It is time for the last few auctions of the year, and it seems that every auction house has decided that 12th December is the ideal time to hold their auctions, with Historics, CCA and Mathewsons all vying for the same customers on the same day (and with Bonhams MPH held just the day before). I spent yesterday running around three of these auctions to try and view all the cars I found interesting, and in case there might be one or two that may tempt me a little too much. I didn’t bother viewing at Mathewsons as it is all the way up in Yorkshire and I already know the car that I may be interested in there – and there are another couple that I could buy if the price is right irrespective of condition.
My third and final stop yesterday was at CCA at Stoneleigh Park, and fortunately I was only running half an hour late, as I’d sprinted around Bonhams (partially because I was running out of time, and partially because I wanted to get out of there because there wasn’t a lot that really interested me). CCA and Silverstone Auctions have held a few of their online auctions at Stoneleigh Park this year and its a good venue for previewing an online auction, as it is warm, dry and well lit. There was also plenty of space between the cars and also a nice variety in the consignments on offer.
Working in the order of the catalogue, my first pick of the auction is this somewhat ratty Lancia Delta HF Integrale 2.0 Turbo 8v. I’m not entirely sure what it is about this car that I like, but there something rather nice about a Lancia that is a bit ratty. It does have an MOT test that lasts until September next year however, and is offered at no reserve, so maybe there is a bargain to be had, albeit you’d be buying it safe in the knowledge that you absolutely will need to spend money on it. It is currently sitting on non original wheels, but it did look as if there was a set of poor condition original alloys in the boot. The catalogue also mentions that mechanical recommissioning work has been completed, including the water pump and cam belt service.
The next vehicle that really caught my eye (perhaps it wasn’t a surprise as it was right inside the door) was this GMC Syclone, which looks purposeful, but its still surprising to remember that this was the fastest accelerating production vehicle to be built in the US when it was new. This particular example was imported to the UK in 2006 and has had one registered keeper since that time, and presents well. It shows just over 63,000 miles on the clock and comes with the private registration of ‘H10 SYC’. With less than 3,000 built, and very few imported to the UK by private owners, the guide of £10,000-£12,000 seems reasonable, and even more so when you consider the price of some American pick ups on the market.
The BMW E9 is quite possibly one of the prettiest and most elegant models the company has ever produced, and even in a dilapidated state they still appeal to me. This one is a 1970 2800 CS, guided at £10,000-£12,000, and I’ve chosen it above the other two E9s in the auction simply because of the manual gearbox that it is fitted with. The car looks to have been laid up since 2012, which would seem correct given the general condition of the car. To say that it simply needs recommissioning would be an understatement, and it is probably sensible to expect to have to restore the car. Still, it would make a lovely project!
Despite being a fan of a great proportion of Jaguar’s back-catalogue, I’ve never owned nor driven a MK10. In fact they’ve only truly appealed to me in recent years. This example was too lovely to ignore, and the paintwork alone would have probably made me put it on the list. It easily managed to draw my eye away from the surrounding cars. That isn’t to say its perfect, as the interior could use a little refreshing and there are a few other small jobs, but I’d still say this is one of the best examples that I’ve seen in a while. The guide of £15,000-£18,000 is strong money for one of these right now, but I do think it is absolutely worth it.
I’m always interested in quirky cars, and especially that rare sort of car that somehow managed to make it into production despite being so unusual. I’d say that the Lagonda is one of those cars, and is still striking and somewhat futuristic in appearance even today. This S4 model from 1991 is believed to be one of only 106 built, and only 34 of those were RHD. It certainly isn’t cosmetically perfect, but it looks to be a useable example that can be enjoyed, and perhaps that is reflected in the guide of £55,000-£65,000. I’m curious to see how well it does compared to similar model cars that have sold recently, and against the one in tomorrow’s Historics auction.
My favourite car of the auction is next to make the list. This 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.4 FHC looks to have lived some of its life at least on a race track. It is being sold as a non runner, though it is described as having run recently, the clutch pedal is now solid. Other restorative works will need to be undertaken, including paintwork, which may allow you to return the car to its original Cornish Grey with red leather interior, although I do quite like the Snowberry white. The driver’s door has also dropped and will no close. Considering the general condition I’m really intrigued to see how much this no reserve Jaguar sells for.
Next is another unusual car, a 2001 Bristol Blenheim, and I’m unsure if I can decide whether it is ungainly or not. This Series 3 car featured some revised design touches to both the exterior and interior. Only 23 or 24 of these S3 cars were built, and this one has only covered around 30,000 miles in its lifetime, which is backed up by a full MOT history. There is, however, no other history with the car which may help to explain the guide of £25,000-£30,000.
My final choice for this auction would be the no reserve 1971 Ford Escort RS1600 which has been prepared for circuit racing for no other reason that it has been nicknamed ‘Lairy Canary’. It certainly looks purposeful, with wide arches and a low stance, and the catalogue describes it as superbly prepared for circuit racing, with a seam welded shell and many other modifications. No reserve and no guide given.
