Archive for the ‘Auctions’ Category

Barons Classic, Collectors and Historic Motor Cars sale Sandown Park, 1st November

Posted: October 30, 2011 by The Car Spy in Auctions, Classic Cars
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Barons have another classic car sale coming up on Tuesday 1st November which is full of highly desirable cars that make you want to max out the overdraft facility.

Most are guaranteed to give an almighty financial hangover after the initial love affair but what the hell, they just don’t make ’em like this anymore.

Amongst the line-up of tempting morsels is a 1971 Mk 1 Ford Escort Mexico (yes please!), a totally original 1966 Austin healey 3000 Mk III, Lotus Elan +2, 1963 Jensen CV8, 1955 Plymouth Belvedere, 1975 BMW 2002 (Baur) Cabriolet, a few Rollers, Jags, Mercs, MG,s, Triumphs and a Chrysler Prowler thrown in for good measure.

In all over 50 cars will be on sale and it’s almost worth going along for a nosey to see how much money these sort of cars are fetching these days.

To see the full list of entrants visit Barons website as follows http://www.barons-auctions.com/entry.php?pageid=93&auctionid=89

In the meantime here is a slideshow of some of the entrants – enjoy!

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Strong sales at ‘Historics at Brooklands’….Classics holding up well

Posted: October 24, 2011 by The Car Spy in Auctions, Classic Cars
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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.

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The Walter Hayes Sale at Silverstone – 4th November 2011

Posted: October 18, 2011 by The Car Spy in Auctions, Classic Cars
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The catalogue is now closed for the forthcoming Walter Hayes Sale and while there are many eye-catching lots to admire, perhaps there is none more so than a 1961 Morgan +4, a Le Mans class winner in 1962.

Bidding is also expected to be strong at the Silverstone Auctions hosted event for an extremely rare Zagato-bodied 1960 Lancia Flaminia Sport with an estimated price of between £100,000 and £125,000 and a right-hand drive 1958 Jaguar XK 150 3.4 Roadster, just one of 44 built.

Single-seat competition cars appearing in the auction include a 1990 Reynard F3000 90D driven by Johnny Herbert as well as a 2000 Arrows A21 Formula One car driven by Pedro de la Rosa and Jos Verstappen.

All the action takes place at Silverstone over the Walter Hayes Festival Trophy weekend, the traditional end of season race meeting. Viewing takes place on 3rd November and auction day is on 4th November.

With a varied and exciting collection of classic cars, modern sports cars and championship-winning competition cars, now totalling 69 lots, anyone interested in buying a catalogue or registering a bid is advised to do so as soon as possible by visiting www.silverstoneauctions.com  or calling 01926 691141.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We are very excited to be hosting The Walter Hayes Sale at the home of British motor racing. Interest has already been strong and we’re looking to build on the success we enjoyed at our previous auction where we sold cars totalling £1.5 million.”

Those wishing to attend the auction, which is being held in Silverstone’s new £27 million ‘Wing’ building, Britain’s longest building at 360 metres, must register beforehand.

But while the auction surroundings in the ‘Wing’ are ultra-modern, some of the cars have a much more mature pedigree. Indeed, one of the oldest lots is a stunning 1928 Nash Sedan, featuring a twelve-sided steering wheel.

However, admirers of more modern vehicles won’t be disappointed. One of the newest and highest priced cars – a stylish 2007 McLaren Mercedes SLR – dates back just four years and is estimated between £160,000 and £190,000.

Also under the hammer is a wide collection of automobillia, including a 1906 French Grand Prix Brooch, a Jenson Button race suit and an original oil painting of the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio.

Those wanting to bid for any of the lots can do so in person by attending the sale, by telephone, by leaving a commission bid or live, online.

Nick added: “The Walter Hayes Sale boasts some real gems that very rarely come to market. The collection is also very varied in its appeal and is a great way to mark the end of the racing season.”

Formed in 2011 as a joint venture between Nick Whale and Silverstone Circuits, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles and automotive memorabilia.

The company holds the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit.

Auctions take place in The Wing, the circuit’s new £27 million building, which has space to display up to 100 auction vehicles and includes seating accommodation for up to 400 attendees.

Classic auction time…Historics at Brooklands October 22nd

Posted: October 13, 2011 by The Car Spy in Auctions, Classic Cars
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Britain’s motorists are increasingly enjoying a love-in with the days of old, with booming interest in getting behind the wheel of a classic car.

Whilst private new car sales are floundering*, specialist classic car auction company Historics at Brooklands reports a bullish market, particularly amongst first-time buyers of a retro set of wheels.

“There is an undisputable financial argument against buying even a modest newish car if it’s not driven a great deal, as it can suffer high insurance and maintenance costs and continuing depreciation,” says Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille.

“In contrast, for around £5,000 you could drive from our auction an original 1970’s British sports car that will give you immense fun and low running costs, and relax in the knowledge that a good cared for car is likely to appreciate in value.”

Marcus Atkinson of classic car insurers, Hagerty International, agrees:

“We have a high level of interest from first-time classic car buyers.  They are attracted by the sheer enjoyment of ownership, and discover it’s a far better way of looking after a few thousand pounds than leaving it in the bank.  And we can comprehensively insure a well-looked after first-time classic for under £100 per year on a limited mileage policy,” he added.

Amongst 100 fascinating classic cars and motorcycles of all ages and values lined up at Historics’ next auction on Saturday October 22nd, are a selection of perfect first-time classic buys, including a 1974 MGB GT V8 (£5,000 – £8,000), a 1976 Triumph Stag Mk. II (£4,000 – £6,000), a 1977 Jaguar XJ6 Coupé (£4,000 – £6,000) and a 1977 Reliant Scimitar GTE (£4,000 – £6,000).

And for those to whom classic car ownership also means rolled-up sleeves and spanners, the Historics’ auction provides the ideal hunting ground for a classic car requiring DIY input, from modest repairs to full restoration.

The 18-strong project car offering at the sale includes no fewer than five Bristol saloons and coupés, a 1965 MGB Roadster, a 1963 Jaguar Mk. II Saloon 3.4L Manual Overdrive and a 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series IV, all with no reserve, as well as a 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint (£8,000 – £10,000), a 1957 Wolesley 6/90 Series II (£3,000 – £5,000) and a 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé (£15,000 – £20,000).

“Most classic car owners enjoy a level of self-maintenance of their pride and joy, from simple tinkering to major sessions burning the midnight oil,” says Bridger-Stille. “And unlike modern-day cars festooned with electronic systems, they are generally very simple and rewarding to work on,” he concluded.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Viewing of all Lots is possible on Friday October 21st between 10.00am – 8.00pm and on the day of sale prior to the auction commencing with automobilia at 11.30am and cars at 14:00pm.  Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

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1962 and The Old Bill ups the ante with a 130 mph crim-chaser

Posted: October 10, 2011 by The Car Spy in Auctions
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A chase car that London’s Metropolitan Police bought to curb the enthusiasm of ‘road hogs and ton-up hooligans’* nearly 50 years ago, will come under the hammer at the latest Surrey auction by Historics at Brooklands on Saturday October 22nd.

Just as the world began to breathe again after the resolution to the Cuban missile crisis, on 1st November 1962 Scotland Yard took delivery of a powerful law enforcement weapon of its own, in the shape of 670 ELL, a sleek, jet black, right-hand drive, 130mph soft-top Daimler SP250.

Mindful of the deterrent effect, the car was first demonstrated to the public on the streets of London before starting its patrol duties – hood down and fully uniformed officers ensuring fair play!

Recognising that their normal patrol cars weren’t a match for 100mph speeders and getaway cars of the day, police drivers relished the performance of their new, foot-down acquisition.  The Daimler’s 2.5 litre V8 engine developed 140bhp, fed through an automatic gearbox, complete with a cable-operated device that enabled intermediate gears to be held longer whilst on the chase.

So successful was the Daimler that a total of 26 SP250’s were bought by the Metropolitan Police to bolster their high-speed arsenal.

After being retired from the police force in 1967, 670 ELL was to adopt an equally illustrious, high-profile presence, as an official course car for 13 years at the world-famous Goodwood Revival classic motoring event, at the hands of the present owner, who has enjoyed the car for the past 32 years. 

During this time, it has benefitted from a continuous programme of restoration, maintenance and improvement.  In remarkably original and superb condition, with a sympathetic re-trim and excellent paintwork, the car is presented at Historics’ auction with a wealth of documentation.  

Much of the police equipment from its original law enforcement role also remains, including the magnificent chromed Winkworth police bell that warned of the car’s imminent arrival on the scene!

With its unique history, exemplary condition, and excellent provenance, Historics anticipates lively bidding at the very affordable estimated value of £30,000 – £35,000.

This 1962 Daimler SP250 is one of 100 fine classic motor cars that will be presented for sale at Historics’ latest auction on Saturday October 22nd, commencing with the automobilia sale at 11.30am.  Viewing on Friday October 21st is possible between 10.00am – 8.00pm. 

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

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