Dozens of eccentric classics are set to go under the hammer at Bonhams' 10 December Hendon sale, ranging from horse-drawn charabancs to an ocean-going Amphicar, but the top price is expected to be achieved by a 1926 Bentley 3 Litre.
The Light Tourer is comfortably the most valuable car in the sale wearing an estimate of £190-220,000, and with good reason. It has been with its current owner for the past 22 years, and has documented ownership history from the day it left the factory.
More eye-catching – at least on the water – is a 1962 Amphicar 770, which is estimated at £28-32,000. A recent import from Canada, the left-hand-drive car has a full MoT and, importantly, has been fully tested on the River Medway and found to be watertight.
If that's not quite practical enough for you, you could be tempted by a superb 1988 Lynx Eventer, a shooting brake Jaguar XJ-S V12. In period, the Lynx conversion added £6950+VAT to the Jaguar's £21,000 list price, making its £25-30,000 estimate seem like brilliant value for money – even better when you consider that it was purchased for £46,000 just last year.
Slightly more expensive but just as intriguing is a 1971 Jaguar E-type, which has been fitted with a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 courtesy of New Zealand-based Beacham. According to the company, the car was designed to give the E-type all the functionality and reliability of an XKR – and they achieved it. It could be yours for between £55-65,000.
It won't be catching any criminals in a hurry, but that won't stem the interest in a 1957 Humber Hawk MkVIA police car. Now a rare car, the police-spec Hawk is estimated at £10-15,000 and comes complete with removable front and rear 'Police' plates, a working Wintworth bell, police helmets, a whistle and handcuffs.
A 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200L looks expensive at £12-16,000, until you realise that it's never been registered and has covered just 63 miles since new. It's one of the last 300 edition models and has previously spent time in the Ecclestone and Heselden Collections.
Those who appreciate more of a gamble could be tempted by a strikingly affordable Fiat 500, which is estimated at £2-4000. It came from the estate of its former owner and little is known about its history. Sold as seen, so give it a good look over.
You could be forgiven for not recognising a 1949 Larmar Monocar; Bonhams' example is thought to be the only of its type in roadgoing condition. Primarily designed for invalids, it's powered by a 249cc BSA single cylinder motorcycle engine, and offers the brave a top speed of 35mph. It is expected to sell for as much as £7000.
