Big cats top of the food chain at Barons

| 23 Jun 2015

An impressive 45 classics got away at Barons’  23 June auction this week, with Jaguar’s dominating the listing in both terms of numbers and desirability. Of the 45 lots that sold, 17 were from Jaguar’s stable, as was the most expensive car of the day, a 1953 XK120.

Barons

The car seemed a bargain at just £26,330, though a great deal of work will be needed to return it to the road. It was bought at a Jaguar Spares Day in 2012 as a part-restored project, and featured a running and driving chassis with spare body panels. With much of the hard work already done, it was tempting enough to draw a lot of interest on the day.

Barons

The second highest price of the day – £24,650 – was also achieved by a Jaguar, this time a much more complete 1964 S-type 3.4. Already in fine condition due to covering just 53,000 miles throughout its life, the car was at one point fully dismantled and rebuilt at a cost of more than £40,000. As well as being displayed at a number of top shows including the NEC Classic Motor Show, it has been used extensively for touring Spain and France. 

Two modern Bentleys – a 2004 Continental GT and a 2001 Arnage Red Label – fetched the next best prices, while a trio of Jaguar Mk2s followed hot on their heels.

Barons

A modernised 1961 model that had been fitted with a 3.4-litre engine was the most expensive of the set at £16,810. Its original Moss gearbox had been replaced with a more useable five-speed unit, while power-assisted steering should make it lighter work around town. Stopping is provided by powerful Coopercraft calipers, which replaced the original Dunlop parts.

Barons

Just £200 less was enough to secure an earlier 1960 car finished in British Racing Green. The early example was thought to be the 638th  3.8-litre Mk2, and featured a pendant throttle pedal and recessed sun visors. Its engine was rebuilt in 2007.

Barons

A 1962 2.4 was more than £2000 less, despite having more than £30,000 spent on its renovation and maintenance since 2006. The works included a full respray in its original colour, plus fitment of wire wheels and Coombes-style rear spats.

Barons

Away from the leading Jaguars – and much more affordable – was a 1974 Ford Capri 2000GT XLR, which fetched £8970. The one-owner car had covered a paltry 48,000 miles and, though corrosion was starting to show around the front wings and headlamps, it was generally clean and well-cared for. 

Barons

Also looking like good value was a 1981 TVR Taimar, which sold for £6500. The late-registered 1979 model boasted a thick history file, as well as a rebuilt engine that had been bored-out to 3.1 litres. It was described as having a corrosion-free chassis, though requiring some cosmetic attention. 

Click here for the full list of results