Ebullient fans of a bygone era flocked to Brooklands in unprecedented numbers on Saturday, as the best in British classic and sports cars stole the show at Historics’ Autumn auction, which eventually saw 65% of 103 Lots selling.
With 13 Jaguars entered into Historics largest sale to date, all but two found a new home, with the star sale being that of a 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé (DHC), which soared way above its estimate of £37,000 - £42,000, to £67,000.
Two further XK120’s sold, demonstrating their appeal, including a 1953 DHC restoration project example for £25,000, as well as three E-Types – still proving popular in its 50th anniversary year - while a 1965 Mk. II 3.8L Saloon fetched £28,500.
A benefactor of much pre-sale attention, a 1962 Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’ originally acquired as a chase car by the Metropolitan Police, and latterly used as a course car at the world famous Goodwood Revival festival, sold to ‘tin-top’ legend and three-time BTCC champion Win Percy, for £39,500.
The most unusual vehicle on offer at Historics’ sale – who has previously brought a Batmobile, Ghostbuster car and Monkeemobile to auction – was a 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI hearse by Mulliner Park Ward, which sold for £24,600.
With a seeming surge in interest amongst first-time-buyers and enthusiasts new to the hobby, it was no surprise to see a number of popular, low-cost, usable classic cars find new homes.
A 1977 Jaguar XJ6 Coupe – benefitting from some celebrity interest – eventually sold online via I-Bidder for £6,000, whilst a 1974 MGB GT V8 sold for £6,750, a 1969 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk. II reached £9,750, and a 1976 Triumph Stag Mk. II went for over double its estimate at £11,500.
As well as ample opportunity for the first-time-buyer, Historics also presented a number of restoration projects to a packed audience, with no shortage of savvy investors snapping up all but one of an intriguing collection of cars.
One of five Bristol’s entered, a 1949 Bristol 401 Coupé by Touring of Milan sold for £7,250, while a rarely seen Hotchkiss Cabourg 413 from 1934 sold for £6,250. Strong prices for the Lancia Aurelia B20 in recent years dictated that a restoration project offered at no reserve would see fervent bidding, and so it proved, with the final hammer price £26,000.
As a chance to acquire a piece or become a part of motoring history however, a 1923 La France Raceabout presented too good an opportunity to resist for one enthusiast, who eventually paid £20,500 for the non-moving Raceabout.
Besides British buys, there was strong interest in an eclectic array of European classics, with two Ferrari’s and a Maserati Merak SS finding new owners, and a 1973 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Zagato attracting global interest via I-Bidder and the telephones before selling for £24,500.
Commenting on the successful sale, Historics’ Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille remarked that: “It demonstrates that our customers still crave that satisfaction derived from either owning an eminently usable classic car, or becoming immersed in a hands-on restoration project.
“With over 500 people attending on the day, our customers continue to show their support, and we look forward to delivering another excellent offering of classic and collectable cars at our Spring sale in February,” he concluded.
To discuss how Historics may assist in the sale or purchase of a classic vehicle and to consign cars or an item of automobilia to the Spring sale, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk
