Project cars – the traditional forté of Bonhams' Beaulieu auction – enjoyed mixed fortunes when they went under the hammer at the International Autojumble at the weekend (6 September).
The headlines were stolen by the seemingly high £77,600 paid for a derelict early 1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster, but such is the current climate and the demand for flat-floor cars that a dealer/restorer in particular should be able to return it to as-new and still turn a tidy profit.
The same could be said of the 1957 Aston Martin DB MkIII that made £93,340 despite having been in storage from 1971 to 2011 and being in need of total restoration.
Unsurprisingly cheap given its bizarre conversion was a 1936 MG Midget TA Special that sold for just £3000 including premium. In reality probably no more than a spares car, the long-chassis landaulette was built in the 1960s and has been unused for a generation.
Also tempting were two decent-looking but off-the-road Italians – a1968 Fiat Vignale Eveline Coupé that was snapped up for £1150 and, for just a few pounds more, an ADO16 1963 Innocenti IM3 saloon.
The sale wasn't all about restoration projects, though, and despite many lots failing to shift, there were some top prices alongside the bargains.
Chief among the 'well-bought' cars were a re-engined 1935 SS1 3.5-litre saloon at £54k and a freshly imported left-hooker 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto 1600 at a low £11.5k.
Top-sellers included a 1920 Vauxhall 30-98 at £242,300, a lovely 1936 Lagonda LG45 team car rep at £180,700 and a 1925 Voisin C5 at just over £100k.
The one-off 1978 Healey Fiesta prototype failed to find a buyer, but the 1986 Interstyl Hustler Huntsman 6 did go to a new home for £11,500.
As ever at Beaulieu there was strong interest in the books and automobilia.
Stand-outs included a limited-edition signed copy of Doug Nye's McLaren book Driving Ambition… selling for more than £800 and a Lalique Victoire glass mascot that amassed £10,625.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car