Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1980s Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition in white

Quant_mini

Yes, we have featured these before, but every example we have previously seen has been in black. This is a limited edition Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition in white.

Around 1,000 were made in white back in 1988, but it's debatable how many actually survived, although a growing number are creeping onto eBay right now in varying condition, not so many in white though. Maybe time has been less kind to the lighter shade. This particular example has done just short of 70,000 miles in its time, with eight previous owners. All of the 'designer' features look to be there, but you might want to note that its had a 'full body refurb and brand new paint job', so not necessarily original. There's also new carpets, Cooper 'S' Minilite 12" alloys and new tyres as part of the deal.

Another shot over the page or check out the listing for many more. £1,030 is the current bid price.

Find out more at the eBay website

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Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Citroen DS car

Ds

I was just reviewing an old horror movie on another of our sites and finding myself appreciating the Citroen DS that was used in one scene. So I opened up eBay, hunt around and found this 1970s Citroen DS available for auction.

According to the seller, this particular model is from 1974, with 100,000 miles on the clock and imported originally from Italy. The idea was to do it up, some of which was done to the tune of £1,600 from an established DS workshop. However, some work is needed to upgrade the interior and bodywork – but mechanically it's said to run just fine with both tax and MOT in place.

The 2.2-litre engine might drink petrol, but there's no denying that this is a head-turner and a genuine classic. Right now, bidding is at £1,119.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Architecture, Art and Photography, Cars and Bikes

100 years of Michelin House

Michelin poster

If you are London based, you may want to check out some of the events designed to celebrated 100 years of Michelin House

This distinctive building, on the corner of Fulham Road, was commissioned by the Michelin company as their first British HQ. They moved out in 1985 when it was bought by Terence Conran and Paul Hamlyn. The building now hosts the Conran Shop as well as the Bibendum oyster bar and remains as architecturally interesting as ever, decorated with stained glass, ornate tiles and combining a curious mixture of Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences. 

Currently the front of the shop and a small display is devoted to the building's history, including some archive photographs and original advertising posters. As part of the celebrations, six of these iconic pieces of Michelin advertising, selected from their historic archive, have been re-issued by the Conran Shop on canvas – including the distinctive design above. 

Unfortunately the prints are currently available in store only but prices start at £99 for a 72 x 52cm print. 

Find out more about the prints and other instore events online.

Categories / Cars and Bikes

Images of all-new Volkswagen Beetle appear online

Vw1

It was the first of the classic cars to get a modern makeover, but with both the Mini and Fiat 500 overtaking it of late, 2011 is perhaps a good time for an all-new Volkswagen Beetle to launch.

According to Car magazine, which has a clutch of spy shots (you can see more over the page), the all-new Beetle will be unveiled around April/May, with the images shown being the latest test model. It might still change a little before it hits the showroom (with regard to the wheel arches in particular, which are still based on the current model), but this is almost the finished item.

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Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1988 Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition

Quant

We have featured one of these in the past, but as they come up so infrequently – and we think they're a collectible of tomorrow – we're flagging up another Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant Edition.

This one dates from 1988, one of around 2,000 Mary Quant-designed Minis made at the time. But we suspect a good number have been scrapped since then. The ones that survive don't cost a fortune right now, but in time, they just might rise up in price.

The seller doesn't give lots away, but it looks like the outer Quant detail and that distinctive striped upholstery are all intact. Indeed, it's described as being in 'excellent condition throughout' with 'no rust, dents or scabs' you'll be pleased to know. Mileage isn't mentioned, drop them a line about that. Right now it's up for £1,800.

Find out more at the eBay website

Update: Amazingly, another one has just gone up too, it's a bit cheaper as well. See details of that one here.

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Fiat X1/9 by Bertone sports car

Fiat

Looking for a head-turning retro sports car that doesn't cost a fortune? Right now, this 1970s Fiat X1/9 by Bertone sports car could fit the bill.

The car was produced by Fiat from 1972 – 1982, this one being a 1978 version with a 1300cc engine and removable hard top that looks, on first glance, like being a perfect example. But read the write-up and you'll see it's had some restoration, but needs more – a dent to the driver's door needs sorting for a start.

Saying that, it's it's described as a 'great driving' car and has just 48,000 miles on the clock, so if you're willing to do the work, it could be a winner. Right now, bidding is at £210.

Find out more at the eBay website