With high-end auctions and multi-mullion pound lots dominating the news headlines, it makes for a refreshing change to see an auction where more than 70 classics sold for less than £10,000. That’s exactly what happened at Classic Car Auctions’ 10 June sale, with a host of everyday and starter classics setting the tone for this everyman sale.
Hot hatch fans will have been drawn to a 1993 Peugeot 205 Rallye, which sold for £2530. The UK market car may have lacked the full bore performance of the French market version, but its striking yellow paintwork, decals and body coloured pressed steel wheels certainly helped it look the part. It also had rarity on its side: just 250 Express Yellow examples made it to the UK.
A 1990 BMW 635CSi Highline looked good value at £5500. While still relatively cheap, buyers’ confidence would no doubt have been boosted by the inclusion of a fresh MoT until April 2018, along with documented repair work to the front wings and front floors, which are a known weak point on these models.
With values of fast Fords rising like a rocket, it’s no surprise that dealers are making good money from importing rust-free South African Escorts. A 1980 Mk2 1600 Sport was one such car, which had benefitted from a full service and recent respray. At £8360 it offered an affordable entry into hot Mk2 Escort ownership.
A model equally at home in Africa, a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 230CE fetched slightly more at £9350. The strong result reflected its fine condition and comprehensive history file, which was collated by the car’s previous owner and included a fastidious record of receipts. In addition to a fresh MoT with no advisories and gleaming Gelt-Braun paintwork, the car had recently starred in a photoshoot for Italian Vogue.
Much rarer was a 1975 Mitsubishi Colt Gallant GTO, which sold for £8650. The diminutive fastback came with no history file due to recently being imported from Japan, but nonetheless appeared in fine condition. A fresh MoT was promised, while the interior was described as being new and the carburettors had recently been rebuilt.
A 1976 Toyota Carina Coupe shared similar styling cues, but got away for considerably less – just £2750. Also recently imported from Japan, there are thought to be just a handful of examples in the UK. The biggest cosmetic let down was the chromework, while the interior had also suffered a slight tear. The tempting sale price may have reflected an uncertainty over parts availability.
Also from Japan, a lightly modified 1999 Rover Mini fetched £5500. The car featured a number of subtle modifications to give it a more retro appearance, including body-coloured steel wheels, while bullet wing mirrors offered a nod to Japanese car culture. Shortly after being imported, the 18,000-mile car benefited from a full shock absorber refresh and new MoT.
Despite having 56,000 miles on the clock, a 1988 BMW E30 was offered in even better condition, with its vendor describing it as ‘nearly concours’. The car had spent the first 27 years of its life with the same owner and recently starred on the BMW Owners’ Club stand at the NEC. It eventually sold for a strong £5790, though enthusiasm would have been tempered slightly by its poverty-spec 1.6-litre engine and less desirable four-door configuration. Still, a remarkable car.
Rolls-Royces don’t come much cheaper than £6270. The Silver Shadow II had been used as a wedding car for the past four years and had recently had its door cappings restored and brake pads replaced, though a fresh coat of underseal may have put off as many potential buyers as it encouraged.
The budget-friendly options weren’t limited to more modern classics either: a 1929 Ford Model A Double Phaeton was picked up for just £8250. The car had been with its vendor for the past 20 years and was fully restored prior to spending some years in Italy and as a showroom display. A solid project that would benefit from light recommissioning and regular use, and a bargain at that price.
Not immaculate but by no means a basket case, a 1968 Triumph Vitesse Mk1 convertible was beginning to show the years passed since its restoration in the mid-1990s. However, it boasted Lumenition electronic ignition, a Kenlowe fan and overdrive gearbox, plus a relatively recent hood. It was bought for £5500.
