Even snow couldn’t keep the money away from Buxton this week (November 20/21), where H&H held their final sale of the year. Buyers flew in from Malaysia, California, and South Africa—some known more for flipping Porsches or tracking the best offshore casinos than for showing their faces at live auctions. But the crowd was serious, and the bidding didn’t blink: 425 lots of automobilia, 30 bikes, 80 classic cars, and a hammer total just shy of £1.5 million—a house record for Buxton, and a fitting close to a year that’s been anything but predictable.
Prancing horses
A veritable stable of Ferraris was on offer, the star of which was arguably the 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Complete with the registration 365GT, it changed hands for £148,500. The time warp 1972 Dino 246 GT that had covered just 20,400 from new was eventually knocked down for £83,600.
The prices of AC Cobras have reached stratospheric levels in recent years and those of Aces have also been moving up steadily. Even so, the £126,500 achieved for the bright red 1957 Bristol-engined Ace was mighty impressive and well above its top estimate.
Classic Aston Martins have long since been on the rise too and, despite needing a complete repaint, the 1961 Series II DB4 in the sale was knocked down for £64,900. The stunning red 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS emanated from the same superb private collection as the Daytona. Better than new, it fetched way over estimate at £53,900.
Exceptional interest
The c.1917 Hispano-Suiza 8/10CV T24 was one of a quartet of lots previously on show in a Danish museum. One of the Spanish built examples, the pretty little Runabout caused great interest – finally selling for £34,100. Entries that prompted an exceptional number of commission and telephone bids were the 1935 Riley 12/4 Falcon Special that was made for and has competed in numerous VSCC events (£28,600), and the delightful little maroon 1959 BMW Isetta 300 (£4,290).
The sale featured some fine offerings from over the pond, the star of which turned out to be the massive 1932 Nash 1097 Ambassador 8 Brougham (£26,400).
The delightful blue and white 1933 Hupmobile B-316 Roadster found a new home for £24,750, while the equally evocative 1939 Chevrolet Standard Business Roadster made well over estimate at £15,950.
Automobilia for all
The automobilia sale was arguably the most successful H&H have ever held at Buxton and one of the company’s most rewarding of all ephemera auctions to date. It certainly comprised one of the most wide ranging selections H&H has amassed, with everything from petrol pumps and enamel signs to automotive literature and art, and models to pedal cars. Of particular note were:
The splendid Michele Conti 1958 250TR, 1:10th scale model – £11,812 Assorted items of Stirling Moss ephemera – £1,237.50 A pair of diamond encrusted Bentley brooches – £1,237.50 each A set of Howes & Burley Acetylene headlamps and Lucas sidelamps – £618.75
The next H&H sale of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, registration numbers and automobilia will be held at The Centaur, Cheltenham on February 26/27, 2008.
Already entered is a pair of Works Mini rally cars and an ex-Colin McRae Works 1992 Subaru Legacy. Further information on all H&H sales is available at www.handh.co.uk
H&H’s