BARONS, SANDOWN PARK, SURREY, JULY 18

While there were fewer classics than at Barons previous sales, the cosmetic quality was noticeably up and prices paid were form-beatingly higher.

The results-topping 1970 Jaguar E Type S2 – a restored FHC with many renewed panels and a fresh interior plus rebuilt 4.2 motor – had viewers all over it like wasps around a jam jar.

It duly sold under Duncan Brown’s gavel for £51,700 plus premium. By contrast, a retail-ready 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk2 BN7 lefty on triple carbs did not succeed at £65,000.

While 19 of the 40 classic runners displayed under the Sandown Park grandstand found new riders, 21 unsold classics had to be trailered back to the same stables.