Auction Report – H & H Auctions

Given that the overwhelming majority of British sports car production in the postwar era went to fill export orders, these cars are typically more valued in their land of creation than they are here in the United States. As such, it’s always helpful to check prices across the pond to see how the market is doing and the H & H Auctions held on April 15, 2015 in the United Kingdom offered good variety for the classic car enthusiast seeking examples to add to a collection. Keep in mind that the exchange rate is about 1.5 to 1 and the buyer’s commission is an additional 10%.

WJB 707 was one of the five original Williams & Pritchard bodied Sebring Sprites

We have profiled the 1960 Sebring Sprite in greater detail elsewhere and despite the last minute intervention of its creator – John Sprinzel – stating that this was the fastest of the Sebring Sprites it was sold for well below the estimate of £80,000 – £100,000 went it crossed the block at £64,000. Given the history and presentation, we call it well bought. While it’s a lot of money for a Sprite, the provenance is worth the price paid and with only four other Williams & Pritchard cars out there, where else are you going to get another one?

1977 MG Midget

This 1977 MG Midget was in driver condition and fitted with an unleaded head and a current MOT. Well preserved and with good bodywork and interior it was a strong Number 3 car. The estimate was £2500 to £3500 and it hammered at £1500.

1971 MGB GT with rare Webasto sunroof

The 1971 MG MGB GT was a recently restored car with a valuable Webasto sunroof, wooden dash and a fresh MOT. Sold at £1800 against an estimate of £3000 to £4000.

MK II TD had a more powerful engine

The 1952 MG TD MK II was a desirable MK II model – only 1710 produced – with a more powerful kit than the standard TD. Very well restored in the last decade it reached £12,000 against an estimate of £15,000 to £18,000.

One of the more successful English kit manufacturers, NG has a blend of Rover V8 power and traditional styling

The 1993 NG TC was 1 of some 2000 produced an fused classical styling with Rover V8 power. Sold for £8500 against a £12,000 to £14,000 estimate.

Billed as one of the best in the world this 88 was converted to a gas engine from the original diesel

The 1957 Land Rover 88 was billed as being one of the best in the world and the receipts for the work done back up the presentation of the vehicle. With a frame off restoration and an estimate of £26,000 to £30,000 it sold for £26,000.

A nice patina and under the care of one owner for almost 40 years

The 1946 MG TC was one of my favorites as it’s a nicely patinated example in fine mechanical condition. With an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000 it sold for £15,500.

Restored to concours condition this Volvo 1800 is believed to be the only survivor finished in its original gold over black color scheme

We know that it’s not British, but the early cars were assembled by Jensen in England and it’s equipped with twin SUs, this 1971 Volvo 1800E was in true Number 1 condition and has covered only 51,000 miles since new. Against an estimate of £45,000 to £55,000 it sold for £42,000.

1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk 2 made strong money

The star of the auction was the 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk 2 – one of only 239 built – this was an older restoration that was still showing well and it sold for £250,000 against an estimate of £200,000 to £240,000.

The UK market LE models all were painted in pewter

The last of the line for the MGB in the United Kingdom were the 420 LE roadsters and 580 BGTs all finished in pewter with brown and orange interiors. This overdrive equipped survivor was in very good condition and represents the very last of the breed. Against an estimate of £5000 to £7000, it sold for a strong £6400.

Not much love for this FIA rally tribute car

This 1967 Midget was recast later in its life as an FIA rally car and was equipped with disc brakes and an improved suspension. A roll cage and Minilites finished the package and it sold for £2600.

1954 MG TF 1250

The 1954 MG TF 1250 was an upper level number 3 car finished in attractive colors and recent mechanical work was sold for £20,000 against an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000.

Alvis bitsa with 1933 chassis and TD21 powertrain

My favorite car to cross the block was the 1933 Alvis Firefly Special built using an Alvis TD21 power train fitted into an Alvis Firefly chassis. The aluminum body was hand crafted in Scotland to a high standard. Against an estimate of £45,000 to £55,000 it sold for £42,000.

XK150 SE FHC

The 1958 Jaguar XK150 SE came out of the Blackhawk collection in Northern California and was fitted with the rare Special Equipment package. A solid Number 2 condition car it sold for £37,500 against an estimate of £30,000 to £40,000.

Images courtesy of H & H Auctions.