Market indicators

With estimates more realistic these days, over-estimate doesn’t necessarily mean over-the-odds

1984 Lancia Beta VX Coupé £9200 Bonhams, Goodwood, March 18

Long-prized in Lancia circles, these supercharged (that’s what the VX stands for) 2.0-litre coupés are starting to attract mainstream attention. Only around 150 came to the UK and that rarity is starting to stoke values. This one, from the estate of a Lancia collector, boasted a mere 37,000 miles. But that was balanced by non-use since 2005 and the need for some cosmetics. The price paid confirms their growing appeal.

1975 Jensen Interceptor SIII £56,100 Classic Car Auctions, Resto Show, March 24

While other prices ease, the Interceptor goes on playing catch-up with the likes of Aston V8s and E-type V12s. This lovely example from long-term ownership had been little used since restoration and qualified as a top example. Our price guide largely agreed with CCA’S £45k-£50k estimate but, as the above result shows, wise buyers were willing to go further – you could pay twice as much to restore one to this standard.

1952 Austin A40 Sports £15,680 Brightwells, Bicester, March 21

It’s been quite a month for rarities, and this – one of two in the JLR sale – at last gave us an accurate read on A40 Sports values. Bodied by Jensen, just over 4000 were built and, though their 1200cc B-series engine doesn’t do much for the ‘Sports’ name, they are fun cars – a shrunken version of the Fifties Interceptor. An older resto, this isn’t even the top of the market for them. The scruffy one in the sale made £6384.

1986 Ford RS200 £132,000 H&H, Duxford, March 21

The market for roadgoing versions of Group B rally cars has slipped significantly recently and this is just the latest of a run of RS200S to fall short of expectations. It was a top example too – never rallied but used as a static display car by Ford before a succession of private owners. It’s unmarked and has only covered 4122 miles. Well below its £140-£160k estimate, this must represent the new top value.

1978 Reliant Scimitar SE6A £9240 Classic Car Auctions, Resto Show, March 25

The Scimitar has long looked a car that ought to cost more, especially as the rest of the classic market rose and made it one of the few sporty bargains left. Even this one, which sailed way above its £5k-£7k estimate, remains a steal. Freshly restored, it looked as nice as they get and has to be worth more than the Capri it got V6 running gear from. The price paid barely covers the new paint and leather.