Historics returns £2.8 million at Ascot Easter Sale

Historics returns £2.8 million and 70% sale rate at Ascot Racecourse on Easter Saturday, 8th April

A welcome bout of spring weather greeted the full auction hall on Easter Saturday, 8th April for Historics' Spring sale at Ascot Racecourse, many hundreds having flocked to the preceding three days of viewing.

The 105 sold lots returned £2.82 million gross, representing a sturdy 70% rate of sale and of the 150 entries - following six withdrawals - over 60% of those sold passed to bidders in-hall and on the phone, with online sales - from over 500 registered bidders - adding a vibrant international dimension.

Amidst the regal Ascot setting, it was fitting that Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques were well represented. 12 fine Rolls-Royce models from 1971 to 2011 graced the entry and it was the youngest, a 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase that cruised serenely to £84,000 whilst a 23-year old, 41,000 mile Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph wafted past its top estimate to settle on £42,560.

An equal number of classic Bentleys were consigned amongst Historics' typically varied offering and performed exceptionally well, ten of the 12 passing to new owners. Of these, a 1969 Bentley T1 created exceptional interest at no reserve, and after a bidding tussle, passed to its new custodian at £24,640. Meanwhile, a delightful Silverlake Blue 2006 Bentley Continental GTC with just 9,494 miles since new showed its poise, settling well in excess of its top estimate at £47,040.

Nine of 13 Jaguars passed to new owners, a 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster prepared to fast-road specification attracting much interest at no reserve, selling for £66,788, whilst the classic Mercedes-Benz camp was reflected through a varied selection of 22 examples ranging from 1936 to 2009. A 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda offered without reserve set the pulses racing and didn't disappoint as it cruised to £113,200.

Meanwhile, rarity appeal most surely contributed to the over-estimate sale at £29,120 of one of just 25 Maserati Karifs, the 1989 example showing just 24,900 miles. And whilst on the Italian trial, a 508 bhp 2003 Ferrari 575 M set the pulses racing, changing hands for £64,960.

Interest in homespun British sports cars from the likes of Austin Healey, Triumph and MG continues unabated and distinguished examples made their mark at Ascot… An exceptional 1963 Austin Healey 3000 MK.II taken from a private collection proved irresistible, finally settling at a heady above-estimate £89,600 whilst a wonderful Old English White 1968 Triumph TR5 joined the party, soaring above its top estimate to settle at £44,800.

The appeal of 1970s Alfa Romeos was well reflected in a 1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Super selling at £28,000 whilst one year its junior, an extremely original and well-documented 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce passed to its new owner at £47,600.

Ditto the enduring appeal of Land Rover, with all seven examples from 1940 to 1998 finding new homes. This 100% sale included a 1988 Defender 110 that was the subject of a nut and bolt restoration, featuring a John Eales 4.6 litre V8 of 260bhp. Reflecting its superb quality, it settled on £68,040.

Resplendent in Rothmans Porsche livery, a feisty and ferocious 2017 Ultima GTR with just 3,300 miles powered to £53,200 whilst in understated contrast a charming 1950 Riley RMB with a Monte Carlo Rally pedigree made £17,360.

Remaining with the motorsport theme, a pristine 1964 example of a saloon car racing favourite, a 1964 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk.I, taken from a private collection and presented in concours condition after a no-expense-spared restoration, rewarded its enthusiast vendor with a sale at £69,440.

Finally, top marks for holiday appeal went surely to two iconic, shining examples of American 'trailer' culture, both with polished aluminium bodywork, sumptuously equipped and ready to get hitched. The 2013 Airstream International 685 proved irresistible to a bidder in Auckland, New Zealand, who paid £40,320 for this great example of American leisure, whilst an extremely rare and charming 1947 Curtis Wright Model 5 trailer named 'Tinkerbelle', designed by Airstream Founder Wally Byam, made £44,800. Staying with the American theme, a 1958 Chevrolet Impala in striking pale blue livery and with lashings of chrome made top estimate at £46,480.