Historics and the Mystery of the Escort MkII RS1800

Today we're talking about the fourth annual Historics sale at Windsorview Lake on July 19th, where the real world is something different from the anticipated million-dollar Pebble Beach week. An auction featuring the cars of our memories, the ones we can truly put in the garage. The ones that immerse us in our passion and not simply make us gaze at them from behind glass. Let's start with some numbers to understand how the auction went: the number of cars remained stable at around 170 units; 172 last year and six fewer this year. The number of cars sold also remained at the same levels, just over 100 (103) in 2024, again six fewer for 2025. The success rate was therefore similar: 59.88% versus 58.43% this year. This is likely also due to a notable drop in the number of cars without reserve, from 25% to 14%. However, quality has improved: in 2024, with a slightly higher number of cars, sales were expected to reach £4,283,000; this year, with a slightly lower number of cars, the estimate increased to £5,143,000. All of this has had an impact on the final result, which went from £2,603,752 this year to £3,050,411, with an average price that has risen sharply, from £25,279 to £31,447.

Today I'm going a different route than usual: let's start with the most affordable of my choices, the 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6. Why is it interesting? Because it embodies the memories of those who lived through that era. A car impossible to find even in its native Italy, let alone in the UK, and a right-hand drive. Its condition was exceptional: only one owner and just 50,000 miles, it's the perfect car for the Festival of the Unexceptional. It's difficult to value this car; since it has no reserve, it wasn't necessary. After a few bids, it closed at £8,237. Too low!