Brightwells’ next timed online sale takes place on February 11–15, 2023. Here are some star lots to watch

So often it’s the projects in a sale that fire the imagination, and the catalogue for Brightwells’ February sale is a perfect illustration. Particularly fascinating is Lot 61, representing state-of-the-art 1960s German automotive engineering in the shape of a Mercedes 600. In long-wheelbase four-door spec, the ’69 Pullman has an interesting history, having been owned by a Berlin-based company until the operation was purchased by Japanese buyers and the Mercedes moved with it to Osaka. Returning to Europe in 2019, the car received extensive recommissioning – notably the hydraulics that operate everything from suspension to windows and bootlid – and is running and driving, although it needs further attention to tidy up some details.

A less daunting project in the sale offers an affordable route into Jaguar Mk2 ownership, in the shape of a part-dismantled 1966 2.4-litre example. Despite three doors having been removed, it’s said to be complete and the manual overdrive ’box makes the 2.4 more lively than you might expect. Certainly it looks like a straightforward restoration, and a 3.4 or 3.8 upgrade is simple enough if you’re not too worried about originality.

A favourite among the more modern fare is a late-model BMW 635CSi, late enough in fact to boast the run-out Highline spec. From a similar era but an entirely different world is a 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire with husband-and-wife ownership and just 49,000 miles from new.

Meanwhile, almost as eye-catching as the Mercedes 600 is a bright white Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible from 1980, complete with equally arresting red leather interior, while a slightly less ostentatious open-top experience is offered by a 1985 Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet – an increasingly rare animal these days.

Traditional classic fare includes an Austin-Healey 3000, a pair of MGBs and an original 71,000-mile 1969 VW Beetle 1500 that had group editor Wager particularly enthused, especially when it was discovered to be a no reserve sale.

Bidding begins on Saturday, February 11 and the lots will close from 7pm on Wednesday, February 15. Viewing is offered without appointments on the Monday and Tuesday beforehand from 9am to 5pm. For more details, visit brightwells.com

  • This Land Rover pick-up is a 109-inch Series 3 from 1982 with the ‘high capacity’ bed and estimated at £6500-£7000.
  • If the Mercedes 600 Pullman seems a little ambitious, what about the equally impressive W126 S-Class? This long-wheelbase 500SEL shows just 119,000 miles and comes with all the toys – including an electrically adjustable rear seat – for an estimated £6000-£8000.
  • The XJ-S Cabriolet celebrates its 30th birthday this year and is an increasingly rare car, while also better to drive than the full convertible. This 1985 V12 example on TWR JaguarSport wheels is estimated at £6000-£8000.
  • Look past the three missing doors and this Jaguar Mk2 looks to be a straightforward restoration at an estimated £8000-£9000 with plenty of potential thanks to the manual-overdrive spec.
  • This Ford Sierra Sapphire has covered just 49,000 miles since 1991 in the hands of one family and runs the 2.0-litre DOHC ‘I4’engine. It’s yours for £6500-£8000.
  • The 1500 is reckoned by VW buffs to be the best of the classic Beetles, and this original and unrestored one-owner 1969 example showing just 71,000 miles is offered with no reserve.
  • A late-model example from 1988, this BMW 635CSi boasts the Highline spec including leather and air conditioning. With 120,000 mile and a big history file, it’s estimated at £15,000-£17,000.
  • The Rolls-Royce Corniche is unusual in bright white with equally eye-catching red leather. In lovely condition courtesy of many years spent in Japan, plus a mileage of just 12,000, it justifies an estimate of £40,000-£45,000.
  • This MGC is an ex-USA car, restored and converted to right-hand drive by Moto-Build in 2017. With a rebuilt engine and unleaded head, it’s estimated at £14,500-£15,500.
  • The majestic Mercedes-Benz 600 is an intriguing prospect, but don’t expect it to be an easy project even for an estimated £100,000-£120,000...