1959 Ford Thunderbird coupe, 1926 Chrysler and 1966 Bristol 409 in Lichfield historic vehicles auction

Special Buyer’s Premium of 10% plus VAT on motor vehicles

ONE of the most iconic American cars of the 1950s is amongst a fleet of historic vehicles coming up for auction in Lichfield next month.

The 1959 Ford Thunderbird coupe 7L V8 petrol engine was a New York car until 2018 when it was imported to the UK.

It goes under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, on Tuesday, December 3, starting at 9.30am.

Launched in 1955 as an upscale sporty two-seater convertible, this T-Bird is the redesigned 1958 model which introduced a rear seat and became one of the first in the new category of personal luxury cars.

Presented in sea green, the Thunderbird has colour-matched and cream leather interior, reminiscent of classic 1950s American diners.

Resgistered in the UK on February 1 2019, it’s a slice of 1950s American dream which is a rarity to find at auction in Britain.

The Thunderbird is one of a number of special vehicles offered in the December 3 sale as project cars.

Also going under the hammer are a 1956 Buick Riviera 6L V8, a 1926 Chrysler Six Series 60 with a 3L straight six petrol engine, a 1937 Wolseley 14-56 and a 1948 Rover P3 60, colloquially known as ‘The Cyclops’, first registered in 1951.

Other sought-after cars include a 1970 Triumph Herald 1200 and a 1966 Bristol 409 saloon with a 5.2L V8 engine and Torqueflite push-button automatic transmission.

As the name of the latter suggests, 409 of the Bristols were made and there are now just 69 left in circulation.

And that’s not all!

Modern vehicles in the same December 3 sale include a Volvo C70 2.4 V8 with a folding couple roof, a Range Rover Vogue and a 1982 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit.

There is also a Honda CBR600F motorcycle, the last of the steel frames.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers a special Buyer’s Premium of 10% plus VAT on the hammer price of motor vehicles.

For more information on each vehicle including guide estimates, history, detailed spec and photographs, view the catalogue online a week before sale.

Viewing in person by appointment takes place on Friday, November 29, from 10am-4pm; Monday, December 2, from 10am-7.30pm; and on Tuesday, December 3, from 9am until the sale starts at 12pm.

To arrange viewing or for any other inquiries, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01543 251081.