CLUB WARNS LOTUS ELAN OWNERS TO CHECK VALUE

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Lotus Elan owners are being advised to check with insurers that their car’s value reflects soaring prices for the model in recent sales.

Lotus Elan Sprint owners have seen the biggest jump in value – good ones command upwards of £40k.

Club Lotus said it was aware that some of its members were keeping the same agreed values with their insurers year after year, and it is encouraging owners to check whether these now reflect what the car is actually worth.

Recent Elan price rises reflect a wider trend in the classic market. In the 19 August issue of Classic Car Weekly, we reported on insurers’ claims that as many as 70% of the nation’s classics are currently undervalued. A good Elan now typically sells for around £25,000 – more for a concours example. A good Sprint can cost upwards of £40,000.

Club Lotus recommends its members take advantage of the club’s valuation service, which costs £15. To get an accurate valuation, owners need to send four photographs of the car, a copy of the V5 and a valid MoT, plus details of any recent restoration work.

Chairman Alan Morgan said: ‘Elan prices have been rising steadily over the last four years and show no sign of slowing down. Consequently, members who are not keeping insurance policies up to speed risk being under-insured in the event of a claim. We supply hundreds of valuations every year for agreed value policies, so check yours and ensure that you’re adequately covered.’

25 MOST POPULAR CARS AT AUCTION: JANUARY TO JUNE 2015

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UK auction houses are generating record sales in 2015. Here is the exclusive Classic Car Weekly rundown of the leading trends and the top 25 best-sellers.

Once the exclusive preserve of car dealers and dedicated enthusiasts, car auctions are attracting more and more would-be owners. The rise of sales with 150-plus lots really underlines the point.

The popularity of car auctions isn’t surprising: buyers can look at a selection and, if there’s nothing they want, merely walk out, without the awkwardness of having to let a private vendor down without insulting their car. It’s good for the vendor, too, because not everyone likes going face-to-face with buyers to complete a deal.

While auctions are becoming more common even for modern cars, it’s the traditional classics that change hands in the biggest numbers and for the highest prices. MGBs, E-types, Aston Martins, and Triumph Stags are perennial favourites, due to a combination of looks and driving attributes, their availability, spares support and specialists.

To many first-time owners, whether young or old, the thought of acquiring an older car without the spares support and specialist back-up can be a little daunting, and that contributes to the continued demand for the same models month after month, year after year, with the effect of pushing values of certain classic cars ever further into the auction price stratosphere.

Here’s the Top 25 best-sellers in sales halls this year, running down to the most popular. And there’s a change at the top!

1. Austin/Morris BL/Rover Mini

Price range: £3000 - £17,500

It has held classic status for a good few years and even the later, Rover-era cars have developed a strong following. There’s plenty to like about any Mini, not just the Cooper and Cooper S models. Other than very early examples, they’re still not stupidly expensive, plus there’s plenty of spares and specialist support to keep them on the road. Parts aren’t pricey and, for younger enthusiasts, insurance cover isn’t the millstone it is on later hot hatchbacks. Values are still on the rise, so the days of good, bought-for-under-a-grand examples are a thing of the past. Charterhouse sold a 30 limited edition for £2750 and CCA had a similar one for £8162. ACA sold two Mini 30s at £14,910 and £15,225, but they were very low mileage, and a 1960 Morris Mini Minor was off at £6090 at the same sale. Even the once-ignored later 1970s cars are firming up: Brightwells’ 1978 1000 made £3520.

ONE THAT SOLD 1969 Mini MkIII, £3885, ACA

2. Porsche 911

Price range: £15,000 - £150,000

Still climbing the appreciation curve, the 911 has found widespread favour. It’s the sheer driving experience that appeals, whether it’s an early one that makes up for top speed with demanding but endearing handling, or a late-1990s model that offers eye-watering acceleration and long-legged cruising. Build quality is first rate, but avoid any car where the owner has skimped on servicing. Prices vary wildly, with a 1965 911swb drawing £133,875 at Silverstone Auctions and ACA making £14,910 for a 1976 Targa. Historics made £19,600 for a 1984 Carrera convertible, but Bonhams really turned the heat up at the Festival of Speed when it sold a 1973 911S for £393,500.

ONE THAT SOLD 1973 Porsche 911T, £62,720, Historics

3. MGB

Price range: £3000 - £10,000

Unsurprisingly, the ‘B remains a highly popular classic at auction and even those who’d never want one acknowledge its sheer usability. Yes, they crop up everywhere, but with popularity comes great spares support – mostly at sensible prices – along with great clubs. Later, rubber-bumpered cars have a separate following from the chrome-bumpered models and the BGT offers a sufficient amount of space to be useful. It’s possible to buy a GT for around £1500, as H&H’s 1970 car at £1568 and ACA’s 1971 example at £1700 showed, while Historics sold two 1979 GTs for £2688 and £3920. Roadsters are more costly: Barons’ 1972 car was away for £5775, while H&H’s 1971 example was £7280. ACA sold a 1962 model for £7140, while Charterhouse made £5610 from a 1981 Roadster.

ONE THAT SOLD 1979 MGB GT, £2688, Historics

4. Morris Minor

Price range: £1500 - £10,000

Almost as soon as it went out of production, the Minor was part of the classic car movement and has remained here ever since. The multi-model line-up helps ensure its staying power, whether it’s a saloon (in two- or four-door form), an estate, a convertible, a van or a pick-up. For added rarity there are the Morris-badged commercial derivatives as well. Not only are there many body types, but conditions differ greatly. There are plenty of well-restored examples and restoration projects aren’t rare, but the regularly-used, needing-some-improvement models have the greatest potential and need not be expensive. Early, low-light models are the exception, however, being highly prized well beyond Minor circles – a 1950 example in fine order was sold for £5520 at Bonhams’ Oxford sale. Brightwells’ 1969 two-door was OK for £1210 and Historics, which sold a 1958 four-door for £4704, also made £25,760 for a ‘Million’. Barons moved a 1965 Traveller for £4180, while ACA sold perhaps the most demanding Minor project seen in recent years: a 1968 Austin-badged van for £250.

ONE THAT SOLD 1958 Morris Minor four-door, £4704, Historics

5. Mercedes-Benz SL R107

Price range: £3000 - £20,000

If a Pagoda is too pricey or perceived to be too old, the R129 successor fits the bill nicely. A choice of engines and a long production run means there are plenty to choose from, but automatics are better as the Benz manual is not a pleasurable gearbox to use. As always, when there are plenty available, there are plenty of shockers out there, so there’s no need to buy the first one that comes along. Condition is more important than engine size – why have a scruffy 500SL when you could have a fine 300SL instead? And don’t forget the longer, fixed-head SLC, which, in many ways, is the cooler, cheaper alternative. ACA’s 1971 350SL made £4934 and SWVA got a 1979 350SL away for £10,796. At Silverstone, a stunning, low-mileage 1986 500SL was bought for £59,625.

ONE THAT SOLD 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, £7840, Historics

6. Jaguar E-type

Price range: £20,000 - £125,000

As with its XK successor, different body types and engines during production means there’s an E-type for every would-be owner, from the purest Series I to the bigger, more-GT-than-sports-car Series 3. Plenty of classic car enthusiasts still hanker after an E-type and values are always rising. While many buyers have been priced out of the market for 1960s Ferraris and Aston Martins, the Jaguar is an equally glamorous, more affordable proposition. Let’s face it, in Series I form. there’s very little to top the Jaguar’s looks, and that will always attract buyers. For those who can’t afford a roadster, the coupé and the six-cylinder domed-roof 2+2 do the job just as well. Last month, Historics made £79,520 for a 1963 roadster and Bonhams achieved £124,700 for a 1964 coupé. Charterhouse’s nicely-historied 1972 Series 3 2+2 made £33,000, but for strong money look no further than the last-of-the-line 1975 Commemoration model that sold for £203,100 at Bonhams’ Festival of Speed sale.

ONE THAT SOLD 1969 E-type 2+2, £25, 725, ACA

7. Land Rover (all series)

Price range: £2000 - £15,000

In the year the real Land Rover bows out, interest continues to strengthen in what some see as the ultimate practical classic. OK, earlier models don’t offer the comfort of a Range Rover, but they can be dependable and affordable to run, although when it comes to buying, early ones are no longer cheap. Series II and II versions preserve the character of the first-generation models, only with better performance, while spares availability is generally first-class. Later models are still likeable and offer more comfort, so for anyone covering reasonable distances and wanting a regular user, this could be the era to go for. CCA’s 1979 88in Safari was good enough to see £5724 and ACA’s lovely same-year 88in pick-up achieved £11,550. Charterhouse’s pair of 1955 86in vehicles made £4400 and £5940, while Bonhams’ 1967 88in Safari at £29,900 was simply stunning.

ONE THAT SOLD 1951 Land Rover 80in, £12,100, Charterhouse

8. Jaguar XJ-S/XJS

Price range: £3000 - £20,000

There has been plenty of recent exposure in the press as the XJ-S celebrates its 40th anniversary, which has rightfully turned the spotlight on this fantastically-capable GT. Never designed to be a sports car, its aim to be an all-rounded grand tourer was capably met. Its superior performance, ride quality and on-the-road prowess put it streets ahead of far more expensive cars. Early models are scarce now and good examples continue to increase in value, while fine last-of-the-line models are enjoying the same value renaissance. The cabriolet’s idiosyncratic looks don’t appeal to everyone, but the choice of engines – from the AJ6 3.6-litre to the later 4.0-litre six and, of course, the glorious V12 means there’s plenty of choice. At the cheap end of the market, ACA’s 1987 SC V12 went for £2625 and a 1993 4.0 fhc got £5040. Historics’ 1990 XJR-S was good value at £5600 and a 1994 4.0 convertible at Barons sold for £3520.

ONE THAT SOLD 1987 Jaguar XJ-S, £1760, Brightwells

9. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow/Bentley T-Series

Price range: £4000 - £20,000

The slight upswing in Shadow interest seems to have dispersed and prices show no signs of improving soon, meaning that Corniche models in drophead and fixedhead form offer superb value for money at the moment. Shadows – even the lovely early models – just aren’t as popular as the trade and owners might insist. Hefty running costs are clearly putting people off – how many punters have opted for a Rover P5B instead? – and having supporting paperwork is vital. Luckily, thanks to the large numbers built, there are plenty of good ones out there, but there are plenty of sheds, too. The middle ground is highly volatile because it encompasses good, honest, deserving examples that could be improved for not much further outlay, but it also includes tarted-up basket cases. Barons sold an MoTd 1978 restoration project for just £2252, while Historics made £11,200 for a lovely 1972 example and ACA got £18,375 on a 1977 car.

ONE THAT SOLD 1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, £4840, Brightwells

10. Jaguar XK120/140/150

Price range: £30,000 - £85,000

Some might look down on the XK range as being a more affordable alternative to a same-era Aston Martin, but that attitude seriously underrates the capabilities of the E-type forerunner. The 120 is seen as the purest of the XK family, while the 150 is the most user-friendly due to its greater refinement. Whatever the model, the XK delivers in terms of looks and handling. Sadly, they’re no longer cheap and the highly-prized – but once overlooked – S models offer greater performance. A 1959 150S 3.4 roadster from one family’s ownership made £225,500 at Bonhams’ Goodwood Members’ Meeting. Richard Edmonds achieved £50,000 for a 1955 140 fixed-head, while ACA sold a 1951 120 roadster project for £33,600. Barons’ 1953 120, where the chassis and mechanicals, but not the body, had been sorted was sold for £26,330.

ONE THAT SOLD 1950 Jaguar XK120 roadster, £42,000, Historics

11. MG Midget
Price range: £1500 - £8000
ONE THAT SOLD 1979 MG Midget, £5600, Historics

12. Jaguar Mk1 and Mk2
Price range: £4000 - £15,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1960 Jaguar 2.4 Mk1, £23,362, ACA

13. Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/ Bentley Eight/ Mulsanne/ Turbo
Price range: £5000 - £20,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1960 1982 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, £4356, Historics

14. Ford Capri
Price range: £3000 - £22,500
ONE THAT SOLD 1968 Ford Capri 1600E, £5670, ACA

15. Triumph Spitfire
Price range: £4000 - £15,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1979 Triumph Spitfire, £1500, Historics

16. Fiat 500
Price range: £5000 - £17,500
ONE THAT SOLD 1966 500, £5824, Historics

17. Austin-Healey 3000
Price range: £20,000 - £60,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1966 Austin-Healey 3000, £38,080, Historics

18. Triumph TR6
Price range: £5000 - £20,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1971 Triumph TR6, £11,000, Charterhouse

19. Triumph Stag
Price range: £4000 - £15,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1973 Triumph Stag, £10,290, ACA

20. Austin Seven
Price range: £3000 - £20,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1930 Austin Seven Chummy, £13,750, Brightwells

21. Aston Martin DB7
Price range: £17,000 - £35,000
ONE THAT SOLD 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, £25,200, Historics

22. BMW 6-series
Price range: £3000 - £20,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1989 BMW 635CSi Highline, £7208, CCA

23. Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda
Price range: £25,000 - £80,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL, £81,900, ACA

24. Range Rover
Price range: £3000 - £80,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1992 Range Rover Brooklands, £8960, Historics

25. Ferrari 308
Price range: £40,000 - £90,000
ONE THAT SOLD 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi, £43,680, Historics

WIN TICKETS TO THE LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW

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The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, to be held this year on 13-15 November, is the UK's biggest classic motor show. If you're thinking about attending then make sure you enter our competition to win tickets, you may get to go for free...

Win tickets to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show

There's a mouth-watering array of classic cars on display at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. Whether you’ve a passion for traditional British classics, vintage motors, historic motorsport, European exotica, American muscle, or prefer the more modern retro classics, you won't be disappointed. Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and enjoy the cars from years gone by.

When you think of places you’d see a Ferrari 250 GT SWB or an Alfa Romeo Spider, where springs to mind, Monaco, Cannes…Birmingham? That’s right; you don’t have to travel across the water to see a European beauty because at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, they’re bringing continental chic to you. Gaze enviously upon the collection of flamboyant and exotic motors as they flutter their headlights at you and, with marques including Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari, you’ll be in classy company.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is often seen by clubs’ as the 'season finale', after a year spent attending events up and down the country, and celebrate by exhibiting their most prestigious and cherished vehicles for our visitors to enjoy. 250 classic motoring clubs are set to attend the show this year, so the show is the perfect place to join or learn about car clubs, with such an eclectic range of clubs, the choice is yours.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show also brings together huge numbers of UK and European companies and traders. Together they offer over 650 trade stands to browse through and buy from for any conceivable products and services to the classic car owner and enthusiast.

From the biggest classic brands such as our market leading partners Meguiar’s, through to 'cottage industry' specialists and hundreds of smaller companies, traders and Autojumblers. You will also find specialist engineering and restoration products/services.

Find out more about the show and book tickets at www.necclassicmotorshow.com/

We've got 10 pairs of tickets to the show to be won. To be in with a chance of winning make sure you enter today...

DVLA LAUNCHES HISTORIC VEHICLE CRACKDOWN

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Agency tells owners to prove their cars' histories, or they'll get Q-registrations

The DVLA is investigating owners of classic cars with Historic Vehicle status and demanding they send evidence to prove that their cars qualify for it - but won't reveal the scale of its activities.

The agency has been sending letters to owners asking them to send information to prove their cars qualify for the tax-free category for pre-1974 vehicles. In one of the letters, the agency warns that it may issue the owner of a 1936 Bugatti with a 'Q' regiatration plate, depending on the quality of information it receives.

John Vale, Vehicle Registration Policy team leader, said in the letter: 'Initial investigations have confirmed that some historic vehicles have been built using replica or replacement parts, or a mixture of period and new components, and have therefore been incorrectly registered.' He added: 'A period manufacturer date has been recorded in error and a registration number allocated based on this date. The DVLA requires information about the provenance, construction and origin of your vehicle - you should provide it.

'Once our investigations are complete, we will write to you again explaining our conclusions. If any amendments are needed, these will be made and a new vehicle registration certificate issued. This could involve the issue of a new vehicle regiatration number - and in some cases Individual Vehicle Approval may be required or a Q registration number may be appropriate.'

Classic Car Weekly understands that so far around 100 letters have been sent out - primarily to owners of Bugattis and other pre-WW2 cars - and that the DVLA is not planning a blanket initiative covering all Historic Vehicle owners.

The DVLA has confirmed to CCW that it is sending letters to Historic Vehicle owners in order to investigate if their vehicles are eligible for the status, but did not respond to requests for information on the scale of the initiative.

An agency spokesman said: 'DVLA has been made aware that some vehicles recorded in the Historic tax class may have been incorrectly registered. WE have a legal responsibility to ensure that the records we hold are accurate. Where doubt is cast over the accuracy of the records held, thorough and proportionate investigations are necessary. We have started to contact the vehicle heepers inonvolved. Where investiagtions establish that the original registration was incorrect, these vehicles will require re-registration under an alternative number appropriate to the age of the vehicle.'

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs confirmed its representatives met with the DVLA on 9 July to discuss the issue.

It said in a statement: 'As the represenative body for many of the historic vehicle clubs in the UK we see it as a prime responsibility to ensure that clubs and their members are not unfairly or without grounds required to engage in such an exercise. On the casis of the meeting we are clear that there is no current intention to send a letter to all historic vehicle owners.

'Rest assured that the Federation will stay very close to this situation and will vigorously defend the interests of bona fide historic vehicle owners.'

The Bugatti Owners Club declined to comment on the latest letters but shared a copy of a letter it sent out to its memebers warning them of the DVLA's initiative. In the letter, chairman Charles Trevlyan said the club was 'deeply concerned' about the notification the DVLA received.

He wrote: 'The club has been concerned as to the potential impact on our members and indeed the wider historic vehicle movement, of the DVLA's review of the registration of Bugatti cars in the UK.

'In view of this we have been in discussion over the past two years with the DVLA, as the vehicle licensing authority in the UK, in order to resolve some of the issues that have arisen.'

Other clubs are also aware of the issue, and the MG Car Club and the Vintage Sports-Car Club have said they are monitoring the situation.

JUNE'S CLASSIC CARS MAGAZINE OUT NOW!

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June 2015 issue, on sale now!

The cars we celebrate this month:

•    Convertibles We've brought together the finest drop-tops for summer 2015 – Mazda MX-5, Triumph Spitfire, Sunbeam Tiger, TVR Chimaera,Porsche Boxster, Triumph TR6, Aston Martin V8 Volante, Alvis TD21and Lincoln Continental
•    The List Reader Michael Flanavan gets his flux capacitor... fluxing when we hand him the keys to a DeLorean DMC-12. Does the driving experience shatter his dreams or fulfil all his hopes?
•    Ferrari 212 Export It was bought new by a Baron to take on Italy's greatest road races. This is what it's like to drive
•    Porsche 911 Kremer Think a standard Porsche 911 Turbo's tower of boosted power is a little weedy? We sample a 930 tweaked by the race team that trumped the works cars at Le Mans
•    The Collector We take a peek inside Hector Capurro's menagerie of classics, which includes Rolls-Royces, Austins and more – plus a life-size tribute to Marilyn Monroe
•    Life Cycle A road trip around Europe, shipped to Canada, time spent lurking in a garage and then returned to the road, this Jaguar E-type has lived an extraordinary life
•    Jensen Interceptor Years before the heralded Chrysler-engined GT of the Sixties, West Bromwich turned out discreet style for post-war sophisticates. Time for a gentlemanly drive
•    Epic Restoration Any restoration takes time and dedication, but this Siata Daina took 20 years, several specialists and finally Carrozzeria Touring to bring it to perfection
•    Buying Guide Six steps to picking up the finest Range Rover Classic
•    Classic Punts How a chance encounter with a Mercedes Fintail prompted adoration

Unmissable regulars includes new 10-page markets section with Quentin Willson

•    The Month In Cars
Goodwood Members’ Meeting Reunited Maseratis steal the show
PC Restoration Show Super-rare, super-yellow Ford Mustang catches the eye
Emirates Classic Car Show Jaguars are cream of the crop in Dubai
•   Events planner Plenty to savour, including Techno Classica Essen and the Silverstone Classic
•    The Market
Smart Buys Quentin Willson believes it’s time to seek out a Ford Cortina Mk1, Mercedes-Benz W114 or BMC 1100/1300, while the Land Rover Defender 110 could be a mover
Market Watch Russ Smith analyses the latest market moves
Temptations Nine cars that will have your purse strings slackening – if you give in, of course...
•    Barn Finds Russ Smith chances upon a lesser-spotted MG SA, finds out how social media unearthed aTriumph TR4 and has a hand in the rescue of an Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire
•    The Insiders
Quentin Willson warns that private buyers at auctions might be best off talking to dealers
Tom Tjaarda reflects on the difficulties inherent to crafting convertibles
Simon Kidston tells us why the difference between good and great shows is context
•    Books and models New releases reviewed by Sam Dawson
•    Letters Memories of Mike Costin. Plus: has the markets talk gone too far?
•    Ads on Test Jaguar E-type Series 1, Bentley Brooklands R Mulliner, Ferrari 308 GTB, Porsche 911 Turbo S
•    Our Cars Phil heads back under his Jaguar E-type, Nathan’s Mercedes W123 reveals the extent of its engine destruction, and a new engine is needed for Adam's Peugeot 205 GTi
•    Cars for sale – more than 1000 to choose from

SUMMER CLASSIC CONVERTIBLES FOR EVERY BUDGET – FROM £1500 TO £360K

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A summer afternoon drive through smooth open roads is one of life’s greatest little pleasures.

There is nothing better than having the wind in your hair, a patchwork quilt of sun-kissed country lanes to thread your way through and a great set of wheels to enjoy. We’ve picked one out for every budget – which would you go for?

1970 Triumph Herald 13/60 - £1500

For those on a budget, this Herald is in sound running order after a few replacement parts. The seller freely admits it needs a little TLC, with visible decay around the sills and doors, and patches of rust on the bonnet. The cab is in need of a bit of a revamp before you head off towards that weekend on the coast, but won’t be long before this motor is becomes a brilliant run-around for your summer holidays.

1971 VW Beach Buggy – £7000

Fully restored and upped from 1600cc to 1650cc for added oomph, this roadster’s great for pretending you’re in sun-kissed California rather than Sunbury-on-Thames. This sky blue 1971 car is perfect for taking a couple of surfboards down the beach or at least popping out for a paddle.

1967 Austin Speedex 750 – £12,000

This roadster has been stripped down, cooled off and completely rebuilt. 50% of the bodywork is still original and it comes with plenty of history. The Speedex became so successful in early 1960s that creator Jem Marsh was given an award for the car’s creativity. Now it’s ready to grab plenty of attention at a car show near you.

1959 MG TD - £23,500

This wonderful MG is just waiting for you to take it along some quiet country lanes to a charming riverside pub. No it’s not in the more obvious shades of red more readily associated with T-types, but it’s been fully restored and has a measly 6000 miles on the clock. They’re great fun to drive and brimming with character.

1957 Ford Thunderbird – £47,603

This Thunderbird has been lovingly maintained and has a laundry list of original style refurbs and replacements. It’s been repainted in its original vanilla paintwork, and the 5.1-litre, 245bhp V8 is perfect for cruising lazily to your nearest classic car show. It’s also – seeing as the car’s located in France – the perfect excuse to disguise picking it up as your next holiday!

1955 Austin-Healey 100 – £69,995

topping pace, this racey Austin-Healey 100 looks to be in great condition, and should have plenty of summer adventures left in it. This fully-restored roadster will not only keep you entertained on England’s leafy lanes, but also grab the attention of every passer by with its shapely curves.

1984 Jaguar D-type - £360,000

It says a lot about D-types that even replicas attract six figure sums, but this is just about the closest you can get to popping to the pub in Jaguar’s 1950s Le Mans winner. Maintained by CKL for a number of years, this 1984 model is an authentic Jaguar recreation. In the real world it’s beautiful and bizarre in about equal measure, but it’s the ultimate of upstaging the E-type owners at a summer pub meet!

TIMEWARP SUZUKI OFFERED TO 4X4 FANS

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A Suzuki off-roader that has spent 28 years of its life in storage and is in near-showroom condition is being offered for sale online. The 1978 LJ80, which has only done 12,000 miles and is completely original, is being advertised for £9,990, and has 12 months MoT and six months tax in a bid to attract interest from followers of the diminutive Japanese 4x4.

Hampshire-based car collector Neil Thomas, who has owned it for the past four years, said: “This is the nearest you will get to buying a brand new LJ80. It is totally rust free and in perfect working order - I've been using it to drive to work and back for the last three weeks!

“Most LJs today have dissolved away or been restored with SJ or car parts. Body panels and mechanical parts are no longer available and genuine 'new old stock' parts are next to impossible to source quickly. This LJ is in its original condition as it left the factory with original bodywork, doors, hood, radio, heater, seats, everything. Nothing has been added or taken away.”

The left-hand-drive car has a full service history and the original owner bought it while he was serving in Dubai in the late 1970s, and brought it back with him to the UK in 1983 and registered it here (hence the Y-registration). It was used for two years before being put into storage, where it remained until being bought by Mr Thomas four years ago.

The LJ was Suzuki’s off-roader offering between 1970 and 1981, when it gave way to the SJ model.

TWO NICE LITTLE EARNERS

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A pair of cars that featured in the long-running Minder TV series is coming up for sale at auction.

Would you buy a used motor from these men? Terry and Arthur are looking for punters.

Arthur Daley’s 1981 Daimler Sovereign and Terry McCann’s 1977 2.0-litre Ford Capri are both included in H&H Classics’ sale at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire on 20 April. The Daimler – estimated at £35,000-45,000 – has recently been re-finished in its original Portland Beige livery and has had £5000 worth of mechanical work carried out. It has 43,990 miles on the clock.

The late George Cole, who played Arthur Daley in the hit TV series, 1974-’94, was interested in buying the car himself but it was given away in a TV Times competition.

The Ford Capri driven by Dennis Waterman – Terry McCann in the original series – has 88,700 miles on the clock and is estimated at £65,000 to £85,000 due to the current interest in Capris (see also page 4-5). The two cars appeared in The Cars of Minder feature in the December 2014 issue of CCW’s sister publication Practical Classics.

‘Both cars have been estimated to make allowance for their small-screen history,’ says James McWilliam, H&H motorcar specialist. ‘These cars are celebrities in their own right.’

£80M LOSS 'YOUR FAULT'

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DVLA blames road tax revenue shortfall on cars over 10 years old

The DVLA ended the need for drivers to display a valid car tax disc last October.

The DVLA has stated that older car owners are a major reason behind the Government losing £80 million in revenue from scrapping the car tax disc – but is clueless as to why.

New official statistics released in November revealed that it has lost £80m
in revenue from unlicensed vehicles, which the DVLA says is caused by scrapping the tax disc. Around 560,000 drivers are now evading the annual payment, up from 210,000 in 2013.

Of the unlicensed vehicles in the survey, 45% of these cars were more than 10 years old. The DVLA has credited these statistics to owners of older vehicles, but doesn’t understand why.

Karen Powell, press officer for the DVLA said: ‘We don’t know why cars older than 10 years old are the main culprits for tax evasion. The stats are what they are.’

Oliver Morley, DVLA chief Executive added: ‘Almost 99% of all vehicles on the road are correctly taxed but we are taking action against those who are determined to break the law.’

Clubs have fought back accusations from the DVLA, refusing to accept that members would be evading vehicle excise duty. Tony Ridge, head of public relations for the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club said: ‘It’s a generalisation really. There’s a big difference between the type of person with a cherished classic and someone who just has an older car.’

Lesley Phillips, president of the Stag Owners’ Club added: ‘Club members take care of their cars in general and are more than likely not evading anything. It seems like the DVLA could be doing more with their figures, it should include or exclude possible club members.’

Worrying statistics

The analysis of road users carried out this summer showed that 1.4% of vehicles were being driven without vehicle excise duty – up 0.6% from two years ago when the disc was still required. This new system caused many admin problems, including innocent motorists having their cars clamped.

Many groups were opposed to the new measures, including the RAC. Chief engineer David Bizley. He said: ‘Sadly, the concerns we raised about the number of car tax evaders going up at the time the tax disc was confined to history have become a reality.

‘These are very worrying and disappointing statistics indeed. We really cannot afford for this to increase again for the sake of both road safety and the country’s finances.’

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