Hobbs Parker hosted an autumn classic sale for the very first time on November 2, with the sale at Orbital Park base in Ashford set up to cater for vehicles that were withdrawn from its July classic car auction and a selective amount of further entries.
Though a smaller affair than the annual summer sales, a wide range of cars from the 1930s to the 1990s were included. The selection was headlined by a 1954 MG TF at an impressive £24,200 and a stunning Sunbeam Talbot 90 MK 2 Coupe, which sold for £17,600. The oldest four-wheeled vehicle to find a new owner was a 1932 Willys Overland Coupe, while the newest cars – a BMW Z3 2.2 and a V8 Jaguar S-Type – both dated from 2002 and have surely entered modern classic territory.
The cheaper end of the market was also well catered for, with a 1996 Jaguar XJ Sovereign changing hands for a mere £450, a 1998 Mercedes C230 at £700 and a 1983 Daimler Sovereign restoration project at £900. Bargain sports car fun was a theme of the sale too, evidenced by a 1978 MG Midget 1500 for just £1650, a 1973 B Roadster project for £1210 and another B, this time a 1975 Roadster, for less than £3000. For those preferring a little more room and a much bigger engine, a 1970 Jensen Interceptor sold for a very reasonable £18,700.
As for German classics, several Mercedes, a Porsche 944 S, an early BMW E30 and a tidy Volkswagen Caddy all found new owners. Our chosen highlights from the auction are shown below, but for a full catalogue visit www.hobbsparker.co.uk or call 01233 506266.
A MkI Volkswagen Caddy is a rarity in stock form. This one had covered 200,000 miles but was professionally restored in 2013, which included attention to the bodywork, a full repaint and a rebuilt engine and gearbox. It beat its £3500-4500 estimate to sell for £4620.
Fitted with the earlier 1250cc XPAG engine rather than the later 1466cc unit, this 1954 MG TF was originally a right-hand-drive car produced for export to Cyprus. It was subsequently repatriated to the UK in 1962 and allocated with its current registration number. In stunning condition, it was the best performing lot on the day and reached an impressive £24,200.
Looking smart with its green paintwork and matching green hood, this 1996 Ford Escort Ghia Cabriolet looked to be a good example of the increasingly-rare Mk5 soft-top. This one was fitted with the 1.8-litre Zetec engine and a manual box, and though it was showing 123,000 miles, that didn’t dissuade the new owner from parting with £2805 for it.
In excess of £50,000 was spent on the restoration of this stunning 1952 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk2 Coupe. That meant it was something of a bargain at £17,600, making it the second best performer in the sale. It’s now ready to enjoy in the hands of its new owner.
This 1935 Morris 8 Tourer is a two-seat variant, powered by the 918cc side-valve motor with a three-speed manual gearbox. Finished in archetypal black with green upholstery, this example proved to be a very popular lot, selling for a competitive £12,980.
Another ’30s survivor but rather bigger than the Morris 8, this 1934 Austin 16/6 Tourer had been in long-term ownership. Said to have a beautiful patina, it made for an ideal winter project and inspired the top bidder to part with £5940 to take it home.
Showing 91,500 miles this red 1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 had recently been treated to a host of new parts and a service. The £8000-£10,000 estimate proved to be somewhat conservative, as it soared to a final selling price of £13,200.
