Hobbs Parker’s next sale is due to take place later this month – and there’s plenty to get excited about

Based at Ashford in Kent, Hobbs Parker is an established name in the general car auction world but only holds three classic sales a year, although the firm’s James Johnson suggests they may well add a fourth to the calendar.

The firm’s premises are set up for big drive-through auctions but the July sale retains the timed online bidding format, although there’s ample opportunity to view the cars in person from Monday July 26 to Wednesday 28, from 9am to 6pm and also on the Thursday morning.

And that’s exactly what we did, Group Editor Wager having to be forcibly removed from the Alfasud and the rest of the team getting sidetracked by the XK8, Mk1 Jaguar and an amazingly well preserved Ford StreetKa among other lots. Perhaps the highlight of the sale for many will be the ‘Series 1’ Escort RS Turbo, while an ‘Arrow’ series Sunbeam Rapier coupe is a stylish rarity and a Vauxhall VX2300 makes a nice alternative to a big Ford.

Another intriguing survivor is a 1983 Toyota Corolla estate just crying out for the retro Japanese treatment, while more traditional fare includes a brace of Citroen DSs and Peugeot 205 GTI’s as well as an intriguing two-owner low mileage 1975 Land Rover and a selection of affordable Triumphs including 1500, Spitfire and GT6.

Elsewhere you’ll find a startling yellow Aston Martin DB7 and a Zeemax-kitted XK8 as well as a late factory-built MGB V8.

You’ll find the full catalogue at www.hobbsparker.co.uk – and we’ve picked some of our personal highlights below.