A brave crowd traveled long distances to attend the March Classic at Leominster, with well over 1,000 people attending the auction and viewing.
Frantic bidding in the room, on the internet and by telephone has led to a strong conversion rate on the fall of the hammer, with plenty of provisional contracts yet to be completed.
Classic Car Auction Results analysis:
Available lots: 124
Lots sold: 84
Sell-through rate: 67.74%
Total sales amount: £624,050
Average vehicle value: £7,429
Individual results can be viewed by clicking here.
Four vehicles that got our attention:
1971 Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina track car – sold for £5,000
Old track cars are rarely as they seem, yet when compared to what 105 Coupes and Guilia Supers have been doing, this 1750 Berlina seemed like exceptional value. Being mechanically identical to its earlier and more desireable siblings, five grand seems like a great entry point to twin-cam Alfa track thrills. Enjoy as is in its shabby but mechanically solid state, or give it a birthday (a repaint in Alfa’s iconic Rosso Corsa?) and have a seriously thrilling weekend car. Where do we sign?
1957 Citroën AZU Fourgonnette Van – sold for £5,800
From oval-window Beetles to flat-floor E-Types, early examples of iconic cars are highly collectable. The humble deux chevaux is no different, and what could be cooler than tootling around the countryside in such an early press-steel van? This one has only driven 80 miles in the last 12 years so it may need some minor fettling, but seems an otherwise solid buy.
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 B Ponton Saloon – sold for £5,000
Certain types of early Mercedes seem to straddle the line of collectability rather precariously. Some are worth hundreds of thousands, yet other seemingly similar examples can be picked up for relative change. A neat Ponton in tip-top driver shape with a full history since new? Perfect.
1972 Saab 96 V4 Saloon – sold for £3,100
Geez, you must have been brave to buy one of these in 1972, right? But today the Saab 96 is an altogether different prospect, and we’d love to have one in our collection. How many cars can simultaneously offer that truly unique Scandinavian design aesthetic, while hat-tipping the motorsport arena with success in special stage rallying? This one has had just two careful owners, is in original condition and shows just 72,000 miles. Three grand seems surprisingly little for something with such appeal.