Review: Brightwells VA

Traditional sports cars perform well at Leominster’s online-only outing

Brightwells’ punters, whether buying or selling, have clearly got to grips with the online-only sale model and while sceptics were probably expecting bidding to be lacklustre, most cars were away within or above their estimates.

This latest outing was boosted by a goodly selection of cars up for grabs, ranging from pre-war motors and Land Rovers – to be expected in any Brightwells’ sale – to modern classics.

While none of the cars offered might have commanded six-figure sums, results were commendable enough, with a brace of MercedesBenz ‘Pagoda’ 230 SLs away at £37,520 for a 1964 example and £42,560 for a 1966 car, the latter upgraded with a 280 engine and Getrag five-speed manual ’box. Those wanting a roomier ’Benz might have found a 1975 long-wheelbase 240D in need of recommissioning more practical at £3809.

Fans of British sports cars were well catered for, with offerings including a restored 1973 MGB roadster and a 1977 Midget, which made £2082.

A recently re-commissioned 1972 Spitfire was also away for £3640 and a 1982 TR7 convertible in need of cosmetics sold for £3360. Another Triumph TR – this one a 1958 TR3A – sold for £27,440 while an L&R TR3 replica running Ford Pinto power was an interesting, if rather leftfield buy that set its new owner back by a healthy £8400.

Daimlers were well represented, with models including a 1936 Light 20 limousine that made £16,128, a 183 Sovereign 4.2 manual selling for £4648 and Silver Spirit-rivalling 1998 Super V8 long-wheelbase that was tempting enough to make £8578, ahead of a tidy 1982 Spirit that was off to a new home for £5040.