The first auction from SWVA’s all-new headquarters proved to be a resounding success with 50 varied classics ranging from projects to pristine going under the hammer

Words: Joe Miller

All but five of the cars entered found new homes at SWVA’s latest sale – and many for impressive figures. Pre-war cars proved popular – a pair of Austin Sevens kicked things off, a 1935 Pearl Cabriolet offering a tempting project for the fair price of £2000, while a 1931 Chummy presented in excellent all-round condition and sold for £8500. The 1939 Standard Flying 10 Saloon boasted excellent bodywork and a comprehensive history file to contribute to its £6250 hammer price, while the standout pre-war car was unquestionably the 1933 Alvis Firefly 12. Despite being a non-runner, its superb bodywork and interior earned it a winning bid of £10,000.

Sports cars were in plentiful supply, with a 2000 BMW Z3 2.8 fetching £3400 on the hammer, while the 1998 Mercedes SLK230 managed £2500 sale. Those after a British sports car had plenty of options, including a 1959 Triumph TR3A that sold for £18,200 plus fees and a stunning Saffron Yellow 1972 TR6 that was hammered away for £23,100. In addition, a 1972 GT6 still sold for £1300 despite being a project for an ambitious restorer.

There was plenty of prestige on offer too, starting with a 1992 Lexus LS400 that presented well despite its 190,000 miles and sold for a bargainous £650. A 2004 Jaguar X350 XJ6 also looked great value at a hammer price of £1200, with a sharp-looking 996-generation Porsche 911 Carrera 4S from 2003 achieving £15,600 plus fees.

As ever, Fords of all eras were popular, headlined by the stunning 1977 Mk1 Granada 3-litre Ghia. We fell in love with its metallic bronze bodywork and immaculate beige interior, and so did the winning bidder, who saw fit to bid £16,750. Similarly classy and stylish was a 1966 Anglia 123E Super, which boasted a comprehensive history file and sharp two-tone paintwork to earn itself a £7300 sale price.

Another Anglia, this time a 1965 105E with lovely chrome-rimmed Rostyle wheels, was hammered away for £5000, while a remarkably clean Sebring Red 1975 Mk2 Capri 1600XL sold for a strong £8000 plus fees and our very own Orion 1.6GL brought the gavel down at £3000.

  • The rubber-bumper MGB now holds its own strong retro appeal, with tidy examples like this 1978 GT attracting plenty of bids. Ultimately, its hefty history file and excellent all-round condition helped it sell for a hammer £6350.
  • The Mk4 Vauxhall Astra has quietly become a rarity – this 2003 Bertone Edition Convertible looked in fantastic condition, owing to its 32,000 miles. An extensive service history and exemplary condition resulted in an impressive £3900 hammer price.
  • This stunning 1977 Ford Granada Mk1 was a firm favourite amongst the CCB team. Resplendent in metallic bronze to complement its 3.0-litre Ghia specification, the pristine interior helped earn this exemplary Granada a mid-estimate £16,750 sale price, plus fees.
  • Offered with 32,000 miles on the clock (albeit un-warranted), this 1959 Triumph TR3A underwent a body-off restoration in the 1990s and included a photograph-supported history file. The rare factory-fit overdrive and new Moss cylinder head added further appeal and led to an £18,200 hammer price – just above its upper guide.
  • This 1933 Alvis Firefly 12 presented extremely well following a bare-metal respray and wheel refurbishment, although it arrived at the sale as a non-runner. Despite this, its excellent condition and rarity netted it a £10,000 hammer price.
  • If the TR3A was just a little too old for you, this lovely 1972 TR6 might’ve been more appeal. Resplendent in Saffron Yellow and sporting numerous tasteful upgrades including Mazda MX-5 seats, it beat its £12,000-£15,000 estimate to be hammered away for an impressive £23,100.
  • This 1968 Morris Minor Traveller looked a fantastic example, boasting a fresh ash wood frame and what SWVA described as a “no expense spared” restoration. With thousands spent by the vendor and a hefty photographic history, the £12,000 hammer price was well deserved.
  • Dep Ed Joe loved this 1975 Citroën DS23, presenting beautifully in top-spec Pallas guise with biscuit brown leather. Substantial specialist maintenance made this a superb all-round example, and saw it comfortably beat its £13,000-£16,000 guide to achieve a £19,750 hammer price.