Dozens of ‘no-reserve’ classics head to auction

Published
07/23/2024 by

Classic car enthusiasts will have an unrivalled opportunity to add a number of potential bargains to their collection at the next H&H Classics auction, as more than 50 cars are being offered without reserve.

Taking place at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on 24 July, the diverse offering of no-reserve lots includes cars ranging from a 1929 Armstrong Siddeley 15hp Coachbuilt Saloon through to a 2005 Renault Mégane Renault Sport 225.

Away from the no-reserve offerings, the 70 other vehicles crossing the block have been estimated at a combined value of more than £1.7million.

“Our Buxton sales always have a fantastic atmosphere, but we are expecting our next auction to be at an entirely new level given the number of no reserve cars being offered,” comments Damian Jones, director, H&H Classics. “There really is something for everyone in this sale. From concours standard cars, through to projects, a significant collection and even more modern hot hatches, the sale provides a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts to add some remarkable cars to their collection.”

The sale’s highest estimate - £100,000-120,000 – is given to a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL that has been in current ownership for 50 years. Extensively restored between 2014 and 2016 the car was once owned by speedway rider Taffy Owen hence its historic ‘TAF 32’ number plate.

Also enjoying a full restoration is a matching-numbers, UK-market 1958 Jaguar XK150SE 3.4 Litre Drophead Coupe which is estimated between £80,000-100,000. Meanwhile, for anyone seeking a thoroughly deserving project, a stalled-restoration 1967 Aston Martin DB6, estimated between £80,000-100,000 could be the answer. While much work has been completed (with bills supporting that work) the matching-numbers ‘6’ remains in a disassembled state but comes with many extra parts ready to continue its restoration.

Away from the sale’s glamorous grand tourers, what is believed to be one of the best MkII Ford Zephyrs is offered with a £22,000-26,000 estimate. Restored over three years to a supremely high standard, the 1959 car was originally sold to South Africa and was imported to the UK in 2007 and subsequently bought by the vendor in 2017. Since restoration it has covered fewer than 3,000 miles and has been fastidiously maintained.

Offered in exceptionally original condition is a 1995 MG RV8, estimated between £28,000-32,000, that has covered a mere 2,300Km from new. Imported from car-climate friendly Japan in 2015, it was in a private collection from 2017 to 2023. It is one of only 258 in Oxford Blue and has recently been mechanically refreshed.

The sale is bolstered by a vast and varied collection from late motor engineer David Lucas who was a stalwart member of various car clubs over the years. Lucas’ collection of more than 40 cars, commercial vehicles and tractors was assembled from the early 1970s until his death last year. One of life’s true gentlemen and a real petrolhead, he housed several of them in a private museum which was decorated with an amazing array of automobilia. A champion of the underdog, he eschewed the more famous British marques such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin in favour of Armstrong Siddeley, Singer and Standard Triumph. Among the cars from the collection are a 1964 Triumph Herald Coupe, a 1962 Standard Atlas camper van and a 1956 Austin A40 Countryman.

All lots will be available to view in person at Pavilion Gardens, Buxton from midday on 23 July, while the sale commences at 1pm the following day. Anyone looking to bid on one of the magnificent lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

For more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.