Highlight of the upcoming Brightwells sale for the more traditionally-minded enthusiasts will doubtless be the cars from the Automobile Magazine’s ‘Oily Rag’ collection. All 1950s and older, the lots range from the likes of early 1900s Model T Ford and Franklin, to fascinating European rarities like the 1955 Panhard Dyna, 1959 DKW, 1952 Ford Vedette pickup and 1937 Peugeot 402, joined by mid-50s Studebaker Conestoga and Commander coupe.

Intriguing though these are, you won’t be surprised to hear that the CCB team got sidetracked by rather more modern fare, notably the Rover 213S which is a real survivor complete with a Bible on the front seat courtesy of its vicar former owner and vying for our attention with the 1990 VW Polo ‘breadvan’.

In a similar vein, the sale includes an early Alfasud, its survival down to a dose of Ziebart when new and having covered just 18,000 miles on British roads, while more modern Italian fare comes in the shape of a 2000 Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo in rare Plus spec.

For fans of ’60s Jaguars, there’s an unusually affordable proposition in the shape of an early short-wheelbase XJ6 Series 1, in the desirable 4.2 flavour, while more modern exotica, includes a 1993 Bentley Continental R and an Aston Martin DB7 at similar money.

For those after something of a more practical nature, it wouldn’t be a Brightwells sale without a handful of Land Rovers and the sale includes everything from Series 1 through Series 3 to 90 and Defender. A particular highlight is the 1985 Land Rover 90 soft top, rebuilt on a galvanised chassis but unusually these days, done to standard specification and all the better for it.

For those with bigger budgets, there’s what is described as one of the best Jensen Interceptors around at an estimated £50,000-£55,000 while a two-door classic Range Rover is estimated at £30,000-£40,000.

Bidding begins on July 31 and ends on August 5. Find our road test of the Rover 213S here and find the full catalogue here.

  • Rover 213S is a real survivor, with a former vicar owner, a bible on the passenger seat and just 81,000 miles at an estimate of £3000-£4000.
  • The ‘breadvan’ Polo is a rare sight and this is a late-model 1990 example of the Mk2. In amazingly original condition (except those Golf wheels) it’s estimated at £3000-£4000.
  • Built from a military-spec Iveco 4x4 truck, this is the ultimate overland camper and carries no reserve.
  • This 1983 Golf GTI looked great after a bare-metal restoration and we’d even keep those period BBS cross-spokes. Budget on £15,000-£17,000.
  • Offered as two separate lots are the 1954 MG TF1250 estimated at £15,000-£17,000 and the miniature replica built by the same owner and powered by a Honda C90 engine at £5000-£7000.
  • Part of the ‘oily rag’ collection, the Panhard Dyna is a curiosity on British roads and this no-reserve example runs the later PL17 version of the air-cooled flat twin.
  • The Series 1 XJ is appreciating slowly but steadily and this early short-wheelbase example with the 4.2 XK engine looks like good value at £5000-£7000 despite needing cosmetic improvement.
  • The Honda Legend makes its Rover 800 sibling look commonplace in the UK and this 1996 model comes with nice history and no reserve.
  • Another high water mark from a great era of Hondas was the Prelude. This one comes in regular 2-litre flavour and is original down to the plates from the local Hereford supplying dealer. It’s estimated at £4000-£6000.
  • Frantic turbo-triple Suzuki Cappuccino is great fun and this one is estimated at £3000-£5000.
  • Completely rebuilt on a galvanised chassis but to original spec, this 1985 Land Rover 90 carries an £18,000-£22,000 estimate.
  • This 1994 Mercedes E320 automatic convertible with AMG trimmings, promises four-seater family fun for less outlay than an XJS. Having sampled it from behind the wheel, we can report that it drives nicely, too. Budget on £10,000 upwards.