DB5 One of Eight Aston Martin/Lagondas to Find New Homes H&H’s long-established December sale at the picturesque Pavilion Gardens, Buxton has become a must-attend event for collectors and the classic car trade alike. Held on Wednesday December 8, this year’s auction was even more festive than usual, courtesy of deep snow throughout the peak district. A 1964 DB5 finished in Metallic Green was the sale’s top performer, and one of no less than eight Aston Martins/Lagondas to be successfully re-homed during the afternoon. Having lain dormant for a while it was in need of a degree of recommissioning, but was bang […]
DB5 One of Eight Aston Martin/Lagondas to Find New Homes
H&H’s long-established December sale at the picturesque Pavilion Gardens, Buxton has become a must-attend event for collectors and the classic car trade alike. Held on Wednesday December 8, this year’s auction was even more festive than usual, courtesy of deep snow throughout the peak district.
A 1964 DB5 finished in Metallic Green was the sale’s top performer, and one of no less than eight Aston Martins/Lagondas to be successfully re-homed during the afternoon. Having lain dormant for a while it was in need of a degree of recommissioning, but was bang on the money at $224,619. So too was the very pretty 1935 Lagonda 3-Litre Tourer that was knocked down for $154,104. Benefiting from such desirable period updates as a 4.5-litre Meadows powerplant and rod-operated Girling brakes, it should have little trouble holding its own in modern traffic.
The 1965 ‘Lightweight–Style’ Jaguar E-Type Roadster fetched way over estimate at $106,160. Resplendent in Metallic Blue, the car saw serious track action in period, but for the last 10 years has enjoyed a more gentle existence, contesting touring events in Hungary, Corsica etc. Another lot to comfortably surpass its guide price was the 1953 Bentley R-Type Sports Special that featured a unique ‘W.O. Bentley-esque’ three-seater body. Guaranteed to cut a dash in any company, it returned $80,476.
A stunning 1955 example of the now rare Sunbeam Alpine Roadster was bound to cause interest. Finished in Silver-Blue with a Tan leather interior it had been the subject of much restoration over the years, plus some sensible modifications to enhance reliability and safety. It made $56,505.
Automobilia and Watches
An exceedingly rare black & white press photo of Jean-Pierre Wimille at the wheel of a Type 57G Bugatti, made all the more special by the signature of the driver, was knocked down for $3,580. An attractive watercolour and pencil artwork by Bob Murray, depicting Marilyn Monroe peering seductively from a WWII fighter plane, realised $2,490 – some three times its estimate.
H&H’s move into the specialist watch sector continues apace. The star performer in this sale was a rare 18ct gold Rolex GMT Master. In good original condition, it was knocked down for $11,635. A 1980 stainless steel Rolex Sea Dweller made $10,740.
