Hobbs Parker’s third and final classic car sale of 2023 takes place at its auction centre in Kent on October 18–19

Words: Jeff Ruggles

It’s a cliche to talk about variety in classic car auctions, but this sale has it in abundance – with lots ranging from a 1909 Renault AX Tourer through to various modern classics. The sale is set to use a timed online format, with viewing available on site.

Our attention, however, is immediately drawn to a plethora former street furniture from the 1980s. An example of the rare Mk2 Ford Fiesta 1.4 S showing a mere 53,000 miles looks tempting at an estimated £2500-£3500, as does a contemporary Renault 5 Monaco that carries a modest £2000-£3000 guide. A 1988 Nissan Sunny Van is now a very rare commercial, while two earlier saloon cars also catch the eye – an 18,000-mile Ford Cortina Mk2 dating from 1981, and a 1983 Volvo 240 DL that’s described as being in outstanding condition.

You’ll also find a number of traditional Brits, including a couple of long-wheelbase Minis – one a Pick-up, the other a rare Mk2 Austin Countryman ‘woody’ variant fresh from a comprehensive restoration. These are joined by a Wood & Pickett 1275GT restoration project, as well as an Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2, no fewer than four MG Midgets and a trio of MGBs that includes a late 1981-regsitered GT LE. Offering a neat MG alternative, meanwhile, is a very smart 1966 Sunbeam Alpine GT guided at £8000-£9000, and there’s also a very early UK-supplied TR6 with its correct CP 150bhp engine, estimated at £14,000-£16,000.

More luxurious Brits include a trio of Rolls-Royces comprising a Silver Spur, a beautiful 1974 Silver Shadow 1 and a 1978 Silver Shadow 2, as well as a seldom-seen Bentley T2 that comes complete with with two full ring binders of history. A couple of E-Types and a 2001 S-Type V6 Sport with just 44,932 miles appear among a healthy Jaguar contingent, with a 1994 Range Rover Classic 4.2 LSE from 1994 showing 46,569 miles appearing alongside various Land Rovers. For those looking for robust German alternative, a 1989 G-Wagen is one of five Mercedes set to be offered.

With unusual lots including another very early Renault in the shape of a 1928 NN 6CV, a Berkeley T60 and a US-spec Maserati Quattroporte, there’s plenty to pique the interest of bidders. For the full catalogue, see hobbsparker.co.uk

  • A Vauxhall Cavalier GLS Sportshatch is already a rare enough find, but this 1980 example shows a mere 33,400 miles and has only had two previous keepers prior to the vendor. The 1.6-litre variant comes with MoT certificates back to 1984 and is guided at £5500-£6500.
  • A rung down from the XR2 model, the Mk2 Ford Fiesta 1.4 S is now a very rare sight. This very tidy late example from 1989 has covered 53,000 miles and has been garaged from new. It’s guided at a very tempting £2500-£3500.
  • The desirable 160 variant, this 2004 MG ZR has been in dry storage since 2010 and has only covered 7862 miles from new. It will need some recommissioning but remains in excellent order throughout and is expected to change hands for £5000-£6000.
  • One of several Minis in the sale, this rare Mk2 Austin ‘woody’ Countryman has been comprehensively restored over the last three years, including a complete new floor, interior and fresh wood. The 1968 example also sports period Cosmic alloys, and is estimated at £13,000-£14,000.
  • Very clearly the oldest vehicle in the sale, this 1909 Renault AX Tourer has veteran status, with a VCC dating certificate meaning the car is eligible for many events. It comes with a history file with a photographic record of previous restoration work and is estimated at £24,000-£28,000.
  • Subject to a bare metal respray in 2019, this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 1 was purchased by the current owner from Hanwells of London in 2022. The 94,000-mile example is very well-presented throughout and is expected to command £18,000-£22,000.
  • This 1966 Sunbeam Alpine GT still retains its factory hardtop and boasts its original 1725cc engine with overdrive. Now fitted with electronic ignition and showing just 42,478 miles, it looks a very tempting prospect at a predicted £8000-£9000.
  • Described as a very original example in outstanding condition, this 1983 Volvo 240 DL automatic has had just two owners from new and comes with contemporary 240 accessory catalogue, plus old tax discs back to 1985. It’s covered a mere 64,500 miles and is expected to sell for £3000-£4000.