See feature in Classic Car weekly here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66135775@N07/10296166043/in/set-72157636363325286

THE STORY:

8 August, 1969. A Friday. The date of one of the most famous photo-shoots in rock ‘n’ roll history.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr walk over the zebra crossing next to Abbey Road studios. There and back. Three times. Six clicks of the shutter. Just six photographs, and the shoot was over. Three frames showing the Beatles crossing from left to right, and three walking from right to left.

The same order in each of the six frames - John Lennon first in white, then Ringo Starr in black, Paul McCartney in grey, barefoot, holding a cigarette in his right hand (all three in Tommy Nutter suits) and at the back, a denim clad George Harrison.

The fifth frame of six, showing a left to right traverse, was chosen as the actual cover.  Abbey Road (the first British Beatles LP without the name of the band or the title of the album on the front) was released in the UK on 26 September 1969 and debuted at number 1. Rolling Stone magazine voted it number 14 of the top 500 albums of all time.

 IN THE BACKROUND PARKED ON THE PAVEMENT IS A 1967 TRIUMPH HERALD

 1200 ESTATE REG: NHS31F FONDLY KNOWN AS ‘JEZEBEL’!

THE PROVENANCE:

First off I must state the despite my best efforts I have been unable to get a registration number that is visible in any of the 6 photos.

However car was purchased from South Western Vehicle Auctions with the following description: "This vehicle is believed to appear in picture form on the famous Abbey Road L.P.cover" . This was based on word of mouth passed on between the second, third & fourth owners. The second and third owners were next door neighbours while the third owner sold the car to a good friend of his. Their details will be passed on to the successful purchaser.

I needed more convincing so I spent several weeks trying to locate the first owner. Firstly copies of his details on the original logbook were obtained from the DVLA which led me to his address at the time. I discovered he had moved 30 years ago! I persisted and eventually I tracked down his widow through his obituary (he had passed away in 2012) to PA USA who was amazed to hear the car is still on the road. She informed me that in Aug 1969 her husband worked in sales for Carrier Airconditioning company based in Portland Place, London. She remembers the car well as she drove it for 9 years after her husband passed it on to her. She forwarded me details of her children who also live in the US.

Now here is the key bit on information. Look carefully at the photo used for the album cover. It is clearest in the official poster. Standing behind the car I noticed a man who appears to be walking around to get back into the car.

Triumph Herald 1200 Estate

Reg  NHS 31F

Year 1967

4 owners

60,000 miles

MOT July 2014

Recently recomissioned after being off the road since 1999, the Herald is in good mechanical condition with a sound chassis. Body is mostly sound though paint is patinated. Interior is complete and original and in fair condition.  Recent work includes new brakes, exhaust, outriggers, front valance, starter motor, water pump ,fuel pump etc.  I have just had the dynamo rebuilt and new regulator fitted. I completed a 20 mile run in the car without issue and can report that it runs very sweetly. All electics are functioning with the exception of the fuel gauge. The heater matrix has been bypassed for reasons unknown.

Of the 4 owners, one gentleman had the car from 1982 to 2011 after purchasing it from his next door neighbour. Only 15,000 miles covered between 1980 and today. Huge history file with old MOTs back to 1980 along with receipts for work carried out . Also present are copies of ownership records from the DVLA as well as the original owners manual, club magazines, articles, parts catalogues etc

More photos can be found here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66135775@N07/sets/72157636363325286/

and on my website www.classicandvintage.ie

Any questions are most welcome.

Car can be view in Rathgar Dublin 6 by appointment

Delivery to much of UK for £300. Zeebrugge £350. Other places on request

Successful purchaser to pay 10% deposit by Pay Pal immediately on end of auction

Balance by Bank Transfer or cash