CHASING CARS
Russ Smith’s tempting buys
1964 Aston Martin DB5
For sale at Iconic Auctioneers, London, 5 June, iconicauctioneers.com
Why buy it? The DB5’s temptations need no introduction and this fine looking example was the subject of a full-on £200,000 Desmond Smail restoration ten years ago. Its collector owner has put just 3400 miles on the clock since then. Purists might jib at the car’s change from Sierra Blue to Rothesay Red, though possibly less so at the aircon and common 4.2-litre upgrade. Accurately estimated.
Estimate £500,000-£600,000
1985 Ferrari 288GTO
For sale at RM Sotheby’s, Toronto, 1 June, rmsothebys.com Why buy it? From the Dare to Dream collection of Miles Nadal, this is one of the finest 288GTOs. Just 26,617km (16,539 miles), three owners including golfer Ian Poulter and in immaculate condition. It has no reserve but don’t expect that to mean a bargain price.
Estimate £3m-£3.2m
1974 Ford Escort MkI RS2000
For sale at Classic Car Auctions, Cheshire, 1 June, classiccarauctions.co.uk Why buy it? This RS2000 has covered 250 miles since restoration last year and authenticity has been confirmed by the AVO Owners Club’s registrar – there are a number of fakes about. The estimate looks quite light, so expect it to challenge that.
Estimate £40,000-£45,000
1953 Austin A40 Devon Countryman
For sale at Morris Leslie, Perth, 18 May, morrisleslie.com Why buy it? This super-rare Countryman version of the Devon is practical with folding rear seats. An older restoration that still presents fairly well, its cosmetic issues include small rust bubbles which the estimate reflects.
Estimate £4250-£5000
