WB & Sons continued its strong impact on the world of classic car auctions with its biggest catalogue yet on June 11

We’re running out of superlatives to describe WB & Sons’ ability to build up such a strong entry list for its auctions every five to six weeks, but for its June 11 sale the Newcastle firm excelled itself once again with its biggest catalogue yet. It was an eclectic one too, with a whole host of interesting classics ranging from three-wheeled oddballs to prestige saloons.

On this occasion, it was the turn of Japanese performance cars to shine. Fans of 1990s rallying were no doubt delighted to see two shining examples of the ST205-generation Toyota Celica GT-Four in the sale, comprising a desirable 1994 WRC edition that sold towards the top end of its £8000-£12,000 estimate for £11,250 and a smart red example that changed hands for £8500. Alongside, a very tidy 2004 Honda S2000 showing 87,000 miles sold close to its upper estimate for £11,400, with a Subaru Impreza WR1 special edition from the same year selling mid-guide at £16,000. For those looking for something a little older and cheaper, a Nissan 300ZX from 1986 found a new home for a mere £2800.

Once again there were several classic Minis entered, with late Rover variants performing exceptionally well. A Sportspack-equipped 2000 Cooper in red easily topped its £10,000-£15,000 estimate to sell for £16,275, with a similar 1997 car in green selling close to its upper guide for £11,000. In addition, a Japanese-spec Paul Smith LE automatic in Old English White was snapped up for £11,500, and for those preferring their Minis even smaller than normal, a custom-made ‘Shorty’ made an impressive £7525.

Indeed, it proved to be a strong sale for diminutive vehicles, perhaps in line with the ever-increasing cost of fuel. A 1991 Fiat 126 Bis that had covered just 23,000 miles sold above its guide for £4025, with a Reliant Regal van from 1955 finding a buyer for £4300. The latter was joined by another three-wheeler in the shape of a restored Piaggio Ape pick-up, which sold for £7525, and both Sinclair C5s consigned also successfully hammered away.

With other lots to find new homes including a rare Singer Vogue estate, a Lotus Elan +2 and a Triumph TR7 with rare automatic transmission, there were plenty of classics suitable for a trip to summer events and shows. For the full list of results, see wbandsons.com

  • Pre-dating the full glassfibre version immortalised by Only Fools and Horses, this Reliant Regal van was thought to be the only 1955 example still remaining and featured a wooden body frame. It found a new home for £4300.
  • The best performer amongst a wide selection of classic Minis was this 2000 Rover Cooper. Featuring the desirable Sportspack option and full leather interior, it had covered just 44,000 miles and sold above its £10,000-£15,000 estimate for £16,275.
  • A rare automatic model, this 1981 Triumph TR7 Convertible had recently been treated to a light refresh and came with plenty of history. It looked very good value at £4830, which was only just shy of its upper estimate.
  • The sale featured not one but two examples of the ST205-generation Toyota Celica GT-Four in the sale, including this desirable 1994 WRC edition in black. It sold close to the top end of its £8000-£12,000 estimate for £11,250.
  • Reckoned to be one of the best remaining examples around, this 1991 Fiat 126 Bis had covered just 23,000 miles and was very original throughout. It sold just above its upper guide price for £4025.
  • Showing only one former keeper, this 1999 Ford Cougar V6 showed just 40,000 miles and looked to be in very good condition throughout. It was estimated at a mere £1000-£2000, but went on to reach £2956.
  • One of no fewer than seven Volkswagen Golfs in the sale, this 1991 Mk2 GTI 16V had covered 163,000 miles but was tidy throughout and especially good underneath. It sold close to the top end of its guide price for £7725.
  • Another Japanese performance car to perform well was this 2004 Honda S2000. A desirable modern classic, the 87,000-mile example was very tidy throughout and came with a large history file. It sold for £11,400.
  • This 1968 Lotus Elan +2 had been extensively restored over the last three years, including a full respray, new bumpers, interior work, an engine overhaul and more. It presented extremely well and just beat its lower guide to sell for £16,500.
  • For those who like their Minis even smaller than usual, the auction included this custom ‘Shorty’ creation, which started life as a 1986 Mini City E. Finished to a high standard and sold with a cheeky ‘BIG’ registration, it changed hands for £7525.