A Final Preview of the Upcoming H&H Classics Auction
In one of its largest and most stunning auction catalogues ever produced, H&H Classics will be offering a spectacular collection of more than 200 lots worth over £9 million at its 30th anniversary sale on 20 September, at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Let’s have one final look at some of the ones to look out for at the upcoming auction.
1938 Lagonda V12 Le Mans Replica Sports Tourer
Estimate : £180,000 - £200,000
Only 189 Lagonda V12s were ever made after the car was unveiled in 1936 and was one of the few cars able to surpass 100mph, thanks to its 4½-litre V12 engine. Chassis number ‘14026’ initially was a saloon being transformed into a Le Mans specification by Vintage Coachworks in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Detailed invoices, correspondence and progress photos show the painstaking process that took place for its owner Alastair Barker. Further improvements and repairs took place in 2004 and 2009/10
1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage
Estimate : £140,000 - £170,000
This rare DB2 Vantage had been with its late owner, Jens Pilo, for over 35 years. Steeped in racing pedigree, this particular example took on the Classic Marathon Rally from Belgium to Croatia in 2001 and enjoyed a comprehensive mechanical rebuild in 2003 with records detailing every step of the process. Underneath the bonnet, the DB2 has a 2.6-litre straight 6 engine and in Vantage spec, its performance is elevated from 105 to 125hp.
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Estimate : £140,000 - £160,000
One of 3,949 190 SLs made during the 1959 production year and one of just 562 cars built in right hand drive, this particular example is believed to have covered only 29,700 miles from new and has been retained by its last registered custodian for 34 years. It is understood to have been treated to an engine overhaul and bodywork restoration as well as a £30,000 spend on exterior bare metal respray and a new interior and is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, original handbook and history file.
1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider
Estimate : £80,000 - £100,000
Designed and built by the legendary Carrozzeria Touring, the Spider variant was unquestionably the best-looking. Originally built in left hand drive, this example is one of only a handful of Ruddspeed factory-approved right-hand drive conversions. Along with the engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes being rebuilt, the chassis has been refurbished and brightwork re-chromed. It comes with Rosso leather interior and is offered with a well documented history file, having been very well maintained throughout its life.
2010 Ferrari California
Estimate : £55,000 - £65,000
32,209 miles from new
Introduced at the Paris Salon in 2008, the Ferrari California had been conceived as a grand tourer rather than an out-and-out sports car. This example was delivered to Graypaul of Edinburgh in 2010 and arrived with over £37,000 in optional extras. Not only this but the car would also be fitted with the external carbon pack by Graypaul from new at an additional cost of £14,000. This included a carbon front splitter, side skirts, door handles, petrol cap, rear panel and rear diffuser. The resulting £51,000 in options would bring the retail price of the car to just under £200,000. So despite the massive depreciation, it could represent good value to the Ferrari enthusiast. In terms of power, 0-60mph can be achieved in 3.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 193mph.
2013 TVR Tuscan Vulcan
Estimate : £70,000 - £80,000
In current ownership for the past five years as part of an impressive collection, this Vulcan has been recently subjected to a four year, 1,573 hour, £16,522 re-wire. It is the ultimate TVR supercar from the Peter Wheeler / Nikolai Smolenski era and was completed by Str8six with approval from TVR
1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth
Estimate : £48,000 - £55,000
43,125 miles
Offered in left-hand drive is a Sierra RS Cosworth 1987 model finished in Moonstone Blue with Grey cloth trim. Having had only two owners from new, it is described as very original with the only change made is an updated stereo system. It was bought in France, imported to the UK and comes with racing/rally pedigree. Capable of 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 149.5mph, only 5,542 units of the first generation RS Cosworth are thought to have been produced.
2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP
Estimate : £18,000 - £22,000
32,000 miles from new
Limited to 2,000 units worldwide and 1 of only 288 UK examples produced, this Mini - commonly referred to as the GP2 - is one of the most desirable modern Minis among enthusiasts. A track-focused version of the regular John Cooper Works hatchback, it has a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 150mph thanks to its 218hp turbocharged 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396
Estimate : £22,000 - £26,000
One of just 600 L78-code SS 396 cars made during the 1970 model year, this example has been treated to a bodywork restoration in the 1990s and a major engine overhaul in 2011 costing £9,700. Further improvements have been made during the current ownership and it is suited to a muscle car enthusiast. Deemed by the seller to be in ‘very good overall’ condition, this rare SS 396 is offered for sale with expired US Title, current UK V5C Registration Document, build details, owner’s manual and history file.
1943 Catalina Flying Boat 'Miss Pick Up'
Estimate : £22,000 - £28,000
I know this is Driven, so the chances are that you aren’t too interested in planes. However, one of the more unique opportunities up for auction this week is the chance to own a 1/25 share in Catalina Aircraft Ltd. Since 2002, group ownership has proved to be a successful way of running this particular aircraft, with 20 shareholders each having responsibility over the aircraft. With the addition of 5 new Ordinary shares increasing the number from 20 to 25, it gives the opportunity for 5 more people to join in the ownership. It is thought that just ten Catalinas remain airworthy in the world with ‘Miss Pick Up’ being the only one of its kind in Europe. It spends approximately 80 hours’ worth of time flying each year from its Duxford base to destinations and air shows in the UK and Europe.
H&H Classics’ 30th anniversary sale takes place from 10am on Wednesday 20th September at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Viewing of the lots is available from 9am as well as between 1pm – 8pm on Tuesday 19th.
Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: H&H Classics Ltd