Auction: Golf star’s Jaguar, rare barn find and a regal form of transport all set to go under the hammer
The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and the Mearns Edition) 21 Nov 2017 – Richard Burdge
Intriguing histories, royal connections and celebrity past owners all look likely to push prices up at Perthshire classic vehicle auction. For the golf fan there is a chance to own a car driven by arguably Britain’s greatest golfer, Sir Nick Faldo. The 1997 Jaguar XJR V8 is among the lots coming up at the auction at Errol Airfield on Saturday. Featuring a rare full black leather interior and metallic black exterior, the 3 times Open and 3 times Masters champion drove the car for its first year.
The second celebrity lot in the auction is a luxurious 1979 Porsche 928 owned by musician Peter Chilver, who helped change the face of modern music as the first British musician to use the electric guitar. A guitarist and jazz musician, he is widely credited for establishing the instrument in the UK. In the 1940s he played alongside some of the big names of the era, including band leader Ray Ellington. Apart from the musical pedigree, the Porsche has another major factor going for it – it has only clocked up 19,000 miles.
“Each and every classic has a story to tell and new memories to be created,” said Jonny Bell of Morris Leslie. The 200 entries range from a vintage 1934 Austin 7 to a deep blue Jaguar E-Type, which is expected to fetch in the region of £100,000. Having spent many years in America since it returned to the UK, it has undergone a nut and bolt restoration and Mr Bell predicts a “bidding frenzy”.
British motoring enthusiasts look likely to also battle it out to become the new owner of a 1957 Jensen Interceptor which is expected to fetch £25,000 to £30,000. “This barn find was the last ever example of only 88 built and is believed to have been used by the Jensen brothers as personal transport,” said Mr Bell.
Also in the sale is 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III which spent its early life seconded to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh where it was used by the Queen and the Royal family for official functions. The car still retains its unique rear door lock which was fitted for security to enable personal possessions and paperwork to be secured in the rear of the vehicle as required when on official duties. The car was disposed of by the Crown around 1970 when new security legislation was introduced.