Historics Auction at Windsorview Lakes: A Classic Affair
27 July 2024 4 min read 9 images
Photo credit: Historics
Can we call it "the dear old Windsorview Lakes"? It's only been three years since the first summer sale by Historics, yet it already feels like a classic.
The reason lies in the numbers: the 59.88% sale rate is almost identical to the 58.43% of 2023. The number of cars offered remains stable around 170 (166 in 2023 and 172 this year), and the number sold is slightly higher at 103. Similarly, the total value of £2,603,752 is slightly up from last year's £2,574,472, but considering the increased number of cars, the average price has slightly decreased to £25,279. This consistency shows how stable the figures are compared to the previous editions, similar to those of 2022.
While stability marked this sale, the individual lots told a different story, starting with the most expensive car sold. A 1926 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Tourer, with matching numbers and a Vanden Plas body from new, was unrestored (though slightly modified in the '50s) and looked like it had just emerged from a swamp. Seriously, the car needed a full restoration, having been stationary since at least 1963 in the same family's hands. The estimated £75,000-85,000 was accurate considering the restoration costs, but these cars aren't bought with calculators, and the price soared to £168,168.
On the other end of the spectrum, a fantastic 1959 Chevrolet Apache pick-up amazed bidders. The Chevrolet Apache is essentially the 1958-59 model year of the famous Chevrolet 3100, the "truck" that shaped American farms in the '50s. Unlike the Bentley, this Apache was completely restored, with the repaint alone costing £12,000. The estimated £16,000-20,000 did not reflect the condition value, and the sale price of £41,184 was nearly triple. Well sold, without a doubt.
The 1976 Datsun 260Z also did quite well. The silver car with black interiors was unique with right-hand drive and 37,231 miles. Right-hand drive is typical of Japanese cars, and miles indicate the car was sold new in the UK. The ambitious £40,000-50,000 estimate was justified by its condition, and it sold for £43,472, making it the second most expensive 260Z ever sold at auction.
Among the Japanese cars, I would have loved the 2009 Honda S2000. Sure, it was an AP2 with the less desirable 2.2-liter engine, and the red color might not have been my first choice. This magnificent and desirable car had only 14,373 miles and always belonged to the same owner. The estimated £17,000-22,000 sold in the lower range at £18,304.
What else would I have liked? Certainly the Lotus Elan M100 prototype. Presented in 1986, it was a "sneak peek" in CAR magazine, outlining its highlights. A few years ago, it was found in the garage of an employee who appeared in one of the photos. The prototype had limited modifications compared to the production model, but the absence of a chassis and engine number would make re-registration challenging. Probably the best deal at the auction, estimated at £20,000-30,000, it sold for £3,432.
I admit I was torn between the Audi R8 and the Porsche 996 GT3 for my imaginary garage. The 2007 Audi R8, silver with black leather interior and 49,000 miles, was appealing. But the Porsche 996 GT3 is a Clubsport with a roll bar, sports seats, and no side airbags. It was also silver with a black leather interior but had only 21,700 miles.
The R8 is the sports car you'd want to drive to the office, while the Porsche is the car you'd want to drive every weekend. Ultimately, the price is the true judge: the R8 sold for £25,740 (estimated at £24,000-27,000), while the Porsche 996 required £62,920 (estimated at £58,000-65,000). From a long-term perspective, I'd probably go for the more expensive one.
The car I wouldn't have missed was undoubtedly the 1937 Bentley 4 ¼ litre Shooting Brake. Converted from a Sports Saloon (by Thrupp & Maberly) to an estate car in 1952 (by Jones Brothers), it was reclassified as a "Commercial Vehicle," reducing taxes by two-thirds. It was one of the most beautiful cars I've seen in recent months: a Bentley front end with a long hood and wooden sides. Offered without reserve, it sold for £68,640. High or low? As I often say, "find another one if you can."
Among the rarities, another car not to miss was the 1973 MG B GT V8, a police car. Not just any V8, this was one of the first 12 pre-production models given to British police. The 1973 Middle East crisis meant a V8 sports car was out of the Home Office budget. This car, with a £23,000 restoration between 2009 and 2013, was estimated at £23,000-27,000 but sold for £21,736.
CLASSIC CAR MATCHER