1949 Frazer Manhattan

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to import VAT of 5% on the hammer price, if the car is to remain in the UK. The fees are calculated on the final selling price but refundable if you export the car from UK within 30-days. So, for example, if the car is staying in UK and sells for £4,000 then there'd be £200 duty to pay.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £250 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

We know next to nothing about the life story of this Frazer Manhattan sedan.

We know it was built in 1949.

We know it joined the vendor’s collection on 8.12.2015.

We know the odometer currently reads 89,167 miles.

And we’re guessing from the newspapers in the boot that the car was living somewhere in or near Covington, Tennessee, in June 2004.

Anyway. We’re glad it’s here now because it really is a handsome vehicle and it’s in very good all-round condition.

As with all cars from this vendor’s collection, our assessment comes with the proviso that we haven’t been able to start or drive the car and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition.

We have been able to turn the engine by hand and can state that it isn’t seized.

The two-tone cream and pale green paintwork has held up well in general, and although it couldn’t be described as totally smooth, shiny or lustrous, it is largely devoid of any nicks, scuffs, scratches, splits, creases or folds of any real consequence.

The chrome work, too, is in very decent all-round nick, as are the lights, trim and badging.

The o/s/r door handle is wrapped in clear tape for some reason and the door isn’t currently closing as it should.

The shut lines are tight and even, and three of the four doors slam home with weight and precision.

The wheels, with their chrome hub caps and green rims, look fine, too.

There is little evidence of corrosion visible on the bodywork, although there is a little bubbling above the wheel arch on the o/s/r wing.

That aside, this eye-catching car presents extremely well and is, we think, in very commendable condition for its age.

The car’s strong condition continues on the inside, where the subtle fabrics, textures and hues combine to soothing effect in a light and airy interior.

The upholstery - front and back - is comfortable, supportive and in very good condition. The satin finish to the fabric brings out the detail in the Jacquard-like pattern and the overall impression inside the cabin is one of understated, tasteful style and luxury.

The cream painted dashboard is in fine condition and is a good backdrop to the array of chromed instruments, levers, buttons, switches and dials. As we haven’t been able to start the car, we have no idea if they are functional or not.

There is a space where the original radio would have been and the glove compartment door is currently refusing to close.

In general, the carpets are decent, save for those in the driver’s footwell, which are threadbare and worn.

The door cards and headlining are good.

The boot seems to be in decent condition and is home to the spare wheel. The bright and shiny green paint on the inside of the boot lid suggests that the car has been resprayed, at least in part, in the not-too-distant past.

Lifting up the carpets in the boost or elsewhere in the car reveals nothing more than a standard bloom of rust dust, as far as we can see.

The undersides appear to be possessed of a good deal of integrity. Yes, there is rust dust to be found but we haven’t seen anything particularly worrying or indicative of nasty surprises lurking under the surface.

The engine bay is clean and dry. From what we can tell, everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

We think this is a sound, honest, strong example of a rare and handsome car.

Yes, it needs recommissioning, but aside from that we really don’t think there’s a great deal of work to do (unless you want to), provided the engine and mechanicals prove to be as good as the car’s cosmetic condition.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.