'Best of breed' cars fire on all cylinders in H&H's classics auction

 

Judging by H&H's recent classic car sale, which took place last Wednesday, June 8, the market remains strong for what has become known as the 'best of breed'.

Speeding past all other lots was a 1923 Bentley 3 Litre, which sold for £146,300 ($240,074).

After earning its place in history by performing well in races during the 1920s, this rare Bentley is now considered an all-time classic.


This Bentley was one of the best racers around during the 1920s

Formerly the property of Hugh McCaig, patron of Scotland's Ecurie Ecosse motor racing team, chassis 331 was originally a rakish-looking two-seater but now wears a four-seater Tourer body, reputed to be the work of the legendary Kingsbury, UK-based coachbuilder Vanden Plas.

The final version of the 'Big' Healey 3000 MKIII Phase 2 is an increasingly sought-after model. Previously restored by expert Nigel Dawes, it was well presented for sale in dark green with neatly flared wheel-arches shielding its Borrani lace wheels.

Once owned by Victor Gauntlett, the one-time chairman and shareholder of Aston Martin Lagonda, it sold for £52,800 ($86,713) - far more than its pre-sale estimate.

With only 240 of these HRGs ever made, examples rarely come to auction anymore.

And what made the delightful 1947 model, owned by the late Olympic cyclist Bob Maitland, even more interesting was that it was sold on behalf of the British Cycling Federation, to whom he left 'JM 7075'. The car eventually made £49,500 ($81,301).

 


Rare but spectacular, this 1947 HRG made $81,301

Other sale highlights include the delightful Bentley 4.25 Litre Special reaching £40,150 ($65,932), and the 1968 Ford Escort Twin-Cam which changed hands for £33,000 ($54,186).

This sale proved that auctions can be the best way to get a good price on your unique vehicle, with the 1960 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire sailing over its top estimate to make £33,275 ($54,640).

As other recent sales have shown, the classic car market is strong at the moment, meaning that if you're looking to get involved and invest - and have a great time doing so - then now could be the right time.

 

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