Automotive Aristocracy – The Platinum Collection

We’re turning the dial up to 11 with our latest assemblage of automotive excellence here at Car & Classic. Currently available via our auction platform is the Platinum Collection: a hand-picked selection of premium classics from across Europe, showcasing some of the best British, German and Italian metal to ever grace the pages of this fair site. With a focus on the finer things in life this collection features a whole host of high-end sports cars and luxury grand tourers. From ’50s Astons and Austin-Healeys, swinging ’60s E-Types and Mercs to ’70s Italian and German muscle, as well as a handful of more modern classics, there’s plenty to whet most whistles. So without further ado, let’s take a look as Car & Classic presents: The Platinum Collection, in Top Trumps form!

1950s: 1951 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage vs 1956 Austin-Healey BN2 100 ‘Le Mans’

We’re kicking things off with two beautiful British bulldogs going toe to toe as they duke it out to establish B-road dominance in The Platinum Collection. The Aston Martin DB2 Vantage drop head coupé is a stunning matching numbers example in concours condition, having just undergone a £166,000 restoration between 2016 and 2019. Having covered just 750 miles since this is one of just 98 DHC DB2s ever made.

Fully documented, the restoration work covers all aspects of the car. From the exquisite bodywork and sumptuous wood and leather interior to the W O Bentley-designed 2.6-litre straight six Lagonda engine, no bolt or washer has been left unturned meaning the car’s factory performance can be fully utilised. A more usable five-speed gearbox has been installed, too but the car does come with the original transmission should you wish to revert back.

The Austin-Healey is a worthy adversary, providing comparable performance and the similarities in design are clear to see, even going as far as having been finished in Aston Martin Works Metal Green paint! Also restored to an exceedingly high standard this Big Healey is a limited numbers 100 M ‘Le Mans’ spec cars meaning improved performance tweaks as well as styling enhancements, including that aerodynamic windscreen.

Mechanically on point the car’s engine has been comprehensively rebuilt to 100 ‘Le Mans’ specification to the tune of more than €30K so you can be confident that its performance matches its gorgeous looks. This duel will surely have to go to the judges…

1960s: 1962 Jaguar E-Type OTS vs 1969 Iso Grifo GL

Next up is another burly Brit but this time facing off against a rather muscular Italian. Widely regarded as the best of the E-Types, these Series I cars remain highly sought after and this particular open two-seater example is no exception. A highly original, matching numbers flat floor car that comes complete with heritage certification, this E-Type remains in an unrestored, unmolested state with a mere 54K on the clock.

With only 1,583 flat floor versions built these cars are the most sought-after and with its side locking bonnet the exclusivity of this particular car is even higher. Make no mistake, this is a rare car with excellent provenance that retains all of its original factory features. Presented in outstanding condition, despite having not been restored it’s a truly wonderful opportunity for classic Jaguar fans.

The 3.8-litre six-cylinder XK engine fitted to the Jag is by no means small but nevertheless it is somewhat dwarfed by the stonking great 5.4-litre Chevrolet Corvette V8 nestled under that gorgeous Guigiaro-penned bonnet of the Grifo. Italian styling mixed with American muscle will forever be a match made in heaven and the Iso Grifo was one of the OG cars to combine the two. Despite two extra cylinders and much larger displacement, however, performance of the two cars is relatively similar, with only a fraction of a second difference in their 0-60 times.

Both cars look absolutely stunning and the Iso Grifo, like the E-Type, is a rare beast, being as it is one of only 330 Series 1 cars ever built. Having been treated to an older restoration it still presents incredibly well, testament to the love, care and attention lavished upon the car by its three German owners, the last of which being a bona fide Iso enthusiast. One of the most beautiful GT cars to ever grace tarmac this Grifo is an opportunity not to be missed.

1970s: 1975 BMW 2002 Turbo vs 1972 Maserati Ghibli

Our ’70s match up in The Platinum Collection sees two iconic but wildly different cars having it out. In the red corner (or should it be yellow?) we have this rather lovely 1972 Maserati Ghibli coupé. Presented in an exquisite yellow over black colour scheme and with a paltry 34,000 miles on the clock it’s quite the find. Having spent all of its life in the UK it has been meticulously well cared for and is only now being sold on due to lack of use.

With a full recent service under its belt totalling almost £5,000 you can rest assured that this particular Ghibli is ready to rock and roll and with a five-speed manual ZF gearbox and power steering it will be a joy not a chore. Following some interior refurbishment the full black leather cabin presents incredibly well. The bodywork does carry some minor, age-related blemished but overall is in excellent condition and the refurbished Campagnolo wheels complete this particularly alluring package.

Representing Germany in the blue corner is the legendary BMW 2002 Turbo and what it lacks in outright performance compared to the quad cam V8 of the Maserati it more than makes up for in drive-ability and power to weight ratio and thanks to its rebuilt, turbocharged 2.0-litre M10 four-cylinder engine its 0-60 time is almost identical. It’s a very different beast to the Ghibli but the BMW enjoys its legendary status for a reason.

Having been restored in the past the car presents fantastically well and all of the BMW Motorsport decals are present and correct. Wonderfully original and fastidiously maintained this iconic car – BMW’s first turbocharged production model – represents an incredibly rare and highly desirable opportunity to own a proper slice of automotive lore.

1990s: 1994 Aston Martin V600 Virage Vantage vs 1999 Bentley Continental Sedanca Coupé

We have another clash of British titans as our spicy Aston Martin Virage Vantage goes up against the Bentley Continental Sedanca in The Platinum Collection shoot out. The original Virage Vantage was already a bit of a beast that produced 550bhp from its 5.3-litre V8 but Aston Martin really did go full send with the V600 version. Thanks to some engine fettling by Aston Martin Works, power was increased to a whopping 600bhp which gained the car entry into the distinguished 200mph club. These were staggering numbers back in the early ’90s. They still are.

With an impressive history file (including all service stamps) this incredibly rare, top spec Aston has been fastidiously maintained, regardless of cost and as such is in fantastic condition throughout. With thousands upon thousands having been spent in the past, including a full engine rebuild at 53K, this is tip of the spear analogue motoring from a time before myriad driver “aids” took all the fun out of the equation. An incredible piece of engineering.

In comparison the Bentley Continental looks rather tame despite producing impressive performance figures of its own but make no mistake this is a brilliant, brilliant car no matter what you park it next to and still has plenty of power for even the most speediest of demons. Another rarity in the collection with only 79 ever made the Sedanca Coupé is a unique model that takes inspiration from the early days of limousine driving, with a removable roof panel over the frontmost driver and passenger seats.

This particular example has covered less than 60,000 miles and comes with full service history, care of its five previous owners. Suitably luxurious and opulent – as you would expect from any high-end Bentley – the car remains in good condition overall, despite a few blemishes here and there. The smooth as silk 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, four-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and self-levelling hydraulic suspension make this the king of Continental comfort, but with a bit of a twist thanks to that unique roof.

2010s: 2018 Morgan Plus 8 vs 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia

Our final bout sees a more modern contest between a quintessentially British Morgan built for today’s world and an iconic Italian Prancing Horse. Although worlds apart in terms of on-paper figures the lightness of the Morgan Plus 8, coupled with its 362bhp BMW V8 make it a formidable weapon that is still capable of a four-ish second 0-60 dash. Impressive. One of only 50 cars built in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the car’s 1968 beginnings it’s a wonderful tribute to the marque and one that brings with it a truly exhilarating driving experience.

This is car number 23 of the aforementioned 50 and comes with a limited edition Christopher Ward watch and leather bound photo book documenting the history of Morgan and the build of the car. Having only covered 190 miles in its entire life it’s practically brand new and hasn’t even had its first service, although this will be carried out prior to sale. Heritage meets modernity with this exclusive edition that seamlessly mixes instantly recognisable, breathtaking design with face-melting performance.

No prestige list, including The Platinum Collection, would be complete without the addition of at least one Ferrari and this 458 Italia is one of the best to come out of Maranello. The fastest car in the collection the F1-derived 458 is devastatingly quick. Complete with full Ferrari service history the car has wanted for nothing and still presents exceptionally in its Nero Daytona Metallic and contrasting Bordeaux interior colour scheme.

Beautifully specified and sure to turn heads as well as snap necks wherever it goes this 458 Italia is everything a modern Ferrari should be. Despite being ten years old the car has only covered around 28,000 miles so it’s barely even bedded in. With its seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox with semi-automatic option and various driver modes, including launch control, you can really exploit the car’s blistering performance, all the while with a huge grin on your face.

With many more beautiful classics to pore over in The Platinum Collection there’s sure to be something to tempt you so the only fight left is that epic battle between your head and your heart. Our insiders say the latter is the one to back so go and check out the full list and get bidding for your chance to become part of the automotive aristocracy.