Market indicators
Some quite amazing results from what used to be the affordable end of the classic car world
1963 Triumph Vitesse Convertible £23,520
Historics, Ascot Racecourse, 17 April
Even in the current market, with values of everyday classics growing like bindweed, this was a remarkable result. We had the best of these guided at below £10k, so Historics presale estimate of £13-17k looked bold. But that’s auctions for you, and this is possibly the best surviving example of an early 1596cc Vitesse droptop. It came to the sale with several Best in Show awards to its credit. Unbeatable? Probably.
1934 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux Cpé £334,762
Bonhams, Monaco, 23 April
Being by nature scarce, any Type 57 that comes to market is interesting, if only to provide a clue as to which way the wind is blowing their values. This Ventoux was a fine example – the first produced, continuous history, rare options, and well cared for since its second restoration. In the end it sold at the lower end of a cautious £300-390k estimate, putting it around 10% below where the market had these pegged.
1973 Morris 1800 £7975
Barons, Sandown Park, 20 April
This Morris-badged ‘Landcrab’ was a real gem. Bought from the late owner’s family last year, it had until then been with that same person from new. They had obviously looked after the car well during its 77,322 miles. The body bore no signs of corrosion and interior remained original and unblemished down to the push-button Radiomobile. Almost certainly unrepeatable, it even beat Barons’ bold £5750-£7500 estimate.
1963/2006 Suffolk Sports SS100 £70,184
Historics, Ascot Racecourse, 17 April
We mostly steer clear of replicas, but Suffolk SS100S have existed so long they are probably classics in their own right. The market seems to agree, looking at this result. Built 15 years ago and with less than 10k on the clock, this was admittedly hard to value. Historics said £40-47k; buyers thought more – a lot more. But this car will still provide the experience of the real thing, for little over 15% of the cost.
1989 Toyota MR2 MKI £7988
Manor Park Classics, live online, 27 April
‘Origami’ MKI MR2S are really starting to gain a foothold amongst enthusiasts. Stalled for many years at around £5k for the best, in the past 18 months values have shot up by 5060%. This result offers further proof. A smart example with full history, it was otherwise not particularly outstanding with 86,000 miles and four owners. The £3-4k estimate was daft, but the outcome surpassed current guide values.