Record-breaking prices were achieved for a De Lorean DMC-12 and Series 1 Land-Rover 80” at Coys’ 11 March sale, which formed part of a new Channel 4 television series.
Breaking new ground was a 1981 De Lorean DMC-12, which smashed its pre-sale upper estimate of £22,000. The car’s success can be attributed to having just 2500 miles on the clock. Originally sold by the Cobb-Kirkland Motor Co in the United States, it came to the UK in 1986 and was converted to right-hand drive. Shortly after the car was put into long-term storage. Prior to the sale the DMC-12 was the subject of a sympathetic restoration by marque specialist Chris Nicholson. The brake and fuel systems were fully refurbished, while the stainless steel bodywork was re-brushed.
Beating its own £14-16,000 estimate by an even bigger margin was a 1950 Series 1 Land-Rover 80”. The car had spent some years in Africa after it was delivered new to the Cooper Motor Corporation in Nairobi before being repatriated in 1956. After returning to Norfolk the car made its way to the Essex/Suffolk border, where it was bought by Charles Crossman in 1973. In 2003 the Land-Rover changed hands once again – it was at this point that the restoration began.
A full rebuild was carried out with the help of marque expert Tom Pickford, with every nut and bolt being re-used where possible. The engine, gearbox and axles were rebuilt to factory specification, while the bodywork was repainted and steel components galvanised.
