12th Nov, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1990 Moss Sport Roadster
***NO RESERVE*** 123 of c.150 Moss Roadsters built, powered by a 2-litre MKII Triumph 2000 engine
Registration - YWJ 435G
Chassis No - GE35706DL
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 29,720
This very well-presented Moss Roadster is No.123 of the total production and a brass plaque in the engine bay informs us it was constructed in 1990 by a Mr T A White. The donor vehicle was a 1960 Triumph Herald saloon, however, its powerplant is now a far meatier six-cylinder unit from a Triumph 2000 MKII. Finished in red and trimmed in black-piped white leather, the Moss boasts a comprehensive specification, including: overdrive, electric engine fan, oil cooler, stainless steel sports exhaust, stainless steel wire wheels, contemporary audio unit, leather-rimmed steering wheel, pair of auxiliary driving lights and a badge bar, plus a full set of weather equipment. ‘YWJ 435G’ was acquired by the vendor in 2021 from a private collection, and he presently classes the straight-six engine, overdrive manual gearbox and upholstery as ‘excellent’, and the fibreglass bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’. This rare car is now being offered for sale complete with a complete build manual, letter from the builder, and a selection of old MOTs. The odometer presently registers an unwarranted but totally credible 29,720 miles.
The Moss Motor Company was established in Sheffield in 1982 by John Cowperthwaite and responsible for the introduction of the Roadster, Malvern, Mamba and Monaco kit cars. Production of these was sadly brought to an abrupt halt in 1985 as a result of a factory fire, which destroyed pretty well everything in its path, including some of the moulds. However, the remaining moulds and the rights to the designs were sold to Hampshire Classics the following year, and then to members of the Moss Owners Club in 1987, allowing further examples to be completed. The Moss Roadster and its four-seat sibling, the Malvern, were designed in the style of the more familiar MG TF and Morgan Plus 4, and based on the chassis and running gear of donor Triumph Heralds or Vitesses. The kit included a set of gelcoated fibreglass panels, floor and dashboard, and was apparently priced at c.£990. It is believed some 150 examples of the two-seat Roadster were made all told, of which the sale car is one, and so a rare beast by any standards.
In summary:
- 123 of c.150 Moss Roadsters built, so a rare car by any measure
- Powered by a 2-litre MKII Triumph 2000 engine
- Strong specification includes overdrive, SS exhaust and oil cooler
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £4,781
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - YWJ 435G
Chassis No - GE35706DL
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 29,720
This very well-presented Moss Roadster is No.123 of the total production and a brass plaque in the engine bay informs us it was constructed in 1990 by a Mr T A White. The donor vehicle was a 1960 Triumph Herald saloon, however, its powerplant is now a far meatier six-cylinder unit from a Triumph 2000 MKII. Finished in red and trimmed in black-piped white leather, the Moss boasts a comprehensive specification, including: overdrive, electric engine fan, oil cooler, stainless steel sports exhaust, stainless steel wire wheels, contemporary audio unit, leather-rimmed steering wheel, pair of auxiliary driving lights and a badge bar, plus a full set of weather equipment. ‘YWJ 435G’ was acquired by the vendor in 2021 from a private collection, and he presently classes the straight-six engine, overdrive manual gearbox and upholstery as ‘excellent’, and the fibreglass bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’. This rare car is now being offered for sale complete with a complete build manual, letter from the builder, and a selection of old MOTs. The odometer presently registers an unwarranted but totally credible 29,720 miles.
The Moss Motor Company was established in Sheffield in 1982 by John Cowperthwaite and responsible for the introduction of the Roadster, Malvern, Mamba and Monaco kit cars. Production of these was sadly brought to an abrupt halt in 1985 as a result of a factory fire, which destroyed pretty well everything in its path, including some of the moulds. However, the remaining moulds and the rights to the designs were sold to Hampshire Classics the following year, and then to members of the Moss Owners Club in 1987, allowing further examples to be completed. The Moss Roadster and its four-seat sibling, the Malvern, were designed in the style of the more familiar MG TF and Morgan Plus 4, and based on the chassis and running gear of donor Triumph Heralds or Vitesses. The kit included a set of gelcoated fibreglass panels, floor and dashboard, and was apparently priced at c.£990. It is believed some 150 examples of the two-seat Roadster were made all told, of which the sale car is one, and so a rare beast by any standards.
In summary:
- 123 of c.150 Moss Roadsters built, so a rare car by any measure
- Powered by a 2-litre MKII Triumph 2000 engine
- Strong specification includes overdrive, SS exhaust and oil cooler
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 12th Nov, 2023
Our November auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 11th November,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 12th November, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
