WB & Sons’ third auction of 2023 took place at its Newcastle base on April 22 with a great turnout and an interesting variety of classics going under the hammer

Words: Jeff Ruggles

Despite foul weather, WB & Sons’ latest sale managed to attract a decent crowd to the auction hall and more online bidders than ever before. Over 130 lots went under the hammer, with the normal variety we’ve come to expect in the north-east – though it seemed that many were red! 

It was the British classics that put in the most impressive performances, and they don’t get anymore British than a classic Mini. A late Rover Cooper Sport registered in 2001 was estimated at £10,000–14,000 but managed an impressive £18,700, while a 1993 Mini Mayfair showing just 8000 miles achieved £9140 despite being a less desirable automatic variant.  

Also impressing was an 1964 Vauxhall Viva Deluxe that had been part of a museum collection, which showed just 41,000 miles and sold well above its £4000–6000 estimate for £8250. A more modern Griffin in the shape of a 1997 Vauxhall Corsa also impressed, selling above its mid-estimate for £3190. Other Brits, meanwhile, included a stunning 1961 Bedford JO pick-up, which justifiably made £15,000, with a 1955 Land Rover Series 1 that had been subject to a recent nut and bolt restoration meeting expectations by selling for £24,100. 

There were German classics aplenty, too. A 1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 was estimated at a modest £4000–6000 but went on to sell for £6875, with a W123-generation Mercedes-Benz 250 dating from 1977 selling above its guide price for £7250 and a very tidy 2001 BMW Z3 doing likewise at £3440. Elsewhere, a 1962 Renault Floride Convertible offered a rare slice of French flair, and sold mid-estimate for £12,362.  

With around two thirds of the entries sold and more deals still to be tied up at the time of writing, the miserable conditions didn’t dampen spirits too much. WB & Sons’ next sale takes place on June 3, with the catalogue already taking shape. Head to the WB & Sons website to view the entries as they are added

  • First registered in 1955 and used by the RAF in Yorkshire until the 1980s, this Land Rover Series 1 was restored in 2016 at a cost of almost £30,000! Beautifully presented in better than new condition, it beat its lower estimate to sell for £24,100.
  • WB & Sons have forged something of a reputation for good, late-model classic Minis. This Mini Cooper Sport was registered in 2001 and ad had only covered 27,000 miles. It was guided at £10,000-£14,000 but went on to sell for £18,700.
  • One of the rarest cars in this auction was this 1962 Renault Floride Convertible. Finished in deep red with a both contrasting black hard top and convertible top, the right-hand drive example showed a mere 48,000 miles and sold mid-guide for £12,362.
  • Continuing the uncanny run on red cars was this 1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI in 8-valve flavour. Showing 137,000 miles, it presented well and beat its £4000-£6000 estimate to sell for £6875.
  • Surely a great potential starter classic, this K10-generation Nissan Micra had covered 61,000 miles from new and had the 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox. The 1987 example was generally tidy and sold mid-guide for £1600.
  • 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 described it as one of the nicest examples it has ever seen, and it was no surprise to see it beat its guide to sell for £8250.
  • A facelift ‘widebody’ model with the 2.2-litre six-pot engine and a manual gearbox, this 2001 Z3 had covered 88,000 miles and had an extensive service history. It was in very tidy condition and sold above estimate for what still seemed a bargain price of £3440.
  • A Ford Taunus in right-hand drive is certainly an unusual sight, but the explanation is that this 20M coupe was imported from South Africa. Powered by a 3-litre Essex V6, it looked the part and sold mid-estimate for £12,500.