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1979 Charisma Century
Highlights
- Very rare Ford-based SS100 evocation
- Smartly presented in white and burgundy
- Equipped with usefully quick Pinto 2litre
- Well detailed and trimmed
- Believed one of only 25 built
The Appeal
Jaguar built less than 320 SS100s, making them rare and very valuable. The reach of these magnificent cars goes far beyond the production numbers and over the years several firms have tried to fill the gap between available cars and demand by offering replicas and evocations.
One of the less well known of these was Carisma, whose cleverly named Century was based on Ford Cortina mechanicals. Despite a well regarded and engineered kit combining a ladder frame with GRP and aluminium panels, just 25 were reputedly built and little remains about the company or its cars.
This is one of them, a lovely two-tone, low mileage example exhibiting high levels of finish and trimming. Now registered as a historic vehicle, its condition reflects the care of its long term owner.
With a weather eye on the 2024 show season, this is a great talking point and you’re unlikely to be parked next to another.
History and Paperwork
- Donor vehicle first registered 29th January 1979
- Now correctly registered as a Historic Vehicle qualifying for MOT, tax and ULEZ exemption
- 10 owners from new, including donor vehicle, with current seller since 19th June 2012
- DVLA records a colour change in 1994 from red/cream to white/maroon
- Registered with the DVLA as a ‘Cortina Sport’
- Last MOT expired on 2nd June 2021 with 7,320 miles showing on last test and no advisories
- Has covered few miles since that last test
- The Century was a SS100 style kit based on Cortina mechanicals
- Little is known of these cars as the owners club unfortunately no longer exists
The Condition
- Well presented car with lovely white and burgundy colour scheme in good order
- Some very light signs of use but none detract from the overall cared for impression
- Sits on chromed wheels with wire-wheel style inserts and with matching spare
- Blue fabric roof with side screens which are told operates but we have not seen in use
- Chrome front and rear bumpers in good order, as is remaining extensive chromework
- Well detailed car with SS100-style aesthetics including purposeful mesh-covered headlamps
- Small rear boot with carpeted trim and exterior chrome rack with leather retaining strap
- Interior in good order with few signs of age or wear across components
- Burgundy leather high backed bucket-style seats with smart ‘Carisma’ stitching
- Small rear bench with burgundy base and velour back and side trim
- Velour trim to cut down doors
- Attractive double cowl dashboard with veneer-style trim to fascia
- Period-style cream-faced dials
- Moto Lita wood-rimmed, three spoke steering wheel in good condition
- Red carpets throughout in well kept condition showing only light sun fading
- Area of black tape affixed to carpeted tunnel trim
The Mechanics
- 1,993cc 4cyl Ford ‘Pinto’ engine developing around 100bhp with red cam cover
- 4spd manual gearbox
- MOT history appears to verify displayed mileage
- We are told the engine runs and ticks over well
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Auction Details
- Year 1979
- Make NONE
- Model Cortina
- Colour Red
- Odometer 7,740 Miles
- Engine size 1993
- Seller Type Private
- Town Ashford
- County Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
-
Auction ends
23 Bids
- michael•••• £10,000 15/12/23
- cambian•••• £9,750 15/12/23
- michael•••• £9,500 15/12/23
- cambian•••• £9,250 15/12/23
- michael•••• £9,000 15/12/23
- cambian•••• £8,250 15/12/23
- andrew-•••• £8,000 15/12/23
- samir-y•••• £7,500 15/12/23
- andrew-•••• £7,000 15/12/23
- cambian•••• £6,750 15/12/23
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