tour bus used by Paul McCartney and Wings will be heading to auction later this month.

Used on the band’s 1972 Wings Over Europe tour, this customised open-top bus has lived an intriguing life.

Now fully restored, it could achieve a substantial sale price when auctioned via the Car & Classic online platform.

Wings Over Europe

Before becoming a large-scale piece of rock and roll memorabilia, ‘WNO 481’ started life as a 1953 Bristol Commercials double-decker bus.

Initially employed in Essex to serve local bus routes, it was converted to have an open top deck in 1966, ferrying holidaymakers to the Butlins resort in Clacton-on-Sea.

In 1972, Paul McCartney leased it as the official Wings tour bus, complete with two drivers and a full support package. The amazing psychedelic exterior paintwork was added to ensure it stood out.

Paul McCartney himself explained the idea behind buying the bus, saying: “If we’re gonna be in Europe in the summer, going to places like the south of France, it’s just silly to be in some little box all day gasping for air. So we came up with this idea to have an open deck, upper deck kind of thing.

“We’ve got some mattresses up there so we can just cruise along, fantastic, it’s great, just lie around and get the sun.”

Band on the Run

The interior of the tour bus included a fully functioning kitchen, individual seats for the band members and even a playpen for children on the upper deck.

Powered by a 7.0-litre Gardner five-cylinder diesel engine with a four-speed manual gearbox, progress on the tour was noted as being relaxed. If the bus was moving too slowly, other vehicles were used to make sure band members made it to the venues on time.

Despite this, the tour passed through 25 European towns and cities, racking up an impressive 7,500 miles during July and August 1972.

Sedate travel certainly gave the band time to write new music, and it is perhaps no coincidence that the theme to Live and Let Die was recorded shortly after the tour.

Wild Life

After the tour, the bus returned to regular duties until 1980. It was saved from being scrapped in 1982, then restored with the Wings Over Europe livery.

The bus made its way to Tenerife in the 1990s, being used as a tourist attraction outside a rock cafe. In 2009, it was rediscovered in a storage area and subsequently returned to the UK in 2017.

Fully restored between 2019 and 2022, the bus now looks exactly how it would have done in the summer of 1972. Wings drummer Denny Seiwell has even donated an original touring trunk, just to add to some authentic appeal.

Paul McCartney’s company, MPL, has officially licensed the use of the Wings artwork, logos, band members’ names and personal photos on the bus.

Live and let’s drive

Just how famous is the Wings tour bus? Famous enough to have a lengthy Wikipedia entry dedicated to it, along with its own website and Facebook page.

Ownership of the website is included as part of the sale. The site has apparently received multiple enquiries from people interested in seeing the bus attend events this year.

Recently restored, in full running order and equipped with genuine Wings memorabilia, WNO 481 will resonate with a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.

Ahead of the auction, which starts on 22 April 2024 and runs for seven days, Car & Classic has provided an estimate of between £150,000 and £200,000 to buy the bus.

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