Market indicators

With estimates more realistic these days, over-estimate doesn’t necessarily mean over-the-odds

1973 Jaguar E-type V12 roadster £81,400 Barons Auctions, April 22. What we have here is confirmation that the market is currently hot for V12 E-types. Yes, this was a nice, honest-looking car, gently patinated. But Green Sand is hardly the most enticing shade on Jaguar’s colour chips, and a big gap in its history meant that the ‘thought to be correct’ 50k miles couldn’t be substantiated. It did feel right though, and the winning bidder obviously thought so, considering the £60-75k estimate. 1989 Lotus Excel £6832 Brightwells, April 20. This was a decent example of the preferred ’89 facelift model, with bags of history to back up the visual impression that it was well cared-for. But its 96k miles would usually bring caution in Lotus buyers. That it didn’t is a hint that the Excel is starting to rise on the tail of the Esprit’s recent fortunes. A year ago this would have been a £5k car – and there are still cars as good as this available at the old price. Strike now. 1959 Austin-healey Sprite £20,212 Anglia Car Auctions, April 8. This Frogeye was so good that it even crept past our top guide price for them, which will now have to be amended. Probably not a show winner, just a really nice car, it was restored nine years ago and has only done 2300 miles since. It majored on originality (apart from the close-ratio gearbox and unleaded cylinder head) and great detailing like the correct white-on-black plastic lettered number plates. A market mover.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0ti £4400 Barons Auctions, April 22. Given the usual enthusiasm for anything with an Alfa badge, and the fact that there are only four Giuliettas left on UK roads, more was expected of this car – hence its believable £57k estimate. Fresh from South Africa in superb condition, it had the range’s best engine and factory-fit GTV6 alloys. Right-hand drive too, of course. This is one of those results you see and wish you’d had the spare cash.

1996 Mercedes-benz E320 £12,880 Brightwells, April 20. Never mind that it beat its top estimate by £1880 – I still think it was cheap. W124 cabrios are on the cusp of being one of those elusive Next Big Things, and this example ticked every box, history included. Under 70k miles, just three owners, the best colour, and specced up with the five-speed auto, Sportline suspension and heated seats. Classy, useable and a very safe place to park your money. Well bought.