Market Finds – From the humble to the hardcore

From a humble Mini to a mind-bendingly fast McLaren 675LT – this week’s Market Finds selection demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of the Classic Driver Market…

1963 Austin Mini Cooper S

If you’ve ever seen classic Minis haring around Goodwood, you’ll understand their appeal. This Austin Cooper S was raced by the Portuguese female racing driver Maria da Graça Moura Relvas in 1964 and ’65, during which time she claimed victory in the Grande Rally Benfica, ahead of many male drivers in much more powerful machinery. It’s presented today just as it raced in 1964, and is among the best surviving examples of the Cooper S. After a spirited drive in this car, you’ll realise size isn’t everything. 

2015 McLaren 675LT

McLaren might have shown its softer side with the 570GT, but until now it’s been bending minds with its out-and-out performance-driven supercars. A radical departure from the Mini, this 2015 McLaren 675LT is the culmination of McLaren’s technological and motorsport expertise, boasting 542bhp per tonne and a scarcely believable 0-60mph time of 2.9sec. McLaren is only building 500 675LTs, all of which have been sold, hence getting hold of one is rather tricky. A quick look at the Classic Driver Market revealed this stealthy-looking right-hand-drive example that’s covered just 620 miles from new and is specced to the nines. If you can shoulder the premium, the 675LT is said to be one of the most intense and involving driving experiences out there. 

1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series III

We’re so used to seeing Aston Martin DB4s in shades of green or grey that when this ultra-rare ‘Black Pearl’ example emerged in the Market, we were struck by its elegance. Boasting an unbroken and documented chain of ownership from new, it’s remarkably original, as evident in the gorgeous patina of the fabulous red leather interior. One of only 165 Series III DB4s built, it’s bound to prove a talking point at any event this summer. 

2014 Pagani Huayra

The Pagani Zonda was never homologated in the United States – a market that, given the car’s increased popularity over its production life, would have proved particularly lucrative. The Huayra changes that. Resplendent in ‘Blue Argentina’, this Huayra boasts over 260,000 US dollars’ worth of options, including a 20,000-dollar seven-piece luggage set. It’ll be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island next month.   

1970 Porsche 911 PS Autoart Classic Touring Series 2

Porsche specialist Paul Stephens’ latest resto-mod Porsche 911 – the PS Autoart Classic Touring Series 2 – bucks the common trend for wider arches and more aggressive styling, instead retaining the original car’s more tasteful aesthetics. This particular car is based on a 1970 911 S, and is powered by a 3.2-litre engine producing 270bhp – some 100bhp more than the stock unit. Inside, there’s a subtle infotainment system integrating your iPhone, and a host of elegant tweaks to the interior that include a new steering wheel and a bespoke Italian luggage set.

Numerous classic and modern cars, including a broad selection of historic racing cars, are added to the Classic Driver Market every week. You can find them all listed here.