25 MOST POPULAR CARS AT AUCTION

Richard Barnett reveals the classics that have been flying – and those that have yet to take off

Despite last year’s political upheavals – and those that have happened in the past month – the classic car buying and selling game remains in reasonably good health. Enthusiasts are still buying cars, often selling the ones they already have, and the merry-go-round of cars off to new homes continues unabated.

Last year’s second half settled down after the EU referendum, and it was definitely back to business as usual come the start of 2017. There have been few new auctioneer start-ups and other companies have pulled out, but the longer-established businesses, whether small or large, continue to trade.

Inevitably, some sales perform better than others, and weekday sales tend to be more common than weekend ones. But what continues to annoy buyers and sellers alike is the lack of price declarations that some auctioneers continue to practise.

Meanwhile, interest in a classic auction code of conduct has gained some interest, but with some auctioneers already members of the National Association of Motor Auctions or the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, whether the code can ever get off the ground is becoming increasingly doubtful.

Our latest Top 25 sees a change in the number one slot, but the same cars occupy the top five slots. However, other favourites, including the ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes-Benz, Fiat 500 and even the Triumph Stag are out. Whether they’ll be nudging their way back in during 2017’s second half remains to be seen, but at the moment it’s clearly very much business as usual.