The second half of 2015 was business as usual: from July to the beginning of December there was plenty of saleroom action but, unsurprisingly, it was the traditional favourites that maintained their strong-selling positions, with British makes filling many of the top 25 places.
Interest in British sports cars remains as strong as ever, but later classics are making their presence felt, as the number of Ford Sierra RS Cosworths coming to auction shows. The rise of the hottest Fords continues unabated and shows no signs of slowing down: Interestingly, the Escort Cosworth is a far rarer sight in a classic sale, despite its from-new cult status.
At the very top end, in the £500,000 and above sector, there is no demand slackening and, if anything the market is seeing increasing diversity as already expensive cars consolidate their values and pull up the values of once cheaper alternatives.
Silverstone’s Porsche sale continued a one-make theme started by Bonhams’ Aston Martin auction, while Anglia Car Auctions continued to offer more than 250 cars in each sale. New kid on the block Classics Central put on two sales towards the end of the year, while established businesses generally steered a confident business-as-usual path.
25: Jaguar XJ6/XJ12
PRICE RANGE £1000-25,000
Superb looks, a cosseting ride and those lovely engines – it’s no wonder many who could have afforded a Silver Shadow took the Jaguar (or better-equipped Daimler) route instead. They look just as good, if not better, today and they’re surprisingly competent in modern traffic. Mechanically both six- and 12-cylinder engines are long-lived, as are gearboxes. The bodywork can be tricky – rust isn’t a stranger to any Series, and repairs can be complicated, particularly around the base of front and rear screens and to the wheelarches, while interiors will be expensive to replace or improve. Good maintenance is the key to enjoying the XJ experience.
One that sold: 1977 Jaguar XJ4.2C. £11,825. Barons
24: Aston Martin DB7
PRICE RANGE £15,000-60,000+
As values of earlier cars remain firmly planted in the six-figure sphere the cost-effective – and in many ways more practical – way in to Aston Martin ownership is with a DB7. Plenty were built, meaning there are plenty out there, and while the cheapest cars have plenty of sale room temptation, buyer exuberance might be blind to electrical faults, engine maladies and structural woes that won’t be cheap to put right. History is essential, either with main dealers or specialists, and a lack of paperwork means one thing – walk away. Owning any Aston Martin should be pleasurable but buying a bad ‘un will scar any enthusiast for a long, long time.
One that sold: 2001 Aston Martin Vantage Volante. £31,920. H&H
23: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
PRICE RANGE £10,000-60,000+
The blue oval has always fared well with its performance models and the Sierra RS Cosworth topped the bill. An everyman car with supercar performance, it was just as happy on the daily commute as it would be storming the autobahn alongside BMW M5s and ‘Benz 500Es. Years back on the used car market it was decried by badge-obsessed snobs, but under its classic status has shrugged that air off. RS500 three doors are the price-toppers and pull super-strong sums, but four-wheel drive four doors shouldn’t be ignored either. All the poke of a more expensive Teutonic saloon in a repmobile – that can’t be faulted, and the joke’s on those who looked down on the now more-loved Cossie.
One that sold: 1992 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4. £20,475. ACA
22: MGF
PRICE RANGE £500-4000
The F and its TF successor put the octagon badge firmly back on the sports car map and it sold well. Pleasant to drive and plenty of dealers moved the F on to numerous punters, while the improved TF suffered from a lack of dealer support. Falling values meant many were poorly maintained and head gasket failures consigned many otherwise reasonable cars to the scrapyard. But now, with interest in modern classics on the rise, the F and TF are enjoying a pretty positive reappraisal, but for would-be owners that fortunately hasn’t translated in to escalating values. There are plenty of horrors on the market, but many good cars too. Waiting for one of those better cars is time well spent.
One that sold: 2001 MGF. £2420. CCA
21: MG Midget
PRICE RANGE £500-7500
It might not have the get up and go of its bigger, B brother, but for affordable classic drop-top motoring the Midget takes a lot of beating. With plenty out there snapping up the first one available needn’t happen – there’s enough choice to allow unhurried looking at a good few before buying. Earlier models have cleaner, chrome-bumpered looks while later, rubber-bumpered cars might lose a bit on the visuals but pootle along nicely thanks to the 1500cc engine. All of them are easily maintained and parts are easily available, even at many independent motor factors.
One that sold: 1974 MG Midget. £3570. ACA
20: Austin-Healey 100/4/ 100/6/3000
PRiCE RANGE £5000 - 60,000
If the Healey was a human it would be the kind that would always stand its round and probably play rugby on Saturday afternoons. Like a TR4/5/6 it’s undeniably a big-hearted, unpretentious, what you see is what you get classic that’s not terribly sophisticated but still gets the job done, while putting a smile on the driver’s face.
Enthusiasts tend to favour one model over the others, so a 100/4 lover is more likely to stick with that model rather than switch allegience to a 3000. But whichever model a buyer goes for, they simply can’t go wrong.
One that sold: 1955 Austin-Healey 100/4. £57,230. SWVA
19: Mercedes-Benz 230/250/280SL
PRICE RANGE £5000-110,000+
The ‘Pagoda’ SL’s appeal goes well beyond the classic fraternity to the new money filtering in to the scene. Today, as a ‘must-have’ accessory for the metropolitan scenester it makes sense, but long-term Pagoda lovers have appreciated their reliability, sturdiness and build quality long before many wanting one today were born. Prices spiralled upwards dramatically in 2014 with dealers paying strong money before adding their mark-up, so for those on a budget it’s a case of saving up more or buying one in not quite so good order. Spares are available but can be eye-wateringly strong price-wise.
One that sold: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL. £31,350. Brightwells
18: Triumph TR4/5/6
PRICE RANGE £2000-25,000+
To many British sports car enthusiasts the 4, 5 and 6 are the best exponents of the type, being rapid and engaging. Anyone who DOESN’T want a car needing driver involvement should look elsewhere, because these cars aren’t really for the soft-hearted. Yet the big-hearted TR4/5/6 is rewarding – it can be used regularly and does pretty well in competition: Stock examples are great for hillclimbs and sprints, and they’re good for long-distance touring events too. There are plenty of clubs and plenty of specialists to encourage enthusiasm and keep these bruisers on the road, and they still represent great value for money.
One that sold: 1968 Triumph TR5 project. £18,400. Bonhams
17: MGA
PRICE RANGE £3000-35,000
A complete contrast to the TF model it replaced, the A was unashamedly targeting the valuable American export market but found plenty of buyers in its homeland. Originally powered by a 1500cc engine (to 1959) and latterly by a 1600, the highly-prized 113mph Twin Cam model was unveiled in 1958. The A’s swoopy lines have sometimes been compared to an early Chevrolet Corvette, and Coupe and Roadster body types broaden the car’s appeal. They might have been cheap in the 1970s but today they’re a much-desired sports car offering lively performance, reliability and the all-important spares support. A winner all round, in other words.
One that sold: 1961 MGA 1600 Coupe. £16,240. H&H
16: Jaguar Mk1 and Mk2
PRICE RANGE £1500-60,000+
The classic saloon that just wouldn’t go away, having been part of the classic car movement since the ‘scene’ evolved in the mid- to late-’70s. Today the Mk2 and its derivatives offer great value for money but its Mk1 predecessor has recently come under the spotlight, with the result prices of the earlier car have risen sharply. Basket cases still crop up and there are plenty of fine cars too. As always, cars in the middle ground need careful inspection – they might be good and honest, they might be cosmetically restored and crumbling underneath. If in doubt, walk away – there are plenty more out there.
One that sold: 1959 Jaguar 2.4. £15,225. ACA
15: Trumph Spitfire/GT6
PRICE RANGE £500-12,000
Thinking of buying an MG Midget? Well think again, because the Spitfire is a fully competent rival that drives well and looks good – and is just as easy on the wallet. From the earliest to the last, the Spitfire is an involving little machine, demanding little from the driver other than care on wet bends. Its bigger-engined GT6 sibling is a genuinely smaller E-type Coupe, with plenty of poke and room for some luggage too. Unlike its MGB GT rival they’re not a common sight though, so finding one to meet your requirements or budget can call for some patience.
One that sold: 1967 Triumph Spitfire. £5460. ACA
14: Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/Silver Spur and Bentley derivatives
PRICE RANGE £1500-30,000
Big and imposing, the choice of business leaders, despots, show business ‘personalities’ and publicans is now an auction bargain. But, and it’s a big but, sorting the genuine bargain from the simply cheap is a minefield that needs careful negotiation. There are plenty of good cars out there but what costs more to buy can be a better, more cost-effective long-term purchase than a cheaper number. Beware the cars in the mid-price range, because alongside honest motors are bodged-up, grim examples really only suitable as a parts donor. With any Spirit, paperwork is all, and a lack of bills should steer you firmly away.
One that sold: 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. £4310. Barons
13: Range Rover
PRICE RANGE £500-60,000+
Taking the go-anywhere capability of a Land Rover and sprucing up the performance and daily-usage creature comforts, the Range Rover was a hit when it was launched and today remains highly popular in the classic movement. A tremendously long lifespan means there are plenty around, the downside being many were used as workhorses, which has meant plenty of survivors are needing attention. The upside is a good few weren’t worked, but used as a large estate, never going off road or towing. These are the ones worth seeking out, but they won’t be cheap. Very early ones and last-of-the-line models are the most wanted, and expect to pay accordingly.
One that sold: 1990 Range Rover Vogue. £7480. Barons
12: Fiat 500
PRICE RANGE £1000-7000
Small in stature but massive in personality, the 500 makes a great alternative to a Mini but is saddled by a slightly metropolitan chic air that slightly works against it. Hipster owners aside, the 500’s plus points far outstrip the demerits. Performance is reasonable enough, especially around town, and its compact size means it’ll almost always slip into a parking space. Plenty of recent Italian imports mean finding a good example isn’t the hard slog it once was. Spares aren’t too much of a problem and specialists can keep them running as sweetly as any of Vivaldi’s violin works.
One that sold: 1970 Fiat 500. £8280. Bonhams
11: Jaguar XK120/140/150
PRICE RANGE £15,000-250,000+
The sports car on which Jaguar founded its still-strong sporting reputation, the three incarnations of XK vary greatly, the 120 being more of a pre-war supercar than a post-war product, the 150 being a substantially updated reworking that paved the way for later models. Available in both soft- and hard-top forms the XK is just as competent as its more expensive rivals, but at last the market is reappraising the model and values continue to rise, especially with the rarer S models.
One that sold: 1954 Jaguar XK120fhc. £112,000. H&H
10: Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)
PRICE RANGE £1500-25,000
Strong and reliable – but perhaps not the most dynamic driving machine, the R107 SL and C107 SLC is all about engineering integrity and great looks. With as much presence as its Pagoda predecessor it’s a good all-rounder, being ideal for long distance continent crossing but also on the daily commute too. Good examples won’t lose money but it’s worth avoiding seriously scruffy and rusty models as putting them right will cost more than buying a sound, original, well-maintained model. Don’t dismiss the small-engined models either – they’re just as capable as bigger-engined siblings.
One that sold: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SL. £12,100. Brightwells
9: Ford Capri
PRICE RANGE £750-15,000
The second half of 2015 saw Capris making a welcome return to the auction scene. V6-engined examples, especially early 3000GTs and 3000Es and last-of-the-line 280s are the most highly-prized, but properly restored examples, even in poverty-spec 1300 form, will always sell well. Thanks to rust and high accident attrition rates good original examples are becoming very tricky to find and there’s always going to be a premium for them. Any half-decent Capri is still worth owning, but some body panels and trim replacement can be expensive – fortunately on the mechanical side the set-up is good, and reasonably priced.
One that sold: 1986 Ford Capri 2.0 Laser. £3520. Charterhouse
8: Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow/Bentley T-Series
PRICE RANGE £1500-30,000
From the beautiful one-family owned examples to the shabby, crusty wheelarched basket-case, the Shadow and its Bentley sibling still draw punters like a moth to a flame. Values for scruffy and fair-to-good examples have stabilised while the superb models are on an upwards value march. While they might seem dear, it’s those fine cars that are ultimately the best value for money: the Shadow/T-Series complexity means many jobs are drawn out, and that translates into a potentially sizable outlay. Purists love the Shadow 1/T1, and the early deep-dashboard models especially, while those who want to get more of a move-on prefer the 2, which boasted numerous improvements but lost its looks with flared rear arches and energy-absorbing bumpers.
One that sold: 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. £6042. SWVA
7: Jaguar XJ-S/XJS
PRICE RANGE £2000-20,000
If ever there was a classic that simply got better with age, the XJ-S (and latterly XJS) was that car. Shunned at first by E-type enthusiasts and many in the press, early models’ poor build quality tarnished its reputation. Today, how things have changed: A choice of engines (six-pots and that lovely V12 in carb’ and injection form) and body styles, including the luscious convertible, broaden the big cat’s appeal and they still represent fabulous value for money. Lovers of Italian exotica might mock the XJ-S/XJS’ image, but it’s a thoroughly stunning all-rounder, with servicing costs being relatively affordable. Budget for metalwork, even on later cars, as corrosion is their downfall.
One that sold: 1993 Jaguar XJS 4.0 fhc. £7350. ACA
6: Morris Minor
PRICE RANGE £100-10,000
An ideal starter classic thanks to its user-friendliness, the Minor rightly still finds favour in the classic scene, their only downside being perhaps there are too many of them about. Later cars make great daily drivers and some concessions to modern traffic, such as better brakes, make them even more practical. All are rammed with charm, and it’s possible to pick up an MoTd use-and-improve saloon for around £1000, although a contingency fund would be useful. Estates are even more practical, while convertibles have room for four. With fantastically affordable parts, plenty of specialists and a simplicity that won’t baffle the keen DIYer, it’s still a first-class classic.
One that sold: 1969 Morris Minor 4-door. £3136. Historics
5: Land Rover (Series and Defender)
PRICE RANGE £500-100,000+
With the Land Rover now out of production (unless commercial models are to be made abroad) the go-anywhere choice of armies around the world, the landed gentry, farmers and the Royal Family has never been out of favour, and rightly so. Definitely a proper workhorse that gained some creature comforts over the years, it’s off-road performance remains nigh-on unbeatable. Performance upgrades and engine swaps are acceptable if done properly and won’t affect the values of later, i.e., Series 3 models onwards, while earlier examples should be original or properly restored. A true classic, in the real sense of the word. And you can’t say that about a Shogun or a Navara.
One that sold: 1969 Land Rover 88-in hardtop. £7700. Brightwells
4: Jaguar E-type
PRICE RANGE £5000-250,000+
One of THE most recognisable classics to prowl the roads, the E-type has never fallen out of fashion. In its earliest, purest form it had performance to match its stunning looks while later cars weren’t quite so raw and the looks were sullied by legislation and marketing men. The sign-off Series 3 was more of a civilised GT rather than a sports car but still offers performance and handling that easily gives same-era products from Newport Pagnell and Modena a run for their money. Series 1 models have seen dramatic value rises, and even complete basket cases have no trouble pulling low five-figure sums.
One that sold: 1972 Jaguar E-type Roadster. £63,800. Brightwells
3: Austin/Morris/Rover Mini
PRICE RANGE £500-25,000+
Once a first car for so many people, the Mini, no matter what badge it carries, has a place in most British motorists’ hearts, and while 1959 and 1960 cars are still in demand, buyers without the early cars’ budget can still get behind the wheel of Issigonis’ gem for smallish outlay. While the days of a half-decent Mini being bought cheaply have gone, ‘regular’ models still represent great value for money, and Cooper values appear to have stabilised. For the DIYer project cars can be great value for money, with later Rover models commanding little more than BMC-era Minis.
One that sold: 1960 Austin Mini. £8107. CCA
2: MGB
PRICE RANGE £500-12,000
One of the kingpins of the classic car movement, the B, in GT and Roadster form, appeals to both classic newcomers and those who’ve been involved for decades. It’s easy to knock the B because of its omnipresence, but it’s the universal appeal that makes running one easy. Parts are easily available and they’re affordable, and for DIYers they’re easy to work on. There’s little to go wrong and for those who really don’t like getting their hands dirty, any competent local garage (as well as specialists) can look after one. They’re not bad to drive either.
One that sold: 1968 MGB GT. £5250. Barons
1: Porsche 911
PRICE RANGE £8000-300,000+
The evergreen 911, in all its guises, continues to make new friends while not alienating its long-term fanbase, who might have objected to the ‘hipster’ buyers now in the market. From the very earliest models to late cars, there are clearly buyers wanting to join what’s almost become a cult-like group – later, post-1990 cars offer the reliability and hassle-free motoring new-to-scene buyers want, and there’s clearly a demarcation between age of models and the buyers they attract. If proof was needed to silence the flash-in-the-pan espousing cynics, Silverstone Auctions’ Porsche-only sale pulled in the punters and moved the cars out of the door.
One that sold: 1974 Porsche 911 2.7S. £78,750. Silverstone