car and classic uk

Car and classic uk

car and classic uk

MINI

The first ever car to lend its name to the length of a skirt, a car which has been in production throughout the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, the first British car to win the European Rally Championship, and the only car to be owned by all four members ofThe Beatles - it could only be the Mini.

Over the years the Mini has been produced in all kinds of models, which means all shapes and sizes - the Mini Van, Limo, Hot-Rod, Estate, Clubman, City, Mayfair. But none as important to the Mini's suiin SeptemHian the Cooper.

Launched ohe brainchar 1961, the Mini Cooper was bbhn Cooperid of racing car rruuuifit reaching a top speed

The engine was exceptional speed for a small of 85mph plus, an Even faster when the Coopccar in the sixties. 1963 - having a power uniir 'S' emerged in model reached a top speed oft) of 1071cc, this Both the original Mini andlhtnCi very fashionable in the sixties and have been unbeatable British classics ever since.

Famous people to have once owned the little automobile are: Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Mary Quant, Twiggy, Bridget Bardot and Spike Milligan, to name but a few.

car and classic uk

MESSERSCHMITT

The Messerschmitt took over from the 'Bubble Car' in 1953, and there is only one way to describe it - extremely compact!

Production of these three-wheeled cars took place between 1953 and 1962 in a converted aircraft factory in Regensburg, Germany.

Introduced in 1955, the KR-200 carried the slogan 'Motor car comfort at microcar costs!' The KR-200 was a revised version of the first model, the KR-175.

The new design had improved bodywork, a new panoramic windscreen and conventional floor-mounted accelerator and clutch operation.

It also features an electric starter and electrically operated reverse gear.

This car is highly collectable today, but the rarest of all models and the most desirable is the Tiger 500.

This is a four-wheeled model built between 1958 and 1960, and commands high prices at auction, ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 depending on condition.

car and classic uk

JAGUAR XK 120

The Jaguar has always been in a class of its own, and the XK 120 model is no exception. Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation - setting new standards of comfort and performance for British sportscars.

Coupe and drophead coupe models soon followed, and for those customers who had a taste for speed, a Special Equipment package was made available, boosting power from 160bhp to 180bhp. With either engine the XK120 was a 120mph car capable of high-speed cruising.

From its launch to the final year of production in 1954, the XK 120's popularity never waned, especially with markets overseas - taking over 85 percent of the total output.

For the quality of the product, Jaguar have always been unbeatable on price. The 1954 XK 120 two-door drophead coupe shown above held an estimate of £17,000-22,000 and sold at auction for £17,825.

car and classic uk

VW BEETLE

Truly one of the 20th century's great cars, the Volkswagen Beetle is an all-time best seller and a cult classic.

An automobile which seems to send out messages of fun and practicality, the design of the VW Beetle is unmistakable and is a favourite with collectors all over the world. It has even been the star of feature films, such as The Love Bug and Herbie Rides Again.

Initially labelled the peoples car' by Hitler, it was introduced in Germany during the 1930s, but was continually up-dated from the time post­war production commenced in 1945, under British military supervision.

It was not until 1949 that the Beetle Cabriolet entered production.

The Cabriolet was updated in-line with the saloon, benefitre-style, which witnessed the introduction of a wrap-around windscreen - a major cosmetic alteration.

 car and classic uk   may take up more room than other collectables, but they are likely to provide far more hours of entertainment than a ceramic vase or silver candlestick.

Whether your budget will stretch to a couple of thousand or over £20,000 there are classic cars to suit all tastes.ing from the 1972 re-style, which witnessed the introduction of a wrap-around windscreen - a major cosmetic alteration.

Classic cars may take up more room than other collectables, but they are likely to provide far more hours of entertainment than a ceramic vase or silver candlestick.

Whether your budget will stretch to a couple of thousand or over £20,000 there are classic cars to suit all tastes.

BUYING ADVICE  CAR AND CLASSIC UK

• Before parting with any money make sure you have seen the full service history of the vehicle and ensure the mileage is correct.
• Check that the engine and chassis number match up to the logbooks and take a look at old MOT certificates.
• It is advisable to check for rot on the chassis, as this is an area of the car particularly prone to rusting.
• Auctions are a good place to buy classic cars, you'll be surprised at the bargains you can find. But if you want to test-drive the vehicle, don't forget to visit well-respected car dealers.
• Wherever you decide to go to buy don't rush into a quick decision, and buy because you like the car not because it could be a possible investment.

With this in mind, happy car hunting!