Hexagon Classics is selling a mint concours 28 year old Mercedes 500 SL with just 965 miles.

• Hexagon Classics presents possibly one of the best Mercedes R107s on sale anywhere in the world
• Incredible UK-supplied 500 SL has been cherished from new having covered just 965 miles since 1989
• Production of the R107 spanned 17 years and it played starring roles in popular TV series such as Dallas
• Example at Hexagon is not only in timewarp condition but also one of the last R107s made making it highly collectable

Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon is delighted to offer for sale an outstanding R107 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL – a 956-mile car that is potentially the best on sale in the world right now.  

Having covered an average of just 34 miles every year over its 28-year lifespan, this remarkable 500 SL is in true timewarp condition, completely cherished from new with flawless black paint and completely unmarked Cream Beige Hide.

A 1989 right-hand-drive UK-supplied car, it is also one of the last R107s produced – the model range was completely replaced by the R129 series in the same year – and represents a unique opportunity for a collector. 

First launched in 1971, the R107 became the company’s second longest running production model of all time. Based on the W114 saloon, but with engines from the larger and more powerful S-Class, it blended speed, refinement, safety and style, and was over-engineered in famous Mercedes-Benz style.

A stylish two-seater drop head with occasional seating for two in the rear, the car was an immediate success, thanks in part to its fully lined roof that made it usable daily in all climates. The R107 also made numerous appearances on popular TV shows, including a starring role in Dallas.

Supplied new on 1^st November 1989, the 500 SL at Hexagon Classics features a 242bhp 5.0-litre V8 and has a host of options including ‘Tempomat’ cruise control, air conditioning, green-tinted sun-deflecting glass, heated seats and a separate hard top. Accompanying this ultra-rare, low mileage Mercedes is its original tool kit and book pack with two hardtop release handles.

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for someone to purchase a true collector’s item. It is always difficult to find Mercedes of this era with low mileage – like Porsches they were built to be used daily after all – but to find an R107 500 SL with less than 1,000 miles on the clock is just unbelievable. This example is perfect in every way and looks like it has just driven out of a showroom in 1989.”

This remarkable Mercedes is priced at £94,995 and is available to view at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in north London.

MacG Racing, the UK’s only distributor of the current AC Cobra brand, will be launching the first right-hand-drive MK VI at The Performance Car Show this month.

• First ever right hand drive AC Cobra MK VI to be launched by the UK’s first and sole distributors, MacG Racing
• Come and see the unveiling of this 437hp V8 supercharged sports car for the UK market in Hall 19 on stand 19210
• FIA Homologated GT4 race car to follow
• Each car is handmade according to customer specification and continues the heritage of one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers
• Get your tickets at www.performancecarshow.com today

MacG Racing, the UK’s only distributor of the current AC Cobra brand, will be launching the first right-hand-drive MK VI at The Performance Car Show this month.

Handbuilt in Germany, this is the first chance for petrolheads to see this version of the exquisite and powerful AC Cobra. AC Cars is one of the UK’s oldest car manufacturers and was first established in 1901 when John Weller set up a garage in London to realise a passion for building cars. 

It was in 1903 that Weller, with the backing of wealthy businessman John Portwine, helped bring the concept to reality as Weller debuted two versions of his ‘Autocar’ at the British Motor Show that year – in a twin-cylinder 10-horsepower and a four-cylinder 20-horsepower configuration. For the first time in 1915, the abbreviation AC was used, and in November of that year a new company was formed called Autocarriers Limited.

Fast-forward 101 years and the latest iteration of the venerable AC Cobra, will be one of the stars of the Performance Car Show. The Mk VI’s engine is a 6.2-litre, 434bhp V8, enabling the stunning car to go from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 173mph (278 km/h). The car is fully homologated for worldwide sales and meets all current emission Standards. Information will also be available on an FIA Homologated GT4 race car currently in development.

MacG Racing, a family run motorsport and engineering team with over 15 years experience of running vehicles in various national level championships, will be launching the car as part of its overall activity at the Performance Car Show in January.

Richard MacGregor of MacG Racing, said: “The AC Cobra is an iconic model which has remained extremely popular throughout its different versions. The MK VI retains all of the beauty and charm of the original AC Cobras, with a modern update.

“Previously only available in left hand drive, we are thrilled that we can now launch a version better suited to British roads and can’t wait to introduce the right hand drive version of this incredible machine at the Performance Car Show in January. Our Racing Team are also excited about our involvement in the development of the GT4 version and being able to race it in due course”

This is just one of the many highlights at the Performance Car Show. Visitors will also be treated to an exciting range of cars on the Autocar and Pistonheads.com stand, including a Ford GT, Aston Martin DB11 and Honda NSX.

In addition, there will be a very special display of rarefied road-going and race Sierra RS500 Cosworths to mark the iconic performance car’s 30th anniversary.

One of the most rare cars in the world today is coming up for sale via Hexagon Classics.

• Hexagon is delighted to offer for sale an incredibly rare, right-hand-drive Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
• The stunning example could well be the only right-hand-drive convertible 280 on sale in the world today
• Car is offered in near-concours condition, having been the subject of a highly detailed restoration by Sleeping Beauties of Brisbane  

Hexagon Classics is delighted to offer for sale an extremely rare example of the timeless Mercedes-Benz 280.

This right-hand-drive SE 3.5 Cabriolet version was handbuilt back in 1970 to extremely high standards, and it could well be the only RHD convertible 280 on sale in the world right now.

The subject of a detailed restoration by Australia’s leading Mercedes-Benz restoration company, Sleeping Beauties of Brisbane, it is in incredible condition. Features include a super smooth four-speed, floor-mounted automatic gearbox, electric windows and a six-layer folding roof.

With a refined but powerful V8 engine, excellent sound deadening and power steering, it all adds up to one of the most relaxing cars in the world, a four-seater cabriolet that can cruise along in classy quietness.

This impeccable Mercedes comes in striking black paint, which contrasts beautifully with the luxurious red leather interior. On top of this, the car has its original handbook and detailed pictures of its full restoration.

The 280 was first introduced in 1965 and was built to rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley Corniche Convertibles. This car is perfect for a Mercedes enthusiast looking to enjoy the one of the world’s most relaxing four-seater soft-top convertibles and is available to view at Hexagon’s central London showroom.

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, said: “Seeing a right-hand-drive Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 for sale is extremely rare, let alone one like this in such incredible condition. It’s one of the greatest cars in the German brand’s history and certainly deserves all the plaudits it gets. Sleeping Beauties of Brisbane has done sterling work restoring this stunning car, and a lucky buyer can now profit from their brilliance and Mercedes’ expertise.”

An ultra rare, time warp condition Datsun 260Z has been listed for auction later this month by Classic Car Auctions.

• The 1978 Datsun has covered just 8,285 miles in 38 years
• The car is in exceptional original condition having spent 21 years in storage
• Having been revealed in May this year, it goes to auction with an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000

A rare, low mileage 1978 Datsun 260Z, which has been hidden away for 21 years, will go under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions’ (CCA) September Sale on Saturday 24^th September at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

The original UK, right-hand drive example was first registered in March 1978 and has had just two owners in its lifetime. Purchased by its current owner in 1994, the car was the fruit of a long and laborious search by its owner to source the best 260Z possible. 

With its low mileage and long term ownership, this particular Datsun was the rare find the owner was looking for, finished in a striking shade of Copper Bronze Metallic.

It was used sparingly for just one year before a change in circumstances meant that the car was put into storage in 1995, showing just 8,285 miles on the clock. It remained there for a further 21 years, untouched, until being revealed again in May of this year.

When the car was pulled out of storage it underwent a thorough inspection by a marque specialist. The engine was turned by hand and then connected to a small auxiliary fuel tank to bypass the fuel tank/lines and briefly started and run with no obvious issues.

Today, presented exactly as the day it went into storage two decades ago, the car’s wonderfully original condition makes it a highly collectible and rare example, showing no obvious signs of excessive use. As a time-warp example, it is expected to sell for £18,000 to £22,000 when offered at auction.

“This car is an unrepeatable opportunity to own what could be one of the lowest mileage ‘Z’ cars in existence”, explains Guy Lees-Milne, auction manager of CCA. “This fantastic car is a rare find ready for recommissioning or preserving, and will make for a very rewarding and straightforward project for the winning bidder.”

Included in the sale is the car’s history file containing past MoTs, original hand book and service book, original tool roll, jack and wheel chock and a letter from the Datsun 'Z' Car Register confirming its mileage. 

RHD versions of the Audi A4 Allroad Avant quattro will soon be available in the UK.

RHD versions of the first Audi to incorporate the brand’s latest advancement in all-wheel drive will soon be available in the UK

• Ordering expected to open in late April – pricing and specification to be confirmed at the same timewith first deliveries in June
• 2.0 TFSI with 252 PS will be the first engine to adopt quattro with ultra technology – more manual and S tronic Audi models will benefit in the future
• Permanently available all-wheel drive anticipates optimal power distribution
• Three stages of activation ensure no perceptible change from FWD to AWD
• quattro drivetrain with ultra technology saves 4 kg in weight

The same composure, controllability and reassurance with major efficiency gains – that was the goal during the development of an entirely new version of the legendary Audi quattro all-wheel drive system, and the all-new A4 allroad quattro is the first in line to reap its benefits.

The newly developed, permanently available quattro system with ultra technology will soon become available to order in the UK, initially in conjunction with the 252PS version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine powering the latest A4 allroad. Three other TDI engine variants in the A4 allroad range will also open for order at the end of April, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in June.

Designed for Audi models with longitudinally installed engines, the revolutionary new technology delivers tangible benefits in terms of both fuel efficiency and CO2 output during every journey. Fundamentally, the system deactivates all-wheel drive when it is not needed, but ensures that it is also permanently and instantaneously available, significantly reducing the potential fuel consumption difference between the two drive configurations.

By using a highly intelligent networked sensor system that communicates with a multi-plate clutch and integrated decoupler on the rear axle, the A4 allroad can switch between front- or all-wheel drive in a split-second depending on the driving conditions.

Predictive all-wheel drive

The all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of a comprehensive array of sensors and the continuous analysis of the driving dynamics, road condition and driver behaviour. Consequently, the quattro all-wheel drive system is always ready when needed.

During standard operation at low loads without the risk of wheel slip, the new quattro technology taps into all the advantages of front-wheel-drive. Every ten milliseconds, the system acquires and analyses a wide variety of data, such as steering angle, lateral and longitudinal acceleration and engine torque to name just a few. If it determines that quattro assistance would be beneficial, activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive, i.e. forward-looking, and reactive. 

On the proactive level, the focus is on the data delivered by the networked systems in the car. The control unit uses this data to, for example, compute the point when the inside front tyre will reach the limit of grip during fast cornering. The calculation is completed roughly 0.5 seconds in advance. If the wheel approaches the limit of grip to within a defined threshold, the all-wheel drive system is activated.

With predictive activation, the quattro control unit orients primarily on the driver’s style, the status of the ESC and the mode selected in drive select, and on the trailer detection system.

With reactive activation, which rarely occurs in practice, the system reacts to sudden changes in the coefficient of friction. These occur, for example, when the wheels go from dry asphalt to a sheet of ice.

Greater control with Audi drive select                                        

By hardwiring quattro with the Audi drive select adaptive driving system fitted as standard to all A4 allroad models, the driver can adjust the all-wheel-drive properties to suit his or her individual requirements. The auto mode in drive select provides the best possible traction and balanced driving dynamics. In dynamic mode, power is sent to the rear axle sooner and to a larger degree, improving the driving dynamics particularly at low coefficients of friction. Wheel-selective torque control – a software function of the ESC – smooths out the handling as needed by minimally braking the inside wheels.

Self-locking centre differential – zero lag                                      

The rest of the A4 allroad quattro engine line-up, comprising the 2.0 TDI with 190 PS and the 3.0 TDI with 218 PS or 272 PS, employs the acclaimed quattro drivetrain with a self-locking centre differential. It is configured as a purely mechanical planetary gear with zero lag. Oblique splines produce axial forces immediately when torque is transferred by the differential. These forces act on friction discs to produce a locking torque that diverts the torque to the wheels with the better traction.

During normal driving operation, the self-locking centre differential distributes the power asymmetrically, with 60 percent flowing to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front axle. This increases to a maximum of 70 per cent up front and 85 per cent to the rear when required. The high locking values enable a clearly defined distribution of torque and highly precise interaction with the control systems, such as the ESC and wheel-selective torque control.

34mm of extra ground clearance                                              

The Audi A4 allroad quattro has a long-established reputation as an outstanding cross-country performer, and facilitating its impressive on- or off-road ability is an increased ground clearance of 34 mm over the standard A4 Avant. An offroad mode can be selected using Audi drive select to make the most of this feature. Also available for when the going gets tough is optional adaptive suspension with damper control. As is customary for Audi allroad models, robust underbody guards and contrasting wheel arches create a rugged look in combination with a unique single frame grille design and model-specific air intakes and roof bars.

True to form, all A4 allroad models will come equipped with the same home comforts and up-to-the-minute technological features that already mark out the A4 Saloon and Avant. Highlights include xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, the Audi smartphone interface, rear parking sensors and electrically powered tailgate operation, plus protective equipment such as the Audi pre-sense collision avoidance system and multi-collision brake assist.

Standout options include the Audi Virtual Cockpit with its pin-sharp fully digital display, MMI Navigation plus with MMI Touch, a head-up display and Matrix LED headlights. A folding tow bar with electric release can also be specified, further adding to the impressive utility.  

The Audi A4 allroad quattro can also be ordered with one of the latest developments in driver asssistance: adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. At speeds of up to 37 mph, the vehicle will accelerate, brake and steer independently, relieving stress on the driver in slow-moving traffic. As part of the driver assistance pack – tour, customers can also take advantage of the predictive efficiency assistant, which helps drivers to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent by using navigation route data to adapt the cruise control system’s preselected speed to the route and the speed limits for the most fuel efficient and comfortable journey.  

IRELAND - The first New Mustang has been collected by it's new owner in Letterkenny, Ireland.

When Denis Ferry collected his new Ford Mustang recently from main Ford Dealer, Hegarty’s Auto Services in Letterkenny, he made a little bit of history. Dunfanaghy native, Denis, is the first Mustang owner in Ireland to own a right hand drive version of the iconic Ford Mustang.  

The Ford Mustang was launched in the US in 1964 and up until now, the car was only made in left-hand drive versions for the North American and special export markets. However, that all changed back in December 2013, when Ford announced that a specially developed ‘European’ version of Mustang would be sold in Europe.

Denis Ferry has long been a fan of Mustang and Ford performance cars in general so upon hearing about the plans for the launch of Mustang in Europe back in 2013, on the same day, he went along to his local Ford Dealer, Hegarty’s in Letterkenny, and placed the first order for Mustang in Ireland and, indeed, Europe.

“I can’t describe the feeling of getting behind the wheel of my very own Ford Mustang”, said Denis upon collecting his new ride. “I have always loved the look of Mustang cars and this latest version is one of the most beautiful ever. When I heard Mustang was coming to Ireland, I didn’t hesitate, I just had to have one – I am delighted to be the first Mustang customer in Ireland”.

Andrew Hegarty, from Hegarty’s Auto Services, said: “We wish Denis many years of happy and safe motoring in his new Mustang. With the help of Pat Hart from CAB Motors in Cork, we were delighted to supply Denis with the first Mustang in Ireland and we felt we had to mark this very important occasion so we gave Denis a framed certificate recognising him as the first Mustang customer in Ireland”.

Denis can not wait to get out on the open road with his new Mustang, a 2.3 litre EcoBoost petrol version: “For my first trip in the car, myself and my son are going off on a round-Ireland trip – we can’t wait…!”

New Mustang is available in 2.3 litre EcoBoost petrol 317PS or a V8 5.0 litre petrol 416PS.

1961 Jaguar E-Type recreates an iconic speed test in Belgium, and achieves 146mph, just shy of the 1961 figure.

1961 Jaguar E-Type chassis 860001, the very first right-hand-drive production Fixed Head Coupé restored by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC), has been driven to 146 mph on a German autobahn by British Hill Climb Champion, David Franklin.

David was recreating for Octane magazine’s 150^th issue one of the most famous road tests ever undertaken, attempting to match the 150 mph a Jaguar E-Type reached on a Belgian motorway in 1961, and he nearly made it!

David said:  “I saw 146mph and it was still accelerating when I had to back off because of cars and lorries in the distance.  When you’re travelling at that speed you have to err on the side of caution. You’re catching other traffic up quite quickly and you have to remember that there’s no ABS, although the brakes felt strong and progressive.It would comfortably have reached 150mph. Of that, I have absolutely no doubt.”

In 1961, Autocar took E-Type 9600HP to Belgium for a high speed test, looking to assess Jaguar’s claim that a standard roadgoing E-type could achieve 150mph.  This claim was validated in the historic road test, and Octane ventured to recreate the event using a similar car, E-Type 1VHP, chassis 860001.

The car was restored in the early 2000s by CMC, one of the world’s leading restoration companies, and is regularly serviced and prepared by the company.

Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “For safety’s sake, we could leave nothing to chance with the preparation of the car.  The demands of running at 150mph are very different from those required at half that speed.”

For this occasion, the team at CMC went through the car with a fine attention to detail, fitting new wheels and Avon CR6 ZZ tyres and checking every mechanical element. The car’s engine was even dyno-tested on a rolling road and a higher capacity fuel pump was installed as well.

Peter Neumark, Chairman of CMC and owner of the car 1VHP, said: “Chassis 860001 was built on 10 July 1961 and despatched on 26 August to Henlys in London as a demonstrator, which makes you wonder how many famous personalities sat in it during the first few weeks. We restored it to factory condition in the early 2000s and I drive it a lot.”

David Franklin, who has been competing in motor sport since 1965 and has been a champion in disciplines ranging from HSCC Historic GTs to hillclimbs and sprints, was incredibly impressed with the condition of the E-Type.  He said: “It rode very well, and the engine seemed notably smoother above 3500rpm.”

The official reading on E-Type chassis 860001 was 146.49mph, a result that greatly impressed Peter, who said: “I thought it would do well to get to 135, maybe 138mph, so I’m absolutely delighted. Well done to David Franklin!”

The first production right hand drive 1967 TR5 Roadster is to be sold by leading classic car restorers Classic Motor Cars

The car will be on display at the Classic & Sports Car show at Alexandra Palace

The first production right hand drive 1967 TR5 Roadster is to be sold by leading classic car restorers Classic Motor Cars (CMC).

This incredibly special car was the first TR5 P1 to be built on the normal assembly line, and is one of only 1,100 to be produced, carrying with it an indisputable history.

Manufactured on the 29th August 1967 by Standard Triumph Motor Company Limited, the car went into the Press Fleet, as well as appearing at the Earls Court motor show of that year.

The production of TR5s lasted a 13 month period, between August 1967 and September 1968.  They were built with a 2.5 litre straight-6-fuel-injected engine, developing around 145 hp.  Fuel injection was incredibly rare in road cars in 1967, causing Triumph to claim that this was the “First British production sports car with petrol injection”.

Managing Director of CMC, Nick Goldthorp said: “This TR5 is in very original condition throughout, having been serviced and maintained to a high standard throughout the last 48 years. A comprehensive and detailed history file confirms the provenance of this distinctive and historic car, which will certainly be a great addition to any car collection.”

The car is unique both inside and out, boasting an interior that has been upheld to an impressive standard over the years.  The car’s mechanics have been rebuilt using only genuine Stanpart parts where needed.  Furthermore, all the parts that have been replaced over time are accompanied by their respective documents, confirming their authenticity.

This iconic car is finished in the exterior colour of Valencia Blue with Black Ambala interior, and is being sold for £79,500.

It will be on display at the Classic & Sports Car show at Alexandra Palace, Stand H100, from Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November.