aucton house moves into cars

Up to 10 classic pre-war classics in Dee, Atkinson & Harrison’s next sale

An 130-year-old auction house is moving into the classic car market amid claims that many other firms’ sales have gone ‘too upmarket.’

‘A lot of enthusiasts are feeling that they are being priced out of auctions as the cars on offer are just too expensive,’ says Andrew Spicer of Driffeld, East Yorkshire-based Dee, Atkinson & Harrison.

‘We are a local firm and want to provide a service that’s very much missing in the North East where real life classics at affordable prices can be auctioned. We will certainly deal with £1000 cars, though it must be emphasised that we are more than happy to auction any classic from anywhere at any price.’

The decision to move into classic car auctions was taken after Andrew joined Dee, Atkinson & Harrison from Bonhams late last year.

Its next classic car-derived auction is taking place at Sledmere House, near Driffield, on 4 March. A unique Crossley is among the lots, which are expected to number up to 10 cars, although other vehicles are still being accepted up to the sale date.

The 1925 Crossley 15/30 V-screen 14hp saloon was exported to New Zealand and little is known of its early life, but by 1994 Alan and Pratts of Wellington had comprehensively restored it and won the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Colonial Cup. According to the Crossley register in 1999, it is the only known V-screen in existence – apart from one other that comprises a bulkhead and a box of spares.

The unique Crossley, which has an estimate of £30,000-35,000, was used by its last owner solely for the occasional rally and picnics.

A 1922 10.4hp Calthorpe all weather deluxe tourer, which is estimated at £15,000-18,000 and was taken off the road in 1928 and restored in 1987, is also believed to be only existing example of its type left.

Dee, Atkinson & Harrison is planning to hold further classic cars sales on 29 July and 4 November.