Bonhams' Oxford car auction, beginning tomorrow (March 6), promises an extensive collection of historic and classic automobiles from 1910 through to the Noughties.
Lots will include a historic 1910 Hupmobile Model 20 Tourer (estimated at £10,000-12,000), selling alongside such classics as the 'masterpiece' Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine (£50,000-60,000).
The sale promises a number of collectible and investible classic British motors with five-figure prices - among them the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Saloon.
 The 1977 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Saloon (£16,000-20,000) |
Aston Martin's V8s originally arrived in 1969 and served as an antidote to the slightly disappointing performance of the DBS, which in turn was intended as a more luxurious alternative to the DB6.
This 1977 example of the V8 - Chassis no. V8/11648/RCAS - can produce an estimated 345bhp from its 5,340cc fuel-injected, four-cam motor with acceleration of nought to 100mph in under 14 seconds.
The V8's performance was staggering in its heyday and justified claims that it was the fastest production car in the world, at the time.
This Series 3, like the Series 2 before it, features a restyled four-headlamp front - with a key difference being its larger bonnet bulge to house an improved Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
 'Space shuttle': the 1959 Austin Mini Se7en Saloon (£14,000-16,000) |
Refinished in blue (from gold) with beige leather interior, the car is reported to be in generally good condition while the engine and chassis are described as excellent.
It will auction with an estimate of £16,000-20,000.
The V8 will sell alongside an original 1959 Austin Mini, described as a 'different from the British small car norm as a space shuttle from a firework,' upon its initial release.
Less than two-and-a-half years after its initial conception, the Mini was unleashed to universal acclaim. Alec Issigonis's designed bristled with innovative ideas.
Once described as 'the most compact "real" car Britain ever produced,' it will roll into the Oxford sale with a £14,000-16,000 estimate.
