Morris Leslie is set to host its first public post-pandemic sale on May 21, 2022. Here’s what to look out for

May 21 will see Morris Leslie welcome back the public to one of its classic car auctions for the first time since the pandemic began. And unlike previous public-facing sales at the firm’s Perth base, the vehicles will be started and driven though the hall, giving bidders a chance to see them in action.

As we’ve come to expect from Morris Leslie, the catalogue includes plenty of variety. Among the many pre-war entries are a 1936 Wolseley New Fourteen, a 1934 Standard Twelve, a 1937 Austin Seven Ruby and a 1936 Vauxhall 14 DX Tourer, each of which is likely to be available for under £10,000. Potentially a little more expensive is a 1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17hp Sports Foursome, which carries a £10,000-£12,000 guide.

It’s a busy sale for Fords too, both mild and wild. A lovely Mk1 Fiesta 1300 S showing a genuine 35,577 miles is estimated at a tantalising £3500-£4500, with a very smart Ceramic Blue Mk2 Fiesta L that’s covered just 12,850 miles expected to sell for £4000-£5000. You’ll also find a Mk5 Fiesta Finesse with a mere 16,445 miles recorded, while at the other end of the performance scale is another barely used Blue Oval in the shape of a 13,332-mile Mk1 Focus RS that’s estimated at £28,000-£32,000. A later Focus RS from 2010 is included too, carrying a £25,000-£28,000 guide, while those looking for a hyper hatch from a different stable may be tempted by a 2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 at an estimated £10,000-£12,000.

Elsewhere, there’s an interesting selection of open-topped cars. These include yet another low-mileage entry in the shape of a 13,000-mile Mk1 Mazda MX-5 Berkeley, while an early N-registered MGF offers a contemporary alternative. You’ll also find at least three MGB roadsters, a smart Triumph Stag, a Jaguar XJ-SC V12 Cabriolet, a later XJ-S V12 Convertible and a fearsome TVR Griffith 400.

Meanwhile, a wide selection of Mercedes sees an R107 350SL from 1972 accompanied by a 1978 example, plus two later R129-generation SL320s and a pair of later R230s. A couple of SLKs will also feature, along with several fixed tin-top models including a 1967 250S and a 1990 430SEC that’s expected to be the Mercedes headliner at an estimated £18,000-£20,000.

With other entries such as a 33,000-mile Austin Allegro and a rare Fiat 500 Topolino, plus a wide selection of memorabilia, there should be plenty to delight the returning public. For the full catalogue, see www.morrisleslie.com

  • Approximately 2500 road-going versions of the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution were built for the Japanese market to homologate the car for the Dakar Rally’s T2 class, and this 1997 example is one of them. The 275bhp V6 monster was imported in 2003 and is estimated at £19,000-£21,000.
  • An unmodified Mini of any kind is rare these days, let alone a British Racing Green example that has not been ‘Cooperised’. However, this 34,198-mile Mini Mayfair from 1990 remains pleasingly original, and is expected to sell for £5500-£6500.
  • Wearing an early N-registration, this smart white 1996 MGF was among the first 8000 cars built and now shows 67,445 miles. It looks to be in fine condition, with later black leather seats fitted, and is predicted to sell for £2500-£3000.
  • Joining later Mk2 and Mk5 Ford Fiestas in the sale is this great-looking 1980 Mk1 in sporty 1300 S guise. It shows just 35,557 warranted miles and is expected to command £3500-£4500.
  • One of the hotter Fords in the sale is this Mk1 Ford Focus RS. Remarkably, this 2004 example has covered just 13,332 miles but has remained continually serviced. It’s expected to sell for £28,000-£32,000.
  • An estimate of £10,000-£12,000 may seem steep for a Mk1 Mazda MX-5, but this 1997 Berkeley edition has covered a mere 13,720 miles and has been with its current keeper for 15 years. It’s number 355 out of 400 produced and has a blemish-free MoT history.
  • One of several Mercedes in the sale is this R129-generation SL320 Auto, which has had only one owner from new. The 2000 example has covered a mere 40,518 miles and is estimated at £10,000-£12,000.
  • This 1937 Fiat 500 Topolino is an early car in two-door convertible variant from the second year of production. Fully restored with numerous upgrades to make it more useable, it’s estimated at £6000-£7000.
  • Joining a host of low-mileage entries is this 1978 Austin Allegro 1500 Special, resplendent in Vermillion. It shows 33,177 miles and comes with a host of spare parts, making the £2000-£3000 estimate an attractive one.