One of the most famous and desirable of all AC Cobras has been secured for H&H’s February 2006 sale. Known the world over by its registration number (39 PH), it was entered by the factory for the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hour race, where it duly won the GT III category and finished 7th overall in the hands of Ninian Sanderson and Peter Bolton. It was then procured by John Willment for ‘Gentleman Jack’ Sears to drive, at which time its pale metallic green paint was replaced with the distinctive red body and white stripes of the Willment team – the livery it has retained to this day.
Sears achieved many notable successes with the car and it remains one of the most original of all competition Cobras. Estimate: £700,000-800,000.
Also starring – the EMKA AstonsSponsored by Hawaiian Tropic in 1983 and Dow Corning in 1985, the EMKA Aston was designed by Len Bailey and prepared by Michael Cane Racing for the late Steve O’Rourke.
The manager of Pink Floyd, O’Rourke was passionate about racing and Le Mans in particular. With Tiff Needell and Nick Faure he finished 17th in 1983 and 11th in 1985 – winning the ‘Motor’ Trophy for best-placed British car on both occasions. On offer are:• The original car in its final form• A recreation of the Hawaiian Tropic car• A range of mechanical spares and body moulds
Estimate for both cars and spares as one lot: £180,000-200,000.
F1 feastAlso secured for the February sale are:• A 1981 ex-Nigel Mansell Lotus 87B with a host of spares and body moulds. Estimate: £240,000-270,000• A 1971 ex-Jean-Pierre Beltoise Matra MS120B, complete with new period engine. Estimate: £270,000-320,000
Stunning new venueWhat better place to auction serious horsepower than the sensational Centaur building at Cheltenham Racecourse. Opened in 2004, it has already played host to such major companies as Honda and Zurich and such stars as Kiri Te Kanawa and Nigel Kennedy.
H&H will hold its inaugural sale there on the 20/21 February 2006.
Further information on this and all other H&H sales can be found by calling +44 (0)1925 730630.
