1968 Jaguar 420. At a Glance:

50 Years With One Owner | Bare-Metal Restoration | Beautifully Usable Classic

Hundreds of photos and videos of this car at Trade Classics Auctions: 1968 Jaguar 420

Auction ends 27th August.

A wonderfully usable example of Jaguar’s compact sporting saloon, this 1968 Jaguar 420 has been with its current owner for an extraordinary 50 years.

Purchased in 1976, the Jaguar has long since become part of the family, including playing a role in both his daughter’s and son’s weddings. Around 35 years ago it underwent a substantial restoration, including a bare-metal respray and an engine rebuild.

Today, it presents as an attractive and honest classic that has clearly been enjoyed rather than simply stored away. Its deep red paintwork, plentiful chrome, and wire wheels give it tremendous period presence, while the largely original interior carries the character you would expect from a car of this age.

Most importantly, this 420 remains a lovely car to drive. The engine sounds strong, the steering feels good, and the all-round disc brakes perform well. After half a century of ownership, Stuart feels the time has come for somebody else to enjoy the Jaguar and continue its story.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Mike the owner's son-in-law, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet. At a Glance:

1980s Icon | Open-Top Motoring | Classic GTI Character

Hundreds of photos and videos of this car at Trade Classics Auctions: 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Auction ends 27th August.

Few cars capture the spirit of the 1980s quite like the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf, and the Cabriolet combined the joy of open-air motoring with one of Volkswagen's most recognisable designs.

This 1984 example combines the familiar squared-off Mk1 styling with GTI detailing, a period-style body kit, and BBS-style wheels. Finished in white with a contrasting two-tone cabin, it certainly has plenty of retro appeal.

It isn't presented as a concours example - with a handful of cosmetic imperfections to be found around the car - but underneath that, it remains an enjoyable classic that Allison reports to be great fun out on the road.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Alison the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

NO RESERVE – 1969 Lotus Elan S4 (Barn Find). At a Glance:

Genuine 'Barn Find' | 54-Year Family Ownership | Modest Mileage | Original and Complete Restoration Project

Hundreds of photos and videos of this car at Trade Classics Auctions: NO RESERVE – 1969 Lotus Elan S4 (Barn Find)

Auction ends 27th August.

A time-capsule 1969 Lotus Elan S4, single-family owned since 1972 and stored since 1979.

Before the Elan, sports cars were typically heavy, rigid, and brutal to drive, but the Elan S4 shattered this mould by proving a car didn't need a massive engine to be blindingly fast.

Built on a revolutionary steel backbone chassis, wrapped in a lightweight fibreglass body, the S4 tipped the scales at a mere 1,500 lbs (approx. 680 kg). With its independent four-wheel suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, it delivered a level of agility, balance, and pure road feedback that left contemporary competitors looking clumsy; ultimately establishing the modern blueprint and a gold standard for communicative steering that engineers still reference today.

At its core, a barn find is a modern treasure hunt. In an era where almost everything can be mapped, tracked, and looked up online, the idea that you can find and own a rare piece of history is incredibly romantic. For car enthusiasts, discovering a barn find triggers the same rush of adrenaline that an archaeologist must feel when uncovering an ancient tomb.

Representing the ultimate modern treasure hunt, this 1969 Lotus Elan S4 is a genuine, single-family-owned barn find showing just 43,509 miles. Tucked away in dry storage since 1979, this remarkably complete orange example with a decent black interior was smartly presented before its decades-long hibernation. While its legendary twin-cam 1.6 litre engine has remained unused and will require careful mechanical recommissioning, the reward is an unrepeatable time capsule. The next custodian isn’t simply purchasing classic machinery; they are inheriting a fascinating, uninterrupted provenance. This highly original Lotus comes complete with its V5 document, a file of historic 1970s paperwork, old MOT certificates, and several boxes of spare parts.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after having met Mark, the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

1977 Mercedes Benz 350SL (R107). At a Glance:

23 Years' Ownership | Bulletproof V8 Power | Smart Presentation | Excellent Rolling Improvement Project

Hundreds more photos and videos at: 1977 Mercedes Benz 350SL (R107)

Fixed Price: £8,720 all in.

Even today, no other car quite matches the SL's reputation as the ultimate luxury status symbol of the '70s and '80s.

When the Mercedes-Benz R107 350 SL made its grand debut in the spring of 1971, it faced a seemingly impossible task: replacing the legendary Pagoda SL. While Mercedes may have traded raw agility for increased weight and luxury, the process ultimately created a new benchmark in high-end motoring for a well-to-do clientele.

Spanning an astonishing 18-year production run, the R107 generation defined an entire era of open-top luxury, effortlessly balancing world-class engineering with unmatched elite status. As the ultimate Grand Tourer, it offered the dual personality that modern enthusiasts still crave: a sophisticated, daily-drivable V8 luxury cruiser capable of crossing continents without breaking a sweat. Designed with safety in mind, it incorporated state-of-the-art features to protect occupants alongside driver ergonomics that became an industry standard.

This 1977 automatic 350 SL is smartly finished in red with a black hardtop, complemented by a tidy cream-beige coloured plaid cloth interior. It has been cherished by the same owner for the past 23 years, during which time the bodywork has received continuous attention. While it is perfectly usable and ready to enjoy immediately, it has plenty of potential to add value and would benefit from some further care to bring it up to tip-top condition. The car is sold with a long MOT, running until October 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

1970 Ford Cortina 1600E

Documented Recent Restoration Costing +£28k | Show Ready

Full details and hundreds of photos/videos here: 1970 Ford Cortina 1600E

Fixed price: £31,950

A well-known British icon used as a sales car or family saloon… the Cortina did it all.

With "More Looks… More Room… More Go… More Car for your money," it was a sure-fire winner right from the off. Launched in September 1962, the team at Ford had worked hard and fast to bring us the Cortina within the 20-month deadline they had set themselves. In the first year alone, more than 300,000 units were sold, thus proving that Ford had got the Cortina just right.

With other manufacturers aware of the model's success, they started to build their own models to compete with Ford. This is when the Cortina received a major facelift in 1964, which pushed the popularity of the car even further, and by the autumn of 1966, more than 1 million units had been sold, making the Cortina Britain's most successful car ever built.

This stunning example has just completed an extensive restoration, bringing it to an excellent standard and leaving it ready to be added to a collection or enjoyed on the road.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Steve the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

1973 Opel Manta 16S. At a Glance:

Rare Manta S Model | Long-Term Ownership | Lovely Condition | Drives Well

Hundreds of photos and videos of this car at Trade Classics Auctions: 1973 Opel Manta 16S

Auction ends 20th August.

A stylish '70s sports coupé, combining distinctive design, engaging rear-wheel-drive performance, and timeless classic appeal.

Introduced in the early 1970s, the Opel Manta quickly became one of the most recognisable European sports coupes of its era. Developed as Opel’s answer to the growing demand for stylish, affordable performance cars, the Manta offered sleek coupe styling, practical usability, and engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Sharing its platform with the Opel Ascona, it provided reliable mechanicals combined with distinctive looks that helped establish a loyal following among enthusiasts.

The Manta S represented one of the more desirable versions of the range, featuring the elegant lines and characterful details that define these classic coupes today. With its pillarless coupe styling, chrome detailing, and driver-focused interior, the Manta remains a rare and increasingly appreciated classic, particularly in original right-hand-drive form.

This 1973 Opel Manta S has been cared for by Cliff over the years, having been meticulously maintained throughout his ownership. Finished in a striking red with its original badging and black roof, this example benefits from a fresh paint finish completed in 2000 and presents as a very original and well-preserved example.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Cliff the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

2006 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner. At a Glance:

~5 Year Ownership | ~£13k Spend in 2024 | Low Mileage | Twin-Turbo W12 | Mulliner Spec | Luxury Grand Tourer | 12 Main Dealer Services

Hundreds more photos and videos at: 2006 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner |

Fixed price: £18,950.

A true luxury grand tourer, combining effortless performance with exceptional refinement, all powered by Bentley’s magnificent 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine.

Introduced in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT marked the beginning of a new era for the marque under Volkswagen Group ownership. Built at Bentley’s Crewe factory in Cheshire, it successfully combined traditional British craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, creating one of the brand’s most accomplished grand tourers.

The Mulliner Driving Specification was introduced in 2005, offering an even higher level of luxury and sporting appeal. Enhancements included 20-inch split-rim seven-spoke alloy wheels, drilled alloy pedals and footrest, a chrome-finished gear lever, diamond-quilted leather to the doors and rear quarter panels, embroidered Bentley seat emblems, and an extensive choice of two-tone leather and veneer combinations, including dark-stained burr walnut.

This Continental comes to market following ~5 years of ownership and has had just 4 former keepers. Finished in the highly desirable Mulliner Driving Specification, it has covered a modest ~28,800 miles from new.

Presented in attractive Cypress Green over a contrasting Portland leather interior, it is accompanied by Bentley service history - it's clear to see this is a cut-above the the average Continentals that are on sale right now.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Nigel the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

5