Originally founded in 1871, Continental celebrates its 140th anniversary this October. The Hanover-based automotive supplier has continued to grow into a leading global automotive supplier from its roots as a specialist solely for tyres and rubber products.

Nine Hanover-based bankers and industrialists founded Continental-Caoutchouc & Gutta-Percha Compagnie as a joint stock company in 1871. An initial workforce of around 200 employees manufactured soft rubber products and rubberized fabrics, as well as solid tyres for carriages and bicycles. In 1904, it became the first company in the world to develop car tyres with tread patterns. It was also first with removable rims for touring cars in 1908 and the first German company to make tubeless tyres in 1943.

Sales in the 1880s amounted to roughly 3.3 million marks, corresponding to a present-day purchasing power of around EUR21.5 million. By comparison the Continental Corporation reported worldwide sales of EUR26 billion in 2010. This year the company is striving for sales of at least EUR29.5 billion.

The company first began to develop its international orientation in the early 1980s, acquiring the European tyre operations of the American company Uniroyal Inc., taking over the North American manufacturer General Tire, and purchasing majority holdings in the Portuguese company Mabor and the Czech tyre manufacturer Barum.

Continental has continued to develop its key technologies. In 1998 the company began standard production of electronic stability control (ESC), a trend-setting active safety system. Hybrid drive technology was already in the Continental portfolio as far back as 1997. In 2009, Continental was the first manufacturer worldwide to launch series production of lithium-ion batteries for use in vehicles with hybrid drives.

Continental Executive Board chairman Dr. Elmar Degenhart said ‘Our workforce totaling some 160,000 employees worldwide forms the basis on which we can successfully pursue our strategy of profitable growth. Other contributing factors include our wealth of experience, innovative prowess and wide-ranging product portfolio in diverse business areas.’

In the UK, the tyre division is based in West Drayton, Middlesex. Continental Tyre Group Ltd’s main brands are Continental, Uniroyal, and Semperit.

UK Managing Director David Smith said; ‘Continental may have started small but today the company is a substantial player in the automotive world. We are largely known for our tyres as that is the main consumer facing business and not many people know about our expertise in other automotive areas. As a manufacturer of brake systems, powertrain and chassis components and systems, vehicle instrumentation, infotainment solutions and vehicle electronics, we work extremely closely with the car manufacturers before a new vehicle comes onto the market. This, and the premium quality of our products, is what gives us our leading original equipment position with one in three vehicles manufactured in Europe leaving the factory fitted with Continental Tyres.‘

The Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars celebrates Britain’s oldest motor race, which was first run on the Isle of Man in 1905. Over the years, the race was won by some of the greatest drivers in the world, including Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss and Graham Hill. Instigated last year to recreate the heyday of GT racing in the early 1960s, the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy will once again boast a grid of cars with an estimated value in excess of £60 million.

Last year’s winners, Carlo Vögele and Willie Green return with their victorious Ferrari GTO – one of no fewer than six Ferraris entered. Le Mans 24 Hours race winner in 1970, Richard Attwood, is teamed with Stuart Graham (the only man to win a Tourist Trophy on both two wheels and four) in an Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight – there are seven Aston Martins entered. Former Ferrari and Williams F1 driver, Aturo Merzario (known as ‘Little Arturo’) joins fellow Italian, Jason Wright, in a Lotus Elite S1. Another popular marque, 10 cars from the Norfolk manufacturer are entered. Representing another famous British manufacturer, Jon Minshaw, owner of race parts supplier Demon Tweeks, enters his Jaguar E-Type – one of six on the grid.

Ben Cussons, of the Royal Automobile Club, will drive his Ferrari 250GT SWB, and says: “The early 1960s is widely recognised as the best time for genuine GT racing – you could buy a car from a showroom and race it. The Royal Automobile Club successfully recreated this era with last year’s Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars, which proved enormously popular with drivers and spectators alike. “Each of the drivers wants to win and together with the wide variety of cars this guarantees fast, exciting racing.”

The number of manufacturers represented illustrates the popularity of GT cars in the early 1960s – with both large and small companies producing almost race-ready models. So, alongside Ferraris, Aston Martins, Porsches and Jaguars the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars race includes three Turners, five Morgans, a Ginetta G4 and an Elva Courier.

The Historic Tourist Trophy will replicate the original race of the period, with class divisions at 1300cc and 2000cc to ensure close racing all the way down the field.

The Royal Automobile Club

Throughout its 114-year history, the Royal Automobile Club has continuously supported and promoted the development of motoring. Most recently, 2010 saw the inaugural annual Future Car Challenge showcase the very latest low energy vehicles. The event – involving a 60-mile trial from Brighton to London – received huge support from motor manufacturers, individuals and research organisations around the world. The 2011 Future Car Challenge takes place on Saturday 5 November, one day before the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the world’s longest-running motoring event.

The Club also presents a number of significant awards each year including the Segrave Trophy which, in 2010, was awarded to Adrian Newey for designing Formula 1 championship-winning cars for three different British-based teams: Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing.

More notable results included a 1959 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III with a Jaguar 3.8 engine, which achieved £41800 and has found a new home in Scotland with a farming family. A beautifully restored MG B Roadster sold for £8360 and an immaculate retro Ford Zodiac of 1957 vintage made £7700 and is off to Birmingham. Amazingly a 1983 Land Rover Series lll 109 with Hardtop was sold to America for £3080.

Restoration projects continue to be popular: a part-restored 1932 Austin Seven Saloon sold for £4510 to a collector in Dublin, and a not-for-the-faint-hearted c1957 Lagonda Tickford Sports Saloon (without engine and gearbox) achieved £3300.

A Willys Jeep, which is believed to have been in service in France and Germany during the later stages of the Second World War, sold for £12100.

Several vintage motor cars were offered at the sale: a lovely, locally owned 1923 Vauxhall 14/40 Princeton Four Seat Tourer was purchased for £28875. An elegant 1932 Riley Nine Plus Ultra Monaco Saloon made £7700, an unusual 1929 La Licorne HO2 Saloon from Scotland made £6500 and has moved to Yeovil, and a 1930 Morris Cowley Flatnose Folding Head Saloon sold for £8360 to an enthusiast couple in Sussex.

Finally, amongst the motorcycles entered, an immaculate 1953 Triumph Trophy ISDT Replica made a very respectable £5665 and a 1959 Ariel Leader sold for £3300.

DVCA, based at Stalbridge, are now accepting entries for their Autumn Auction Sale, which will be held on Thursday 22nd September. For further information, please contact Brian Chant on 01963 363353 or visit www.dvca.co.uk

Later the same year, Trafford Park, a suburb of Manchester, played host to Ford’s first UK factory with a disused tram works converted to Model T assembly opening in October. Four-man teams built individual vehicles until Henry Ford’s revolutionary introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913. By 1914 Ford sales of nearly 10,000 cars were equal to the output of the next six biggest British manufacturers combined.

Ford’s start in Britain had humble beginnings.  In 1903 two Ford Model A cars were shipped to England and a modest trade began. The Ford Model B took to London’s roads in 1905, forming part of the earliest fleet of motor taxi cabs. It was the world debut of the Model T at the 1908 Olympia Motor Exhibition that convinced Ford a British company was needed, and so began a journey that would see Ford become the UK’s favourite car company.

Today, Ford enjoys an enviable reputation, leading UK car sales for 34 consecutive years and the best-selling Ford Transit helping Ford lead commercial vehicle sales for 45 consecutive years. In 2011 Ford will launch the new Ford Focus, another global car in the spirit of the Ford Model T.

Ford directly employs over 15,000 people in the UK, many in highly skilled roles developing and building high-technology, fuel-efficient, low CO₂ engines. The Ford plants at Bridgend in South Wales and Dagenham in east London have the combined capacity to assemble two million engines annually and one in three Ford cars globally is powered by a UK engine. A further 100,000 jobs are supported through the Ford supplier chain and dealer network.

Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell, said: “Ford of Britain has been in the fabric of the nation for over a hundred years and no motor company has touched more lives in Britain. We have a proud heritage and a bright future. Ford of Britain is a major pillar of Ford’s global strategy and the new Ford Focus, centrepiece of the centenary, features advanced powertrains developed and produced in the UK.”

Ford plans a year-long centenary celebration with themed marketing campaigns to flag up this special year. Historical displays will take place at various motoring events and a gala event will take place in the first half of 2011.

Ford-related events are being held around the country including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire and the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire.  This year’s Goodwood Revival, the country’s premier historic motoring event, will see a significant number of classic Ford cars take to the circuit, in September.

After brisk trading on the floor and with fervent activity post-sale – including the imminent conclusion of eight Lots – Historics is anticipating 56% of all consignments to have sold, grossing a total sale of approximately £1 million.

Star of the show was a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, which despite not making the sale due to the weather – along with four other cars – sold for £68,884, some 53% higher than its estimate.

The Park Ward-styled Alvis TD21 proved its growing popularity, with a two owner from new 1959 Drophead Coupé selling for a robust £54,757.

The Jaguar E-type, celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2011, was well represented at the sale, with 1964 and 1963 Series 1 3.8 Fixedhead Coupes fetching £26,820 and £58,000 respectively.

A pair of 1930’s MG’s also performed well, with a 1938 MG TA and 1933 MG J2 selling for £24,305 and £25,702.

With Historics having made a name for itself when it comes to selling Mokes – following the sale of three in its September auction – Lot 4, a 1966 Austin Mini Moke achieved the lofty price of £16,762.

A 1984 Lamborghini Countach represented real appeal to fans of the 1980’s, thanks in no small part to its dazzling white paintwork and matching white leather interior, fetched a final sale price of £74,313.

Away from the glamour and the glitz but equally iconic, a 1961 Ford Zodiac Mk.II (206E) Convertible – complete with the power hood – soared to over two and a half times its estimate, reaching £6,662, whilst a 1963 Fiat Abarth 600D Saloon sold for £9,772.

Despite huge interest ahead of the sale in a Daimler DB18 used by Sir Winston Churchill, bidding fell short of the reserve price, with Historics continuing to work with the vendor and interested parties to conclude a deal.

Speaking after the auction, Historics at Brooklands Managing Director Liam Cardiff commented; “We had to overcome a number of obstacles for this sale to go ahead, and we were delighted to extend a warm welcome to so many people”.

“Our first three auctions have seen superb attendance and we thank everyone for their ongoing support.  Historics was established to create an exceptional environment in which to engage classic car enthusiasts, and we hope we’ve done that.  We’re now greatly looking forward to next year, when we’ll be hosting five auctions at this iconic venue”, he concluded.

The next sale is on Thursday 3^rd March 2011, to which Historics has already consigned a blockbusting collection of cars, and further entries are invited.

For more information, and to consign cars to future Historics at Brooklands auctions, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

Significant wash of interest anticipated in unique 1932 Talbot

It has no oars, no rudder, no propeller and questionable cruising credentials, but the latest consignment to Historics at Brooklands auction on December 4 is sure to float the boat for classic car enthusiasts with a nautical leaning.

The unique 1932 Talbot 14/65 Boat Tail Tourer began its life as a saloon car, wheeled from the Clement Talbot factory in West London nearly 80 years ago. However, the car took on a whole new nautical flavour some thirty years later when a boat builder was commissioned to design and craft a new stem-to-stem wooden body that adorns the car today.

It was entirely hand-built, constructed from 3” x 1/4” planks of finest Honduran mahogany, laid fore and aft and contoured to the classic boat tail configuration.  The bonnet and doors were then cut out and expertly fabricated, with the whole body finished to the highest standard imaginable.

The interior is finished in black leather with an art deco detailing to reflect the era the car was built.  Ingeniously, so as not to interrupt the elegant mahogany lines when travelling without rear passengers, it features a removable wooden hatch, in true boat tradition, beneath which is a bench seat.

Mechanically, the Talbot features a conventional steel chassis and is powered by a six-cylinder 1,670cc engine.  Beyond two rectangular aeroscreens, a tonneau, and magnificent 9” diameter Marchal headlamps, the specification – and creature comforts – are limited, requiring the ‘crew’  to be suitably attired for inclement weather.

Historics’ estimate for the unique Talbot is pitched at a very affordable £20,000 – £30,000, which, according to traditional boat-builders, Henwood & Dean, of Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, is comparable to the cost of re-creating just the wooden bodyshell alone today*.

To attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of December 4, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Entry is by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.  Preview is on Friday, December 3.

*Ref: Henwood & Dean, whose bespoke services include the design and build of wooden boat-tailed bodies. http://www.henwoodanddean.co.uk/vintage_cars.html

The theme for the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, from 1 to 3 July, will be ‘Racing Revolutions – Quantum leaps that shaped motor sport’, celebrating the ceaseless quest for increased power; greater efficiency; more speed.

From motor racing’s pioneering early days, engineering ingenuity has been the irresistible force behind the sport’s inexorable rise, with designers constantly pushing technical boundaries in search of ‘the unfair advantage’.

For example, in 2011 it will be 75 Years since Auto Union won the European Championship with a ground-breaking rear-engined car; 60 years since increased economy helped the normally-aspirated Ferraris vanquish the supercharged Alfa Romeos; 30 years since the dawn of rallying’s four-wheel-drive age; 25 years since turbocharged engines ruled the roost in F1; and 20 years since a rotary-engined Mazda took the chequered flag at Le Mans. It is therefore especially fitting to celebrate the innovations – both giant strides and iterative evolutions; masterstrokes and blind alleys – that have seen the racing automobile develop from crude behemoth to space-age projectile.

Alongside this central theme, the 2011 Festival of Speed will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, with a stunning gathering of cars and drivers that have written the history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.  It will also be 60 years since the C-type scored the first of Jaguar’s seven Le Mans victories, and the iconic British marque’s illustrious racing heritage will be honoured at Goodwood.

Jaguar will be much in evidence at the 2011 Festival, as the 50^th anniversary of the E-Type – the ultimate personification of 1960s style, and one of the most admired car designs of all time – is marked in true Goodwood fashion.  The E-Type will also be in the spotlight during the Revival from 16-18 September, with a spectacular one-make race.

The Festival of Speed will also feature a glittering array of cars and motorcycles from a huge variety of disciplines, further enhancing the Goodwood event’s reputation as the world’s greatest celebration of motor racing history and culture. Tackling the famous 1.16 mile Goodwood hillclimb will be everything from early Grand Prix and endurance machines, to off-road and contemporary racers and racing motorcycles.

Complementing the overall Festival of Speed theme will be a host of other attractions at the world’s greatest celebration of motoring. Aside from getting close to the action-packed hillclimb and paddocks, Festival-goers will be able to admire some of the most stylish vehicles ever designed at the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance, see and potentially try the very latest road cars at the Moving Motor Show exhibition, glimpse into the future of transportation at FoS-TECH, see many of motor sport’s famous faces up close, swoon at the mouth-watering display of supercars, witness the exciting sideways action on the Forest Rally Stage, and become a part of the action at the off-road activity fields and Junior Festival of Speed.

Goodwood Festival of Speed founder Lord March says:  “I am really looking forward to having so many great cars and drivers here at the Festival of Speed to celebrate our 2011 ‘Racing Revolutions’ theme. For me it is always magical to see so many of the world’s greatest drivers, riders and machines in action.”  He adds, “At the Revival, the E-Type-only race and special track display honouring 100 years since Fangio’s birth also promise to be truly special.”

As in previous years, admission to both Goodwood motor sport events will be strictly by advance ticket only, with 2011 tickets now on sale.  All orders placed before January 2011 will benefit from a VAT saving of 2.5 per cent.

New for 2011, young adults aged between 13 and 18 can now purchase Festival of Speed and/or Revival tickets for half the full adult price.  Previously all visitors aged 13 or over would have been charged at full price.  Children of 12 years or under remain free of charge, as does all car parking.

Tickets and further information for the 2011 Festival of Speed, Moving Motor Show and Goodwood Revival can be ordered by on the up-dated Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motor sport/), or via the Ticket Hotline as follows:

The entry list includes the perfect gift for a fan of early Jaguars or for someone looking for something rather special for classic motorsport events. The 1935 SS1 Tourer was originally supplied to a buyer in New Zealand and then found its way to Australia, where it is said to have some racing history. More recently, this stylish, British Racing Green machine has competed in a number of historic rallies, and would be equally at home turning heads while in ‘domestic’ use or tackling hairpin bends en-route to Monte Carlo. Estimate: £75,000-£90,000.

Lego and other construction sets are always hugely popular at Christmas, and Barons will offer perhaps the ultimate classic car enthusiast’s ‘construction’ set at Sandown Park – a 1958 Aston Martin DB MKIII DHC restoration project which was professionally stripped down in readiness for a full restoration but, owing to the vendor’s change of plans, has now been loosely reassembled and is offered for sale. The car is the same model, in the same colour, as the one which sold for £207,000 at Barons in September; though it does not have the added bonus of David Brown’s name in the log book. Estimate: £70,000 to £90,000.

If you hanker after a DB MKIII DHC but don’t hanker after a restoration project, Barons has the answer – an immaculate 1959 DB MKIII DHC which is described as ‘virtually one owner from new’ and which has been recently been inspected by the factory. This rare example is estimated at £180,000-£200,000 and is ready to go. Or those who would prefer to find the keys to an earlier DB in their Christmas stockings should love the1953 DB 2/4 MKI Saloon. This was purchased new in 1953 by an elderly doctor and is said to have been used very sparingly up to 1966 when it was put into dry storage, and was not moved again until 2002, when it was acquired by the vendor. It had just one registered owner from 1953 until the vendor registered the car in 2006 and has a recorded mileage of just 10,987 miles. Estimate: £80,000-£100,000.

Classic cars are often described as being in ‘original’ condition, but the ‘time capsule’ 1970 Mk1 Ford Escort on offer really merits that description. It was bought new in the summer of 1970, but sadly the purchaser died just few weeks later. The car was garaged until 1974, when the original owner’s widow passed her driving test. She took the car for a drive around the block with a relative – which caused the relative to advise her against driving, which resulted in her giving up driving and parking the car back in the garage. The car has remained there until October 2010, when it was acquired by the vendor. With just 2,600 miles covered, the car is still on its first set of brake shoes, and when the dipstick was withdrawn to check the (original) oil, it was still clean and like new. The interior is mint, as are the boot area and most of the paint and body. The spare wheel has never been used. The original paper stickers on the HT leads are still present with the numbers 1-4, and it has what looks like the spare key code written on a paper tab under the bonnet. Estimate: £3,500-5,000.

The December 7th sale also features another rallying classic Jaguar – a 3.5-litre 1948 Mark V Saloon once owned by renowned Jaguarphile Paul Skilleter. The car has competed in the Le Jog rally and Overland to India and is said to be in excellent order, especially mechanically, as it has been maintained regardless of cost. In order to achieve reliability on such grueling events, it has been equipped with servo-assisted disc brakes, five-speed transmission, two pairs of Lucas ‘Owl Eyes’ spot lamps, roof rack and Range Rover tyres. Estimate: £25,000-£30,000.

Another notable entry is a concours-winning 1964 MKI Lotus Cortina SE, one of just 64 Special Equipment models built. It is believed that very few survive, making these cars extremely rare by any measure, especially in prize-winning, fully-restored condition. The car is said to have been the subject of a comprehensive restoration in the late 90′s and has covered just 8,431, dry miles since. It is kept in a dehumidified, heated store when not in use and is the winner of many awards. Finished in the correct white with green flashes and black interior, it is equipped with the correct woodrim steering wheel and sits on a set of, very rare, BRM alloy race wheels. Estimate £38,000-£42,000.

The sale also includes a magnificent 2000 Bentley Arnage Red Label, which was previously registered to the manager of the rock band, Pink Floyd. Finished in Masons black with sumptuous black hide, the car has a hands-free telephone system (front and rear), dashboard-mounted Sat Nav with remote function, and leather headlining and dash top. These options are in addition to the electric, heated seats, parking assist sensors (front and rear) and a premium sound system. This stunning Arnage is offered complete with impeccable service history. Estimate £25,000-£30,000.

By popular request, Barons’ Yuletide sale will be held in the huge Surrey Hall at Sandown and, as is Barons’ tradition at its festive event, complimentary sherry and mince pies will be served. For further information, or to consign a car to the sale, please contact Barons. Email info@barons-auctions.com, visit www.barons-auctions.com or call 08454 30 60 60.

Basic austerity motoring is represented by cars on the Ford Y and C Model Register as well as the Ford Sidevalve Owners Club. The Y and C Register is showing three cars – a 1935 CX model saloon, a 1937 Model Y four-door and a 1934 Jensen-bodied Tourer. Careful pricing meant Ford could offer the man in the street a basic yet stylish car that was reliable and cheap to run and both clubs will be showing examples of small Fords.

So too is the Ford 100E Owners Club, which is showing a standard 1955 Prefect, two models that have appeared in Heartbeat and an oval racer.  Look out too for a convertible 105E Anglia on the Ford 105E Owners Club display.

A short-lived Ford model was the Consul Classic and the Consul Capri, the latter offering American-style glamour but on a smaller scale: there’s a Classic and two Capris (including a rare GT) on the Ford Classic and Capri Owners Club stand.

Also sporting American looks was the Corsair and the Corsair Owners’ Club is fielding a cabriolet, convertible and a range-topping 2000E.  But think ’60s and ‘70s Fords and Cortinas and Capris are among the most ‘popular’ models – and the Footman James Classic Motor Show is serving up models galore.

On the Mk1 Cortina Owners Club you’ll find not only a very rare Fleet model but a DeLuxe, a modified example powered by a later Ford Zetec engine and a stretched, six-door model that’s definitely hard to miss!

Later Cortinas are represented by the Ford Cortina Mark 11 and 1600E Owners Club (showing a Savage, a Lotus Cortina convertible and a 1600E that’s just out of a five-year restoration) and the Mark Three Cortina Owners’ Club, which is showing an Australian example alongside several pre- and post-facelift cars.

Big Fords are represented by the Ford Mk3 Zephyr/Zodiac Owners’ Club and the Ford Granada Mk1 and Mk2 Drivers’ Guild.

For performance Ford enthusiasts the AVO Owners’ Club is fielding two historic racing Mark One Mexicos and coming more up-to-date the Ford RS Owners’ Club is bringing three Cosworth Sieraas (including an RS500) and an Escort Cosworth, and not to be outdone the Racing Puma Owners’ Club has three examples of this limited edition model on display.

There’s also a 30th anniversary celebration of the Fiesta Super Sport on the Fiesta Owners’ Club of Great Britain display (showing two models plus two XR2s).

And for more power there’s both Old Skool Ford, which is bringing two drag-racing Mark One Escorts, and the XR4 Register, which is showing four examples of this Sierra, including a 500+bhp four-wheel drive model, a Sprintex 4×4 ex-police car, an XR8 and an early XR4i.

Capri enthusiasts too are in for a treat, with Capri Club International (showing five examples ranging from a 1969 1600GT XLR through to a 1986 Injection Special), the Capri Mk1 Owners Club (showing three three-litres) and the Capri Mk1 Register (showing a V8 Perana model and a historic racing model), proving interest in ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’ has never been stronger.

So whether you like your blue ovals small and sidevalve powered, or four-wheel drive and five-doored, or something inbetween, a trip to the NEC in November is a must.

The Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 7pm on Friday, 9.30am until 7pm on Saturday, and 9.30am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from £17.50 when purchased in advance. For more information on the Classic Motor Show, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com. For information on Footman James, visit www.footmanjames.co.uk

Featuring the finest coachwork by the Carlton Carriage Co., the Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé was used by the British Prime Minister during 1944 and 1949 election campaigns and is expected to fetch offers in the region of £200,000 to £250,000.

Owing to the second world war, only eight of the proposed 23 DB18 Drophead Coupés due for 1939 were built, with four completely destroyed during the Blitz, a fifth so badly damaged it was scrapped and the whereabouts of two unknown, Chassis 49531 remains the only discovered surviving 1939 model.

Rolling off the production line in the same year motor racing ceased at Brooklands, the DB18 was capable of a top speed of 76 mph and a 0 – 50 mph acceleration time of a none-too-shabby 17.9 seconds.

Although technically speaking the DB18 utilises manual transmission, the car actually makes use of a 4 speed Wilson Pre-selector gearbox in tandem with the Daimler Fluid Flywheel, which allows the driver to select the next available gear by hand before using the ‘change pedal’ to enact the shift.

With its extensive history well documented, including ownership in the U.S.A, Germany, UK and even by an Iranian Prince, this eminently intriguing motorcar has benefited from a painstaking c €140,000 top-to-bottom restoration by the revered restorer, E. Thiesen of Hamburg, Germany.

Finished in stately silver over black coachwork with a contrasting three-position cabriolet hood, the striking exterior is complimented by a luxurious green leather bench seat in the front and sideways seat in the rear, whilst an elegant wooden dashboard houses period black Jaeger instruments.

The car will be on display at the Brooklands Museum until the sale on Saturday December 4^th, and for more information, or to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of December 4^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.