A 1939 Lagonda V12 Hooper two door saloon that was set to go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Restoration Show Sale at the NEC, Birmingham this weekend has been snapped up in a significant six figure pre-auction deal.

The auction house do not usually accept pre-auction sales but due to the gravitas and strength of the offer, and in full consultation with the vendor, it was impossible to ignore.

The unique car, a highly original and matching numbers example, was estimated at between £75,000 and £100,000. It was built for the wife of the owner of Hooper Bodies Ltd, the most noted coach builder of the era, and first registered in August 1939. With the onset of war just weeks later the car was placed into storage before being sold to a Mr Harry Ellard in 1952.

The car was sold as part of the famous Ellard collection that was sold at auction in 1984 with this car taking pride of place on the front cover of the catalogue. The next owner enjoyed the car until 2001 when it changed hands once again. It has now sold having been in storage for the past 13 years, ready for its new owner to restore it to its former glory.

Managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: "It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to generate so much interest in a car prior to the auction and is testament to the quality and uniqueness of cars that we offer buyers. Clearly the car was in high demand and so the successful buyer did not want to risk missing out on such a magnificent example.”

Over 80 barn finds, restoration projects and more roadworthy classic cars are being prepared for the auction this Saturday, April 12th.

Nick added: "I’m delighted that we’ve secured a successful sale for the vendor and look forward to seeing the car fully restored in the future. If the sale of this car is anything to go by then this weekend’s auction should generate great interest”.

For more information on the sale please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-nec-restoration-show-sale