H&H retutned to The Pavilion Gardens at Buxton for their April sale, with 136 vehicles going under the hammer in the stunning surrounds of the Buxton spa village, in the heart of Britain’s Peak District.
H&H Classics auctioned cars at the Victorian pavilion from 1993 to 2015, until the Octagon Theatre closed for refurbishment. With rennovations now complete and the building looking as good as it ever has, as of April 25th 2018 the company returned, again selling classic cars in this charming setting.
One of the many interesting cars offered by H&H Classics for sale was an MG TF 1250, like the one that was turned into a Corgi toy for children. Launched in 1953 its engine was later boosted to a 1500 version.
Commenting on the company’s return to Buxton, Simon Hope, Chairman of H&H Classics, says: “We are delighted to return to Buxton where we enjoyed so many successful sales over a period of 22 years. The Pavilion Gardens have a wonderful atmosphere and provide a great backdrop for classic cars. Indeed, Buxton was a stage on the RAC Rally for many years.”
H&H Classics will hold a further two sales at Buxton this year, on July 18th and November 28th.
Classic Car Auction Results analysis:
Available lots: 136
Lots sold: 72
Sell-through rate: 52.9%
Total sales amount: £625,451
Average vehicle value: £8,686
Individual results can be viewed by clicking here.
Click on each lot listing to view past auction results for that car.
1987 Volvo 480 ES – sold for £4,725
This is what the future looked like in 1985, and it’s not a bad one, is it? This Volvo 480ES has an interesting tale – a left-hand drive vehicle which has never been registered, it was donated to the Lips Collection by Volvo and has travelled a mere 36 miles since new. There’s an undeniable attraction to old cars that have never been used – it’s like peering through a window back into the past. Set your favourite Van Halen tape playing in the tape deck, sit back, and let the memories come flooding in. It’s an interesting talking point for less than five grand.
Interestingly, our data shows that Bonhams sold this very car for £2,990 in 2004, with 24 miles showing. Adjusted for inflation, this 480 has appreciated by some £240 in the past fourteen years. We’ve put it in our diary to check its value again in 2032.
1999 Bentley Arnage Red Label – sold for £14,625
We think that this 1999 Arnage Red Label may well have been the car of the sale. It presents in nice but used condition with 48,000 miles and a full service history since new. Nothing too special there, but a cursory glance at our auction results data shows that the Arnage Red Label is currently right at the bottom of its depreciation curve. You could buy a newer Bentley and pay similar running costs while its value literally falls off a cliff. Or, you could buy this one, and over the course of the next 5-10 years, we suspect a gradual appreciation may just offset those ruinous running expenses. A free Bentley? That’s a smart buy.
1969 Morris Minor 1000 saloon – sold for £450
The lot description lists this Minor as ‘runs and drives but requires restoration’. Even still, £450 is not a lot of money for a bonafide entry-level classic, and this one isn’t a complete basket case, either. These are simple, basic cars with a great support from the club and aftermarket scenes making it an easy first restoration. What a perfect way for someone to dip their toe into the world of classic motoring for not much more than beer money.
1993 Lotus Carlton – sold for £39,375
Lotus Carltons have been on the rise lately, but we still believe that there’s plenty of room to go. They’re a genuine cult icon, they were built in seriously limited numbers, and they’ve got genuinely barnstorming levels of performance to back it all up. Whilst not a super low-mileage example, this one has been sparingly used over the past decade and presents in excellent original condition – a prime candidate for future stardom.
1966 Jaguar Mk II 3.4 Litre – sold for £8,876
This is another one that falls into the supreme value category. Nice Mk IIs are highly collectable and are often two or three times the price of this example. It probably won’t win any concours competitions anytime soon, but with a fresh MOT and a recent engine and brake overhaul by a marque specialist, it’s perfectly placed to be used and enjoyed. Very well bought.