CLASSIC MOTORING SCENE: Essex Classic Car Auctions Newsletter

Our last auction, which took place in March, was our most successful yet, with over 70% of Auction Lots sold, so we are delighted to announce that our Seller's Special Rate Offer will also apply on all new entries placed into the May auction, which takes place over the weekend of 6th and 7th.

As before, our Commission on all sales will be just 2.5%* up to the Reserve amount and then 5%* after that. Buyers too will also benefit as we hold our Buyer's Rate to an industry low of just 5%* - and Buyers will also benefit from Free Entry and Auction Catalogues at just £5.00 each.

Once again it will be at our incredible venue, the Crowne Plaza Five Lakes resort just outside Colchester and if you haven't already attended one of our events, you are in for a wonderful surprise when you do - and don't forget, if you want to stay for the weekend, we have even arranged a special rate with the Hotel of just £129.95 for two people in a double-occupancy room, including dinner and breakfast.

With nearly 40 Lots confirmed and a substantial list waiting to be finalised, our 7th May auction already has a wide variety of vehicles entered, such as a 1947 Daimler DB18 once owned by Royalty, a stunning 1960 Morris Minor "Million" with just 32,000 miles on the clock, a superb 1963 "Museum Quality" Fiat 500D, complete with forward-opening "suicide doors" and a much sought-after 1984 2.8i Capri - we even have a 1974 Vespa 150 "Sprint Veloce" that was restored and then stored!

We'd like to say a big thanks to everyone who attended our March auction and we hope to see you again in May.

Sometimes something comes along that is too special to not be noticed and that is exactly what we felt when we first saw this lovely 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 2+2, so we thought we'd tell you a little more about her...

This lovely left-hand drive Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 “four seater” was manufactured, according to its Heritage Certificate, between the 28^th and 31^st of March 1960 and then despatched to Los Angeles, USA on the 7^th of April the same year. Here it stayed until circa 1990 when it was exported to Norway.

Once in Norway it was restored and entered into the year 2000 “Rallye Monte- Carlo Historique”, before staying in Norway (apparently in the front room of the owner’s house!) until being purchased and shipped to the UK in 2014.

The Austin-Healey 3000 was announced on 1 July 1959 with production commencing soon after, making this car a very early example. Its 3 litre engine replaced the smaller 2.6 of the 100- 6 and gaining front disc brakes for the first time. Options were limited, comprising of "wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, laminated windscreen, interior heater, adjustable steering column, detachable hard top for the 2+2, and two-tone paint” but this one had the lot, with the rare hard top still being present with the car, as is the soft top and “tonneau” cover.

As previously mentioned, restoration took place the best part of 20 years ago and while still in excellent order, there are one or two areas where some paint rectification could be carried out on minor chips etc. - remember this car ran in the Monte-Carlo Rally. However, nothing that detracts from the looks and presence of the car though and only very minor. The interior is still in very good order and trimmed correctly. Chrome work, badges etc. are all present, correct and in very good condition.

The engine bay is very presentable, needing no more than some minor detailing to be "Show Quality" and they engine fires up willingly, soon warming to a smooth but purposeful tick over. The gearbox has overdrive which is reported to work and all the mechanics are described as "good".

So there you have it, a lovely example of a rare car that not only stands to appreciate in value but will give you much pleasure and enjoyment should you choose to take her out for a spin occasionally.