WB & Sons’ third auction of 2023 takes place at its Newcastle upon Tyne base on April 22. Over 100 lots are expected, with the normal variety we’ve come to expect in the north-east.

We often wax lyrical about a wide selection of Fords on offer at these sales, but this time it could well be the time for Vauxhalls to shine. A 1987 Astra GTE with just one owner from new could make as much as £15,000, while later Griffins include a 1996 Calibra, two Corsa Bs – one showing just 19,000 miles – and a 1997 Omega estate. At the other end of the scale is a 1964 HA Viva Deluxe that was formerly housed in a museum and shows just 41,000 miles; it’s expected to sell for £4000-£6000.

The Viva isn’t the only car dating from 1964. A Singer Gazelle that’s covered only 36,000 from new is guided at £8000-£12,000, while £10,000-£15,000 could be enough to procure a fellow Rootes product in the shape of Sunbeam Alpine Mk3. Staying with the 1960s, a brace of pick-ups includes a stunning 1961 Bedford JO and 1968 Austin 6cwt, which many will recognise for its Morris Minor origins. Bookending these are further pick-ups, with a 1956 Bedford A Type joined by Mk1 and Mk2 Ford Transits dating from 1974 and 1979 respectively.

There are German classics aplenty, too. At least 10 Volkswagens will include a minimum of seven Golf GTIs in a mixture of Mk2 and Mk3 flavours, and there are two Corrados – one a 1990 16-valve car, the other a 1993 VR6. In addition, a trio of Porsches includes a 996, a 997 and a Cayman, while the headliner among at least five BMWs is likely to be a 1989 M3 with rare Hartge upgrades. There’s a contemporary on-track rival from Mercedes too, with a 1985 190E Cosworth also set to go under the hammer.

With a TVR Chimaera 500 and a Cerbera pairing also offered, along with a 23,000-mile Rover 218 diesel, a desirable Renault Clio 182 Trophy, a rare Honda Logo and a 1992 Mini Italian Job LE, there’s surely an entry to suit all tastes. For the full catalogue, go to WB & Sons’ website at: wbandsons.com.

  • Surely a great potential starter classic, this K10-generation Nissan Micra has covered 61,000 miles from new and has the 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox. The 1987 example is generally tidy and is expected to sell for £1000-£2000.
  • The Honda Logo is quite a rare sight, having only been sold in the UK for a brief period in 2000 and 2001. This early example has covered just 38,000 miles and comes with a long MoT. It’s guided at £1000-£2000.
  • One of several commercials in the sale, this Mk1 Ford Transit pick-up dates from 1974 and is fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. In very presentable condition, it shows 47,000 miles and is guided at £10,000-£14,000.
  • A 1987 example in 8-valve 2.0-litre guise, this Vauxhall Astra GTE has covered 180,000 miles but is exceptionally clean and original throughout, having had only one owner from new. It’s estimated at £10,000-£15,000.
  • Showing just 41,000 miles, this 1964 Vauxhall Viva Deluxe was a museum piece for many years, before being given a light restoration with a fresh paint job. WB describes it as one of the nicest examples it has ever seen, making the £4000-£6000 estimate look very tempting indeed.
  • A Series 3 model with the 1592cc engine, this 1964 Sunbeam Alpine looks very smart in a gold shade taken from the Daimler palette, which is complemented with a red interior. It’s a very tidy example and is expected to sell for £10,000-£15,000.
  • Very original and in excellent condition, this 1964 Singer Gazelle has covered a mere 36,000 miles and comes with a good-sized history file. It looks superb in dark grey with a red interior, and is expected to sell for £8000-£12,000.
  • This beautiful 1976 Renault 16 is in top-of-the-range TX guise, with features such as a five-speed gearbox, central locking and electric windows. The left-hand drive example was imported to the UK in 2020 and is expected to command £14,000-£16,000.