Auctioneer View
First sale of new Bonhams spin-off is open to everything from pre-war buys to modern gems
H&H
Can you tell us about some of the cars in the first Bonhams MPH sale?
We have an exciting line up of fresh to market cars, covering all interests, tastes and budgets. The Ian Drury Collection is offered at no reserve, including 12 exceptionally restored cars from a Mini to a Morgan Plus 4, a Ford Thunderbird and a stunning Ford V8 hot rod. We also have the Elite Collection of ex-SAS military Land Rovers, two Series IIa Pink Panthers (the first time on the open market for over 30 years) plus ten other V8 Land Rover 109, 90 and 110 variants. And don’t forget the modern fast Renaults – a 500 miles-from-new Mégane Trophy R, a Liquid Yellow Clio V6 and a Mégane Cup.
How will you restrict the number of popular models in each sale?
Offering too much duplication in an auction does nothing for bidding battles and strong results. Entries are accepted on a first-past-the-post basis and we will ensure that there aren’t too many similar entries. I’d love to have an early MGB GT, a pull handle roadster, a V8 and a rubber bumper roadster or GT in an auction, but more than that is not in the best interest of our sellers.
What is the maximum number of cars in each sale?
Space isn’t an issue, which allows us to have a drive-through auction. Ideally we’ll have 120-150 cars, but can offer a lot more if needed.
When it comes to modern classics, what is the youngest age a car can be to enter?
There are no age or price restrictions for MPH auctions. Our most modern, currently, is the 2015 Renault Mégane Trophy R. As the old expression goes, age is only a number – if it’s a collector’s item of interest we can sell it.
Will you allow classic car projects into your auctions?
Of course! Project vehicles get all of us excited – or petrified – and I love to chart the transformation from a basket case to seeing it out being used. They may not be able to be driven through the auction hall, though!
Will pre-war cars be eligible, too?
Some CCW readers will already know that pre-war cars are my thing, and we will definitely offer such cars in these new auctions. We will be all-encompassing, with the aim of presenting every auction including sensibly-priced and interesting cars from the dawn of motoring right through to modern-day collectibles.
‘It’ll be all encompassing, with sensibly-priced, interesting cars’