Our paint and body team have been working on the 1986 Fiat X19 to get this quirky 1980s sports car looking as good as possible.
Overall, the paintwork on the car is in very good condition but there were a few areas which needed the careful and skilled attention of our painter, Chris. Those areas were the front and rear bumpers as well as the removable roof panel. So, after rubbing them back Chris laid down several coats of thick, glossy, hard wearing black to rejuvenate these parts and get the car looking as good as new.
The automotive wizard which is our very own Alan has worked his magic on our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 to breathe new life into the look of this wonderfully British sports car.
To begin with, he stripped down all of the trims from the car before reworking a few areas of the car to get its beautiful shape into perfect condition before then taking into our paint booth for a new coat of blue over old english cream. Then, it was a case of fitting everything back onto the car but this time with a much better fit and finish.
Our 1960 MGA Roadster has been perfected by the paint and body team here at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ in order to make sure that every panel and surface is smooth as glass.
Our technician Mauro has been painstakingly getting the body of the classic sports car ready by repeated rounds of filler and sanding work to build up areas which couldn’t be adjusted by the use of hammer and dolly. Once this stage was complete, the car was blown off to get rid of any sanding dust before taken into the booth, masked up and spray with its first coats of polyfan before it is sanded down again to begin the next stage.
Our C-Type is now back in the building after being with a local specialist to have its paint protection film (PPF) applied to the bonnet and front wings of the car.
This is to help protect all the hard work by the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team from stone chips and any other debris which will come into contact with the front of the car as its out and about on the open road.
Earlier today, Molly and Lily spoke to James Hazell on Gen X Radio at the Suffolk Show 2024. They spoke about the classic cars you can see on the Bridge Classic Cars’ stand as well as introducing you to the brand-new Bridge Classic Cars Members’ Club.
The paint team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been incredibly busy the last few weeks, including the prep and paint for this. A classic racing Mini belonging to our friend Ted from Team C Racing.
Chris took the shell and sanded everything back before priming it and finishing the whole car in a glossy shade of black for the guys at Team C to then get their livery applied and the bite-sized bruiser will be ready to hit the track!
There are some names in the automotive world which ignite a feeling of passion and wonder. One of those, is Zagato. The legendary Italian coachbuilders have been designing and crafting dreams since their earliest days back in 1919, but their latest project not only pays tribute to the past but also the future with the AGTZ alongside their partner La Squadra.
The name La Squadra may not be known to many, but its one that you should pay attention to. Created in Katowice, Poland in 2013 they specialise in distributing brands such as Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg, Bugatti and Alpine to true enthusiasts and collectors to fulfill the automotive dreams with stunning pieces of kinetic, mechanical art – such as the AGTZ.
Celebrating the fabled Alpine A220 racecar, which famously began as an elegant and flowing long-tail design before having 300mm removed from its length to give a more muscular short-tail design, the AGTZ has a unique and innovative way of paying homage to both iterations of this famous endurance racer.
The AGTZ, has a removable twin-tail design. The long-tail extension, which gives the car a longer more harmonious design, can be removed to reveal a small, more defined short-tail look depending on what one of the lucky 19 owners feels like. Unlike other manufacturers who offer a ‘long-tail’ specification, the AGTZ grows over 450mm in length with the rear extension in place, this also changes the aerodynamics of the low-slung sports racer for the road as it greatly reduces the car aerodynamic drag coefficient and allow for a higher top speed while maintaining a better high-speed stability.
Firstly, lets take a look back at the car that this modern wonder is based on. The fabled Alpine A220.
The A220 set its sets on winning Le Mans in 1966, although the programme can be traced back to 1963 with the simple, elegant but problematic M63 project. The A220 was specifically designed and engineered to take the fight to teams like Chaparral, Ferrari and Ford in the twilight years of the 4 to 7 litre category of prototype racing. But, its long and impactful bodywork would make that car stand the test of time and would help to cement its place in endurance racing history.
But it didn’t stop there, after the long-tail design was retired the engineers and designs began to test the aerodynamic capabilities of the car as a ‘short-tail’ variant. The longer car, was excellent at high-speed circuits but at more punchy, dynamic tracks the car became a bit of a handful (at the same time, Porsche would have the same idea with their legendary 917). So, sacrificing the high-speed car the team would begin shortening the bodywork to create a car with better aerodynamics for handling and the race wins began to follow.
To honour this engineering challenge and triumph, the team at La Squadra and Zagato teamed up to create a modern day love letter to that beautiful race car culminating in the AGTZ.
In the span of just 12 months, the Zagato team took this bold, modernist designs from the drawing board to the crystal blue waters which lap the shore of Lake Como. In February, the automotive world were blessed with the unveiling of the scale model of the car which set the internet ablaze with wonder and speculation. With deliveries of the 19 cars due to begin in October of 2024, the car has received huge positive feedback from the automotive world after its static unveiling in Italy where more details of the cars have been revealed.
Each of the 19 cars will spend around 15 weeks at the Zagato studios to begin their 1000 hour build process. A team of artisan craftspeople will painstakingly transform the base car into the AGTZ in the customers design specification, making each one of these cars a truly handbuilt masterpiece with the vast array of options open to clients of La Squadra, who will handle the maintenance and sales of each of the cars. Price begin at around £550,000 before tax, but for something as bespoke, exclusive and passion-fueled its a small price to pay for those lucky 19 owners.
The Bridge Classic Cars team recently welcomed a new arrival to our Pettistree workshops, this 1991 Nissan S13 200SX Turbo.
A rare sight to see an unmodified survivor of this Japanese rear-wheel drive coupe, the team are going to be servicing the car for its adoring owner as well as renewing the cam-belt and water pump while also carrying out an assessment on the car while it is our care.
Today, I challenged the bank holiday traffic, experienced the overturned tractor on the A14 and met every traffic jam as I headed up the M6 to Runcorn for tomorrow’s Manor Park Classics May 2024 auction. My 7 hour trip meant I arrived with just over an hour to take a look around the cars that’ll be on offer tomorrow.
An early start tomorrow but I look forward to catching up with the Manor Park team and see what some of the beautiful classics on show will reach under the hammer.
The workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars is always busy! But this week we’ve had the pleasure of having this 2003 MG ZT V8 on the centre ramp under the careful eye of our technician Jon.
Jon noted that the car had lost some coolant after a road test. After leaving the car to safely cool down, Jon carried out a chemical block test to see whether any hydrocarbons from the exhaust had made their way into the coolant which signifies a leak somewhere in the system. All was ok and nothing was contaminated, Jon reports that he believes the seal on the radiator cap had gone bad.
Next, Jon turned his attention to the brakes on this V8 super saloon. He began by stripping down the front brakes, blowing out the handbrake shoes and fitting a new seat of discs. While there, Jon also quickly repainted the caliper after adjusting the handbrake shoes.
Jon then began work on the front end of the car. This involved removing the front wheels and the stripping down the front brakes. Whilst in there, he also removed and cleaned up the Ohlins struts back to their former glory before fitting them with new springs and fitting back onto the car. Like the rear, Job took the time to repaint the calipers to make this early 2000’s muscle saloon look the absolute business. However, upon rebuilding the offside front caliper, he found that it had seized.
After that, Jon head inside the car to fix a couple of small issues such as a blocked washer jet and a 12v power socket not working – both of which were fixed. Then, he began to work on the exhaust of the car. He removed the offside rear silencer, removing the mounting straps and then fitted the new silencers to the car except he found that new silencer didn’t fit quite as it should so the original unit had to go back onto the car, but whilst there he repositioned the central rear mount as it was contacting the axle of the car under articulation.
Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has revealed performance data for its supercharged ‘H850’ Mustang Dark Horse, which is now in production at its Sealy HQ. Hennessey’s engineers have transformed the performance of America’s iconic pony car with a 70 per cent power upgrade, achieving 850 horsepower, alongside boosted torque of 650 lb-ft.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the performance version of the acclaimed ‘S650’ Mustang. The stock Dark Horse has a naturally aspirated Gen-4 Coyote 5.0-litre V8, to which Hennessey adds a high-performance supercharger, high-flow air induction system, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump, plus Hennessey’s rigorously developed engine management system.
From the factory, Ford’s Dark Horse has 500 bhp and can hit 60 mph from stationary in 3.7 seconds, in 10-speed auto form. Hennessey’s uprated H850 Mustang hits the same speed in just 3.2 seconds. The standard Dark Horse completes the ¼ mile in 12 seconds at 118.4 mph. Hennessey betters this benchmark too, with the H850 auto achieving the same distance in 10.9 seconds at 133 mph.
John Hennessey, company Founder, and CEO: “Our supercharged H850 Mustang Dark Horse builds on Ford’s commitment to provide automotive enthusiasts with passion products like the snarling V8-powered S650 Mustang. We’re excited to unleash Hennessey’s passion for performance on America’s most iconic muscle car with all the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that get our blood pumping!”
To complement its potent powerplant, Hennessey ‘H850’ Mustang owners can visually enhance their Dark Horse with optional Hennessey Heritage Graphics and forged performance wheels in gloss anthracite. Setting the Hennessey apart further, each model features Hennessey and H850 badging, Hennessey embroidered headrests, and a serial-numbered engine plaque.
Our technician Paul has been making good progress on our 1956 Jensen 541 project. Recently, Paul has been checking that the various brackets and auxiliary parts fit up where they should.
To begin with, Paul tested the fitment of the radiator into the car to make sure its brackets were correctly placed on the frame before the moving onto the bump irons etc.
Then, he worked alongside of fabricator Clinton to begin getting the exhaust for the classic GT started and in the right place before it’s production is started.
The fabrication team at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ have been working their magic underneath the Ferrari 246.
Several spots in the cars space frame had rusted and deteriorated to the point where they were no longer supporting the structure of the car how they should do. So, our fabricator Chris has worked his magic to sympathetically repair this handmade sports car with individually fabricated gussets to get the strength back into the car.
Our 1972 MGB Roadster has been getting a few bits and pieces to do before the car could be yours through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
First off, the car has been fully inspected by the team to determine what needs doing the classic roadster.
After the inspection, Steve got his list of jobs together to get this classic back on the road. First up – Steve replaced the fuel pump.
Next up, Steve inspected some of the rubber mounts which hold the subframe to the car. After checking them thoroughly, he found they had perished and will require replacement.
Upon inspection, Steve found that they coolant hoses on the car had gone hard and begun to crack. Because of this, he ordered replacements and got them fitted up to the car before testing can begin.
The paint and body team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on getting many of the suspension and chassis components for our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
Finished in heavy duty black and silver, the parts will cure and then be wrapped up and put into storage awaiting the cars reassembly.
A selection of our private classic motorcycle collection have been moved to their new home at our secure storage facility, the hangar.
the team have been busy recommissioning our two-wheeled wonders to get them back running and roadworthy before our transport team loaded them up and took them over to their new home in the ‘bike room’ at the hangar.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have welcomed back a previous project into our Suffolk HQ to carry out a couple of bits on this beautiful classic.
Our technician Julian has removed all fuel lines and the fuel tank in order to carry out work on the fuel system. Whilst the fuel tank was out, he could replace the filler neck seal and gaskets before beginning to fit the new fuel lines underneath the car and then refit the tank back into the car. With the new fuel lines in the car, Julian could route them up to the carburettors around the front of the engine, this required a small custom bracket to be made to keep them away from the alternator pulley and safe from any damage.
While there, Julian also removed and resealed the temperature sensor in the inlet manifold and replaced the alternator belt as it was showing signs of wear.
AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has started the first dynamic demonstrations and experience drives of the new AC Cobra GT Roadster. This highly anticipated sports car is being showcased to clients and VIP guests, giving them the opportunity to experience its performance firsthand.
A New Chapter at Donington Park
The dynamic demonstrations mark a significant milestone in the production of the AC Cobra GT Roadster. Held at AC Cars’ headquarters and R&D centre at Donington Park, these events allow attendees to see, hear, and feel the capabilities of this new sports car.
Unleashing the Power
The new Cobra is powered by a 663bhp supercharged engine, housed within a sleek carbon-fibre body. The iconic AC Cobra design has been seen driving on the public roads surrounding Donington Park, demonstrating its potential to clients and car enthusiasts alike. This stage of development is crucial as AC Cars continues to fine-tune the vehicle, ensuring it meets the high expectations set for its performance and styling.
An Insider’s Look at Cutting-Edge Design
During these exclusive events, members of the engineering and production teams are available to discuss the car’s design and features. This direct interaction highlights AC Cars’ commitment to keeping its clients informed and engaged as the project progresses. The feedback from these demonstrations has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing confidence that the AC Cobra GT Roadster will deliver on its promise of unmatched style and performance.
Image: AC CarsImage: AC CarsImage: AC CarsImage: AC CarsImage: AC Cars
A Legacy Reimagined
The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is built on a unique aluminium spaceframe chassis, complemented by a full carbon-fibre body and a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. It stands as a worthy successor to the legendary AC Cobra of the 1960s, combining classic aesthetics with modern design and engineering advancements.
Modern Comfort Meets Classic Style
One of the notable improvements in the new GT Roadster is its larger size and modern ergonomics. Unlike its predecessor, the updated cabin comfortably accommodates drivers over six feet tall. Additionally, the vehicle features a modern drivetrain and advanced control technologies, solidifying its status as a grand tourer.
Versatility and Exclusivity
The AC Cobra GT Roadster is available in both left and right-hand drive configurations, with options for an automatic or manual gearbox. This is all part of the plan to create a driving experience tailored to individual preferences, all within a highly limited-production model.
A Unified Production Hub
AC Cars has recently announced a new brand centre at Donington Park. This facility joins their expansive 100,000 sq ft site on the UK’s south coast, which will serve as the assembly centre. Bringing all necessary crafts and disciplines under one roof, the new centre aims to streamline production and maintain the marque’s legacy of excellence.
One response to “AC Cobra GT Roadster”
Paul Comer
The blacked out windshield frame doesn’t get it for me. I have a MK II FF5 Cobra and I love the old AC lines of the old cars . SO GLAD A C KEEPS THE BUSINESS GOING AND MY HATS OFF TO YOU GUYS. Paul in the USA.
The Bridge Classic Cars team have been working on carrying out a few jobs on our classic TR7 ahead of its live draw and eventual delivery to its lucky new owner.
First up, Julian worked on the rear suspension of the classic sports car. He replaced the upper and lower trailing arm bushes before removing the prop shaft in order to replace the input seal which he noticed had a slight weep. After this, all components were fitted back up to the car and it was road tested ahead of it being handed over to our other technician Jon for final sign off.
The car then was handed over to our other technician Jon, who carried out the cars pre-delivery inspection ahead of the cars live draw on Tuesday.
Our technician Julian has been hard at work with the rebuild of our 1975 Cobra Replica.
With the engine back in the newly painted frame, he could begin to get the various system test hit and then fully placed into the car such as the cooling system, as well as some of the various brackets and braces needed to support the bodywork and driveline. Then, the team carefully lowered the fibreglass body onto the frame making sure everything fit up as it should.
Between the 12th and 16th of June 2024, there will be a sale of vintage fairground rides and vehicles. Announced by Joby Carter, there are some extraordinary items that will be available to purchase and I have no doubt it will attract a wide range of collectors and enthusiasts.
Perhaps the main event of the sale is the 1955 Hurst of Retford Living Wagon.
The Wagon
This striking van, believed to have been built in 1955 by Hurst of Retford for the Proctor family, has a fascinating yet somewhat complex history. Hurst, a respected joinery business, transitioned into the showman trade during World War II when Joe Ling enlisted them to repair his Moonrocket ride after a fire. This venture led Hurst to specialise in building living wagons, producing several impressive models over 20 feet long. One such wagon was even advertised to include three bedrooms, a lounge, and a kitchen!
The current owner of the 1955 Hurst of Retford Living Wagon, Joby Carter, acquired the wagon from Gerry Cottle, who had intended to use it as an office for his circus. An extensive restoration was started to bring the wagon back to life. During the restoration, as the beige paint was stripped away, the original aluminium was revealed. Upon further investigation, it was found that the sun had etched the original scroll pattern into the aluminium belly boxes. This discovery allowed Joby Carter to repaint the van in its authentic, original design.
Details:
28ft long
Recently re-painted and coach-lined in gold leaf
Exceptionally well-built and original wagon
Brilliant cut glass throughout
Bedroom, lounge, kitchen and shower room
This was Joby Carter’s primary residence from the early 2000’s until 2014.
The Lightning Skid – Noisy and fast, and beautifully and intensely decorated, the Skid is a very popular ride dating from the 1960s. £200,000
1957 Scammell Highwayman Mr Plod (number 2) – Built in 1957, but not registered until 1962, No.2 was pressed into service by Esso as a tanker lorry. £15,000
Last week, Mark Harper, Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, addressed an event hosted by the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) at Bicester Heritage. He called on the classic car industry and its enthusiasts to assist in safeguarding the future of historic vehicles.
During his speech, MP Harper announced an eight-week consultation period, open until July 4th, aimed at finding the best ways to support Britain’s classic car sector, which contributes £18 billion annually to the economy. This comes following criticism from the HCVA and the broader classic vehicle community regarding the DVLA’s handling of classic cars.
The DVLA, responsible for the UK’s vehicle registration system, centralised its operations 10 years ago and closed its 39 local offices, which were often staffed by teams with extensive knowledge of classic cars. This change led to numerous issues for classic car owners who now struggle with registering their restored or modified vehicles due to complicated and unclear forms.
Since 2019, the situation has worsened, with many owners receiving Q-plates for legitimate classic cars and others facing long delays and cumbersome processes to re-register newly restored or upgraded classics.
Image: HCVAImage: HCVAImage: HCVA
Now, Transport Minister Mark Harper has reached out to the classic car industry and community for assistance in ensuring the future of classic vehicles.
This appeal for support follows three years of efforts by the HCVA, which has collaborated directly with the DVLA and ministers, as well as through the Historic Vehicle User Group. As Mark Harper emphasised, the success of this initiative relies heavily on the full backing of the classic vehicle community.
The HCVA reiterates the importance of submitting clear and constructive individual responses. The Call for Evidence is complex, featuring 46 specific questions, many of which tend to steer respondents towards agreeing with the existing arrangements and categories.
To assist those interested in crafting a robust response, the HCVA will release its own draft detailed response on Friday, May 24th. They urge all potential respondents to thoroughly review this draft and consider its contents when preparing their individual submissions.
Guy Lachlan, Executive Director of the HCVA said: “The DVLA’s current system treats restoration and rebuilding of historic vehicles as having a negative impact on their historical record and UK registration, a misconception that must be corrected. Maintaining the same registration number is a vital part of the history of the UK’s vehicles and is a viewpoint consistent with those applied to historic buildings, fine art, and other protected heritage industries.”
“Our detailed response to the Call for Evidence will reduce DVLA workload, help to avoid counterproductive legal actions and remove uncertainty around vehicle restoration that currently hinders the UK specialist industry. And it is now vital the classic car industry, and UK enthusiasts come together to do all we can to protect the future of our cherishedclassic vehicles for future generations.“
HCVA Chairman, Mark Roper said: “We must all act on this hard-fought and welcomedopportunity to respond, as classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts now have a unique opportunity to offer a clear response to Government and the DVLA on the challenges we face. Doing so will enable a bright and confident future for the industry, owners and enthusiasts alike and I ask anyone interested in responding to read our own guidance and draft response first, to ensure the industry and our passionatecommunity delivers effective and concise feedback to Government.“
The shortlist for the Newspress Awards 2024 has been announced, revealing who is in the running to be recognised as the stars of the UK’s automotive journalism and PR industries.
We have made the shortlist in 3 separate categories – me in the Automotive Rising Star (Journalist) of the Year sponsored by Suzuki, Nick in the Automotive Photographer of the Year, and the Bridge Classic Cars team in the Automotive Video of the Year sponsored by the Marcus Rutherford Foundation.
While the competition is extremely tough in all categories, making the shortlist is an achievement we are all proud of and we look forward to sharing the results when they are announced soon.
Awards Category
Shortlist
Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year – sponsored by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
George Barrow Jack Carfrae Richard Gooding Tom Webster
Automotive Business Journalist of the Year
Jack Carfrae Tom Geggus Richard Gooding Jonathan Manning John Maslen Natalie Middleton Tim Rose
Classic Car Writer of the Year
Jesse Billington Trinity Francis Simon Hucknall Karl Ludvigsen Charlotte Vowden
Automotive News Journalist of the Year
Jack Carfrae Ellis Hyde Ray Massey Tim Rose Shazhad Sheikh
Automotive Business Publication of the Year
Automotive Management/AM Online Automotive Testing Technology International Autovista24 Crash Test Technology International Fleet World Tire Technology International
Automotive Consumer Journalist of the Year
Stephen Dobie Graham King Ray Massey John Mayhead
Automotive Feature Writer of the Year – sponsored by Kia
John Barker Giles Chapman Stephen Dobie Will Dron Maurice Hamilton Sean Rees James Taylor Charlotte Vowden
Automotive Photographer of the Year
Jayson Fong Ben Midlane William Neill Aston Parrott Adam Shorrock Nick Skinner Nick Williams
Automotive Video of the Year – sponsored by the Marcus Rutherford Foundation
Yousuf Ashraf AutoEV Bridge Classic Cars Deutsche Welle REV Tim Rodie Drives Stuff CAR
Automotive Rising Star (Journalist) of the Year – sponsored by Suzuki
Jesse Billington Dino Buratti Rob Harvey Tom Hooker
Road Tester of the Year
Yousuf Ashraf Stephen Dobie Will Dron Richard Gooding
Automotive Technology Writer of the Year
Jack Carfrae George Barrow Rachel Evans Richard Gooding Paul Horrell Karl Ludvigsen James Taylor
Automotive Website of the Year
Autovista24 Fleet World The Car Expert
EV Writer of the Year – sponsored by Kia
Erin Baker Jack Carfrae Tom Geggus Ray Massey Sarah Tooze
EV Publication of the Year
AutoEV Auto Trader Electrifying.com
Automotive Rising PR Star of the Year
Sam Buckingham (Honda) Filip Czajkowski (Isuzu) Emma Illman (Hyundai) Milissa Ordona (Kia) William Rees (Kia)
Automotive Press Office of the Year
Kia Isuzu Mazda Nissan Stellantis
Automotive Consumer Publication of the Year
Classic Car Weekly Free Car Mag The Car Expert
Automotive PR of the Year – sponsored by WOMAC
Simon Branney (Genesis) Graham Fudge (Mazda) Jessica Grimditch (Suzuki) Alun Parry (Suzuki) Dan Sayles (Kia) Simon Wells (Paperchase)
The Rover 75…is it a future classic or one that’ll be forgotten? What about if you whack an MG badge on it, add the ZT styling and upgrades and drop the mighty Ford Mustang 4.6 V8 in it. Now we’re talking!
Let’s talk about this very special car, underneath you might say ‘it’s a Rover’ but don’t be fooled. Now badged as an MG, it comes complete with the improved chassis, the quad exhausts and the iconic Mustang V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.
Our latest addition is very well known in the MG world. Previously owned by an avid MG fan, this car has been seen at many an MG event. Coming soon to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, an absolute future classic and an amazing toy for the summer!
RM Sotheby’s first auction at Cliveden House is fast approaching. On the 12th of June 2024, in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, just a short distance from London, some incredible cars are going to be on offer. Set to be an annual fixture, the Cliveden House Auction perfectly complements RM Sotheby’s London sale in November.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti
The main event looks to be the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti. This model, one of the most celebrated from Maranello, has a shorter wheelbase than the 250 GT TdF, a lighter chassis, and more aerodynamic bodywork.
Powered by a 3-litre Colombo V-12 engine and fitted with disc brakes all around, this Ferrari was a powerhouse in motorsport. The specific car up for auction is the 34th of just 165 examples built, fully restored by Carrozzeria Autosport in 2009, and comes with Ferrari Classiche certification and documented ownership by marque historian Marcel Massini.
The Cliveden House auction isn’t just about classic supercars from the 1960s though. One of the standout modern cars up for grabs is a rare 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. As one of only 92 ever built, this Bugatti made headlines in 2015 when it set the record for the world’s fastest open-top production sports car, reaching a staggering 254.04 mph.
This particular Grand Sport Vitesse has a striking Blue-Black exterior paired with a vibrant Tangerine Leather interior. With 2,500 miles on the clock and a documented service history with HR Owen Bugatti London, it’s in pristine condition.
Another Ferrari available at Sotheby’s Cliveden House auction is the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina. Known as one of Ferrari’s most beautiful high-performance open-top cars from the 1960s, this particular example is number 75 of only 99 ever built. It underwent a body-off restoration by GTO Engineering between 2016 and 2017, costing over £120,000. Powered by a Colombo V-12 engine, this open tourer comes with an extensive history file and Ferrari Classiche certification. Offered after 12 years of ownership, it’s now ready to find a new home.
1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Fantuzzi
Equally impressive is the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Fantuzzi. This car features early coachwork modifications by Fantuzzi in the style of the 330 LMB and was originally delivered to Luciano Pederzani, co-founder of the Tecno Formula 1 team.
It later became part of the collection of radio and TV broadcaster Chris Evans. DK Engineering carried out a comprehensive restoration in 2011, and the car has since been maintained by GTO Engineering. With its rare and unique early coachwork by Fantuzzi, this one-of-a-kind Ferrari offers a truly unique ownership opportunity.
Another open-top classic being offered at the Cliveden House auction is the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible. Believed to be the penultimate example of the 123 Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles ever built, this car has had just four owners since new. It is presented in a stunning shade of Platinum with a red Conolly leather interior and a matching red Everflex soft-top. In 2016, it underwent a restoration costing over €80,000 at German workshops.
This DB5 Convertible represents Aston Martin’s flagship tourer in its most desirable high-performance, open-air form.
Morgan Motor Company and Pininfarina S.p.A. have joined forces to create Midsummer, an incredible tribute to the golden age of European barchetta designs. This exclusive model, limited to just 50 units, combines the shared vision and craftsmanship of these two legendary coachbuilders.
The Genesis of Midsummer
Midsummer represents a unique collaboration between Morgan and Pininfarina, aimed at creating limited-run specials based on Morgan’s CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform. This partnership was born from a chance conversation between colleagues from both companies, who quickly realised their shared passion for unique sports cars. The result is a vehicle that not only honours the rich heritage of both brands but also previews the future of Morgan’s design language infused with Pininfarina’s flair.
A Showcase of Craftsmanship
Every element of Midsummer is hand-formed, demonstrating the flexibility and artistry inherent in Morgan’s design philosophy. The car features a six-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, all built on Morgan’s latest aluminium platform. The Barchetta design emphasises exposure to the elements, ensuring a raw and immersive driving experience.
Eccentric Elegance
Midsummer’s design is a blend of eccentric elegance and modern functionality. The rear three-quarter view highlights its delicate proportions and new surfacing, reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs from the late 1930s and early 1940s. The introduction of a shoulder line and exposed wooden structures adds a distinctive touch to Morgan’s recognisable silhouette.
The side profile reveals subtle aerodynamic optimisations, informed by Pininfarina’s expertise, which enhance performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The lightweight 19-inch forged wheels, exclusive to Midsummer, weigh just 10 kilograms and feature a more period-appropriate tyre profile, furthering the car’s unique character.
Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are incredibly proud to present Midsummer, a limited-run special project that celebrates two centuries of coachbuilding and represents the embodiment of Morgan’s core values and the pinnacle of craft skills of its talented workforce.
“Midsummer is dedicated to enthusiastic individuals who will enjoy an unconventional, sensory, and analogue driving experience. By identifying and re-interpreting Morgan’s admired ideals, Midsummer turns our legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic.
“The success of Midsummer demonstrates what is possible through collaboration with like-minded individuals, and it has been both memorable and rewarding to work with Pininfarina to help bring this special project to life. Pininfarina, underpinned by an incredible legacy of coachbuilding and design, has introduced the latest design and visualisation expertise, as well as fresh ideas at a time when Morgan is on its own exciting journey.
“It has been a pleasure to welcome new and existing customers to see Midsummer ahead of the public reveal, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive reception achieved so far. This unique example of coachbuilding, which exists between art and design, goes to the heart of what Morgan does best. With two traditions, two cultures, and two hundred years of experience united by a deeply held belief in the principles of craftsmanship, that heart beats stronger than ever.”
Giuseppe Bonollo, SVP Sales & Marketing, Pininfarina, said: “Alongside Morgan, we take great pride in spearheading the Coachbuilding movement. This remarkable collaboration blends Morgan’s 115-year coachbuilding philosophy with Pininfarina’s nearly 95-year tradition of designing and crafting bespoke vehicles. The already unique legacy of the two car makers, once combined, produces an unparalleled result in our industry. Through the seamless synergy between our teams and the shared passion of both brands, a new masterpiece emerges, blending British heritage with the timeless Pininfarina design. The forthcoming Midsummer, adorned with the ‘Pininfarina Fuoriserie’ badge, an absolute first for a production car, is destined to attain cult status.”
Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan
From the front, Morgan’s new signature headlight units and horseshoe grille with a half-moon shape improve airflow and cooling. The stainless-steel lower sills and new rear lights integrated within half-chamfered light pods reflect early Pininfarina designs.
Inside, the cockpit features handmade analogue dials finished in off-white, a re-sculpted steering wheel with a solid forged aluminium centre, and an enhanced Sennheiser audio system. These all combine to provide a luxurious yet functional driving environment.
Driving Dynamics
Midsummer delivers the visceral driving experience that Morgan is known for. Its barchetta style ensures a close connection to the surroundings, with a target dry weight of just 1,000 kg enhancing agility. Adjustable Nitron dampers, specifically tuned for Midsummer, further refine its dynamic capabilities.
Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “Midsummer demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan silhouette, presenting a vehicle that is striking in its appearance and unmistakably a Morgan. A celebration of coachbuilding that combines the expertise, story and creativity of both Morgan and Pininfarina in delivering a seamless balance of tradition and progression.
“Morgan proudly practices the art of coachbuilding; uniting art, engineering, and craft to deliver story-rich experiences in everything we do. Midsummer has allowed us to celebrate these values through collaboration with another likeminded creator. Following a series of enjoyable conversations, visits to one another’s studios, and during time spent driving Morgan cars around the Malvern Hills together, the Pininfarina team and our own designers quickly began drafting initial concepts.
“It was energising to witness the way in which our creative teams worked together. Collaboration throughout all stages of the development was complemented initially by Pininfarina’s incredible immersive digital design technology and later by Morgan’s inherent understanding of coach-building lightweight sports cars. This extended design resource, healthy creative collaboration and seamless digital-to-physical evaluation enabled us to go from ‘conversation to concept’ in less than one year.
“Midsummer – whilst also being Morgan’s first exterior-form collaboration – represents a significant milestone in our product design history. Our product portfolio offers an intriguing diversity; from the elegance of Plus Four and Six to the adventurous Super 3 and CX-T. As we look towards broader visual experimentation across our model range – it has been an enriching experience to collaborate with Pininfarina, who’s teams have challenged our thinking and introduced new ideas in line with our design journey.”
“I am most pleased with the rear three-quarter proportions and how the car sits thanks to obsessive attention-to-detail to refine the wheel-to-body relationship. The introduction of the elegant dropping shoulder line is accentuated by an eccentric swept tail, fuller bodied aesthetic is complemented by intelligent surfacing detail, and carefully defined creases control highlights as they move across the gently crowned surfaces. Midsummer establishes design foundations to build upon for future Morgan models.”
Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer, Pininfarina, said: “The design of the Midsummer is the product of an immersive journey between two brands, building on the essence of Morgan’s DNA, encompassing its centenary heritage, company culture and a remarkable community of passionate devotees. This endeavour was also a rare and unique opportunity to investigate our own past with the fresh eyes of a new generation of designers, and to rediscover our company’s very origins in coachbuilding. While Pininfarina’s spirit of constantly looking forward is most manifest in the aerodynamic solutions directing airflow over the cabin or in the functional ventilation elements, the innate sculptural sensitivity of the Italian tradition shapes the low and essential silhouette, producing a beautifully surfaced and sensationally proportioned roadster, celebrating the ideal of light-hearted motoring.
“Complementing and learning from each other, the two teams engaged collaboratively across all stages, from an inspirational “what if..?” in an English ‘Pub’ to colour and material discussions over Italian coffee – and many more encounters in between. Refining all aspects of design, a fully digital development phase based on Pininfarina’s extensive expertise in VR/AR modelling and visualisation blended seamlessly with the art and craft of truly hand-built automobiles.”
Visible Wood: A Nod to Tradition and Innovation
Midsummer’s barchetta style allows for an innovative use of wood. Inspired by marine applications, sculpted teak structures surround the cabin. Each section is hand-formed from high-quality, durable teak, with hundreds of individual layers laminated together, each no more than 0.6mm thick.
Each Midsummer car features nine individually crafted teak sections, requiring over 30 hours of crafting and utilising 83 square metres of sustainably sourced teak. The dashboard tops alone have 126 layers of teak, while the door tops feature 120 layers!
Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan Image: Morgan
21st Century Coachbuilding
Midsummer demonstrates Morgan’s blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The engineering and production of this limited edition, with just 50 units to be made, required creative solutions to overcome design challenges.
The hand-formed aluminium body panels, taking over 250 hours to produce, reflect the complexity involved. Production of these exclusive vehicles is set to begin in the third quarter of 2024 at Morgan’s Pickersleigh Road factory.
Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “Midsummer embodies Morgan’s 21st century coachbuilding philosophy and showcases the talent and capability of our engineering and production teams. To achieve such a striking design has required immense craft skill, blended with industry leading technology, that surpasses that of any previous Morgan.
“Achieving a balance between craft and technology, ensuring both are enhancing the other and not detracting, is what has helped to make Midsummer so special. We have witnessed first-hand during the development process, instances where the skill of the artisan is informing the latest Computer Aided Design software, and vice versa. There is an honesty to this process which we believe is reflected in the finished product.
“Morgan is continuing to elevate the quality, perception, and integrity of its vehicles, Midsummer is a testament to this evolution. I believe this project has raised the bar for Morgan, and in doing so will help to elevate the integrity of all future Morgan models.”
The Inspiration Behind Midsummer
The name Midsummer is a celebration of the season and the perfect weather for enjoying an open-top barchetta. It also references Midsummer Hill in the Malvern Hills, a place permanently linked with Morgan’s history. From these hills, you can view significant locations related to Morgan’s origins, including the birthplace of HFS Morgan and the site where the first Morgan car was invented.
The Pininfarina Fuoriserie Emblem
Midsummer features the Pininfarina Fuoriserie emblem, a mark of its unique status. Positioned just behind the front wheels, this emblem indicates the extremely special nature of Midsummer. Typically, Pininfarina uses the ‘Design by Pininfarina’ emblem, but the ‘Fuoriserie’ brand mark, meaning ‘out of series,’ has been selected for Midsummer, marking its first application to a production car in Pininfarina’s history.
Limited Run and Exclusive Customization
Only 50 Midsummer cars will be produced, all of which have already been sold during exclusive preview sessions. Each customer will work closely with Morgan’s designers to tailor their Midsummer, ensuring every vehicle is a unique reflection of its owner’s vision. Production begins later this year, Morgan’s 115th anniversary year, and will conclude in 2025. The first public showing of Midsummer is anticipated to be at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
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