Fast Fords are expected to be the star cars at a new classic auction in Bedford on Sunday.
Classics Central is putting 50 cars under the hammer at its inaugural sale at Bedford Autodrome. Among cars going under the hammer are a 1974 Sunbeam Sceptre - an export market Humber that missed the boat to its intended destination - and a 1978 Ford Escort MkII upgraded with a 16-valve Zetec engine.
Manager Justin Lazic said: 'The fast Fords have definitely been getting the most interest in the run-up to the auction. We uploaded the Zetec-engined Escort MkII to our website last week and it's had thousands of views, which is a lot of interest for an unfinished car. It's the same story with a 1984 Ford Capri - one of the cleanest I've seen - which has had a lot of interest, and the Mercedes models in the auction have been getting a lot of attention too.'
He added: 'I've bought and sold cars at all the big auction houses before and I've walked away thinking I could offer something at least as good, if not better, in a location that's closer to more buyers. That's why it's called Classics Central - it's within easy reach of London, Birmingham and Oxford.'
Highlights at the sale include:
1984 Lancia Gamma coupe - Estimate £9000 to £11,000
One of the last built, and a UK-market car too, this Gamma coupe offer wonderfully subtle looks, interesting engineering and the chance to join a small group of owners in this country.
The paint is said to be 'excellent', the interior 'utterly superb' and the engine bay 'extremely tidy.' Tempting? Definitely. And would you really rather bne driving a Stag?
1979 TVR 3000S - Estimate £15,000 to £18,000
A three-owners-from-new, warranted 42,500 miles example, this 3000S must be the stuff of dreams for the TVR hunter. With a body and interior said to be in 'excellent' condition and all MoT certificates back to 1988, it's surely got enough going for it.
1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal - Estimate £39,000 to £42,000
Values for this sophisticated junior supercar have been a long time rising, but its mix of advanced engine clothed in stunning bodywork creates a car deserving far more recognition than other Italian cars selling for 10 times as much. With history to back its 64,000 miles, it's very tempting.
1984 Ford Capri 2.8L Injection - Estimate £9500 to £11,500
A fitting reminder of headier times, this lovely 1984 Capri features the 2.8 litre Cologne V6 in very good order, the motor car being finished in Silver metallic which is complemented by a Grey velour interior interior, which is said to be spotless.
Having covered only 87,000 miles from new, this Capri carries an excellent history file. Of particular note are the excellent bodywork and engine bay, making this injection Capri an enthusiast’s dream.
1985 Ford Escort MkII - Estimate £3500 to £5000
This yellow Escort MkII, carrying a full MoT to 7 December 2015, has enormous potential.
Originally a 1.6 Ghia, it has now been fitted with a DOHC 16-valve Zetec engine, and could be continuously modified to suit track day / competitive use, or returned to original condition.
Of particular interest is the bright yellow paintwork, which is in-period and attracts attention. The motor car’s interior requires some work, lacking a rear seat and all door cards, but this is certainly very achievable and for very little outlay the car could be either further personalised or returned to standard, depending upon one’s preferences.
Said to drive very well and make excellent power, this car is an intriguing "Fast Ford" prospect and is sure to excite those hungry for a dose of 1970s street-racing nostalgia.