THE WEEK IN DEALS

RICHARD BARNETT’S WEEK OF LOOKING AT THE MARKET

WEDNESDAY

Looking through the catalogue for Brightwells’ timed online sale, which comes to a close not long after today’s issue goes on sale (Wednesday, 11 May). I’ve been watching this sale’s catalogue build and the variety of cars on offer here is first-class – a typical Leominster offering, in other words. Having a squizz down the list there’s certainly plenty to like – a 1948 Riley RMA is surely worth considering if you fancy a better-quality post-war British saloon. It’s had a shedload of work done to it since the vendor bought it in 2010 and there are bills for more than £3500. There’s something immensely appealing about these Rileys, too, which offer a decent turn of speed, look good and have cracking interiors. This one is estimated at £9000-11,000 and I reckon bidding will be enthusiastic. Also worth considering is a no-reserve 1967 Rover 2000TC project, which is reported to be running and driving. I do hope somebody buys it and gives it a new lease of life, because it doesn’t deserve to be relegated to the doldrums of a parts car. You’d better put a bid in on it before I do!

SATURDAY

Down to Woodcote Park for the Royal Automobile Club’s Drive-in. It’s great to see Bristol cars out in force and the sadly now-defunct marque was well represented at the event by 403s, 412s and Blenheim 3s. Seeing this trio merely strengthened my desire to own one and a 603 or Brigand in particular. I remember Brightwells offered a 603 a good few years ago and Historics a Brigand more recently but they’re not exactly commonplace nowadays.