NUTLEY SPORTS & PRESTIGE GOES TO LE MANS CLASSIC (July 2008)

LOTUS ELAN S3 COUPE (Original Prototype, Earls Court Motor Show car & Press Demonstrator)
Mr Wai-Kei of Hong Kong taking delivery of the 1965 Lotus Elan S3 Coupe, LNK 120C, the original prototype, Earls Court Motor Show display car & Press demonstrator.

The most significant baby Elan in existence, LNK 120C is the original Prototype, Earls Court Motor Show car and Press Demonstrator Elan S3 Coupe endorsed by Colin Chapman and has a unique place in Lotus history, Medici Blue with Black trim, Unique Factory specification includes Factory Blueprinted engine, Simpler bonnet springs, Marston high capacity radiator, Early type split top hose, Single engine cooling fan, Unique headlamp micro switches, Early cam cover, Round oil filler cap, Early wood rim steering wheel, Lotus Green and Yellow horn push, Pre airflow body, Chromed backed rear view mirrors, Seat belts, Radiomobile push button stereo, Aluminium kick plates fitted to door cards, Door mounted electric window switches, Chrome wheels, Lined and carpeted boot area, Rear compartment access as specified by Colin Chapman for his Golf clubs ! The shell was produced early 1965 and was an on–going development process right up to its formal launch to the press in September that year, Registered with the famous Lotus Demonstration/Press 120 Hertfordshire registration number, LNK 120C was shown at the Earls Court Motor show in September 1965 and was used as a Press car during the launch, LNK120C served as a factory demonstrator and was used by Lotus Sales Director Graham Arnold to visit numerous dealers throughout the UK and overseas. He clocked up some 50,000 miles during one busy year - therefore providing convincing evidence for European dealers, who could see for themselves just how reliable, given the correct maintenance the Elan could be, In 1968 on Graham Arnold instructions the LNK 120C was painted Black by the Lotus factory for the legendary Motor Racing World Champion Jim Clark’s funeral, LNK 120C has a fascinating detailed provenance, Documented in numerous books and press releases of the period, As featured in the following records/books/magazines . . . Autocar - October 1965, Car – January 1966, Motorsport – October 1966, Lotus Promotional Magazines – 1965 – 1967, Car and Driver – May 1966, Motor – May 1966, Sportscar – October 1966, Sportscar Mechanics – March 1982, Club Lotus News – Numerous Entries, Lotus Complete Story by Chris Harvey, Lotus Elan Collection One by Brooklands Books, Lotus Elan Collection Two by Brooklands Books, Lotus The Elite Elan and Europa by Haynes, The Official Lotus Club Newsletter by Lotus Cars, Authentic Lotus 1962-1974 by Robinson & Ross, The Original Lotus Elan, The complete Story by M.R.P, Lotus Elan Collection by Graham Arnold, Lotus Elan Coupe by Ian Ward, Lotus Elan Super Profile by Graham Arnold, LNK 120C has been subject to a 28 month total nut & bolt concours restoration to original factory specification in 2002 by renowned Lotus historian at a cost of over £35,000, New chassis supplied courtesy of Lotus Cars Ltd, Since restoration LNK 120C has covered less than 50 miles and has been kept in dehumidified storage.

OUR ALVIS VISITS THE CAT INN'S ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR DAY (16th August 2007)
The Cat Inn in West Hoathly was surrounded by more than 60 vintage cars on Sunday for the pub's second annual classic car day.The event attracted the largest number of visitors yet. Pub owner Nick White said: "We are all very keen on vintage cars and classic cars. We have got a lot of customers who own them so we get them all to bring the best cars along. "The cars were parked at the pub car park and surrounding area, and a number of different vehicles were showcased. Some of the classics included the 1922 ex Sir Henry Seagrave Grand Prix Sunbeam (Pictured above on the right) and a 1927 Supercharged Alvis Silver Eagle (Pictured above on the left). Mr White added: "It was a very busy day, absolutely packed out and I think everyone enjoyed it."We were very lucky with the weather. "The event will be taking place next year, but the date has not yet been confirmed. Mr White hopes to host the event in July so as not to coincide with visitors summer holidays. He added: "There were a couple of hundred people here who haven't got cars who came along to have a look."

Our thanks go to all of the staff at the Cat Inn for a lovely day

1947 MG TC (Ex Kent County Constabulary)
Black with full Regency Red leather, TC3110 has a fascinating history - It was 1 of only 30 MG TC's purchased new from Messrs Gatward & Sons Ltd MG Dealer of Maidstone on the 17th July 1947 for £497 by the Kent County Constabulary for the Traffic Department and collected from the Abingdon works. An original UK RHD example retaining its original registration number JKR 411, Matching numbers. Total nut & bolt concours restoration to original Police specification/livery just 2,000 miles ago. Complete with working Winkworth Police bell ! Fascinating comprehensive history file including original TC owner's manual, original buff log book and a letter of provenance from Chief Superintendent Brice of Kent County Constabulary. L & R Models have even made a model of JKR 411 in 1/43rd scale. JKR 411 is winner of many concours events including the Autoglym Premier Concours event. In April 2006 JKR 411 was invited to parade at the 80th Birthday celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
JKR 411 now resides in Sunny Virginia, USA

The MG TC 'Concours Car of the Show' (The Bexhill 100)

Dear Matthew,
I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but I wanted you to know that the shipment of the 1947 MG TC from the UK to the USA on July 7th was successful. I wanted to thank you all for arranging the transportation and it was a pleasure doing business with you.
Best Wishes, Steve Mefferd, Virginia, USA

PS - I'll attach a photo of how I collected the TC after it's travel from Heathrow to Dulles, Virginia and later, it sitting in front of my house with the old suitcase Matthew gave us.

PS - I will attach a photo of the 1947 Virginia license plate, which is co-registered here with the? UK JKR 411 - the TC has been given "dual citizenship" by Virginia.

Hello Matthew and Kelly,
I wanted you to know that JKR 411 traveled to the Virginia Scottish Games (www.vascottishgames.org) and while there were no official awarded or judging, the 1947 TC was admired by all. It also traveled the open highway just wonderfully, I think the TC is getting to be very much at home over here. JKR 411 was surrounded by MG's, Morgans, Bentleys, Triumphs, Rolls Royce's, and even a Riley Imp - I'll attach a photo of part of the line-up - but with 125 cars in the show, it was difficult to include all. I hope all is well - I told several people of your wonderful service - so perhaps you will have to deal with more of us on this side of
the pond.
Yours sincerely
Steve Mefferd

Hello Matthew,
JKR 411 continues to fit in here in the states. ? Just last weekend, the city of Alexandria, Virginia had the Scottish Christmas Walk parade and the MG TC represented the British Embassy - see attached photo. ?As you can imagine, I've been throughly enjoying this wonderful old car all summer and fall. ?The car was exactly as you stated, a wonderful restoration and a pleasure to drive. ?It's starting to get chilly in Virginia, so perhaps, with no windows nor heater, the car may have a few months off.
Best wishes for your holiday
Steve Mefferd

Dear Matthew,
You may remember that JKR 411, has just celebrated it's first year here in the states. In addition to winning every car show it has entered, it continues to delight not only the people who admire it, but has given me priceless pleasure to drive and enjoy this distinguished automobile. Just yesterday I drove down to the the US Capitol Building in the early evening and the setting sun, the Capitol Building and the lovely TC created a wonderful photo - which is attached. One of the special police asked to have his cruiser phographed with the TC. The car continues to run flawlessly.
Best Wishes to all
Steve Mefferd

1965 - JAGUAR MKII 3.4 SALOON (Multi AutoGlym Concours Winner)
Signal Red with full full Biscuit leather, An original UK RHD example retaining it's original registration number LMC 1C. This stunning MKII 3.4 Jaguar has been subject to a total nut & bolt photographic concours restoration over a 3 1/2 year period. LMC 1C has qualified for the Auto Glym National Concours finals no less that 4 times, most recently the 2006 Auto Glym Championship at Eynsham Hall, where it won 1st place. Complete with comprehensive history file including a 6 page article, featuring LMC 1C in the December 2003 issue of Practical Classics Magazine plus a recent newspaper report referring to the latest Auto Glym competition. THE very best MKII Jaguar.