Chance to own a piece of fast Ford history

ONE of just three remaining original pre-production 1980 press launch XR3s is due to go under the hammer at Barons Classic Winter Warmer sale at Sandown Park on February 27.

The car (pictured right) underwent a nut-and-bolt restoration in 2016, having been stored since the late 1990s, and is expected to go for £11,000 to £15,000.

E-type lovers will have three to choose from.

A silver blue, 1962 S1 FHC has a fascinating history. It was the subject of a fraudulent insurance claim in the mid 1990s then found, stripped and painted in red oxide, in the garage of a friend of the claimant.

All the matching numbers engine, gearbox and axle were with the body, and it has now been rebuilt and restored with a guide price of £130,000-£150,000.

A 1963 Jaguar E-type S1 3.8 Roadster restoration project has been stored for over 20 years, and at £35,00-£45,000 should prove to be financially rewarding and hugely enjoyable for the successful bidder.

A bright red, 1963 S1 FHC is an older restoration, and a good useable example of a very collectable model (£60,000£90,000).

Family saloons are always popular with collectors and a 1967 Vauxhall Viva HB SL auto is on offer which has driven just 12,000 miles in 50 years. It is believed to be the only car SL fitted with a Borg Warner 35 auto box left in existence.

Another low-mileage Vauxhall comes in the form of a 1957 Velox E Series, which has travelled 30,000 miles in 60 years (£10,000£13,000) and other lots include a 1960 Beardmore Taxi (£6,000£8,000), a 1954 Bedford Green Goddess military fire engine, going under the hammer for £5,000-£8,000, a 205 1.9 GTi (£2,000-£4,000) a 1993 Ford Fiesta Ghia which has covered just 44,000 miles from new (£1,000-£2,000) and an unrestored 1971 Hillman Hunter offered at no reserve.

More information barons-auctions.com