The Week In Deals

RICHARD BARNETT’S WEEK OF LOOKING AT THE MARKET

THURSDAY

Manor Park Classics has posted results from its first sale, which was held a couple of days ago. Most cars are off to new homes, including some interesting offerings from Vauxhall’s Heritage Collection. The most outstanding result is for the 1973 Triumph 2.5PI that was owned by Triumph’s senior road test and development engineer, Gordon Birtwistle. Estimated at £8000-12,000, it was away for a seriously stonking £24,188. Also away was a restored 1966 Austin Mini Countryman that was smart enough to make £25,300. One of the sale’s most interesting lots was a 1950 Lea-Francis 14hp special (pictured below). At £5850, it was a smashing, unusual buy.

FRIDAY

Now I know some readers will recoil in horror at the heresy I’m about to commit, but generally I’m not a great fan of MGBs. Never have been, never will be. However, one comes along every now and then to make me think again, and here’s one such car that is appealing. It’s a 1978 GT that’s offered without reserve in Historics’ forthcoming sale. It’s black with new black wire wheels, so it looks way better than any red-with-chrome wires example. It has a quasi-Sebring look, being de-bumpered and fitted with a set of spotlights. The brakes have been upgraded and a new stainless steel exhaust system fitted. In all it’s a highly tempting offering, even to ‘B cynic like me. The sale also includes one of my real favourites, a Daimler Majestic Major, which has a £10-15k estimate. These big, characterful and friendly saloons remain off most buyers’ radar and so offer great value for money. I’d have one in preference to a Rolls Cloud any day.