Rare French classic car in Dorset sale

A rare 1914 French Le Zebre Model C classic car will be one of the star items in a Dorset online classic and vintage car auction taking place later this month.

The little car, also known as a ‘zebra car’ will go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherbourne and is the earliest motor car in the sale. Fitted with a 785cc engine it was bought as a basket case restoration project at the world famous Beaulieu Autojumble in the 1990s.

It took over 20 years to fully restore the vintage car to its former glory. During the restoration, another Le Zebre was discovered by the owner which provided many rare and missing parts including an engine and gearbox. After the restoration was completed, this car was featured in the specialist vintage car magazine The Automobile in August 2014.

Alongside the vintage cars in the auction are modern classics, with a 1993 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera coupe leading the charge. Finished in the classic colour of Guards Red and a black leather interior the vehicle is estimated at £14,000-16,000, which is the same as the guide price for the 1914 Le Zebre.

“With current COVID-19 restrictions and to keep our staff, clients and to protect the NHS we are still having a live auction, albeit behind closed doors,” commented auctioneer Richard Bromell. “Having conducted all auctions online as well as in our salerooms for the past 15 years we have everything in place and it seems a logical move to hold this specialist car auction just online. However, for those with no internet access or who have other commitments, we will also be able to carry out telephone and absentee commission bidding.”

The sale takes place on May 30.