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00:01Hello and welcome to Bargain Hunt. I'm out for a drive because today's show is all about motoring.
00:10We're shifting up a gear, celebrating all things automotive, from car mascots to motorsport memorabilia.
00:18So if you're into cars, then you're in for a treat.
00:26I think I've taken a wrong turn somewhere.
00:32Goodness, this wasn't quite the test drive I had in mind.
00:40This is embarrassing. Probably best if I get this show on the road.
00:45So buckle up and let's go bargain hunting.
01:12We've come to the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
01:16There are more than 400 historic British cars here to suit all tastes, from run-arounds to luxury icons and
01:24speedy sports cars.
01:26So it's the perfect place to rev up some motoring memories from our archives.
01:32We'll take you on a journey around the UK, catching up with the Reds and Blues who drove a hard
01:38bargain.
01:38What would be your lowest?
01:40How about 18?
01:41Did you go 15?
01:42And others who struggled to get out of first gear.
01:45What are you doing?
01:47You're meant to be shopping, not fooling.
01:49And you won't want to miss our chart countdown to find out which team hits the top spot.
01:55And if you're hoping to nab some bargains of your own, I'll have some top tips to help you keep
02:01in the right lane.
02:03Right, let's hit the road.
02:04In pole position is Kelly and Mark, who are racing around West Point Antiques Fair in Exeter.
02:11Hello!
02:12Yay!
02:13Their expert in the driving seat was Izzy Balmer.
02:17And straight away, the team sniffed out his porcelain pooch.
02:21There's a lot of them about, so they have a price point because there's a lot of them.
02:26Right.
02:26What's the price of this one?
02:2828.
02:29It is sort of 15 pound-ish item.
02:31Orchard, 15, 20 pounds.
02:35So I think even with discount, there's maybe not much in it.
02:38Yeah, OK.
02:39But if you like it...
02:41Well, let's put it on the back burner.
02:44So they parked the pooch and motored towards this gleaming car emblem.
02:49What about something like this, Izzy?
02:51A vintage Jag mascot?
02:53How much is it?
02:54110.
02:55They vary a lot in price.
02:58I am not a car person.
03:00They can make more than that and they can make a lot less than that.
03:04The nice thing about that one is the mounting.
03:06Yes.
03:06Instead of just a plain wooden block.
03:09Yeah.
03:09Where most of them are mounting.
03:10Yes.
03:11It's got the piston which makes it just a bit different.
03:13It does make it a bit better.
03:15This type of car mascot first began appearing in the early 1900s.
03:20Take the Rolls-Royce mascot.
03:22The spirit of ecstasy.
03:24Now the company, they wanted a distinctive ornament to sit above the radiator gap.
03:28And in 1911, the sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes designed this distinctive figure.
03:33He took his inspiration from the actress and model Eleanor Velasco Thornton.
03:39Quite a star of her time.
03:41Some rare silver examples have fetched thousands at auction.
03:46So, could the Reds rev things up and do a deal?
03:50What would be your best price on this particular item?
03:53I'd do it for 18.
03:54If I do a magic trick and you're impressed, would you let us have it for £75?
04:00Yes, you've got a deal there.
04:01Brilliant.
04:01If you put your fist out like that, sir, and I'll put a 2p on top.
04:06Keep a very close eye on that 2p.
04:11Well done, I'm impressed.
04:13Yay!
04:14Yay!
04:1575 pounds!
04:17You've also got the Jaguar file book.
04:19Oh, right.
04:20So, that's another collector's piece.
04:22Oh, brilliant.
04:23An interesting buy.
04:25But did the mascot put the Reds in the fast lane at the auction?
04:28We'll find out later.
04:29Next, we're travelling to Oswestry, where Reds Tony and Wendy were hitting the stalls.
04:35Hello, you two!
04:36They were cruising around the fair with expert Kate Bliss.
04:40The team wasting no time and drove straight towards this.
04:43We've got the Reds removal truck just over here.
04:46There's a bit of damage at the front.
04:47There is exactly, Wendy.
04:49In fact, there's quite a bit of damage to the front mudguards, aren't there?
04:52The damage is putting me off.
04:53I don't know about you.
04:55Yeah.
04:55We could just find out how much it's worth it.
04:57Yeah, why not?
04:58I'm asking £45 on it.
05:00Yeah, it's got a bit of damage on the front of it.
05:03I mean, what's the lowest price you could do on it?
05:05The very best would be £35.
05:08Is that something we can come back to?
05:09Yeah, you will.
05:09Is that OK?
05:10No problem.
05:11All right, that's brilliant. Thank you.
05:12So the lorry sounded like a non-starter.
05:15But was this sign a goer?
05:17I could get myself a job.
05:19There's two.
05:20Oh, yeah. Sold as a set.
05:22Yeah.
05:22Are they original or have they been put in a different frame?
05:28Because normally they're in a circular frame, aren't they?
05:31When it comes to stop, get ready, go.
05:35Britain led the way.
05:37The world's first traffic light popped up outside the Houses of Parliament way back in 1868.
05:43It ran on gas with moving arms by day and red and green lamps by night.
05:48Unfortunately, it didn't end well.
05:50After just a month, the lamp exploded, injuring the policemen operating it.
05:55It took another 50 years before traffic lights would become standard around the world.
06:01So back at the fair, was it all go for the reds and their signs?
06:05How much are they, please?
06:06£50 each.
06:0750?
06:08Yeah.
06:09Quite fun, the fact that there's two.
06:11What could you do?
06:11Best price?
06:13I'll do 80 for the two.
06:15That would be the best.
06:1680?
06:16What if we only took one?
06:1740.
06:18So 40 for one?
06:19Yeah.
06:20I don't know, I like it.
06:21I like it.
06:22Yeah, it's sort of like, it sings to me.
06:24I don't know why.
06:25It's...
06:25Now, would you put it in your living room, Wendy?
06:28Probably not.
06:30I just wonder if it has been made up because of the shape.
06:34But having said that, it's still very decorative.
06:37Yeah.
06:37So it's not to say that nobody would be interested.
06:39What do you think, Tony?
06:40I like it.
06:41I'm really drawn to it.
06:43What about 34?
06:46Go on, then.
06:47Oh, we love you.
06:5034.
06:51Wendy!
06:52Respect.
06:53Thank you very much.
06:54Boom.
06:55Were the buying signals gone in the sale room?
06:58We'll find out later.
07:00But next, we're heading north to Walsingham in County Durham,
07:04where the blue team of Michael and George were geared up
07:08and ready to shop.
07:09I don't think you're going to need my help!
07:11They were taking a spin around the fair with expert Arita Marriott,
07:14and straight away, the team shifted straight into gear.
07:18It's made of metal.
07:20Yeah.
07:20So it's printed on metal.
07:22It's not painted or enamelled or anything like that.
07:24The auction is in Beverley, which is just a bit there.
07:28Yeah, yeah, yeah.
07:28So it's not far.
07:30Excuse me.
07:30How much is the sign?
07:3230.
07:3330 pounds?
07:3430.
07:35Should we come back?
07:36Yeah?
07:36Yeah.
07:36OK.
07:37They then swapped two wheels for four,
07:39when they moved on to this Aston Martin sign.
07:42At first glance, I thought that's a reproduction,
07:45but actually, they might have done a very, very good job of ageing it,
07:49but what a cool thing!
07:51It's beautiful, isn't it?
07:52Yeah.
07:53Really cool.
07:54Even I like that.
07:55I can see it zooming into the lead and profits if we went for that one.
07:58Yeah, we could win the race.
08:00Yeah.
08:00That's what I'm thinking.
08:01Yeah.
08:02When James Bond rolled up in his DB5 in Goldfinger,
08:06he turned Aston Martin into a full-blown icon.
08:09Whatever the motoring brand, original signage can be very sought after by collectors.
08:15Some motoring memorabilia replicas might not have the same price tag or rarity,
08:20but they've definitely still got the look,
08:23and that's exactly what caught the blue team's eye.
08:26It was a make-or-break time.
08:28Did they decide to go for it?
08:30How much is that, sir?
08:32Death would be 250.
08:34250?
08:35Ah!
08:36Is that definitely the death?
08:39225.
08:40225.
08:42OK, we're getting there.
08:44Right.
08:45If you love it, and if you think that's what I want to buy...
08:48If we were the buyer, who's going to buy it?
08:50That's my only question.
08:50I'm just sat there thinking, you never know, do you?
08:53That is anybody that likes Aston Martin, anybody who loves cars, Manshed.
08:59What do you think that would reach there at auction?
09:02I think they would probably put an estimate of 150 to 250.
09:06Honestly?
09:07Yeah.
09:08We really like it, so we're going to try and push you for your best, best price.
09:12He's crossed his arms already.
09:14Negative body.
09:16You know us dealers, arms are crossed, that's it, you're done for.
09:21Two.
09:22Two.
09:23What about 199?
09:24Just be friends.
09:25Yeah.
09:25All right.
09:26Yeah?
09:26Is that a deal?
09:27Fantastic.
09:28It's a deal.
09:30Amazing.
09:31Cheers, fellas, you're doing well.
09:32They drove a hard bargain, but did the sign deliver a profit?
09:36We'll catch up with them later on.
09:38But now it's time to part the shopping for a bit and check in with Danny, who paid a visit
09:44to the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull.
09:50The Midlands has a long association with motoring, with many household names from Jaguar to Rover,
09:57PSA to Triumph, all produced in the region.
10:00So it's fitting that the largest collection of British motorbikes in the world are held
10:07here in Solihull at the National Motorcycle Museum.
10:12The museum opened in 1984 with just 350 bikes belonging to William Roy Richardson.
10:20After he died in 2008, his family continued with his legacy.
10:25Now there are more than a thousand bikes in the collection.
10:29Museum director James Hewin is going to show me around.
10:35Well, I'll tell you what, I'm like a kid in a toy shop.
10:38I just don't know where to start.
10:40Danny, I know exactly where we're going to start. Follow me.
10:45So, Danny, we're starting then with the oldest bike in the collection from 1898,
10:51the Beeston Humber Tricycle.
10:53But why has it got pedals if it's got an engine?
10:57The pedals were there to help start the thing.
11:00And so you started by pedalling along and then the engine would fire.
11:04But they're also there for pedal assistance.
11:07So, say the thing was going up a hill and the engines weren't very powerful, obviously.
11:11Then you could help it along.
11:12Yes.
11:13Because it was heavy.
11:14Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
11:15It's a get you sweating, Danny.
11:18There are five halls packed with bikes of all shapes and sizes.
11:22Some even come in the bargain hunt colours.
11:25Like these British touring motorcycles made in 1910 by the Wilkinson Sword Company in London.
11:34It's very bargain hunt.
11:36It's very bargain hunt.
11:39Well, they're definitely comfortable.
11:41Oh, yeah.
11:41I mean, it's a bit of a...
11:42Is it like a cruiser?
11:44Well, you would liken it to sort of a...
11:46almost like a modern big Harley Davidson, wouldn't you?
11:49You would indeed.
11:49Very laid back.
11:51I mean, were they easy to ride?
11:53Not so much.
11:54Obviously, you've got a lot going on.
11:56All the hand controls.
11:57Nothing's automatic.
11:58The foot controls.
11:59Nothing's done for you like it is on a modern motorcycle.
12:04Well, James, to be honest, it all seems a little bit stressful driving these big bikes.
12:08I mean, they're wonderful, but...
12:10Have you got anything smaller?
12:11Well, we have.
12:12Right over here.
12:13This green machine is a well bike.
12:17That's from the Second World War.
12:19And they were made specifically to drop from aircraft with parachute troops.
12:23And so, once the parachute troops landed on the battlefield, they'd got a form of transport.
12:29They had a range of about 90 miles.
12:31What, on one tank?
12:32On one tank, yeah.
12:33And once they'd run out of fuel, they were often just discarded.
12:37What makes that one particularly rare is you'll see that it's obviously still got its container
12:42and its parachute.
12:44Now, this one was found intact in the mud on the banks of the River Rhine.
12:50So, what we think happened was the parachute didn't open,
12:54phew, straight down into the soft mud, and it was discovered years later.
12:58And so, you'd see quite a few well bikes, but to have it with its container and its parachute, very,
13:06very rare.
13:06I think there's only probably a couple in the world like that.
13:09But there's one very rare bike here that's considered by many to be the top dog of motorcycles.
13:16This magnificent golden machine, made in Nottingham, would have cost a small fortune in the late 1930s.
13:25I'll tell you what, James.
13:27This one's a bit special, isn't it?
13:29Bit of me, this. Bit of me.
13:30Bit of you, that is, Danny.
13:32Brough Superior, the most expensive motorcycle you could buy back in the day.
13:37The price of a Rolls-Royce, you know, a bit like a Ferrari or a Porsche or an Aston Martin
13:41these days.
13:42But in motorcycle terms, back in the 1920s, you know, you could buy a big, massive, beautiful detached house for
13:49the price of a Brough.
13:50So, they were a very, very expensive machine.
13:53Sadly, this golden dream machine was only ever a prototype.
13:57So, why didn't this bike go into production?
13:59Ah, big thing. September 1939, the Second World War.
14:03And like a lot of engineering firms, the Brough Superior, their work went over to war production.
14:10And sadly, I think, for enthusiasts, Brough Superior never resumed motorcycle production after the end of the Second World War.
14:18Right, James, the bit we all want to know on Bargainant, what's she worth?
14:22Special Brough Superiors, rare ones, they're always north of half a million pounds these days at auction.
14:29And this being the rarest of all, you could start above half a million pounds and the sky would be
14:35the limit, Danny.
14:36Well, James, thank you.
14:40What a fantastic ride through some two-wheel history.
14:44Back to the shopping, and our teams were still in top gear on the hunt for more automobilia.
14:49Simon and Jeanette were out shopping in Sawbridgeworth.
14:53That's good for me!
14:56With expert Tim Weeks by their side, it was time to dabble in some dinky toys.
15:02What have you spotted here? Because you're into your toys, you said.
15:04Yeah, we were just looking at the trucks and the old Foden truck in the cupboard there, the red one.
15:09But again, you look at the prices of them, they're the top end.
15:12Lovely little Rolls-Royce here as well.
15:14Yeah, sure. And the bus is actually quite smart as well.
15:16There's some die-cast traffic signs here, like lamp posts and pelican crossings and all kinds of bits in a
15:23set.
15:24A lot of paint wear, a lot of paint lofts.
15:26They're individually priced, but do we put a group together, a group of Play One, Dinky, 60s?
15:33It might be an option.
15:34Yeah, yeah, yeah.
15:36With those Dinkys parked, they took a spin around the block, but the clock was ticking.
15:42I've got some professional help in the form of Karen.
15:45OK.
15:45Tell them what we're after, what we're looking at.
15:47So this one, we like this one here at the back.
15:49Yeah.
15:49It is.
15:53There's a lot of play wear, a lot of rusting.
15:55Yeah, there is.
15:55Yeah, is there a little work that's been done on the cab here?
15:58Yeah, definitely.
15:59Now, what's interesting as well is you've always got to take to account the colour of the hubs,
16:02because that can add a lot of value to certain Dinky models.
16:06And the fact that it's a different colour to the rest of the body is a really nice thing.
16:11Yeah.
16:11And I quite like that one as well, although the wheels match the truck at the back.
16:14Shall we get a best price on these two and make a decision?
16:16Yeah, then we'll make a decision.
16:17Is that OK if we can have the best price on those two?
16:19Because we're down to the last two or three minutes, guys.
16:22It's decision time, OK?
16:22Yes.
16:23Dinky toys were first introduced in 1934 by Meccano Limited.
16:28They started out as little model cars made to go with Hornby trainsets,
16:33but they didn't stay in the sidings for long.
16:36Within a few years, Dinkys became must-haves in their own right.
16:40Every so often, a Dinky turns up in an odd colour.
16:44For example, a pastel pink, where blue was the standard colour.
16:49Model car collectors love the quirky colour variations,
16:53whether it was a factory test or just leftover paint.
16:56They are often the most priced versions around.
16:58So, what did the blues decide?
17:00With only a minute left on the clock, they needed to put their foot down.
17:0520%.
17:05Did you get a price of the two together?
17:0820% off.
17:0920% off.
17:09I think we've got to act on one of them.
17:11This one.
17:11They've got boxes.
17:12£28 for this, with a box.
17:14Yeah, this one.
17:14We could, yeah?
17:1525 on that one.
17:1625 on that one.
17:17Yes, we haven't got time.
17:18We haven't got time.
17:19That's got to be it.
17:20That one.
17:20We're down to one minute.
17:21OK.
17:21We're down to one minute, they're not on the phone.
17:23Oh, OK.
17:23Yeah.
17:24Yeah, that one.
17:2428, with a box.
17:26Yes.
17:26Bedford lorry.
17:27Yes.
17:28Let's do it.
17:30Thank you very much.
17:32Did the truck haul in a profit in the sale room?
17:34We'll find out later.
17:36Next, we join another team of reds, Joel and Rosie,
17:39who were putting the pedal to the metal in Dettling Kent.
17:44Steering them through the fair was expert Caroline Hawley.
17:48And straight away, they spotted this anatomical poster of plants.
17:52You know these very smart garden centre, sort of locations that are opening up all over?
17:58Yeah.
17:59I think in the dining area of one of those.
18:01And how many are there?
18:02There's three.
18:03Three.
18:04And how much are they?
18:05They're 55 each.
18:07And I can do two for 75.
18:13I don't know.
18:14I don't know if people buy them.
18:16Seems risky.
18:16Seems risky.
18:16Should we leave it?
18:18We've got loads of wine.
18:19Do you mind if we come back, possibly?
18:21Not at all.
18:21Thank you very much.
18:22Oh, thank you so much.
18:22The poster was an O.
18:25But then this struck a chord with Joe.
18:27Joe plays the guitar.
18:28You play the guitar, Joe.
18:30I do.
18:31Ooh.
18:32Ooh.
18:32Ooh.
18:34Even I know that's off.
18:39Actually, it's...
18:42It's nicer than it looks.
18:47Joe, come on.
18:48Do you fancy buying it?
18:50No.
18:50No, right.
18:51Come on.
18:52So the guitar didn't quite hit the right notes.
18:55Maybe this would be music to their ears.
18:58Ferrari telephone.
18:59Do you like that?
19:00Yeah.
19:01I totally love it.
19:02And it will make a noise if it's plugged in.
19:05It will.
19:05Yeah, totally.
19:0620 quid.
19:0720 quid?
19:07Will it work?
19:09It would, yes.
19:10Gosh.
19:10I mean, it's a bit scratched.
19:12Yeah.
19:13When does this date from, and what's it all?
19:16Probably about 1980s, I can't appear.
19:18Yeah.
19:19Yeah, late 80s.
19:21Back then, novelty telephones like this were a real craze.
19:25Designers were turning everything into telephones,
19:29from Harley-Davidson's to hamburgers.
19:32OK, thank you.
19:34Cheerio.
19:34Bye-bye.
19:35Today, they appeal to retro tech collectors,
19:38especially rarer versions with the original wiring
19:41and working dials.
19:42It was time for the Reds to make a call on the price.
19:46What would be your lowest?
19:49How about 18?
19:51Which you gave 15?
19:53Yeah, go on, I'll give you a chance.
19:55Thank you very much.
19:57There you go.
19:57Ooh, he's done a yes!
19:58Yeah, let's do it.
20:01Did the telephone drive at the bins at the auction?
20:03We'll find out soon, but first, let's meet our final blue team,
20:08Anne-Marie and Gemma, who were shopping in Grey Abbey, Northern Ireland.
20:12Anne-Marie and Gemma, you have me.
20:14Heading up their team was expert Thomas Forrester,
20:17and it wasn't long before Gemma got a thinking cap on.
20:21What are you doing?
20:23You're meant to be shopping, not fooling.
20:25Do you want the hat, Thomas?
20:26No, I don't want the hat.
20:28Oh, please, Thomas.
20:30Oh, yes!
20:31Oh, my goodness, you should have that.
20:33Yes.
20:34No, it doesn't.
20:35Right.
20:36Enough of that.
20:38It was then time for them to get down to business.
20:41Why do you like the glasses?
20:43They're cute.
20:44They're cute.
20:44Six of them, how much are they?
20:4618 quid.
20:46That's a bargain, isn't it?
20:47That is a bargain.
20:48I don't think they're that old.
20:49No.
20:49You might want to dream a little bit bigger.
20:51Okay.
20:51Yeah.
20:52I mean, those are fun, those two, aren't they?
20:53I do like those, too.
20:54Well, that table's great, the magazine table.
20:56Yes.
20:56I mean, it's not old.
20:57It's curved.
20:58Yeah?
20:58But you like modern design, you don't like that?
21:00No, I don't like that.
21:00Okay, but you like the 1970s.
21:02Yeah, I like this as stylish, but...
21:04I'm not.
21:05Anne-Marie's not.
21:06Okay.
21:06Right, come on.
21:07Right, quick.
21:08Let's go.
21:09Let's go out.
21:10There was nothing jumping out at them in that room, but then they veered towards this.
21:16What does that look like?
21:17I love that.
21:17Steering wheel.
21:18It does fit in with motor and collectibles.
21:20This is obviously off a vintage car.
21:22It looks to be teak.
21:25This is aluminium.
21:26How much are we talking?
21:27I have no idea.
21:28I mean, like you...
21:29Can I see if it's steerable?
21:32Okay.
21:32I like it.
21:33I like it.
21:33I don't know how much it is.
21:34Anne-Marie, do you want to go and speak to the dealer?
21:36Yes.
21:37Yeah?
21:37And Gemma and I will carry on looking.
21:39Okay.
21:40Wooden steering wheels were a hallmark of sports cars in the 1950s and 60s.
21:45They became a design icon of the golden age of motoring.
21:49Today, collectors prize original Mardi and Motolita steering wheels, especially stamped
21:56examples.
21:56And if you can't afford to splash out on a vintage sports car, mounting a steering wheel
22:02on a wall or on a plinth can make a striking display piece.
22:06So did Anne-Marie manage to drive down the price on their steering wheel?
22:10It's £50, but I've had a wee word.
22:14Yeah.
22:15And she will do 40.
22:17Okay.
22:18I think Gemma would like to have a wee word as well.
22:22Can I?
22:22Gemma.
22:23Gemma has...
22:23Be free with your Bobby Dazzler.
22:28What did you get?
22:3038.
22:32So you come in with £2 off.
22:35I actually quite like that.
22:36I really like it.
22:37Yeah.
22:37You're in?
22:38I'm in.
22:39We'll find out if the Blues manage to steer their way to a profit when we see all our
22:43team's items go under the gavel shortly.
22:46But just before that, let's shift the gear for a moment as we head to Wiltshire where
22:50Christina went trackside at one of Britain's most historic racing circuits.
22:58The peaceful village of Castle Coombe in the Cotswolds has a couple of pubs, a church
23:05and a post office, all serving a population of around 300 plus a few ducks.
23:11It really is a picture of peace and tranquillity.
23:16Hang on a second.
23:18What's that noise?
23:23Yes, just a stone throw from this oasis of calm is one of Britain's fastest racetracks.
23:30Castle Coombe Circuit has hosted the likes of Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell and the late great Ayrton Senna who once
23:37broke the lap record here.
23:40I've come to meet Chief Instructor Alan Cooper to learn about the history of this famous track.
23:47Alan, what an incredible place.
23:49You really get a sense of kind of pending excitement because it's the start of a race day, isn't it?
23:53Yeah, it's a good track day today.
23:54There's a lot of cars going around.
23:56Some old cars come in as well because this circuit is well known for classic cars.
24:00Tell me about the history of the track because its history goes back way before it was a racetrack, doesn't
24:06it?
24:07Yeah, originally it was sort of owned by the Air Force or opened by the Air Force because there's a
24:10training base to start off with
24:12and a lot of the early pilots that all flew in World War II were trained here.
24:15There was two grass runways in the middle of the circuit which you can see just in the background there.
24:20And the actual racetrack now was the perimeter road that serviced the airfield and that's where the track came from.
24:25Well, that's fascinating.
24:27And when it closed as an airfield in 1948, it was only a couple of years before it was then
24:31turned into a racing circuit.
24:33And virtually all of the top drivers of the time would have raced here. Drivers like Stirling Moss, John Sirteens.
24:39And then later on we had Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, so it's got a rich history here.
24:45How long is the track?
24:46It is 1.85 miles long.
24:48Okay, fastest lap time?
24:49It's just under a minute.
24:51Just under a minute?
24:52Under a minute.
24:52These are one of the fastest circuits in the country and it's very challenging because if you look, there's no
24:57gravel traps or anything like that.
24:59So when people make a mistake here, you know, it tends to end in a bit of damage.
25:03So you've got to be pretty brave to drive around here.
25:06It's time for me to see what makes this circuit so special.
25:10I'll be taking to the Castle Coombe Tarmac in this.
25:13A vintage 1967 Ford Mustang.
25:17And what a car it is.
25:18The first Mustangs were made in 1964 and were a triumph of style and form.
25:24A world away from the square shaped sensible saloons of the 1950s.
25:28At around $2,300 they were affordable and Mustangs have been regularly raced at Castle Coombe.
25:36Dave Hensley is the owner of this vintage vehicle and will be the driver on my maiden lap.
25:41Dave, before we talk about this incredible car, you work as the noise scrutiniser, don't you?
25:47I do.
25:47What does that mean?
25:48It means that I've got to test every car that goes on the circuit for a noise level.
25:52If they're over 100 decibels, they're not allowed out on the circuit.
25:55Yeah, so mindful of respecting your neighbours really, isn't it?
25:58That's what it's all about.
25:59Okay.
25:59So you've got Shelby Racing Company, Carroll Shelby I'm assuming?
26:03Correct.
26:03Yeah.
26:04He was a race car designer and entrepreneur.
26:06His name is really synonymous with motor racing.
26:10This car is 60 years old.
26:12Almost an antique in its own right.
26:14Yeah.
26:15Is the Mustang quite noisy?
26:16It can be, yeah.
26:18So you're a bit of a dab hand at this race track then, really, aren't you?
26:21Yes.
26:23Yeah, I know it like the back of my hand, yeah.
26:25Well, that's reassuring.
26:26Now, can you give me a spin?
26:27Of course I can.
26:27Oh, excellent.
26:32Come on then, Dave.
26:34Let's hit it.
26:36I mean, that is just the most incredible sound, isn't it?
26:39That V8 engine.
26:41Yeah.
26:42Crowling away.
26:43Okay.
26:44This is Quarry Corner, which is the most famous one for people coming off.
26:49Stirling Moss had quite a big crash here in the 50s.
26:52Put his car upside down here on Quarry Corner.
26:55What, here?
26:56Yep.
26:56Oh, no.
26:56This very spot, yep.
27:00There we go.
27:02Oh, you do get a bit close, Dave.
27:04That's what they call the rumble strips.
27:11The next corner will be Camp Corner.
27:14Yeah.
27:15This is where the camp where the officers were.
27:18It's amazing, isn't it, how all this kind of historic or history of the course is still used today.
27:25Yeah.
27:26Wow!
27:28Oh, look at that!
27:30Woo-hoo!
27:37From race track thrills to auction spills, it's time to see our team's items go under the hammer.
27:43First up, I paid a visit to Royal Wharton Bassett, where I asked Gareth Wasp for his thoughts on the
27:49Reds car mascot.
27:52People like them.
27:53They come up for auction every now and then.
27:54You've also got the book as well on all the different models of Jaguar as well.
27:59It's a nice little package log.
28:00Estimate?
28:0130 to 50.
28:0275 pound paid.
28:03I think I'm going to struggle to get there.
28:04OK.
28:05I'd like to be more positive.
28:06That's all right.
28:07It's all in the lap of the gods, isn't it, at the end of the day?
28:09It is indeed.
28:10Gareth thought the mascot might struggle to find its stride.
28:14Let's see if the bid has pounced.
28:16I have interest at 40 pounds.
28:1940 pounds, then at 40.
28:20Looking for five.
28:2145.
28:2250's bid.
28:2255's bid.
28:2360's bid now.
28:2460's bid.
28:2565, then 65.
28:2770's bid now.
28:2775's bid.
28:2980 pounds, then at 80 pounds.
28:3180 pounds, yes!
28:32Yes!
28:33Yes!
28:3495.
28:35100.
28:36100.
28:37110.
28:38120 now.
28:39120.
28:40Would you like 130, sir?
28:42130.
28:43130.
28:44At 130 pounds.
28:45140 now.
28:47140.
28:47You sure?
28:48You've come so far, sir.
28:50At 140 pounds.
28:51Your last chance, sir.
28:52150.
28:52150.
28:53I'm selling at 150.
28:54160 now.
28:55160.
28:56You sure?
28:57You're going to let it go.
28:57Thank you, though.
28:58At 160 pounds.
29:00I'm selling.
29:01160.
29:03Whoa!
29:05Well done.
29:06I mean, this was 85 pounds of the profit.
29:09Mounted on a piston, this iconic mascot had quirky appeal to the bidders.
29:15Next, we're off to Warwickshire, where Christina checked in with auctioneer Mark Ashley.
29:20What did he make of the Red's traffic signals?
29:24Yeah, it's a sort of what I call a man cave item, isn't it, really?
29:27It's a sort of, what else do you do with it, really?
29:30Well, if you were a traffic warden, it would be useful.
29:33You'd get the job if you've got your own sign.
29:36What does a stop, go sign make at auction these days?
29:38Oh, gosh, I don't think I've ever sold one before.
29:4030 to 40 quid.
29:42OK.
29:42Well, £34 paid.
29:44Oh, well, we're in the same area.
29:45Yeah, not too bad.
29:47So, what did they stop or go for the sign in the sale room?
29:51This is fun, isn't it?
29:53I love this, the old traffic sign there.
29:55I've got straight off £30 on the net.
29:58Ooh!
29:58£30 to start me at 30, and who's going to have five?
30:02At £30, looks like that's the death of it.
30:04At £30, then, the gavel will be raised.
30:0835, just came in.
30:10The gavel was in the air.
30:11That's it?
30:11Make it 40.
30:13Fair warning, 35 if you're sure.
30:1735.
30:18Amazing.
30:19Well done.
30:19All that work, you made a pound, guys.
30:22Well done.
30:23The sign had a novelty appeal, but it was a bit of a niche market.
30:28They still are straight through with a profit.
30:30We're heading north now.
30:32I popped in to visit auctioneer Caroline Hawley
30:34to see what she made of the blues Aston Martin sign.
30:39It's a reproduction.
30:40It's quite new.
30:41Yeah.
30:42But it's got a great look.
30:44I've put £50 to £80 on it.
30:46Well, £199 was a...
30:49£199.
30:49Well, you get a lot for your money, don't you, I suppose?
30:51You do.
30:53Caroline thought the sign might struggle to get into top gear.
30:55Only the bidders could decide.
30:58What's not to love?
30:59And I've got £40.
31:01£45.
31:02£50 I have.
31:04£55 anywhere.
31:05£55.
31:06£65.
31:07£70.
31:08£70.
31:08Come on.
31:09£70.
31:10£75.
31:11£80.
31:13£80.
31:14£85.
31:15Where are you?
31:15£85.
31:16£90.
31:18£95.
31:19£100.
31:20£100.
31:20I'm looking for...
31:21£110.
31:23£120.
31:24Who's in at £120?
31:26Oh!
31:26Come on.
31:27£120.
31:29£120.
31:30£120.
31:32£130 anywhere.
31:34All done.
31:36At 100...
31:37£130.
31:38£140.
31:39£140.
31:39Keep going.
31:40Keep going.
31:41£140.
31:42£150.
31:43Where are you?
31:45Are we sure?
31:46£140.
31:47£150.
31:49Oh!
31:51That's not too bad.
31:52Oh, well.
31:53That could have been worse.
31:55That's a loss of £59.
31:56OK.
31:57Sadly, reproduction signs like the rarity and patina the collectors want.
32:02Hard luck, team.
32:04We're halfway through the auction lot, so what better moment to step back in time.
32:09I'm off to explore the Time Road exhibition here at the museum.
32:17The motorcar arrived in the late 19th century.
32:21At first, they were noisy, expensive and often slower than a horse.
32:25But within a generation, they transformed the way we lived, worked and travelled.
32:31And they've continued to evolve ever since.
32:35Here at the museum, the journey of motoring is brought to life in their Time Road exhibition.
32:42From Victorian motoring pioneers to the swinging 60s.
32:46Each point in the timeline along this road shows how motoring has shaped modern life.
32:52To find out more, I'm meeting curator Kat Boxall.
32:57So we start off the journey of motoring with a flag.
33:00That's right.
33:01In the UK, it was a requirement really early on in the days of motoring for somebody to walk in
33:06front of your car waving a red flag to let people know that a car was coming.
33:10At the time, the speed limit was only a maximum of four miles an hour.
33:14But in 1896, they repealed the requirement for somebody to have a red flag and actually increased the speed limit
33:21up to 12 miles an hour.
33:22Feels quite slow to you today, but I can assure you it's not slow when you're in an open-top
33:27car like this.
33:28Once the red flag was gone, the road network really opened up.
33:32By the 1920s and 30s, cars were used for leisure and holidays and could even pull a caravan like this.
33:40Now, this is obviously the shape of things to come, isn't it?
33:43Absolutely, it is.
33:44It is.
33:45And what year are we talking about here?
33:471935 for this caravan, yeah.
33:48Right.
33:49It gives people the opportunity to travel, it becomes a bit more affordable for more people, and that's where really
33:55the caravan started to boom.
33:57Where are we moving to next?
33:58Well, we're going to stay in the 1930s for a little bit, so obviously it's the boom of the motor
34:03industry and there's so much quick succession and development in the industry.
34:06And I think we can go explore that a little bit more.
34:10Explore for us.
34:10Let's go.
34:14Now, this is interesting.
34:16I'm seeing, I think for the first time, a rear view mirror.
34:19Yeah, absolutely.
34:20So how did it all come about?
34:22Right at the birth of motoring, when there's not that many people on the road, it probably wasn't in the
34:27forefront of vehicle design to worry about what was behind you.
34:30So it did take quite a bit of time for the introduction of the rear view mirror to happen, and
34:35it's not really something that becomes more of a standard thing until the 1930s.
34:41Seeing behind you was one thing, but what about seeing ahead in the dark?
34:45The answer came in 1934 with another revolutionary invention.
34:51Whoa, I've never been that close to one before.
34:53It's quite heavy.
34:53Yeah, it is heavy, isn't it?
34:55So this is a cat's eye.
34:56I'm sure many people that are driven on the roads will recognise what it is.
35:01This was invented by Percy Shaw in 1934 and has become a pretty staple on the UK roads as a
35:07safety measure.
35:08You can see that it's just got some little reflectors in it that are housed in a piece of rubber.
35:12Yeah.
35:13And as their headlights hit the reflectors, it would enable them to see where the lanes were.
35:17So where did the idea come from?
35:19Well, interestingly enough, it's called a cat's eye for a reason.
35:22Percy noticed as he was driving that his headlights were catching the wildlife eyes in the road.
35:29Yeah.
35:29So that's where the idea came from.
35:31While cat's eyes and rear view mirrors helped to make our roads safer, the skill of the driver was even
35:37more important.
35:38And that's why Britain introduced the first driving test.
35:41You might be familiar with the...
35:43I am, I am.
35:45Old style driving licence.
35:47Yes, I had one.
35:48Oh my God, I'm feeling so ancient all of a sudden.
35:51Becoming a museum piece.
35:53Yeah, I don't remember a red flag at any stage, but I do remember having one of those.
35:58You'll obviously know within a few years, we've got some big events like another world war coming up.
36:03And that has an impact on motoring.
36:05So I'll go and show you a bit more about that.
36:07OK, let's get down that road.
36:09Let's get down there.
36:14So, troubled times, I mean, obviously in the 1940s, we've got the Second World War raging.
36:20Absolutely.
36:21A lot of production obviously becomes focused on the war effort.
36:26But for your everyday driver, there's also a massive impact in terms of resource available.
36:32So all of this brought about the introduction of petrol rationing.
36:36And here we have our motor fuel ration book, which is from 1947, but shows you the entitlement that you
36:43might have had and how much or how little petrol you would be able to get during that period.
36:49There was rationing in the 50s and then the end of the 60s, start of the 70s.
36:53But there's some other developments that happen during those periods of times that are in the forefront of a lot
36:58of drivers' minds.
37:03So here we are, Eric, in the swinging 60s.
37:06Wow. Yes.
37:07I was there.
37:08I was there.
37:09Well, you'll know, obviously, it's a time that's been renowned for lots of fun, lots of parties and lots of
37:16pop culture moments.
37:18But it's also a time that is known for some increased safety measures.
37:22And that includes things like the introduction of the breathalyser test.
37:25Was it in the 1960s?
37:271967.
37:29Similar to the apparatus that you use today, you will connect the bag up with these vials here and you
37:34blow through them.
37:35And it's these chemicals and this line system here will change colour dependent on the alcohol that is found.
37:42I didn't pass my test till 73.
37:44So maybe the technology had moved on from then.
37:47But I'm glad to say, even though it did, I've still never seen one.
37:50Brilliant.
37:55Kat, thank you so much for being my guide on this amazing time road.
38:00No worries.
38:01But now it's time for us to find out how our teams fared at the auction.
38:05Charlie headed off to Norfolk to meet auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot to find out what she thought about the Blues dinky
38:12truck.
38:14That's lovely, isn't it?
38:15That has got its box.
38:16It's been played with.
38:17I mean, the condition is not pristine, but I quite like that these days.
38:20Estimate.
38:2040 to 60 on that one.
38:22Paid 28, so...
38:23Oh, OK.
38:25Elizabeth thought this dinky truck had plenty of mileage, but would the bidders pick it up?
38:30Dinky Toys 522 Big Bedford Lorry.
38:33What's lovely, it is that it still has its box.
38:36And I have interest on this one here, and I do start at £20.
38:41£20, 22, 25, 28 and 30, 2, 35, 38 and 40, 2, 45, 48, I have 50.
38:5155 is now gallery at 55, I'm out.
38:53We have the 55 on the Dinky Toys now.
38:56Am I missing anybody else at £55?
39:00Amazing.
39:01That's £27.
39:04Collectors love models in good condition and with their original box.
39:08Good work, Blues.
39:09Next up, it's the Reds and their sports car telephone.
39:13Natasha asked auctioneer Cleona Kilroy what she made of it.
39:17A lot of fun in the item.
39:20If you can't afford the Ferrari, then have the telephone.
39:24The landline could be the minor issue, but it's there as a talking piece more than anything else.
39:29What's your estimate?
39:30£8 to £10 on it.
39:32£15 paid by the Reds.
39:35Cleona thought the sports car phone was fun.
39:38Let's see if the bid has dialled in.
39:4194 is the Betacom red plastic Ferrari Tesla Rosa landline telephone.
39:46Who will start me here at £10?
39:49£10 on bids.
39:50Thank you very much.
39:50Looking for the £15 then.
39:52Any advance on the tech?
39:53Come on!
39:53Right at the back of the room.
39:55I'll take a bid of £12.
39:57Anybody interested at £12?
39:58£12 on bids.
39:59£12?
40:00Come on!
40:00£14?
40:01£16?
40:02£18?
40:03Yes!
40:04Do you want to bid £18?
40:06£18?
40:08£20?
40:09£22?
40:10£24?
40:11Are you sure?
40:11Can you be without it?
40:12£26?
40:13At £26?
40:14The bid is with the lady.
40:15Are we letting her go?
40:16At £26?
40:17Thank you kindly.
40:19£26?
40:20OK.
40:20So it is a profit of £11.
40:22The phone appealed to both retro tech and car funds which gave it extra mileage.
40:29And finally it's back to the Blues' vintage steering wheel. Rue paid a visit to auctioneer
40:35Jonathan Nesdell for his thoughts.
40:38It would have been nice to have a maker's name on it but yeah there is a demand for vintage
40:44car accessories.
40:45Estimate on the wheel about £20 to £30.
40:47Well they spent £38 on it so...
40:51Might make it.
40:53Jonathan liked the steering wheel but did the bidders take to it and drive up the price.
40:59We have the vintage wood-rimmed car steering wheel. Shall we say £50?
41:05Yeah surely £50.
41:07£30?
41:07Bid £30.
41:08£30 I have at £35.
41:10£40 new bidder.
41:12£40.
41:12Profit.
41:13You're in profit.
41:13You're in the profit.
41:15It's against your £40.
41:17Go on one more help us out.
41:18One more.
41:19£40 here.
41:20I'm selling at £40 bid.
41:23Yes.
41:23Well done.
41:25£2 profit.
41:26Despite not being linked to a big brand, the wheel still cruised to a profit.
41:31Well that's about it.
41:33We've seen our items sell but which ones turned out to be the best buys?
41:38Time to race through our chart countdown.
41:41In at number six was the reproduction Aston Martin sign.
41:45Woo!
41:46It ran out of road in the sale room skidding to a £59 loss.
41:51At number five was the stop and go road sign.
41:54£35.
41:55Amazing.
41:56Well done.
41:56It edged forward with a £1 profit.
41:59In at number four was the steering wheel.
42:02Yes.
42:03Well done.
42:04It turned into a modest £2 profit.
42:08We're into the top three and at number three was the Ferrari Telephone.
42:13Thank you kindly.
42:14£26,000.
42:15It dialed up some interest, making an £11 profit.
42:19In at number two was the dinky truck.
42:21Amazing.
42:23The miniature motor hauled in a tidy £27 profit.
42:27And hitting the top spot was the Jaguar car mascot.
42:30Whoa!
42:32Well done.
42:33It roared ahead of the competition, speeding to a superb £85 profit.
42:41Sadly, that's the end of the road for today.
42:43But if you're thinking of splashing out on some automobilia,
42:47hopefully we've filled you with a few handy tips.
42:50Don't forget to follow us on social media.
42:52Or better still, buckle up and join us next time for some more bargain hunting.
42:57Yes?
42:57Yes!
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