Chevron B19 Tops the List Of Christmas Treats in Barons' Yuletide Sale

MARCHWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – November Barons has some real crackers lined up for its traditional Yuletide sale at Sandown Park on December 8th. Whether they’re into historic racing, rallying or touring, want a touch of luxury, a sleek sportscar, something a little quirky, or a starter classic, there should be a car to sit happily under most enthusiasts’ Christmas trees.

Topping the list is the ultimate gift for a classic racer, the magnificent, ex-Jo Siffert Chevron B19. In his capacity as a Chevron agent, Siffert supplied this car to Frenchman Cyr Febbraio, who campaigned it extensively for some years. It was then sold to Jean-Pierre Dumais, well known for his race preparation. Subsequent owners, including Martin Birrane (current owner of Lola) continued to race the car, which has in recent years been maintained by Adams McCall Racing on behalf of the vendor, 2007 Le Mans LMP2 winner Allen Timpany. Notable results include a fastest lap at Jarama and a 3rd overall at Spa Francorchamps in 2006, 2nd overall at Nürburgring in 2005 and 2nd overall at Valencia in 2007. Estimate: £80,000-£100,000.

Laurence Sayers-Gillan, Barons’ MD, said, "Since last being offered by Barons in March 2008, when it was sold to a Dutch buyer, who failed to complete, this car has remained in storage with us and has not turned a wheel. The car was examined by Chevron expert Vin Malkie in 2008 and declared as being the real item. The owner decided to hold it back from auction as the global financial situation unfolded but now, as drivers begin to prepare for next season's racing and with some evidence that recovery is on the way, it has been decided to offer this splendid machine once more.”

There is also the ideal present for a classic rallying enthusiast: a freshly created 1972 Ford Escort Mexico works replica. Created from a rust-free Mexico road car to compete in road rallies such as the Euro Classic, this car has successfully completed its first road rally around Scotland as a faultless shake down event. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a rally-ready works replica at a fraction of the £80,000+ build cost. Estimate: £38,000-£42,000

Competitors who prefer track or touring events may well put the 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk II on their Christmas lists. This car was featured in Hot Car magazine in 1982, having the Zakspeed body kit fitted, but was then stored for over ten years. It underwent major modification and is fitted with a Phil Jones 240bhp Cosworth engine on twin 48 Webers, an adjustable pedal box with hydraulic clutch, Safety Devices roll cage and Recaro seats. Fabulously finished and hugely expensive to achieve, this special RS2000 offers outstanding performance and carries an estimate of £18,000-£22,000.

Less potent but equally attractive is the 1953 MG TD MkII Competition. One of only 51 examples built by the MG factory, it is said to be completely original, with all the competition parts intact. These competition enhancements mean that the model produced 60bhp from its 1250cc engine, which shaved 6.5 seconds off the 0 to 60mph dash, when compared to the standard TD. The model could also achieve 85mph, which is around 25% faster than a standard car. This is an unrestored, original motor car, equipped with full weather equipment, spotlights, badge bar, luggage rack and fly screens. The history file contains every MoT since 1970, showing that it has covered just 8000 miles in 39 years. The estimate for this very rare car is £16,000-£20,000.

Those looking for a classic British touring car should look no further than the stunning 1969 Jaguar Series 2 E-type roadster. The car was originally imported from Cob County, Georgia and was then the subject of a complete restoration, by Streber of Devon, at a cost of £32,000 in 1991. Since then it is said to have covered just 5,000 miles and remains in the same outstanding condition. The comprehensive restoration included a bare-metal respray and complete engine rebuild to the last nut and bolt. The electrics were renewed, as were the suspension, brakes and all ancillary equipment. More recently the car has been upgraded with a Big Valve head, making this one of the best driving cars available. £35,000-£39,000.

Another great British classic is the 1961 Jaguar MkII 3.4 Saloon, which is equipped with the desirable manual + overdrive transmission and has benefited from a £45,000 restoration. The car was originally supplied to the Australian market and reimported to the UK. It was acquired by the vendor in 2000 after some time in storage and a comprehensive restoration was undertaken with assistance from Cooper Craft. It has been comprehensively rebuilt, with new interior, Coombs-style rear arches and outstanding body and paintwork. The 3.4 litre, XK engine, has recently been rebuilt and the car is said to drive like a modern version of a MKII. £26,000-£29,000.

Other notable entries include a very rare 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 HO recreation. The car has the correct 400 engine and all the correct decals and badges. It has just emerged from a five-year nut and bolt restoration. No part of this machine has been left untouched. It is equipped with the power hood and is presented in quite outstanding condition. Estimate £23,000-£27000.

Another unusual vehicle is the 1962 early Austin 7 Van (or Minivan). Versions such as this, with a curved non-ridge roof, were only produced for 18 months, and this example has had just two owners from new, the last for 44 years and has recently been brought out of long-term storage and undergone a bare-metal respray and mechanical recommissioning. It has covered just 41,400 miles from new. This is an extremely rare find and definitely one for the serious collector (£6,000-£8,000).

For a real touch of glamour, what better than a splendid – and gloriously festive red - 1982 Rolls-Royce MKIII Corniche Convertible, which has recently been resurrected from 10 years in storage (estimate £28,000-£32,000) or a beautiful 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider which has covered just 40,600 miles and been in the same ownership for the past 22 years (£16,000-£18,000)? This particular car has won a number of concours awards with the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club, including Best in Class and overall Master Class at National Alfa Day.

For the latest information on entries for this sale, or to consign a vehicle to it, please call 08454 306060, visit www.barons-auctions.com or email info@barons-auctions.com.