BaT Auction: One-Owner 2005 Lotus Elise

This 2005 Lotus Elise shows just under 39k miles and is a modified example that was purchased new by the seller. Finished in Saffron Yellow, this example is powered by a mid-mounted 1.8L Toyota inline-four that has been fitted with Mahle forged pistons, a Radium Engineering fuel rail, Fidenza flywheel, baffled oil pan, and more as described below. The 6-speed manual transaxle has been fitted with a Jubu gear set and an ACT racing clutch. Adjustable suspension has also been added along with front and rear spoilers, a racing seat, and harness. This Elise is now being offered for sale with a clean Carfax report and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

The Saffron Yellow finish is said to be original, with no history of accidents or paintwork during the seller’s ownership. Exterior modifications include a 5 Element rear diffuser in addition to a carbon fiber rear wing, front splitter, and Lotus Exige-style side scoops. According to the seller, the rocker panels show some pitting and would benefit from a refinishing.

A front tow hook has been added, and two sets of wheels accompany the vehicle, including a 15” front and 16” rear combo. Aftermarket suspension components are two-way adjustable, and the factory items are included in the sale.

A Bride racing seat is installed for the driver, and a harness bar with Luke harnesses has been added. The Nardi F1 steering wheel is mounted on a quick disconnect hub, and the AEM gauge pod monitoring boost and air/fuel mixture is currently disconnected. Original interior components are reportedly included, and just under 39k miles are shown on the digital odometer.

The Toyota-built 1.8L DOHC inline-four has been modified with Mahle forged pistons, forged rod connectors, ARP studs, ACT racing clutch, Ferrara valves and retainers, a Cosworth head gasket, a Fidenza flywheel, and a baffled oil pan. Radium Engineering upgrades include a fuel rail, surge tank, and a dual catch can, and the lightweight battery features a disconnect switch. Air conditioning components have been removed, and aftermarket oil lines were installed in 2012. The 6-speed manual transmission is equipped with Jubu Racing 3rd and 4th gears.

The Carfax report confirms single ownership in California and shows no accidents or other issues. Maintenance has been performed personally by the seller, who notes that the modifications were added between 2006 and 2012. The car is currently registered as planned non-operational as it is unable to pass a California smog test, though the seller recently replaced the 02 sensors.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-lotus-elise-22/

BaT Auction: 1969 Triumph GT6 Race Car

This 1969 Triumph GT6 was acquired by the seller 11 years ago after its conversion into a race car by Florida specialist Bob Davis, and has been used as recently as May 2018 in the British Small Bore Festival at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. The seller estimates that four engine hours have been accumulated since rebuilds of its 2000cc Triumph inline-six and Toyota 5-speed manual gearbox. Motor details include forged connecting rods, a dual-row timing chain, a Ric Cline camshaft, Mallory Jaguar distributor, and and a Kas Kastner “spider” oil return system as well as safety equipment consisting of a bolt-in cage, new harnesses, and fire suppression system. This GT6 racer is offered with a book of records, a CVAR logbook from the seller’s ownership, and a Texas bill of sale.

A repaint in Primrose Yellow was reportedly conducted just prior to the seller’s purchase, and is said to show chips and other wear from track use. Painted and polished 13″ Panasport wheels are equipped with tires measuring 185/60 front and rear. Brake upgrades consist of stainless pistons, slotted rotors, and new Aeroquip lines.

The roll cage is bolted in, and other safety equipment includes a master electrical cutoff, 5-gallon Fuel Safe fuel cell, and Firesafe system with three nozzles. Four inches have been added to the splined quick-release steering column. The seller describes interior quarters as tight, and notes that at 5’8″ he uses the single-piece Kirkey seat set all the way back.

The dash is a custom piece and was signed by Kas Kastner at Road Atlanta at the 40th reunion of Group 44. Instrumentation and equipment includes a Westach dual EGT gauge, AutoMeter oil/voltage/water temperature gauges, a Mallory tach with adjustable rev limit and shift lights, and Wilwood bias brake adjuster. Total chassis mileage is unknown.

The 2000cc six was recently rebuilt with forged connecting rods, a Ric Cline camshaft, a Mallory Jaguar distributor, a dual-row timing chain, and a damper pulley by Damper Doctor. Induction is from dual Mikuni carburetors and exhaust consists of a Mueller 6-3-1 header and a Dynomax rear muffler. Peak output of 130 horsepower is claimed at the wheels.

The 8-quart lubrication system features a Kas Kastner “spider” oil return, 3-quart Accusump, oil pan surge plate, a Canton Mecca remote filter, and a horizontal Setrab oil cooler. Cooling comes from a Griffin dual-pass radiator with an electric fan. A small 45-amp alternator is equipped along with a dry-cell battery and Holley Red fuel pump.

The transmission tunnel was modified to accommodate the larger Toyota T50 5-speed gearbox, which was recently rebuilt with new bearings and synchros. The clutch is actuated via a Tilton master cylinder and hydraulic release bearing. The seller estimates that four engine hours have elapsed following the recent motor and transmission builds.

Other driveline features include a lightened steel flywheel and a welded rear differential with 3.90:1 gears and Steve Smith axles. Suspension consists of 400-pound springs up front, Addco sway bars front and rear, Koni rear shocks, and Delrin bushings throughout.

A large binder of records is provided from the original builder, as is the seller’s logbook from CVAR. The car is not street legal and will be sold with a Texas bill of sale.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-triumph-gt6/

BaT Auction: 29k-Mile 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6-Speed

This  2009 Aston Martin DB9 is finished in Blue Sapphire over blue leather with mahogany trim is equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Modifications include a hardwired radar detector, removal of the rear catalytic converters, and installation of Nitron coilover suspension. The seller became the third owner in late 2017 and has since added 3k of the car’s 29k indicated miles. An oil change and general inspection were carried out in April 2018. This DB9 is offered with the stock cats, a clean Carfax report, recent records, and a clean title in the name of the seller’s Montana LLC.

The car is finished in Blue Sapphire paint (AST13460). The seller notes a scuff on the front bumper cover as well as touch-up work near the passenger-side headlight as shown in the gallery below.

A Nitron coilover kit was fitted in place of the stock air suspension prior to the seller’s ownership, and receipts for the kit are reportedly included. Factory 19″ 5-spoke wheels are equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and are mounted over large slotted brake rotors with red calipers.

The 2+2 interior is upholstered in blue leather and equipped with a mahogany trim package. Wear is shown on the driver’s door armrest. The air conditioning system does not blow cold according to the seller.

Gauges include a 220 mph speedometer, an 8000 rpm reverse-sweep tachometer, and a digital odometer showing approximately 28,600 miles. Two LED indicators are mounted in the dash for the built-in K40 radar detector, which is controlled via a wireless remote.

The 6.0L V-12 sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission and 3.54:1 limited-slip differential. Factory output was 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque when new, enough to propel the car from zero to 60 mph in just under five seconds. The seller reports an oil change and general inspection conducted in April 2018, while an earlier service from 2016 is shown in the gallery. The car was reportedly serviced by FC Kerbek of Palmyra, New Jersey in 2014 and 2015, though records are unavailable. The seller notes an occasional squeak and narrow release point from the clutch, which is described as worn in the 2016 service paperwork.

The clean Carfax report shows registration in New Jersey, New York, and Montana and indicates an accident-free history with three owners.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2009-aston-martin-db9/

Australian Defense Spec 6×6: 1990 Land Rover Perentie

This 1990 Land Rover Perentie is one of just under 700 6×6 versions manufactured, 94 of which were built in an ambulance configuration like this. Conceived as a replacement for the Australian Defense Force’s aging fleet of Series Land Rovers, these specialized versions were made by JRA Limited, and feature a galvanized frame, widened cab, and were built for a variety of uses. There were additional engine options not offered in standard production models as well, including a 3.9 liter Isuzu turbodiesel as found here. This isn’t the first Perentie featured on BaT, but it is better presented than the last, with many more photos and a more descriptive listing as well. Find it here on eBay in Deltona, Florida with no reserve beyond an unmet starting bid of $33k. Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

Although the large footprint is imposing, a period video shows strong off-road capability over a variety of terrain, even while towing extra equipment. Along with the galvanized frame, the cab structure is built to withstand the Australian military’s 1,000-hour salt spray test. The seller says they looked at more than 10 other Perenties before deciding on this example, and condition looks good throughout, especially for an ex-mil vehicle. The seller mentions a five week, 2,800 mile trip, during which the truck reportedly performed well despite a few not-unexpected but relatively minor mechanical failures along the way.

The widened cab was designed to house three in full gear. These trucks were built in both LHD and RHD configurations, with the former being especially rare. Much of the instrument panel layout seems to follow the classic Series look, with minor adjustments made here and there.

The rear ambulance cab appears to be in good overall shape as well. If the next owner wishes to start fresh or go another route, the 24V-equipped cube is reportedly removable as a single unit.

Up front lives an Isuzu 4BD1-T turbodiesel displacing 3.9 liters and generating between 120 and 140 HP with torque of up to 245 lb. ft. Motivation is sent to all six wheels via a full-time transfer case. In addition to extra rust-proofing, Perentie chassis were designed to withstand being slung beneath a helicopter from one corner with no frame distortion.

After a few decades, these 6×6’s began to be phased out in 2013 with Mercedes-Benz G-class trucks taking their place. This example looks to be in good shape, and could serve as a great blank slate for an awesome overland build.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/2018/05/25/australian-defense-spec-6x6-1990-land-rover-perentie/

BaT Auction: Lot #10,000: 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Coupe

This 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera 1500 GS Reutter coupe left the factory on February 11, 1956 and was discovered 14 years ago in an Oregon garage. A restoration was subsequently performed, which included a repaint in blue and a number of modifications focused on performance and drivability. A 2.0-liter Fuhrmann 4-cam engine from a Carrera 2 was sourced and rebuilt by Alan Klingen at The Stable in San Francisco, California. The custom Type 741 4-speed manual gearbox was built with strengthened internals and a limited-slip differential from Vic Skirmants. The car is also equipped with a sunroof, an 80-liter fuel tank, and a GT-style roll bar. Aluminum-frame Speedster seats have been added along with wider alloy wheels, Marchal fog lamps, and a louvered aluminum deck lid. Since the work was completed, the car has been driven sparingly and went on to receive top honors in the Special Interest Class at five 356 Club events. This 356 Carrera is now being offered with records from the restoration, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

Originally finished in Lago Green Metallic (5605), the car was repainted in a custom dark blue during the seller’s restoration. Upon disassembly, evidence of prior race and rally history was discovered, along with damage to the rear clip from an accident early in the car’s life. The body was brought down to bare metal, the accident damage was professionally repaired, and paint from Spies Hecker was applied.

HID bulbs have been added to the Marchal 7″ headlamps, which are installed behind Hella lenses. A set of bumper-mounted amber fogs, also from Marchal, have been fitted. The floor pans, longitudinals, closing panels, and battery box are believed to be original factory sheet metal.

Boyd Coddington manufactured the 15×5.5″ aluminum wheels, which wear a set of Bridgestone Potenzas. Weight reduction for this GS includes the use of Plexiglas side and rear windows, as well as lightweight bumpers and an aluminum deck lid. A set of Sigla glass side windows and regulators are included with the sale.

The cabin has been fitted with a pair of aluminum-frame Speedster seats trimmed in tan leather with blue piping. Pull-strap windows and a GT-style roll bar have also been added, and the matching leather back seat and interior sunroof panel are included with the sale, though they are not currently installed.

VDO instrumentation includes an 8,000 rpm tachometer and 160 mph speedometer. A VDM steering wheel is equipped, and a short shifter was added. 32k miles are shown on the odometer, though the actual chassis mileage is unknown. The car has been driven sparingly since the restoration was completed in 2006.

Equipped from the factory with a 1.5-liter Fuhrmann 4-cam engine, this car is now powered by a 2.0-liter 587/1 flat-four (#P97093) from a later 356 Carrera 2, which the seller sourced from Elevenparts of Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to installation, the air-cooled DOHC engine was rebuilt and dyno-tested by Alan Klingen at The Stable. It utilizes a standard-size crank along with a set of Carillo connecting rods. Fuel is delivered by a pair of rebuilt Solex carburetors from Bieker Engineering, and a later-model GS exhaust system has been installed. A pair of Perma-Tune CDIs have been added to the twin-plug ignition system.

The oil tank for the dry-sump lubrication system is mounted in the left rear fender and protected by a mesh screen, which carries the chassis number. Oil coolers reside in both the driver and passenger-side front fenders just behind the horn grilles, and they are plumbed with hard lines and thermostats. A larger remote filter has also been added. In addition to the higher-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, a 741 gearbox with BBAC gearing was built with a torque-biasing limited-slip differential sourced from Vic Skirmants’s 356 Enterprises, as well as a heavy-duty steel intermediate plate.

The car is equipped with a center-fill 80-liter touring tank, and the modules for the HID lights can be seen mounted on each of the inner fender panels. The electrical system has been converted to 12-volts and features and Optima battery.

The included Porsche Certificate of Authenticity is shown above, confirming the original configuration. Photos of the Reutter body tag, chassis VIN stampings, trunk plate, and engine stamping have been provided in the gallery below.

The car has participated in five 356 Club shows, and it won a first place award at each as shown above. Records and receipts from the restoration are included with the sale. A driving video can be seen below.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1956-porsche-356a-carrera/

Yesterday’s comments of note

A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

“The parking space said “Compact Car”
So I did.”

67Frank_Garcia commented on 1944 M5A1 Stuart

“I had the rare opportunity to go for a ride in this sexy beast. It was at the 2006 Le Mans Historics. Jaguar had four slots available. I drew the fourth slot, which meant I went out in the car at 2am. Having that V12 blasting behind my head is a memory I will never forget. One interesting point. The cockpit was more or less designed around Norman Dewis. Mr. Dewis is a wee man, maybe 5-foot-3. I’m 6-foot-2. It wan’t the most comfortable fit. I didn’t care.”

15BHarp commented on Unobtainium: Jaguar XJ13

“Anyone who complains that “negative” Comments made here on BaT are in some way wrong, don’t really understand the ethos of BaT, imho. An ethos of discovery and sometimes brutal truth. This ethos was created back when BaT’s only business was the need was to grow viewership on the site (in the pre-auction days), and all the cars featured were from Craigslist, eBay, The Samba, and various random car club listings, etc. And without that ethos and the foundation that created it – the Comments…”

11penp commented on No Reserve: 1993 BMW 850Ci

“Glad to see the Roundtails are starting to get respect in the market. They share a very similar look with all the spiders that followed for something like 28 years (Series 1 through Series 4). This long run I feel has kept prices down but the Series 1 (here) is the purest of the lot. Its also the last car Pinan Farina himself is said to have designed.

There’s a lot to love-105 chassis mechanicals being shared with the coupes and sedans means a ready supply of parts to keep them on the road.…”

10austin_alfa commented on 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750

“@SMILEYWM, I am 6’6″ and although not roomy I am able to drive OK. I freak people out by sitting my Yellow Lab behind the wheel then drive from the passengers seat where it is a little more comfortable for a tall guy. My other car, I cut off the long turn signal stalks and moved the knobs close to the column to free up knee room.”

5Marklet2002 commented on 1958 BMW Isetta 300

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/2018/05/25/yesterdays-comments-of-note-319/

BaT Auction: 2007 Porsche GT3 Cup Car

This 2007 Porsche GT3 Cup Car was built by Porsche Motorsports to compete in the Porsche Cup and other racing series. The car was raced professionally until being sold to a privateer team, and the current owner purchased it two years ago from a team that ran in the Patron IMSA series. In July 2017, Vision Motorsports in Laguna, California rebuilt the Mezger 3.6-liter flat-six at a cost of $16,457, and it has been run for approximately one hour since. The Holinger 6-speed sequential gearbox was rebuilt by specialist Brian Copans around 2.5 hours ago in March 2016 for $12,370. Receipts for both rebuilds accompany the sale. The car recently received an inspection and set-up by Bavarian Performance in California. Service items such as the brakes, wheel bearings, and suspension wear items were inspected or replaced. New MCS 3-way coilovers were just installed, and a host of other upgrades were fitted as detailed below. This GT3 Cup Car is now being offered by a dealer with two sets of wheels and tires, a spares package, a current NASA logbook, and a bill of sale.

Outside, the seller states that the body shows several rubs and imperfections consistent with competition use. Per the seller, this GT3 has not been modified or upgraded outside of PCA or GT2 rules.

Recently, all-new Plexus windows and a new OEM glass windshield were installed. This Cup Car features factory air jacks and an adjustable rear wing, the latter of which is further detailed in the extensive gallery below.

A new set of Motion Control Suspension (MCS) 3-way adjustable coilovers were installed just prior to this auction, and the remote reservoirs are shown in the gallery. The car is being sold with two sets of wheels. A new set of Michelin slicks and a new set of Pirelli competition tires are also included. New brake rotors were recently installed.

Within the past 18 months a Recaro FIA head restraint seat was installed along with OMP FIA seat belts good through 2020 and new roll bar padding. MoTeC instrumentation is equipped, including brake sensors and a shift light. A Porsche Motorsport carbon battery box relocation kit has also been fitted. Additional detailed interior photos can be found in the gallery below.

The Holinger 6-speed sequential gearbox features a Matthaney throttle blipper for matching downshifts. On March 25, 2016 the transmission was rebuilt by Porsche gearbox specialist Brian Copans with new bearings, syncros, and replacement of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. Per the seller, the car has only been used for ~2.5 hours since. The total cost was $12,370 and receipts for the work are provided in the gallery. A new Tilton RSR clutch was installed within the past 18 months.

The front trunk features a Fuel Safe fuel cell with dual enduro dry breaks, as well as access through the hood for quick pit stops. The fuel cell’s date of manufacture is unknown.

Power comes from a Cup-spec Mezger 3.6-liter flat-six that has been maintained in stock specifications to the seller’s knowledge. New coil packs were installed within the past 18 months.

In July 2017, Vision Motorsports in Laguna, California rebuilt the engine including new pistons, cylinders, and bearings. The coolant pipes were also welded in place for added safety. A four-page invoice totaling $16,457.83 is provided in the gallery. A spares package also comes with the car, including the following components:

• Extra wheel halves
• New rear rotors
• Used rear rotors
• Spare brake pads
• Spare used clutch
• Used Coil packs
• Extra wheel nut cups
• Wheel tie downs
• Wheel nuts
• Coolant hoses
• New wheel bearings
• Spare shift cable

A video of this GT3 Cup Car running can be viewed above.

from The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-porsche-gt3-cup-car/