The first Hobbs Parker classic car auction of 2025 is among the most varied and exciting we’ve seen from the Ashford auction house

As usual, Hobbs Parker’s next auction is an online timed affair, with physical viewing during the week leading up to the sale.

The Mercedes contingent is vast, headlined by a 1995 A124 E320 Cabriolet, which shows just 29,000 miles and is justifiably guided at £20,000–25,000. There are various 107-Series SLs to choose from too, including a handsome 1981 500SL complete with a hardtop and period aftermarket wheels, which carries a £20,000–22,000 estimate, plus a 1981 380SLC that’s been garaged since new and has a very reasonable £7000–8000 guide. A 2005 SL350 variant of the later R230 has had just two owners from new and looks smart on five-spoke AMG alloys, earning a £4000–5000 estimate, while a 1991 190E 1.8 auto and a very smart 1997 SLK230 Kompressor in the lovely hue of Linarite Blue are both offered without reserve.

There are sports cars in all shapes and sizes; highlights including a striking 1991 Ferrari 348TB with a manual gearbox that’s expected to sell for £40,000–50,000, as well as a 1990 BMW Z1, which sports the famous vertically sliding doors and justifies a £35,000–38,000 guide price. A 58,000-mile 2008 Honda S2000 looks set to fetch £10,000–12,000, and those looking for something more traditional, a 1979 MGB GT that looks smart on Minilite-style wheels is guided at £3000–5000. This squares up nicely to a 1976 example of its Triumph GT6 rival on identical wheels, while other sporting models include a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine, a vivid yellow 1973 Jensen Healey and a very rare 1979 Lancia Beta Spyder.

If you prefer humbler classics, however, there are plenty of options: a 1989 VW T25 Doka Pickup that’s reportedly had no expense spared on its upkeep is expected to sell for £6000–8000, and a lightly patinated 1981 Ford Escort Mk3 GL with a replacement engine that has continually been MoT’d even after gaining exemption could be a bargain if the £1500–2000 guide is realised. A 1960 Land Rover Series 2 diesel with a galvanised chassis and smart bodywork is guided at £5000–6000, while a 1987 Vauxhall Astra Mk2 Estate has been garaged by its one owner since new, looks extremely tidy and would be perfect for Festival of The Unexceptional – particularly given its lack of reserve.

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

  • This 1988 Rover SD3 213 has just 34,000 miles to its name and was comprehensively recommissioned and returned to the road in 2015 following nine years in storage. Potentially a great daily-driver classic, it carries a £2000–2500 estimate
  • We can’t remember the last BMW Z1 that came to auction. This black 1991 example of the roadster with the drop-down-doors has fewer than 60,000 miles to its name and is estimated at £35,000–38,000
  • With extensive paperwork and photographic evidence of its full restoration, this 1965 Ford Cortina Mk1 De Luxe looks to be a lovely example. It’s seemingly been finished to a very high standard, making its £6000–8000 guide looks very reasonable
  • Perhaps the standout of the sale is this 1991 Ferrari 348TB. Imported from Italy in 2005, it’s covered just 50,000 miles in its 34 years, has the desirable manual gearbox and is expected to sell for £40,000–50,000
  • The Mercedes isn’t the only glamorous four-seater convertible in the sale. This 1992 Jaguar XJS has the 4.0-litre AJ16 engine and rare manual gearbox, complemented by refurbished lattice alloys and new tyres. It’s expected to sell for £8000–9000
  • Showing just 29,000 miles and with one family owner since new, this stylish 1995 Mercedes E320 Convertible is arguably the classiest variant of 124-Series. Its looks immaculate and carries a £20,000–25,000 guide price
  • Fitted with Mazda MX-5 seats for better comfort and support, this 1979 MGB GT looks smart with its Minilite-style wheels, lowered suspension and a deeper front valance. It’s estimated at a very reasonable £3000–5000
  • Subject to a nut-and-bolt restoration over the last two years, this lovely 1970 Mini Van looks very smart in pea green on banded steel wheels. It earns itself a £10,000–12,000 estimate