Royal Land-Rover to star at Brooklands auction

| 6 Mar 2014

A 2002 Land-Rover Defender 110 with Royal connections is due to be auctioned at Historics’ Brooklands Museum sale, taking place on 8 March. The car is estimated at £26,000-35,000. 

 

The Epsom Green Defender was delivered new to the Queen’s Sandringham estate and covered 33,000 miles over its 12 years of service, which came to an abrupt end when the car rolled onto its side during a shoot.

 

Enough damage was done to force its early retirement, which also resulted in classification as a Category D write-off. The car then underwent a comprehensive restoration that saw each damaged panel replaced. The revival took 18 months to complete, and included the fitting of new upholstery.  

 

A Sandringham shooting map and shotgun cartridge found in the glovebox add to the vehicle’s provenance.

 

For off-roading with a more historic flavour, a 1942 Ford GPW Jeep is offered in the same sale, estimated at £15,000-£18,000. Previously restored in the United States, the Jeep comes complete with a fully documented history of the renovation work carried out, including the recent addition of a new steering box. 

 

1942 Ford GPW Jeep

 

An Austin-Healey 100 BN1 restoration project is a tempting proposition, especially as it is being offered without reserve. The 1954 car is from the second year of production and is largely complete, with the notable exception of the nearside rear wing. Eligibility in a number of historic motor sport events including the Mille Miglia should ensure plenty of interest.

 

1954 Austin-Healey 100 BN1

 

A more affordable route into historic competition is the perennially popular Volvo Amazon 131, and a 1968 example is estimated at £6000-8000. Heavy gauge steel and the near-bombproof B18 engine make it perfect for the rally stage, but this former concours winner may prove too nice to spoil. It has covered 30,650 miles from new.

 

1968 Volvo 131 B18

 

If you’ve always lusted after Ford’s Mustang then this, its 50th anniversary year, is a good time to buy. The best-value models are notchbacks, and the 1966 car offered at Historics is no exception. It is estimated at £12,000-15,000 and sports the desirable 4.7-litre Windsor V8.

 

1966 Ford Mustang notchback

 

A 1981 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection is a great alternative to the Mustang, and much more suited to Britain’s narrow roads. The early four-speed example has an upper estimate of £8000, and with just 13,000 miles on the odometer it could do well.

 

1981 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection

 

For those looking to take their first steps in the classic-car world, a 1973 MGB GT offers a good opportunity. Offered with no reserve and a valid MoT, the chrome-bumper car is ready to go. Even better, it will be tax exempt from April.

 

1973 MGB GT

 

Viewing is available from 10am on 7 March, while the sale begins at the same time the following day.