Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1980s Sinclair C5 electric vehicle

Sinclair

It was launched in 1985 as the future of commuter travel, but was treated a joke vehicle upon its launch. But over 25 years on, electric vehicles are all the rage – although none look quite like the Sinclair C5.

It's essentially a tricycle, steered with a handlebar and able to hit 15mph at a top speed. You can also use it without a driving licence.  None of that sold it to the public though, with only 12,000 actually shifting.

This is one of them, which has been in a museum on the Isle of Wight for over 20 years and is still in factory fresh condition, working just fine too. The only things missing are the rear hub caps. Fancy it? Bidding right now is at £170, not bad for a piece of British motoring history, albeit a very quirky one.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Kids

1950’s Child’s Carousel Car

Carousel_car_596_2_3
This incredible Child's Carousel Car is a fantastic piece of fairground memorabilia from antique salvage site Elemental.

It's Italian in origin and dates from 1950, embodying all of the typical style characteristics of the era; classic fins, bubble windscreens front and rear and colourful atomic-style paintwork with great chrome detailing.

It seats four and measures 1.8 metres long, so it's a pretty substantial little vehicle.

It's currently in the sale, down from £4300 to £2800 – you can admire it from multiple angles and purchase it here.

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

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Bond Bug three-wheel car

Bondbug

It's a cult car from the space age end of the 1970s – and a Bond Bug is on eBay right now.

Designed by Tom Karen for Ogle Design (which also designed the Raleigh Chopper), this compact three-wheeler, the car was first seen in 1968 and went into production via Reliant in 1970, aimed at the hip young motorist of the day.

The model here is described as an 850ES, registered in 1974 and packing an 850cc engine, two seats and some upgrade work by the current owner. It's also had a new paint job via the owner before that. Right now it's up for £3,000, which isn't cheap, but it's not exactly a car you'll see everyday. Saying that, we suspect it's a lot of fun to drive.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Karmann

I know we have featured one of these in the past, but I couldn't resist highlighting this superb example of a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia currently on eBay.

It dates from 1967, but according to the seller, the car has been 'completely taken apart, sand blasted then rebuilt', with new brakes, wheels, tyres, interior and paint job, while the engine has been taken apart, rebuilt and re-chromed professionally. In addition, the engine has been tunes and the gearbox reconditioned. It's certainly an impressive restoration.

Downside? Well, left hand drive if you're not used to it and possibly the price. Right now it's at £1, but with a reserve, that means nothing. You can take a chance that the reserve is fairly low or you can simply splash out on the 'buy it now' priced of £8,500 if you happen to be feeling flush.

Find out more at the eBay website