Le Mans-spec Austin Healey 100/4 and Jaguar XK150 vie for pole position at Barons, Sandown Park, February 9
A magnificent 1956 Austin Healey 100/4 finished to Le Mans specification and a beautiful 1958 Jaguar KX150 drophead coupé headline Barons’ sale of classic, collectors’, historic and sports cars at Sandown Park on February 9.
Originally supplied to North America, the 100/4 returned to the UK and was supplied to the vendor as a rolling shell and a box of parts in 1992. Over the next 10 years, the LHD car was completely rebuilt, with the owner photocopying the entire parts manual and replacing or reconditioning every single part. Equipped with high compression Le Mans pistons, modified cam followers and Denis Welch Le Mans camshaft, bearings and steel sprocket and fast road, aluminium cylinder head, with competition studs and washers, it carries an estimate of £42,000-£48,000.
The XK150 has been the subject of extensive restoration and upgrading for modern driving, being rebuilt from the bare chassis up and finished to the vendor’s own specification. This included power steering, a BMW (Getrag) 5-speed manual gearbox and Coopercraft brakes. This splendid Carmen Red machine is estimated at £46,000-£50,000.
Other notable lots include a 1961 Series 1 Jaguar E-type FHC (£35,000-£39,000), a 1969 Mercedes Pagoda 280SL (£25,000-£30,000) and a 1977 Bristol 412 (£7,000-£10,000).
The sale also includes two excellent examples of the influence of 1950’s American design on British cars, in the form of a 1959 Humber Super Snipe (£4,500-£6,000) and a 1960 Vauxhall PA Velox (£4,000-£5,000).
A comprehensive sale programme, and new consultant
February 9 marks the start of a comprehensive, nine-sale calendar for Barons this year, which sees Prestige cars offered under their own banner, following the classic and historic offerings.
The calendar also includes the much anticipated Jaguar Heritage sale, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Jaguar Cars, on April 27th. Already consigned for this sale is an outstanding example of the rare XK150SE DHC with automatic transmission, which is one of less than 10 produced in RHD form. And Barons’ enthusiasm for all things Jaguar continues to grow, with the arrival of Jaguar and Rolls-Royce specialist, Dave Taylor, who joins the company’s expert consultant line-up.
‘2009 was a very strong year for us, with record sale prices achieved for a number of cars, and the addition of Julian Shoolheifer to our team. We hope that 2010 follows suit, with a full sale calendar and a further strengthened team,’ said Barons’ MD Laurence Sayers-Gillan.
For the latest information on entries for the February 9 sale, or to consign a vehicle to it, please call 08454 306060, visit www.barons-auctions.com or email info@barons-auctions.com.
