REVIEW: HISTORICS AT BROOKLANDS, WEYBRIDGE, SEPTEMBER 22
Despite the tumbling temperatures and increasing showers during the day, the latest Historics at Brooklands sale played host to capacity auction hall as a 162 motors passed beneath the hammer during a seven-hour period on September 22. The varied sale attracted plenty of interest, with substantial pre-sale telephone and on-line international bidder registrations adding to the buoyant atmosphere, and helping to ensure 112 of the lots found new owners – a figure of 70 per cent.
Nine decades were represented in the sale, which saw a total spend of a whopping £3.22million. he The oldest was 1927 Chevrolet Capitol Tourer, fresh from wedding car duties, while the newest was a sure-fire classic-in-waiting – a 2017 Caterham Seven Sprint. One of 60 anniversary models, it had covered just 349 miles since new. The most expensive lot was a 1958 Ferrari 250GT Pininfarina Coupé Series 1 at £425,000, with three further lots breaking the £100,000 barrier. But it wasn’t all about headline figures; 30 cars were offered without reserve and there were a number of sub-£10,000 bargains to be had.
Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, commented: “Our team put in tremendous efforts to consign a first-class offering here and the 70 per cent sale result speaks for itself. Despite the constant movement in values, and prevalent economic concerns, it’s a reflection of the buoyancy of the market when fine quality, sought-after cars are offered and priced correctly. Yet again, I’m delighted to say it mirrors our consistent performance and high rate of sale.”
Some of our highlights from the sale are below. For the full list of results, see Historics or call 01753 639170
One of the most notable cars to sell was this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Convertible. The 1968 example has an interesting and colourful history, passing from famous actor Sir Michael Caine in 1970 to Jake Leach, who with his wife owned the famous and brilliantly eccentric Chelsea restaurant The Gasworks, located on the Kings Road. It remained in his possession for no less than 43 years, until his death in 2013. Estimated to sell for £10,000-£15,000, a frenzy of bidding saw it reach over three times its lowest estimate, settling at £33,600.
A total of 17 Mercedes-Benz models were offered in the sale, spanning five decades. This 1982 280TE Estate was amongst the 13 to find new homes. First owned by Sir Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and kept within his family for 20 years, it sold for £15,168 – halfway between its £13,000-£15,000 estimate.
RAM Automotive’s original AC Cobra replica demonstrator, a known as ‘Moffy’, proved to be a real hit. The RAM versions differ from many other Cobra replicas by having a spaceframe chassis under the double-skinned fibreglass shell, instead of the cheaper ladder frame alternatives. This one is driven by an American Chevrolet 5357cc V8 engine via a five-speed Getrag gearbox, and recently had over £10,000 spent on it. Estimated to reach £28,000-£34,000, it sold for £31,920.
Celebrating its 60th birthday this year, this magnificent 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1 with hardtop showed just 36,000 miles on the clock. It surpassed the lower end of its £60,000-£77,000 estimate to sell for an impressive £71,200.
It was a strong day for British sports cars, with 31 of the 37 offerings from Alvis, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Lotus, MG and Triumph all selling. All MGs offered found buyers, including a superbly-presented 1968 MGB Roadster with just 38,000 miles, which sold over-estimate at £13,776. This matching numbers and immaculately restored 1958 MGA Coupe also impressed, selling for £26,880.
Flying the flag for hot hatches, this 1982 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was a fine example of an ionic homologation special. It looked to be in good condition and came with a comprehensive history file, and though the interior trim looked a little tired, the vendor included a roll of the original Piccadilly trim with the car. Its £18,000 – £23,000 estimate proved to be accurate, with a selling price of £21,280.
Selling for the biggest price on the day was this matching numbers 1958 Ferrari 250GT Pininarina Coupé Series 1. Boasting immaculate new paintwork and supplied with a comprehensive history file, it just surpassed the lower end of its £420,000-£460,000 estimate to peak at £425,600.
Pic – 250 GT
