First sale of 2013 nets high interest and strong results from record consignmentsThe weather may have been bleak, but it was very much the opposite in the crowded auction hall for Historics first sale of 2013 on Saturday, March 9. The Brooklands-based auctioneer assembled its largest-ever consignment of cars to date117and was rewarded with the biggest turn-out in the auction hall, a sell-out of catalogues prior to sale, a buoyant 62% sales ratio, and a total revenue for consigned vehicles of 1,444,537.British sports cars accounted for some of the strongest interest.  A Jaguar XK150 Fixedhead Coup of 1958 set the tone, soaring to a hammer price 30% higher than its top estimate, settling at 56,000. Within minutes, a superb, concours-winning XK150 Roadster of the same year also exceeded its estimate, with strong bidding finally setting a heady sale price of 92,960.A 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster was part of the big cat frenzy some time later, changing hands for a bullish 50,400, whilst a 1974 Series III E-Type made a strong 29,680. Meanwhile, a matching numbers 1938 Jaguar SS 1 litre saloon showed its elegant pre-war credentials at 25,760. The Aston Martin marque has featured strongly at Historics past sales and this time it was the turn of a pre-war 1 litre Mk. II Long Chassis Open Tourersurely the epitome of classic British motoringto uphold honour.  One of only 45 produced between 1934 and 1935, this much sought-after classic sold for 100,000.A magnificent, extremely rare and impeccable 1939 MG TB, accompanied by a sea of rosettes that acclaimed its award-winning history, attracted tremendous interest,  cresting its highest estimate to return 32,480.Resplendent in Royal Blue coachwork and tan leather, a beautifully-restored and cherished 1964 Alvis TE21 Drophead Coup also sold above estimate, at 70,000, with the enthusiasm for open-top motoring remaining high for the very next lot, a 1947 Allard K1 Roadster, which made 54,880.A jet black, 1961 Austin Healey 3000 Mk.II BT7 was quickly snapped up at 36,960, whilst an earlier 100/4 of 1955, to 100M specification, moved briskly to the sold list,  for 31,360.Classic European marques were, as-ever, also well represented. A trio of affordable Alfa Romeos spanning thirty years attracted strong interest, with a 1964 2600 Spider achieving 23,520, and a 1993 Series IV Spider finding a delighted new owner for little more than 3,000.Italian exotica was superbly represented with a 1989 Ferrari Testarossa, at 57,120 whilst Historics marque stalwart, Mercedes-Benz, delivered strong results with all but one of the 14 examples on salespanning over forty yearsfinding a new owner. Meanwhile, a brace of 1979 Porsche 911SCsboth prepared to RS specification, represented strong value for enthusiasts of the Stuttgart marque, both selling for in excess of 30,000.Reflecting its all-inclusive culture in order to appeal to a wide market, Historics again presented an eclectic selection of more affordable cars, with American classicsa superb 1967 Ford Mustang 289GT Coupe rumbling to a very respectable 28,000well in the mix. Upholding Fords UK honours was a 1969 Ford Capri Mk.I, finding a new home for a little under 5,000, whilst for classic commercial vehicle enthusiasts, a 1937 Dodge Tanker, offered at no reserve, proved irresistible, selling for 2,800.Widely-varying consignments continued through the bevy of classics offered at no reserve. Of these, a charming 1959 Hillman Husky Series II sold for a 3,300, whilst one of the most unusual vehicles on offera 1905 Gardner-Serpollet Steam Carbuilt from scratch by its immensely talented previous ownersoared to 62,720.Commenting on the sale, Historics Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, said;The first sale of the year is never the easiest for consignments, and with such poor weather in the build-up, the Historics team did a marvellous job in assembling such a large, varied and valuable collection of cars. Equally, the fact that we enjoyed our largest-ever attendance, at the viewing and on sale day, speaks well of Historics appeal, which has been reflected in another robust sale approaching 1.5m with a very creditable 62% of vehicles sold. Significantly, our higher-priced consignments sold particularly well.Historics at Brooklands next quarterly auction is on Saturday 1st June, preceded by a major 100+ motorcycle sale on Friday May 31st.