Historics, H&H and CCA: Christmas Gifts

Cliff Goodall’s view

These three fascinating auctions were held between late November (Historics at Brooklands on 25th November) and mid-December (CCA at Leamington Spa on 9th December), with an intermediate stop-over at H&H (Buxton on 29th November). Each featured a similar number of cars and a similar spirit: purchases that don’t require millions, in contrast to the sales of recent weeks.

CCA Leamington Spa, 9th December 2023 The results at H&H and CCA results were pretty much aligned, with 140 and 150 cars on offer and sales rates of 55% and 65% respectively. CCA slightly outperformed, selling 98 cars (65.33%). H&H’s average price per car was slightly higher at £15,656, while CCA’s was £14,658.

H&H Buxton, 29th November 2023 Historics stands out in comparison, appearing like a giant next to the other two. With 157 cars offered and 89 sold (56.69%), it achieved more in value than the other two combined: £4,112,350 in total sale and an average of £46,206 per car.

The percentage of lots without reserve was similar across the auctions: 18.57% for H&H, 19.75% for Historics, and 22% for CCA.

Historics Brooklands, 25th November 2023 What set these sales apart? A significant boost for Historics came from the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. In the stunning colour combination of Fantasy Yellow with a Pine Green leather interior, it had only two owners in the last fifty years. The first owner had it restored at the beginning of the millennium by Rudi Koniczek & Co in Vancouver, Canada, respected for carrying out some of the finest restorations in the world. Despite lacking an aluminium engine and disc brakes and being subject to 5% import duties (as it was US registered), its estimate of £875,000-£950,000 was spot on. However, the final price of £1,065,000 showed that buyers are now willing to purchase significant cars even from less renowned names. For Historics, this was the first vehicle to sell for over a million pounds.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster sold for £1,065,000 (€1,235,650)

At H&H, a spectacular 1954 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe in green with a number of unique features took centre stage. Initially sold to Britain’s most successful lady racing driver Patsy Burt, it later came into the possession of the late Richard Colton in the mid-1990s, who transformed it into a wolf in sheep’s clothing with an upgraded 3.8-litre engine. A new chapter began in 2015: following Colton’s passing, the car changed hands for £114,400, and the new owner had the vehicle thoroughly serviced and recommissioned. Sold for £111,375 (within its £100,000-£120,000 estimate), it has - discounting inflation - maintained its value over time.

1954 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe sold for £111,375 (€129,225)

A dramatic turn of events unfolded at Classic Car Auctions. The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray Roadster, not initially expected to be a top lot and likely struggling to make the top 10, surprised everyone. It was undoubtedly an intriguing model, equipped with the coveted 427/425 engine. Its “barn find” condition could have either increased its value – due to the excitement of discovery – or decreased it – given its need for restoration. Estimated at £25,000-£30,000 without reserve, the car, which had been stationary for around twenty years, sparked a fierce bidding war, ultimately selling for £68,625.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray (Big Block) Manual Gearbox sold for £68,625 (€79,625)

At Historics, despite the million-pound result, the majority of cars stayed true to the motto “great value for money”, which is a common spirit among these three auction houses. Among the interesting lots was a 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco GLS in a very particular rust colour, which had been in the same family since new. In outstanding condition, with just 23,400 miles on the clock and offered without reserve, this car, typically overlooked by many, fetched an unexpected £18,437. Needless to say, it set a new record for the model.

1980 Volkswagen Scirocco GLS sold for £18,493 (€21,450)

At H&H, half of that price could get you a true Italian gem. The Maserati 3200GT, introduced in 1998, marked a significant shift from the somewhat unreliable Biturbos that had dominated the previous two decades. Initially underappreciated, it’s now gaining recognition, particularly for its superb Ferrari engine, with well-maintained models often exceeding £35,000.

2001 Maserati 3200 GT sold for £7,088 (€8,225)

The 2001 model on offer wasn’t the best example, but with an estimate of £7,000-£9,000, it was an irresistible bargain, ultimately selling for £7,088. An even better deal was the less collected (for now) but more reliable Maserati 4200, offered in Spider version by H&H for £6,300.

2003 Maserati 4200 GT Spyder sold for £6,300 (€7,300)

Classic Car Auctions presented a delectable, albeit underrated, treat: the Lotus Elan S4 Coupé, previously owned by Keith Duckworth, the renowned engineer who, along with Mike Costin, developed the multiple World Championship-winning Ford Formula 1 V8 Cosworth engine. The green Elan had been seen twice this year: first in February, estimated at £50,000-£80,000 and sold for £39,500. It reappeared in May, priced at £35,000-£40,000, but stalled at £29,000. Third time lucky: with a reduced estimate of £30,000-£40,000 and offered without reserve, it sold for £25,313. A real bargain: even at its first sale, I would have considered it a bargain, imagine now.

1968 Lotus Elan S4 Coupé ex-Keith Duckworth sold for £25,313 (€29,365)

The cars I would have taken home? From Historics, it was a no-brainer: the 1974 Citroën DS23 Safari, equipped with a more powerful engine, right-hand drive, and two rear jump seats, meaning it could comfortably accommodate a driver and six friends or relatives. Estimated at £18,000-£24,000, it changed hands for just £16,216.

1974 Citroën DS 23 Safari sold for £16,216 (€18,815)

From H&H, I would have chosen the Noble M12 GTO. A missile in the early 2000s, it was a cross between a steroid-enhanced Lotus Elise and a “semi” supercar. This version, powered by a 2.5 V6 Ford Duratec engine and a Garrett turbocharger, delivered a formidable 310 bhp. Dating back to 2002 with 43,500 miles on the clock and full history, it really stood out. Sold without reserve for £30,375.

2002 Noble M12 GTO sold for £30,375 (€35,240)

At CCA, the rising sun dominated my choices. On one hand, there was the 2000 Subaru Impreza P1, in the classic Subaru blue, with only two previous owners and an estimate of £20,000-£25,000. On the other, a 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Version 4, unfortunately black (but with gold wheels!) and one of the rarer versions from that era, priced at £18,000-£22,000.

1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type-R Version 4 sold for £20,250 (€23,495)

Also in contention was a 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR, grey with 63,000 miles on the clock and estimated at £18,000-£22,000. All three of these turbocharged 2-litre, 276 bhp vehicles sold for £20,250. Dear Santa, could you lend me £60,000?

1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR sold for £20,250 (€23,500)