Never a better time to buy a classic car

Never a better time to buy a classic car 21 October 2009 Enthusiasts in the market for a classic are spoiled for choice at this year’s Classic Motor Show, with a host of internationally-renowned dealers bringing along a range of exciting cars of all types and ages, and all looking for new owners. Among the dealers at this year’s show, held 13th to 15th November at Birmingham’s NEC, is first-time London-based exhibitor Graeme Hunt, Buckinghamshire Aston Martin experts Runnymeade Motor Company and Mercedes-Benz W123 model specialist Mark Cosovich, whose Swansea business brings in work from all across Europe. Graeme Hunt is promising an mix of exotic sports and luxury cars, including a Bentley S2 Continental, a left-hand drive 1974 Porsche Targa, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and an extremely rare short wheelbase Series One Daimler Double Six. On a sporting note, Runnymeade Motor Company is promising a 1989 Aston Martin Zagato Volante, a Vanquish, a Virage and a DB7. They are joined by a concours Series One E-Type 4.2-litre roadster and a mint Jaguar XJ40 – a model that is becoming rarer day-by-day and meaning fine examples are becoming increasingly hard to find. Swansea’s Mark Cosovich has built an international reputation with his work restoring Mercedes-Benz W123 models. He’s showing a restored diesel saloon model and a range of replacement parts for this cult classic, and his cars are restored to such a high standard they receive a pre-delivery inspection from Mercedes-Benz and a warranty like the one given when the car was sold brand-new. Long-time Show exhibitors Hurst Park Automobiles will be showing two XJ Series 1 derivatives, in Jaguar and Daimler form. The Jaguar has been subject of a recommissioning featured in Jaguar World while the 1969 Daimler Sovereign is a very early example of the Series 1 range. Hurst Park is also promising a 1974 E-Type V12 roadster that’s covered just 22,000 miles from new in the hands of two owners. And if you fancy something older there’s a 1951 XK120 restored in the style of a ‘50s club racer, complete with aero screens and running a 3.8-litre engine. Suffolk Sportscars, manufacturers of reproduction SS100 and Jaguar C-Type models, is showing two rolling chasis and three complete cars – a C-Type and two SS100. The cars are painstakingly built to look exactly like their forebears and, engine-wise, can be tuned to suit a customer’s requirements. The Dealer Sales area is once again sponsored by The Singleton™ of Dufftown single malt whisky, where you can sample a small snifter while you debate which classic you’ll be driving home in. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a bottle at the special price of £21 and win a weekend break for two. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself or someone special to a singularly smooth malt. Make sure you don’t miss the Classic Motor Show at the NEC between the 13th and 15th November 2009 to pick up your classic bargain. The show is packed with over 1,400 of Britain’s best classic cars and motorcycles as well as many other live events and attractions, including the Live Stage, Restoration Theatre and hundreds of trade stands selling more parts, spares and motoring paraphernalia than you could imagine. For more information, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit necclassicmotorshow.com.