Historics Auction at MB World: Breath, Bepth and Brio... plus a Touch of Royalty


1952 Meteor 27-litre V-12 Special

1952 Meteor 27-litre V-12 Special

2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate - HM Queen Elizabeth II

2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate - HM Queen Elizabeth II

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘buck’

1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘buck’

 

Historics’ 2022 swansong auction on Saturday 26th November, at its habitual winter home of Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, is a great reflection of the astonishing breadth and depth of the UK classic car market   The 170 captivating entries on sale span nine decades and some 40 different marques, with values catering for a widely varying depth of pocket, including 40 entries offered at no reserve.

An interesting history, or famous past owner, always ticks the box when it comes to classic car values. Consequently, bidding on a pristine 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate - whose first owner was the most famous person in the world - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - will be electrifying...all the more so as it’s offered at no reserve.

Coventry’s finest is also represented by aa very significant and extremely collectible 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, raced in 1951 by the legendary Duncan Hamilton, with a competition record that also includes two successful Mille Miglia outings. (£590,000-£670,000)

Aston Martin purists can’t fail to be drawn to the magnificent 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante (£595,000-£650,000), restored superbly over eight years and cosseted by its present owner, with a fully restored, matching numbers 1964 Aston Martin DB5 rivalling it collectibility (£540,000-£590,000).

Also waving the flag vigorously for fine British sporting marques is AC Cars, Britain’s oldest existing car manufacturer, whose 1994 AC Ace Brooklands (£24,000-£28,000) is represented by the first production model to leave the factory.  Nevertheless, AC pride of place most surely goes to a very desirable Bristol-engined 1959 AC Aceca, one of just 171 built. (£100,000-£125,000).

Staying with the homeland, Historics is offering a quartet of classic Jensens, headed by a 1960 Jensen 541R (£40,000-£50,000) and an enticing 1974 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III recommissioning project (£15,000-£20,000).  Also requiring complete restoration is a 1988 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet, tantalisingly offered without reserve, whilst joining it on the no reserve stakes is a true design icon – a 1970 Maserati Bora - one of just 42 right-hand drive models.

Talking Italian exotica, this time mated with American muscle, next year will mark the fiftieth birthday of a stunning 1973 De Tomaso Pantera, ready to excite with its completely rebuilt and uprated 5.8 litre Ford V8 -pus ancillaries all backed with a Marti Report. (£80,000-£98,000)

Adding spice to the auction mix are two hugely collectible and absolutely stunning 1930’s Ford hotrods, one a 1937 Model B Pick-up (£38,000-£45,000), the other a 1930 Model A Pick-up (£30,000-£35,000). Both will win pole position on any school run or trip to the supermarket!  Bringing celebrity status to the American offering is a stupendous example of American eye-candy adored by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, by way of a stunningly-presented and imposing Seminole Red 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible (£90,000-£100,000).

‘Imposing’ however is an understatement for the mighty 1952 tank-engined Meteor 27-litre V-12 Special (£75,000-£95,000) which will dominate the auction hall. 651 horsepower underfoot (and 80mph in first gear) assures this magnificent one-off will never fail to raise the adrenalin. It's a great counterpoint to the diminutive and charming 1970 Fiat 500L with 18 horsepower on tap and offered without reserve.  

The diversity of Historics auctions is superbly illustrated by an exceptional Renault of 1913 vintage. Taken from a private collection, the 1913 Renault DQ features a wonderfully-elegant boat tail and is powered by a four-cylinder 8.5 litre engine developing 45 horsepower - Remarkably, each cylinder is more than four times the total capacity of the aforesaid Fiat 500!  Believed to be the only example in the UK, this exquisitely-restored and historically important classic is a head turner wherever it motors.  (£58,000-£68,000)

Undisputedly the most unusual of all consignments is the original wooden ‘buck’ from which Jaguar Cars produced the venerable Jaguar D-Type sports car in the 1950’s.  A true piece of motoring history, the 1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘buck’ is estimated at £70,000-£90,000 and is sure to attract enormous interest.

Adding a dose of intrigue to the auction entry is a 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet, (£105,000-£125,000) used by MI6 and owned by an agent who worked with George Blake in Berlin.  This multi-award winning concours condition car is no stranger to Mercedes-Benz World, having been displayed here between 2008 and 2013. Vying for similar top attention is an enormously rare, right-hand drive 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B ‘Adenauer’ Cabriolet (£175,000-£210,000), first registered to Mercedes-Benz UK, retained by them for eleven years, and now bought to market in very fine condition. Also amongst the 30+ Mercedes-Benz classics on offer is a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda restoration project.  Part finished and with copious original parts it represents a wonderful project at no reserve.

Historics Saturday auction, starting at 9.30am, is preceded by three full viewing days at the venue, giving the opportunity to thoroughly inspect all entries at close quarters. Entry is by catalogue, available on the door.