Star Cars at Charterhouse

The Charterhouse September classic car and motorcycle auction turned up some rarities with barn sorted wrecks through to concours winning vehicles.

“The auction was held at The Royal Bath and West Showground on Monday 9th September, which was immediately after the massive Beaulieu auto jumble. With over 300 people turning up, there were several who had stayed on after Beaulieu and made visiting Charterhouse part of their buying trip as we had hoped!” Commented Matthew Whitney.


In the auction, it was two Devon barns which yielded some interesting vehicles. There were nearly 40 motorcycles, in varying degrees of disrepair, which made them all the more appealing to bidders. In addition, there a couple of car restoration projects, but it was a circa 1919 Austin tractor which took top honours in the barn when it sold for £14,000. The rest of the vehicles in the barn totalled just under £40,000.

Elsewhere in the auction, a brace of two Jaguar E Type 2+2 coupes sold for £30,000 and £22,000, a 1927 Bean 18/50hp tourer £18,000, a 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Volante, with some paint damage £16,800, a 1967 Vanden Plas Princess with Prime Ministerial connections £11,200, a 1961 Austin Healey Frog Eye Sprite £9,000. In the sub £5,000 bracket, there was also plenty of choice, with a Fiat Panda converted into a Walls Ice Cream Moke at £4,000, a 1978 MG Midget £3,700 and a 1996 Mini limited edition Equinox £3,600.

This auction now pushes the Charterhouse classic car department through the £1,000,000 bracket of sales this year, with just one further auction this year.

Charterhouse is now accepting for their forthcoming auction of classic cars and motorcycles on Sunday 3rd November at The Royal Bath & West Showground.

For further information regarding this auction, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or via email on info@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

One of two Jaguar E Type 2+2 with this 1967 model sold by Charterhouse for £30,000
A 1961 Frog Eye Sprite sold for £9,000
A circa 1919 Austin tractor sold for £14,000
A Fiat Panda converted into a Walls Ice Cream Moke sold for £4,000
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For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Post Title → Star Cars at Charterhouse

2014 BMW 1 SERIES GRAN TURISMO SPIED

Our spies have caught the BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo going about its handling testing business at the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife. The 1 Series GT follows BMW’s new GT series first started by the 5, and then the 3. We should see the little big car on our roads sometime in late 2014, if not early 2015.

According to spy reports, the car would either be offered as a 5 or 7-seat option, making it one hell of a long 1 Series. Another important departure will be the fact that it will be based on a front-wheel-driveplatform, something BMW has always frowned upon but has now embraced as a quick solution to interior space constraints.

As for the engines, we expect the 1 GT to feature the company’s new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel turbos. The punchy 3-cylinderengines can produce anything between 90kWand 165kW in petrol guise, and 60kW to 135kW (330Nm) for the diesels.

Post Title → 2014 BMW 1 SERIES GRAN TURISMO SPIED

SPORTY CHEVROLET SONIC RS FOR MZANSI

Chevrolet South Africa has not had an entry or lower-level performance car, keeping performance up in the skies where only people who can afford Ute and Lumina SSVs. That’s about to change as we prepare for the arrival of the new Sonic RS.

Ok, it’s not the most powerful pocket rocket on the block, displacing 1.4-litre and producing only 103kWand a healthy 200Nm of torque. Yet its relative lightness, at 1 257kg, means it can probably perform as well as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST (110kW). Go is helped along by a 6-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels.

Chevrolet reckons it will be able to go flat out from 0 – 100km/h in about 8 seconds and consume an average of 5.9 litres per 100kmof unleaded petrol.

Some visual differentiators include a special RS front grille, 17-inch sports wheels, different spoiler and exhaust tailpipe, exclusive RS interior with special RS stitching, RS foot pedals and a near-flat bottomed steering sports wheel with satellite controls.

We can expect the Chevrolet Sonic RS to hit Mzansi shores sometime in the first quarter of 2014, hopefully after making its public debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) next month. We also hope it will come in at between R220 000 to R230 000 a pop.

Post Title → SPORTY CHEVROLET SONIC RS FOR MZANSI

REAL CATERHAM AEROSEVEN COMING IN 2014

Caterham Cars has made their dream come true by showing us the new AeroSeven Concept car. The Britishbrand looks to be going after the same market as the likes of Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow and Caparo T1. These are essentially track cars that can also be legally driven on the road.

Caterham promises it will have a production version of the AeroSeven on sale in 2014, but no word on which markets it will be available in. What makes the car special then? First it’s bucking the turbo trend by using a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Ford engine for its 177kW at 8500rpm. All power goes to the rear wheels of course, and the 0 – 100km/h run can be completed in “under 4 seconds”.

Second, the car uses a 6-speed manual transmission, again going against the current grain of double-clutch automatic transmissions. AeroSeven is the first Caterham to feature traction control for those of us who aren’t as confident around bends and corners. This is another way of attracting new buyers to the segment. Launch Control is one of the fun parts and is probably the main reason for the “under 4 seconds” bit.

Third, the AeroSeven sits two people, which is quite different for this segment. What is probably missing however, is a windscreen so driving the thing will probably require some form of headgear like a helmetor something.

Lastly and perhaps the coolest bits, are the Formula One-inspired steering wheel and the Graphical Display Unit (GDU). The GDU displays all sorts of useful info, such as speed, current gear, fuel and using an advanced real-time 3D rendered display.

The AeroSeven will be produced straight out of England at the Caterham factory in Dartford, about 30km outside of London.

Post Title → REAL CATERHAM AEROSEVEN COMING IN 2014

NISSAN GT-R NISMO SPIED AT NURBURGRING

When Nissan first launched the current-generation GT-R back in 2007 (2009 in Mzansi), the world stood still. It’s kind of been standing still ever since with each improvement of this stunning performer. Well it’s not over. There is a new version coming next year called the GT-R Nismo. These are the spy pictures as you see them, taken at the Nurburgring.

We have reason to believe this is the last hurrah for the current GT-R as a replacement is already under conceptualisation. Still powered by the same 3.8-litre V6 twin turbo engine, the GT-R Nismo is going to use several different weight-lossmechanisms, like liberal carbon fibre. There’s also a massive rear wing to assist with downforce, lest the beast desire to take off and fly high in the sky.

Although no official figures have been released yet, we are told it could produce around 425kW of power and would be able to sprint from 0 – 100km/h in just 2 seconds. Two seconds. That’s quicker than a Bugatti Veyron!

Post Title → NISSAN GT-R NISMO SPIED AT NURBURGRING

BMW i8 PRICED FOR AMERICA

While this is not be indicativeof anything as far as Mzansi is concerned, it may be worth noting that BMWhas priced its new i8 super hybrid in the United States. Basic trim is going to cost US$135 700, which is about R1.4 million over here. However, should we believe that this starting price is possible here too, then we can certainly dream of a likely final launch price.

Taking into account all sorts of import duties, other government taxes and margins, we reckon that a starting price of R1.95 million would not be too bad for our local i8. Then again, this being a sort of halo, highly technologically-advanced sports car, BMW would probably want to put a nice premium on it and price it just above the R2 million mark. Who knows.

What we do know is that the i8 is powered by a pair made up of a 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine displacing three cylinders and developing 170kWand 320Nm of torque. The other partner is an electric motor accompanied by a liquid-cooled 5kWh lithium-ion battery pack making 96kW and 250Nm. All in all we are looking at a system output of 266kW and 570Nm of torque.

BMW says it can sprint from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250km/h. Amazingly they are quoting 2.5 litres per 100km for average fuel consumption, with the i8 able to travel distances of up to 35km on electricity alone (that is with the petrol engine switched off).

The BMW i8 is scheduled to begin sales in South Africa in 2015, months after the smaller, more practical i3 all-electriccar.

Post Title → BMW i8 PRICED FOR AMERICA

PEUGEOT ADDS NEW ENTRY-LEVEL 208

Peugeot South Africa has extended its highly successful 208 compact hatchback line-up with the addition of the affordable, three-door Access 1.0 model. The newcomer brings the 208 ownership experience within reach of a wider audience, while still offering buyers an overall exceptional motoring package.

The 208 Access 1.0 VTi showcases the French marque’s latest design language, but its three-door configuration adds a further element of youthful flair and sportiness to the already popular range. 

The striking grille, with its black honeycomb grille and dark aluminium surround, is flanked on either side by boldly proportioned headlights, with close attention to fine detail as true of this entry-level model as it is across the 208 range.

The boomerang-shaped tail lights are another visually distinctive feature, while the overall silhouette is sleek and wind-cheating, but also compact and athletic. A smooth roofline and sculpted sides add to the dynamic aesthetics.

The interior echoes the smart functionality of the entire 208 range. The front bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in attractive, yet durable cloth upholstery, while the overall fit and finish is exemplary.

Standard equipment includes electric front windows, central locking, Isofix child seat mounts, and an on-board trip computer. ABS brakes with EBD and dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger ensure a high degree of active and passive safety. A full-size spare wheel is standard. 

The three-door Access 1.0 is powered by an efficient, in-line three-cylinder engine. The 999 cc unit has a maximum raptured output of 50 kW at 6 000 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 95 Nm at 3 000 r/min. That urge is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

The 208 Access 1.0 VTi is a brisk performer, with a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 14 sec, and a 163 km/h top speed. Of even greater interest is the Peugeot 208’s fuel efficiency, which comes to an impressive average of 4,3 litres/100 km. Open-road consumption drops to an exceptional 3,8 litres/100 km.

The three-door Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi is covered by a three-year warranty, as well as Peugeot’s Premium Plan - a five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan - included as standard.  

At just R147 500, the pricing represents strong value and affordability, making the newcomer an ideal purchase for first-time buyers.

STORY BY PEUGEOT 

Post Title → PEUGEOT ADDS NEW ENTRY-LEVEL 208

2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S 500, S 400, S 300 HYBRIDS DETAILED

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which officially lands in Mzansiwithin weeks (although we’ve seen a few on the roads already), is bringing some interesting new powertrains. One of these is the new S 500 Hybrid range.

Top of the pops is the Plug-in Hybrid which features several fuel-saving technologies that one would sit in awe about, especially for a car its size. The main thrust of things comes from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol engine, and an 80kW, 340Nm electric motor with rechargeable batteries. That means it will either recharge using on-board systems, or you can literally plug into the wall socket at home or work to fill up the lithium-ion batteries. Under certain conditions it can go for up to 30km on electric power alone, thus saving litres and litres of fuel.

The V6 puts out its own 245kW of power and 480Nm of torque. In terms of performance, the S 500 Hybrid will push off from 0 – 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Top speed is set at the usual 250km/h. Amazing is the claimed average fuel consumption of only 3 litres per 100km and C02 emissions of 69 g/km. Unbelievable. Even if you could double that, which you can under realistic conditions, you still get 6 litres per 100km and a tank range of about 1 200km.

The V6 engine is used for charging the battery as little as possible and only at suitable and most efficientoperating points. It is switched off any time the vehicle is coasting and its drag torque when rolling is used by the electric motor as recuperationtorque.

The other two hybrids in the range are the S 400 Hybrid and S 300 BlueTec Hybrid. The former pushes out 225kW (370Nm) and 20kW (250Nm) from the engine and electric motor respectively. Merc says it returns 6.3 litres per 100km. Then there’s the baby S 300 BlueTec Hybrid, which would probably be our choice as it uses the same motor as the new facelift E 300 BlueTec Hybrid. Maximum power is 150kW and 500Nm from the 2.2-litre turbo diesel, while the electric motor gives 20kW and 250Nm. It is capable of a 4.4 litres per 100km average.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has not yet told us which of these will be made available here. We’d pick any of them to be honest. They all promise very good things.

Post Title → 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S 500, S 400, S 300 HYBRIDS DETAILED

FORD EVOS CONCEPT HEADING FOR JOZI

Ford first unveiled the Evos Concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Soon South Africans who attend the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) at NASREC next month will also be able to view it live. Evos may not be built, we don’t know yet. But some of its design elements and technologies will definitely be seen in upcoming Ford products.

“The Ford Evos Concept was specifically developed to introduce the new Ford design direction while also showcasing future smart technologies. While you will never see this car on the road key design elements and innovations will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles,” says Ford South Africa Marketing Manger Gavin Golightly.   

One of these smart technologies is the ability of the car to communicate with different machines and human beings through cloud computing. A feature that uses cloud is the heart-rate monitorunder the seat covers, which obviously keeps check on the driver’s heart rate and will communicate should there be a need to.

The car can also “learn” your habits as a driver, including your preferred everyday routes, and can thus make suggestions to the hybrid powertrainas to which route is best at any particular point in time, thus saving time and fuel.

“The Ford Evos concept gives us an insight into the future of Ford products and the exciting designand smart elements that we can look forward to. I have no doubt that the South African public will be eager to view the Evos Concept first hand and the Johannesburg International Motor Show taking place in October,” concludes Golightly.  

Post Title → FORD EVOS CONCEPT HEADING FOR JOZI

NEW 2014 BMW M3 SEDAN SPIED

These spy picturesof the upcoming 2014 model year BMW M3 sedan have cropped up. The car has been undergoing some testing in preparation for its global public reveal, either at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show or the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Sales will begin next year.

Apart from the fact that it’s based on the current F30 platform, not much else is known about the M3 sedan. Some speculation has suggested that it will be powered by a 3.0-litre triple turbo straight six engine with over 330kW of power and over 500Nmof torque, while others have suggested less. Whatever the case, the M3 will wear the M3 badge while the two-door coupeand Convertible will bear the M4 label. BMW says it has worked more on weight than power, which could ultimately give the car a 0 – 100km/h sprint time of around 4.4 seconds.

As always, drive will be through the rear wheels, assisted by some form of electronic differential for better traction. We believe the M3 will only be offered in Mzansi with an M-DCT gearbox, with no 6-speed manual option on the list. BMW SA already does not trust us with a manual 335i, how much less with a much more potent M3?

Post Title → NEW 2014 BMW M3 SEDAN SPIED

JAGUAR C-X17 SUV CONCEPT DETAILED

Over the years there’ve been so many rumours of a Jaguar SUV that the thing has almost taken on a Loch Ness monster-like reputation! But for the first time, Jaguar has kind of acknowledged it’s working on something by showing off this C-X17 Concept SUV at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Everyone knows that Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by the same company, TATA Motors of India. And everyone seems to agree that a Jaguar SUV could hurt sister brand Land Rover in terms of sales. But few seem to realise that Jaguar customers aren’t necessarily looking to buy Land Rovers, or Range Rovers for that matter. They want to buy Jaguars. And this could very well be their Range Rover Sport.

The C-X17 is as long as 4.7 metres, tall as 1.65m, wide as 1.95m and has a wheelbase of some 2.9m.So it’s not small. It also features Jaguar’s intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system and has a ground clearance of 213mm.

In terms of powertrains, Jaguar didn’t say much. Suffice to say, current choices could include a 177kW2.0-litre turbo, a 250kW V6 and a 375kW performance R version.

Post Title → JAGUAR C-X17 SUV CONCEPT DETAILED