'Project paradise' up for grabs

IT COULD be project paradise for keen car owners this month, when a series of fabulous cars in need of restoration go under the hammer.

The Anglia Car Auctions Classic event will take in project cars from across the decades, with one amazing lot more than 100 years old.

There are sought-after Alfa Romeos, including a 1978 Alfasud that was raced by former British Touring Car champion Steve Soper and a 1988 Spider, the latter of which has an estimate of just £500.

A rare 1955 BMW 501 is also up for grabs. As the first car model the company made following World War II the 501 is highly prized by collectors.

One of the stars is undoubtedly a Leon Bollee from 1909. Leon Bollee was a French inventor and engineer who also turned his hand to car-making and his cars soon gained a strong reputation amongst the French public for their quality.

This ultra-rare French car has been stored for over 40 years. Despite being stored for that long, it’s described as solid and its turns freely. This slice of French automotive history has an estimate of £18,000 to £20,000.

Also included in the sale is 1978 Saab 99 Turbo. The 99 Turbo launched in 1978 and is hugely sought after by Saab fans and this particular model has been dry stored since the mid-80s and has the makings of an excellent restoration project.

A 1949 Double Decker Bus, a 1981 Austin Allegro, a 1933 Morris Major owned by one family since new and around 150 other classics complete the Saturday January 25 line-up.

By Press Association reporter