Feeding frenzy
July sees the sale of the season so far at SWVA
South West Vehicle Auctions knocked the ball right out of the park with its late-july sale. Only two of the 78 classics on offer failed to find buyers – a tired Peugeot 205 GTI and a perhaps over-valued Rover P4. But that was probably the only example of hype in a sale that was characterised by pessimistic estimates that were mostly beaten, and 13 ‘no reserve’ offerings. As figures confirm, the tactics worked!
One of the nicest Herald 1200, recently overhauled and repainted. Against an estimate of £2300£3000 (I told you they were pitching low), it sold for £4603. That still didn’t look expensive, and raised the thought that even at those prices Heralds still lag a bit behind contemporaries such as Anglias, A40s and Minors. Maybe this was a sign that they are catching up at last.
Another highlight was a super-rare 1951 Humber Super Snipe, one of 17 built with Perkins 90bhp diesel engines for Rootes’ chauffeur hire service. As well as its novelty value, the car presented well and It sold well too at £10,357 – almost double its £5900 top estimate.