BRITISH MARQUES TO THE FORE AT H&H CLASSICS DONINGTON PARK

BRITISH MARQUES TO THE FORE AT H&H CLASSICS DONINGTON PARK

There were some surprises at H&H Classics Donington Park sale yesterday including an absence of any Brexit jitters. Some 114 of the 164 motorcycles and motorcars on offer changed hands resulting in a 70% sale rate. British marques led the way. Highlights included:

Lot 16 - Lotus Elan Sprint

A 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint which had been in the vendor's care for twenty-five years but barn stored for the last fourteen of those surprised many yesterday by making £25,168 (against a saleroom estimate of £12,000 - £14,000) especially as it was a non-runner and had been converted from a Fixed Head Coupe to a Drophead Coupe by Lotus specialist Mick Miller

Lot 39 - Daimler V8 250

Supplied new to Sydney, Australia and resident down under for four decades, the 1966 Daimler V8 250 had been repainted and re-trimmed during the 1980s but was otherwise remarkably original. It made £15,444 against a guide price of £10,000 - £12,000

Lot 70 - Jaguar E-Type V12 Fixed Head Coupe

A home market car that had belonged to the seller since 1982, the 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 FHC also boasted manual transmission and what appeared to be its original red leather upholstering. Displaying a credible but unwarranted 48,000 miles, it attracted fierce bidding to become the day's best seller at £41,756 against a saleroom estimate of £24,000 - £28,000

Lot 71 - Sunbeam 25hp Sports Coupe

One of just two known survivors, the 1933 Sunbeam 25hp Sports Coupe with its elegant four-door pillarless design was an eloquent reminder that the Wolverhampton marque was once a direct rival to the likes of Bentley, Alvis and Lagonda. An older restoration, the handsome four-seater made a respectable £34,320

Lot 74 - Lancia Flavia Coupe

A former television star that had been thoroughly restored for the popular programme 'CAR SOS', the 1967 Lancia Fulvia 1.8 Coupe had been with the vendor (its second keeper) since 1977. Stated to have covered just 55,000 miles from new and decidedly rare as a RHD survivor, it made £21,450 against a saleroom estimate of £14,000 - £16,000  

Lot 88 - Jaguar MKI 3.4 Saloon

An older restoration that had received several sympathetic mechanical upgrades, the 1958 Jaguar MKI 3.4 drew bidders like moths to a flame due to its no reserve status. Driven to Donington Park from France for the sale, it defied the vendor's expectations to reach £33,176

Lot 89 - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The vendor's pride and joy for many years and a car with various show wins to its credit, the 1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was a pure slice of Americana. Finished in Red with a White interior and sounding decidedly purposeful thanks to its bespoke exhaust system, the two-seater sportscar sold for £20,134 against a saleroom estimate of £10,000 - £12,000.