GOLDEN-AGE COUPÉS

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The DB5 may be closely associated with a certain Secret Agent, but it stands up as a beautiful, engaging GT in its own right.

Vantage models such as this one boasted revised camshaft profiles and three

Weber carbs to provide 325bhp – significantly more than the standard model.

This example was supplied in 1964 with a Pale Primrose exterior and black Connolly leather. It stayed in Dorset for years before

moving to France in 1987. It was then painted blue, but on its return to the UK in 2017 it was given a noexpense-spared restoration in Silver Birch. It also had a 4.2-litre engine upgrade, air-con and power steering.

Chassis 860015 was the 15th rhd Fixed-Head Coupé to be built, and was used as a press car for November 1961’s Scottish Motor Show. It was the only Pearl Grey E-type that year, a colour designed to match heather.

By 2014 the now-red car had ended up with a bird’s nest in the back in a garden in France, where it was found by

Classic Motor Cars (CMC). In 2015, the new owner gave the green light to perform a 3000-hour restoration, using as many original parts as possible. The running gear, seat frames, carbs, dashboard, steering wheel and more were retained, and the car was returned to its original Pearl Grey over light blue interior.

This Porsche 356C was originally a US-market model, and it is thus left-hand drive. It was imported to the UK in 2020 from California by marque specialist Nine Excellence. The car was swiftly dispatched to another marque specialist in Poland, Doctor Classic, for a full restoration to be carried out. It now rides on a set of period-correct 14in Fuchs wheels shod in Pirelli tyres, and it still retains its original Blaupunkt radio.

It’s been fitted with modern LED lights to reduce load on the alternator, and it also features a period-correct Abarth-style exhaust system – all the better to enjoy the 75bhp 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine.

This car was first imported into the UK for William Headlam, a Yorkshire shipping magnate, in late 1955. It would remain with him until his passing. The current owner acquired it around 30 years ago, and is only the second owner. Prior to its purchase, he sought advice from the late Ron Waghorn, who had trained to work on Gullwings in Germany in the 1950s. Ron oversaw the car’s recommissioning, as well as its repainting by Nigel Cooper. Despite the SL’s fine condition, it is still used often: “Most Sunday mornings she is out for a run – a 150-mile round trip and a big grin on my face.”

The CV8 combined British style with American muscle – under the Eric Nealeshaped body lies a Chrysler V8. It was one of the fastest cars of the 1960s, with a 6.7-second 0-60mph time.

This MkIII was registered