Historics starts its 2024 auction calendar with a plethora of enticing classics at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, March 2

Words: Joe Miller

Over 140 cars are set to go under the hammer at Historics’ next sale, spanning an era of over 80 years and including everything from no-reserve potential bargain to six-figure rarities.

The headliner could well be a 1968 Aston Martin DBS ‘prototype’ fitted with a Fitted with Lola Aston Martin V8 development engine, which could sell for as much as £160,000. Rather more utilitarian, on the other hand, is the selection of Land Rovers. An ex-MoD 1955 Series 1 86-inch is offered with a £15,000–20,000 estimate, while a fully restored 1981 Series 3 109-inch on a galvanised chassis is offered with no reserve. A rare 1993 Defender SV90 is also offered being one of 90 produced in Caprice Green with a soft-top. It’s estimated at £20,000–25,000, but if you prefer an example of its German rival, there’s a 1991 Mercedes 300GES. A rarity with a manual gearbox, its fantastic condition following a glass-out respray earns it a guide price of £26,000–34,000.

If you prefer your Mercedes badge on a glamorous roadster, however, there are all the best generations of SL available; a 1959 190SL is one of just 562 right-hand drive examples ever built and with just 29,000 miles, earns a hefty £128,000–148,000 estimate. Next is the ubiquitous R107 – a 1985 500SL, complete with factory hardtop and resplendent in Cabernet Red, it’s estimated at £18,000–23,000. In addition, a 1972 350SL with the smaller V8 also includes its hardtop and a hefty history file, adding up to a £14,000–17,000 estimate. The later R129 generation is also well-represented, firstly by a 1993 SL300 originally owned by the wife of Terry Wogan, which is temptingly offered with no reserve. The standout, however, is a 1996 SL600, boasting the almighty 6.0-litre V12 engine, which is guided at £18,000–24,000.

There are plenty of humbler classics too, including a no-reserve 1978 MGB GT in Inca Yellow and a 1975 Citroën 2CV6 Club with a galvanised chassis, which is guided at £8000–12,000 but also has no reserve. A 1989 Mini Thirty offered as a light recommissioning project could be another no-reserve bargain, while a 1991 Nissan Figaro, seemingly rust-free and with just 65,000 miles, also carries no reserve. Finally, a 1985 Carbodies FX4 taxi boasting velour seating, rear entertainment system and a cocktail cabin is expected to sell for £6000–10,000.

For the full catalogue, head to historics.co.uk

  • This 1988 BMW 635CSi defies its 171,000 miles, presenting in fantastic condition. Benefitting from an engine rebuilt during the late 1990s, BBS split-rims and what’s believed to be a Zender bodykit, it’s offered with no reserve and a £10,000-£15,000 guide.
  • The Nissan Figaro has transcended its retro-styled origins to become an appreciating classic in its own right. This 1991 car has just 65,000 miles on the clock, presents extremely well inside and out and is offered with no reserve.
  • Despite the BMW badge, this 1959 Isetta 300 is a Brighton-built example and looks fantastic, thanks to a full respray in Old English White over yellow during 2022. The grey and red tartan interior finishes it off nicely, and it carries an estimate of £14,000-£19,000.
  • Often mistaken for a Biturbo, this is a 1989 Maserati 222, a later two-door variant. It was subject to a “heart and soul” restoration by the vendor, explaining its immaculate condition throughout. A recent belt change, engine service and cooling system overhaul ensures it’s ready for use, and it’s attractively guided at £15,000-£20,000.
  • Sporting the 3.8-litre XK engine with a ported E-Type head and uprated cams, a Getrag five-speed gearbox and power steering, this 1968 Jaguar 340 has been upgraded to ‘fast road’ spec. Numerous sympathetic performance and reliability upgrades combine with excellent bodywork to earn a £28,000-£38,000 estimate.
  • Arguably the polar opposite of today’s blinged-up G63, this 1991 Mercedes 300GES represents peak G-Wagen. Extremely rare with a manual gearbox, it was recently treated to a glass-out respray and is in fantastic condition. It’s guided at £26,000-£34,000.
  • This 1975 Citroën 2CV6 Club was owned by a 2CV die-hard who ensured it was as original as possible, although it benefits from a galvanised chassis, replacement floors and a new bulkhead to ensure solidity to go with the charming patina. All of which earns it an £8000-£12,000 estimate.
  • An Opel Manta A is a real rarity, especially in right-hand drive guise. This 1973 example has just 27,000 miles on the clock, presents fantastically thanks to an extensive respray and looks good value with its £13,000-£17,000 guide.