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Our #ClassicRumble activity may be over but it’s just the beginning for the #TeamMike and #TeamAnt cars with their new owners!

Ant Anstead and his team built from scratch a 1950s Grand Prix inspired racer which raised £22,500 at auction for Harrison’s Fund, after Silverstone Auctions kindly waivered their usual fee. Here we catch up with the new owner and hear why he was interested in buying the racer and what his plans are for the year ahead.

Name: Martin Webb

Company: Comet Classics

Have you always had a passion for classic vehicles?

Yes, from a young age! In fact that was the reason I started Comet Classics with Ray Waller as we have a genuine enthusiasm and passion for classic and vintage vehicles and motorcycles, as well as petrol pumps and Automobilia. Ray and I must have owned hundreds of classic cars and bikes over the years and between us we have over 80 years of automotive and motorcycle experience.

 How did you hear about the #ClassicRumble?

Mike Brewer is an old friend of mine, I actually bought a 1950s F100 Ford Truck Pickup in a past episode of Wheeler Dealers in California, and he let me know about the activity and how he was going head to head with Ant for charity. I thought it sounded like a great initiative so was intrigued to hear more about the cars, the work that had gone into them and the charities involved.  

 What interested you in bidding for Ant’s 1950s inspired racer?

Ant showed me pictures of the racer and the back story, from inception to the finished article, and both Ray and I were blown away. It is a quality build and we thought the look and feel fitted in really well with our show room based in Chichester and would be right at home with the other classic car and bikes on display! The icing on the cake was knowing that the money raised was going to a good cause.

What are your plans for the racer?

There are so many avenues to look into, it’s an exciting time! The racer is perfect for hill climbs and race days so we’re looking into the possibility of entering these type of events and potentially we may expand the range by building another racer. One event which is confirmed is the London Classic Car Show 2018, in February, where the racer will be showcased travelling up and down the Grand Avenue so people will be able to see it in action which I’m very much looking forward to.   

 It’s also been great to meet some of #TeamAnt and hear about the stories of the build. In fact Darren Collins, who made the bespoke exhaust and was integral to the build, is based in Southbourne which is near our show room and popped down to see us last month. It really enforced that it was right decision for us to buy the car - it was like it had come home!