Sitting at the desk of MotorMartin Towers there is no better way to while away the hours than searching for that elusive bargain on any of the many motoring auction sites that live just a few clicks away on the internet. So, as you can imagine, the following news from Silverstone Auctions was greeted with much excitement and interest when it arrived this morning as just one week after a number of new record prices were achieved, Silverstone Auctions secured more high prices in its sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show on Sunday. 75 per cent of the cars on offer were successfully hammered away at the NEC, Birmingham in front of hundreds of classic car fans at the show for a total sales figure of £1.5million. Goodness me.
Silverstone Auctions shared with MotorMartin that, In the home city of Land Rover, record prices were secured for two very special Series One examples. One of the earliest Land Rovers produced, a 1948 Series One Chassis #149, sold for £47,250, more than £20,000 over its lower estimate, and the highest price for a Series One in recent years. Not only that but one of the last Defenders produced, a 2016 Land Rover 110 Heritage Edition, one of only 400 made and with just 108 miles on the odometer, sold for £42,188.
As well as the amazing prices already mentioned, a historically important and very rare car, a 1950 Land Rover Series I Station Wagon with coachwork by Tickford, sold for £38,250, a world record price. Silverstone Auctions continued to say that, with early Land Rover’s status as important collectors’ items now proven, these cars are sure to prove a canny purchase for the new owners.
It wasn’t just Land Rover that were finding interest amongst those present as far more exotic machinery also captivated the bidders. A 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV, the last Lamborghini produced before VW took ownership of the company, sold for £174,375, nearly £25,000 over its lower estimate whilst from Maranello, a rare 1987 Ferrari 412i, which was presented in exemplary condition having benefitted from a restoration, sold for £50,625, more than £10,000 over its lower estimate.
Now we all know that MotorMartin is a massive Ford fan but even i have been surprised at how a variety of Fast Fords have seen a rapid rise in value at auctions over the last 12 months, see previous news at http://motormartin.com/2015/11/17/news-records-tumble-at-silverstone-auctions-classic-motor-show-sale/ for some stunning prices recently paid, and Silverstone Auctions have continued their success with the marque.
For example, the 1973 Ford Capri RS 3100 shown above, perhaps the best in the world, sold for £49,500, nearly £10,000 over its lower estimate. And to think that I paid £350.00 for my 2.0 Laser back in the late 1990s and miss it desperately…
Another car that could claim to be the best in the world was a 1971 Volvo P1800E. The UK right-hand drive car was a very special example indeed, and having had just two owners from new and a full restoration was sold for £34,875.
Sharing the following with MotorMartin after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “Once again we’ve achieved a strong set of results at this fantastic show and I’m pleased that so many of our vendors are leaving having secured record prices and feeling satisfied that their pride and joys are going to good homes.”
Befitting the show, a selection of fantastic barn finds and restoration projects were presented to visitors. An original UK right-hand drive, matching numbers 1978 Aston Martin V8 Series III offered as a non-running project, sold for £47,250. Crikey! A 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster, a matching numbers example which will provide the new owner a wonderful project, sold for £41,625.
Nick then added: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the sale and I look forward to returning to our spiritual home of Silverstone circuit for The May Sale.”
Consignments are now being invited into the May Sale, taking place at Silverstone circuit on May 21st, and to Silverstone Auctions’ first international sale which takes place at The Classic Race Aarhus in Denmark on the 28thand 29th of May. Anyone interested in submitting an entry and benefitting from Silverstone Auctions’ expertise and support can call 01926 691141 or alternatively, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com
You can find view the full results from the sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show here: https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-restoration-show-sale-2016/view_lots/pn/all. And I urge you to set aside some time to look through the list of some wonderful cars and the staggering prices that the rarest and most desirable achieved. What a way to spend an afternoon.
Where will you go?