Hobbs Parker returns to classic car action with its first sale of 2022 later this month, working to the now-familiar timed online format

The auction begins at 12pm on March 30, with bidding ending for the first lots from midday on the Thursday. Physical viewing is also possible at Hobbs Parker’s Ashford Auction Centre during the weekdays preceding the sale.

As we’ve come to expect, the sale offers a great mix of prestige and everyman classics spanning a wide era, plus several worthwhile projects. Mercedes plays a strong role, with a very early R107 350SL from 1972 joined by a charming 1989 C124 300CE that’s been in the same ownership since 1993 and a low-mileage 1980 W123 saloon.

Continuing the prestige vibe is an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, along with a Jaguar XK8, two XKRs, a 1985 XJS-C V12, a 1980 Daimler Sovereign and a 1981 DS420 Limousine. Several BMWs and a couple of V8 Rover P6s also feature, while a little more left of field is a 1991 Alfa 164 Twin Spark Lusso. Those who like their Type Four platform with a little more Swedish flavour, meanwhile, may prefer a 1998 Saab 9000 CSE Anniversary estimated at a bargain £1500-£1700.

As for everyman classics, the choice is wide. There are several classic Minis in the sale, including a 1990 RSP Cooper and an early Riley Elf, while a historical rival is offered in the shape of a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle in rare commemorative Marathon guise. A late Rover 100 showing just 16,000 miles sticks with the same theme, as do several Blue Ovals: A low-mileage Mondeo is joined by a last-of-the-line Corsair 2000E, but our favourite must be a 1989 Sierra Estate showing a pleasingly low 52,750 miles. Rewinding back a few years, a 1952 Austin A40 Somerset will make for a great traditional classic, as will an Austin A35 Van and a pre-war Austin Seven.

The sheer variety of projects will surely boost interest, too. In amongst them you’ll find a very late Mini Van wearing an A-prefix registration, a similarly late Cortina 2000XL Estate from 1976 and a whole selection of Series Land Rovers. Perhaps most alluring, though, is a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe – a slice of Americana that’s been fully rebuilt and is in otherwise great shape, but now needs work to correct a seized engine.

With other entries including a Jaguar C-Type replica, a Sunbeam Talbot 90 Coupe, a couple of Porsche Boxsters and even a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer army truck, this sale will surely have something for everyone. What’s more, there’s a whole host of memorabilia and spare parts too. The catalogue was still building as we went to press and can be viewed here.

  • Joining the Mercedes C124 in the sale is this very early R107 350SL, registered in 1972. Showing 96,680 miles and supplied with MoT certificates since 1977, it’s estimated at a tantalising £14,000-£15,000.
  • A copy of the last three lightweight cars, this Realm Engineering Jaguar C-Type replica is finished in Ecurie-Ecosse racing colours and was fully IVA. tested and registered in 2010. It’s fitted with a 4.2-litre XK engine running through a Toyota Supra gearbox, and is expected to be one of the sale’s headliners at an estimated £45,000-£50,000.
  • Said to belie its 174,000 miles, this 1989 Mercedes C124 300CE automatic has been in the hands of the same owner since 1993. It’s been fastidious serviced and always dry stored; it’s expected to fetch £4000-£5000.
  • Painted in metallic blue and fitted with special wheels, the Volkswagen Beetle Marathon arrived in 1972 to commemorate Type 1 sales eclipsing those of the Ford Model T. This example shows just 6500 miles, which the vendor believes to be correct. It’s guided at £10,000-£11,000.
  • A desirable full-fat PI model, this 1971 Triumph TR6 was rebuilt around 12 years ago and now benefits from a full stainless exhaust and polybushes, amongst other upgrades. It’s guided at £15,500-£16,500.
  • The sale offers a choice between two Type Four platform sharers, a Saab 900 and this 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 2.0-litre Twin spark Lusso. Estimated at £3500-£4000 its shows 171,000 miles but comes with many bills including invoices including one for an engine rebuild at a marque specialist.
  • Joining several Land Rovers in the sale including a Series I this 1984 One Ten diesel shows just 19,000 miles and the rear load bay is in untouched condition. At an estimated £10,000-£12,000 it surely offers a remarkable opportunity.
  • There are several Minis in the sale including a rare Rover Cooper RSP, but this 1963 Riley Elf could well appeal to those looking for something a touch more unusual. The Almond Green example shows just 60,000 miles and is guided at £6000-£7000.
  • A very late example of the top-of-the-range 2000E model, this 1970 Ford Corsair has been with its current owner since 2015 and comes with both widened steel wheels and its original trims. It’s estimated at £6000-£8000.
  • Subject to a full body-off restoration in the last eight years including a full respray and interior refresh, this 1952 Austin A40 Somerset boasts a host of new parts and an MoT until next March. It’s estimated at £6000-£7000.