H & H Auctioneers
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Auction IndustrySelection of five classic Bentleys with VIP connections for sale by H&H Classics
The five due to go under the hammer at H&H Classics’ IWM Duxford auction on May 26th 2021 all boast interesting first owners. LONDON.- In real money terms buying a brand new Bentley has never been more affordable. A base model Bentayga might set one back £133,260 but the firm’s least expensive offering seventy years ago – a MKVI Standard Steel Saloon - would have cost £4,473. To put that into context the average house price in 1950 was £1,891, whereas today it stands at £250,000. Thus, the last seven decades have seen the cost of acquiring a Bentley go from over twice the price of the average UK house to a bit over half. Little wonder then that the Bentley MKVI sold to such an elite clientele. Certainly, the five due to go under the hammer at H&H Classics’ IWM Duxford auction on May 26th 2021 all boast interesting first owners. The most expensive of the quintet when new and the most valuable now thanks to its coachbuilt body, the 1952 Bentley MKVI 4.5 Litre Drophead Coupe was supplied new to R.F. Haworth Esq whose family had made their fortune from the Industrial Revolution. One of only fifty-seven MKVI chassis to be clothed by Park Ward to their design number 99, its sister cars went to the likes of His Majesty King Frederik IX of Denmark, Nubar S. Gulbenkian, His Royal Highness Prince Frederick of Prussia, Maharaja of Darbhanga, Viscountess Errington, the actor John Mills, Miss Marjorie Carnegie, Prince Berar of Hyderabad, 6th Marquis of Bath and shipping magnate Stavros Spyrou Niarchos. Restored to its former glory by the vendor (a serial Rolls-Royce and Bentley owner), the Drophead is estimated at £100,000 - £120,000. Demand for housing reached new heights in post-WW2 Britain with numerous town and cities still bearing the scars of the Lutwaffe’s all too frequent bombing raids. A boom time for builders and property developers such as James T. Cook & son, the latter found itself able to afford a very rare and elegant Bentley MKVI with ‘Pillarless’ two-door coachwork (one of just six crafted by Freestone &…
Auction ResultWorld record price for 1960 AC Aceca Bristol restoration project
Terry Harrison’s Princess Blue 1960 AC Aceca Bristol. LONDON.- The garage collection of the late Terry Harrison - ex-Works BMC Navigator, keen amateur racer and authority on motorsport history - was sold by H&H Classics yesterday at a Live Auction Online without Reserve. Terry Harrison’s Princess Blue 1960 AC Aceca Bristol had been off the road for decades. Partially disassembled, it was nevertheless highly original and as such prompted a bidding war which saw it sell for a record breaking £101,200 (the highest auction price ever achieved by an Aceca Bristol restoration project). Crashed in 1975, Terry Harrison’s c.1956 Lotus Eleven Series 1 ‘Le Mans’ made an impressive £46,000, while a second, less complete Eleven Series 1 commanded £28,750. The whole auction, including automobilia, motorcycles and cars, achieved a sale rate of 85% with a total of one million sterling (£1m). Some 800 bidders registered from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK and the USA. Most of the cars on sale were not seen in the ‘flesh’ by buyers as the online revolution that has exploded during this pandemic year once more provided a dynamic selling platform. Damian Jones, Head of Sales for H&H, speaking after the sale said: “The content of this garage was a motor racing treasure trove – an AC Aceca Bristol and two Lotus Eleven racing cars. All three were sold as ‘garage finds’ in varying states of completion. Given the regard in which Terry was held by those who knew him I am not surprised by this interest in his automotive legacy.” 1960 AC Aceca Bristol – No Reserve According to information kindly supplied by Richard Unwin, the AC Owners’ Club’s Aceca-Bristol registrar, this particular example – chassis BE786 – was initially earmarked for distribution via Ken Rudd of Ruddspeed fame. Completed on June 12th 1960 in Princess Blue with Red leather upholstery, the two-seater was first registered as ‘1 BMJ’ to Messrs A & R Thomas of Central Garage, Kempston, Beds on August 2nd 1960 and purchased by its first private keeper, Boyce Ian David Davis Esq at the end of that same month.…
Auction IndustryThe first Daimler Double Six VDP off the production line for sale with H&H Classics
Originally finished in Garnet Metallic with Chamois interior, it was dispatched on 8th November 1972 and subsequently sold to its first owner, J Dale Ltd of London N1, via dealers Reeve & Stedeford of Birmingham. It was road registered under the mark ‘GON 51L’ on 1st February 1973. LONDON.- Once in a while something really special comes along that need the love of a new owner to restore it to past glory. Just such a car is Chassis Number One, the very first Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas LWB Saloon made. It will be sold at ‘No Reserve’ by H&H Classics on March 24 in a live auction online. Matching Chassis and Engine Numbers. Reputedly its sister car was gifted to HM The Queen Mother by the Daimler company. John Markey of H&H Classics says: “This car is a gilt edged part of British motoring history – the first Daimler Double Six VDP off the production line which today is a restoration project. The car pleasingly retains its original factory-fitted 5.3 litre V12. This Daimler surely belongs in a marque collection or museum.” Once the pride of Browns Lane, this historic Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas LWB has the distinction of having been the very first RHD example made. According to Jaguar Heritage Trust records and the accompanying Heritage Certificate, chassis 2B1001BW was manufactured on 18th May 1972 and fitted with body number 5B1002. Originally finished in Garnet Metallic with Chamois interior, it was dispatched on 8th November 1972 and subsequently sold to its first owner, J Dale Ltd of London N1, via dealers Reeve & Stedeford of Birmingham. It was road registered under the mark ‘GON 51L’ on 1st February 1973. The story goes that chassis number one received body number two and vice versa, although this may require confirmation from Jaguar historians. Chassis number two was reputedly gifted to the Queen Mother at the time. Re-registered as 'VXE 960L' at some stage, the luxury saloon previously belonged to a Jaguar enthusiast before entering the current ownership six years ago and was stripped for a restoration that has yet to be completed.…
Auction IndustryFilm star 1927 Ford Model T truck for sale with H&H Classics
The charming old Model T is estimated to sell for £17,000 to £19,000. LONDON.- Still covered in the mud of the Oscar winning ‘1917’ film set this old trouper is for sale with H&H Classics on September 16th Auction Online for an estimate of £17,000 to £19,000. The charming old Model T has also appeared in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. Currently based in Somerset where it can be viewed, it is a rare in right-hand drive, coil ignition and electric start vehicle. This really is one of those instances where the vehicle’s provenance adds hugely to its interest. First registered in Hampshire on 15th June 1927 (or so its ‘OT 5319’ number plate would imply), this rare right-hand drive Ford Model TT has formed part of a large private collection for the last seven years. Used for a variety of film and TV work during that time it has appeared in the smash hit TV series ‘Peaky Blinders’ and more recently in the Oscar winning blockbuster ‘1917’. Indeed, the Truck has not been cleaned since it drove off the set of ‘1917’ and so retains a quantity of famous mud! ‘1917’ is a 2019 British war film directed and produced by Sam Mendes, and written by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns. The film stars George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, with Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch in supporting roles. In running order, as one would expect given its recent duties, ‘OT 5319’ boasts coil ignition and an electric starter. Rated by the vendor as being in ‘good overall’ condition, this appealing Ford would grace any commercial vehicle collection. Model Background: Introduced in 1917, the Ford Model TT remained in production for a decade. Rated at 1-ton for load carrying purposes, the newcomer utilised a longer, heavier gauge chassis than its Model T passenger car sibling but the same torquey 2.9-litre four-cylinder engine and epicyclic transmission. The commercial variant also featured a stronger worm drive and crownwheel back axle and heavier duty suspension. Initially available in chassis only guise, the Model TT could be had with…
Auction ResultSurprising results in H&H Classics sale
1937 Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’ sold for, £19,550. LONDON.- The charming 1937 Fiat 500 Topolino or ‘Little Mouse’ consigned by David Mitchell, a 92-year-old classic car enthusiast from Lewes, East Sussex sold for £19,550, three times its estimate, at the latest H&H Classics sale on July 22. The little car is just like the one which featured strongly in that superb 1953 film ‘Roman Holiday’ with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It was estimated to sell for £5,000 to £7,000 but after some fierce bidding made £19,550. “The sight of a six foot plus Gregory Peck endeavouring to get into the back of a Topolino was a great sequence,” says John Markey of H&H Classics. In the film, Audrey Hepburn is a bored and sheltered princess who escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman, Gregory Peck in Rome. The little Fiat adds greatly to the charm of this story. The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1936, three models were produced until 1955. It was equipped with a 569cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle, later an overhead valve motor. Owners frequently squeezed four or five people into the nominally two-seater car, and in later models the chassis was extended at the rear to allow for more robust semi-elliptic springs. With horsepower of about 13 bhp, its top speed was around 53 mph (85 km/h), and it could achieve about 47.1 mpg. Nearly 520,000 were sold. 1965 Alvis TE21 Drophead Coupe sold for £51,750.This superb car is one of only 18 automatic examples known to have survived worldwide. It sold for £51,750. It was illustrated in Kenneth Day's definitive work 'Alvis, The Story of the Red Triangle' and in 'The Complete Encyclopaedia of Sports Cars Classic Era' by Rob de la Rive Box. It had had new sills, rear springs, leather upholstery, hood bag fitted by the previous owner who also had the car rolling road tuned and given halogen headlights. 1965 Alvis TE21 Drophead Coupe sold for £51,750It came from a collection…
Auction IndustryCharming 1937 Fiat 500 Topolino for sale with H&H Classics
The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. LONDON.- This charming 1937 Fiat 500 Topolino or ‘Little Mouse’ has been consigned by David Mitchell, a 92-year-old classic car enthusiast from Lewes, East Sussex. The little car is just like the one which featured strongly in that superb 1953 film ‘Roman Holiday’ with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It is estimated to sell for £5,000 to £7,000 with H&H Classics Live Online Auction on July 22. “The sight of a six foot plus Peck endeavouring to get in the back was a great sequence,” says John Markey of H&H Classics. In the film, Audrey Hepburn is a bored and sheltered princess who escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman, Gregory Peck in Rome. The little Fiat adds greatly to the charm of this story. Previously displayed in a Fiat dealer showroom the Fiat has been in David Mitchell’s ownership for 14 years and is said to have been in "regular, sensible" use for local journeys and club meetings. It has been regularly serviced and maintained. Work has included replacement of brake cylinders, speedometer cable, cylinder head, exhaust valves, fan belt and starter motor activating cable. Although not recently MOT'd, it is said to have had "regular professional checks." The running boards are said to be "sound" with the rubber purely cosmetic and easily replaced. Offered for sale as Mr Mitchell has other vehicles in his collection and cannot do justice to them all. He says the body and interior trim are: 'Very good.' The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1936, three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. It was equipped with a 569 cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle, later an overhead valve motor. The radiator was located behind the engine which made for a lowered aerodynamic nose profile at a time when competitors had a flat, nearly vertical grille. The shape of the car's…
Auction Industry1934 Lagonda M45 T7 Tourer in original condition for sale with H&H Classics
Estimated to sell for £100,000 to £120,000 it still has its original factory T7 coachwork. LONDON.- This splendid example of a 1934 Lagonda M45 T7 Tourer, among the most desirable and sporting Lagondas ever made, is coming up for sale with H&H Classics at their June 24 Live Auction Online. Estimated to sell for £100,000 to £120,000 it still has its original factory T7 coachwork. Supplied new by Warwick Wright Ltd to A.H. Mann Esq of the tobacco firm John Player & Sons it has a well documented ownership chain and has been in the current family since 1991. The car pleasingly retains much of its original leather upholstery and other fittings and fixtures. Assessed by renowned marque specialist Peter Whenman of Vintage Coachworks in 1991 he concluded: “This is a very nice, original car not over-restored, in need of some care and attention and probably one of the best available at the moment.” The last MOT certificate expired in 2010. The car is running and driving but in need of recommissioning. Damian Jones Head of Sales at H&H Classics, comments: “The M45 impressed our team with its grunt during a recent airfield photography session. Besides its original leather upholstery the Lagonda also boasts the correct scraped cross hatch finish to its rocker box cover, twin Vokes triple gauze air filters and a host of other authentic under bonnet details.” “A highly desirable Post Vintage Thoroughbred with a well- documented ownership chain and charm to spare, this delightful M45 is worthy of close inspection. It is offered for sale with green logbook, handwritten provenance and history file.” Issued with the London registration number ‘BGF 670’ on 17th August 1934, chassis Z11038 was supplied new by Warwick Wright Ltd of Mayfair to A.H. Mann Esq who reportedly kept it until his death thirty years later. A director of the tobacco firm John Player & Sons (which famously sponsored the Lotus Formula 1 Team from 1968-1986), Mr Mann initially had the Lagonda serviced by Flewitts Garage of Nottingham before subsequently entrusting it to the JPS Motor Pool for maintenance. Acquired by Dennis Roberts Esq of Cold…
Auction ResultNew Zealand based 1934 Alvis, one of only eight survivors, sells with H&H Classics for £103,500
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Vanden Plas Two-Door Saloon sold to a UK collector for £103,500. LONDON.-H&H Classics sold this magnificent 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Vanden Plas Two-Door Saloon to a UK collector for £103,500. It is one of just eight known survivors and proof that the company’s Live Auction Online platform knows no geographical boundaries! The May 27th auction achieved a sell-through rate of 70% and grossed over £700,000. A good proportion of the 473 bidders were from overseas and a third of the cars sold for above their pre-sale estimates. This stunning Alvis would have passed through the hands of Charles Follett, a mercurial character who became renowned within the London motor trade for sourcing the very best pre-owned exotica. With sufficient funding to buy showrooms in the heart of Mayfair, he became the Alvis concessionaire for London and the Home Counties during 1931. Introduced later that year, the first Alvis Speed 20 model, the SA, proved an ideal canvas for the coachbuilder’s art. Conscious that Vanden Plas’ order book had thinned considerably due to Rolls-Royce’s acquisition of Bentley and the subsequent hiatus in the latter’s production, Follett approached the London company with a bold proposal. He would order a minimum of 100 bodies from them if they would (a) cut the average cost from £600 to £195 per chassis and (b) devise a range of suitably rakish designs over which he would have sign off. Vanden Plas capitulated and came up with a notably stylish Saloon, Tourer and Drophead Coupe which The Autocar hailed as ‘very attractive special bodies’. Evolving from SA to SB guise in September 1933, the Speed 20 was visually enhanced via a forward sweeping scuttle / bonnet join line, 19-inch wire wheels and larger Lucas P100 headlights. Again tasked by Follett with clothing the Speed 20SB to best effect, Vanden Plas produced a variety of open and enclosed bodies the best looking of which was undoubtedly a two-door saloon cum fixed head coupe known as the ‘Flatback’. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SLAnother top seller in the H&H auction was this left-hand drive 1969 Mercedes-Benz…
Auction IndustryFour fast Fords add to the fun & interest of H&H Classics online-only auction
1967 Ford Mustang 390 GT Fastback. Estimate: £60,000 - £70,000. LONDON.- For all Ford fans the next H&H Classics sale on April 29th offers a feast with no fewer than four Fast Fords to choose from. “If you are a fan of the model of Mustang immortalised by Steve McQueen's Lieutenant Frank Bullitt and one of the most memorable car chases in cinema history, then you'll probably be blown away by 'YTA 488E', which is without question the best 390 GT we have ever seen”, says Damian Jones, Head of Sales for H&H Classics. “We understand the nut and bolt restoration it has been treated to accounted for some 3,800 man hours, and we can well believe it - apparently £25,000 was invested in the paint alone. According to the accompanying Marti report, this matching numbers Fast Ford was built at the company's Metuchen plant on July 13, 1967 where it was sprayed in Burnt Amber and equipped with the standard Black bucket seats. Its big block, big carburettor ‘S’ code 390ci engine was linked to a four-speed manual transmission driving through a 3.25:1 limited slip differential, and the specification additionally included: the desirable GT Equipment Group performance package; F70-14 wide oval tyres with White sidewalls; AM radio; and the exterior Décor Group option.” The original supplying dealer was Berry Motors Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey and the car remained in the US until being imported to the UK in 2014. It is now being made available, complete with the aforementioned Marti report plus a large collection of invoices, and is not surprisingly currently considered by the vendor to possess 'excellent', bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, V8 engine and transmission. Without doubt, 'YTA 488E' represents a very exciting and rare opportunity for Mustang aficionados everywhere. 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS CosworthEstimate: £18,000 -£22,000This car was subject to a repaint in its original special order colour of Magenta and had its cambelt changed in the summer of 2019. A rare rear-wheel drive variant, it shows 32,189 miles on the clock and is very clean throughout. Successor to the extravagantly bewinged 1986 Sierra RS Cosworth, the…
