C&SC picks its favourites
1970 VANDEN PLAS 1800
It may not have been the most exotic car at the show, but Sandy Dalgamo’s mint 1800 stopped me in my tracks. Built in 1970, the luxurious prototype was based on a ‘Landcrab’ and offered a tantalising glimpse of what might have been. With its four-light shell, reprofiled tail and handsome grille, it had a genteel demeanour, and the careful use of spotlights by the VDPOC showcased the hand-crafted cabin to perfection. It didn’t reach production, but that made this beautifully presented gem all the more fascinating. MT
1972 DATSUN 240Z SUPER SAMURI
As a huge fan of Touring Car legend Win Percy, I couldn’t help falling for Lot 334 in the Silverstone sale, one of 76 Zs breathed on by legendary tuner Spike Anderson. With triple Webers plus cylinder-head work, its ’six’ should have nearer 200bhp than the standard 150, making it a potent – not to mention great-looking – machine, in that signature bronzeover-red livery and fresh from a year-long rebuild at The Z Farm. It looked fair value, too, selling for a shade over its lower estimate at £46,125. AC
1937 TALBOT TEN
I’m a sucker for a barn-find, so was instantly intrigued by this restoration candidate Talbot. Stamped with chassis number one, it is thought to be the prototype Sunbeam Ten, which is now owned by illustrator Jonny Duddle, having been passed down by his father who bought it in 1969. It features a unique boot badge and is probably going to be the subject of an ‘oily rag’ restoration in order to maintain its external patina. Duddle hopes to have his treasured drophead back on the road in time for next year’s show. MP
1958 EDSEL BERMUDA
Tim Sisson’s Bermuda is the only roadworthy example in the UK of about 40 survivors. “I’ve always liked Edsels,” he said, “attracted to their orphan quality. I already have a ’57 Chevy and wanted a station wagon, so my wife asked if Edsel made them. I found it in Winnipeg, Canada, five years ago. They came in three trim levels – Villager, Roundup and Bermuda – and the Saran Jug cloth upholstery was available only on the Bermuda. We’ve done about 5000 miles, 2000 of which was going to the Power Big Meet in 2014.” DE
1951 MARAUDER 100
It may not seem it, but this downat-heel and slightly ungainly Rover was one of the rarest and most glamorous cars on display. One of only 15 built (and one of just three with a triple-carb 2.4-litre engine), ‘KWD 111’ took centre stage at the 1951 Geneva Motor Show. It was raced and rallied extensively in period, including at Goodwood. After spending 15 years off the road and the past five exposed to the elements, this wonderful curiosity is set for a full restoration. And, who knows, maybe even a return to the circuit? GM