Nick News 8 v2

HISTORICS AUCTION REVIEW: London Classic Show

HISTORICS AUCTION REVIEW

The London Classic Car Show Sale

Unlike Historics' customary 160-180 entry sales, that of The London Classic Car Show on 25th February – where Historics was the official auction partner - was restricted to around 100 Lots due to space limitations at the classic Olympia London venue.

As ever, the Historics' sale attracted a bustling auction hall contingent together with online bidder registrations from 20 countries.

Despite the restriction on consignment size, Historics traditionally eclectic mantra of representing the wide classic car community was again loud and proud. A brace of glorious 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTs flanking the rostrum were in magnificent contrast to a pristine 1965 Morris 1100 (its original 58-year-old tyres still rolling nicely after just 12,700 miles since new), a 1959 No Reserve Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1200 Lowlight and a super rare 1965 Amphicar 700 … 'whatever floats your boat' as they say.

All proved to capture the interest of bidders, in hall, by phone and online, as did a very fine, matching numbers 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Its timeless lines and ubiquitous Silver Birch livery added grace to the buzzing auction hall and it was good to see it settle at a worthy £611,280, including commission.

From magnificent opulence to mini cheek, a beautifully-restored 1964 Austin Mini Cooper coming from the private collection of Jamiroquai's front man, Jay Kay sold robustly whilst no Historics sale would be complete without less conventional classics and in this respect, a rare 1953 Ford Consul Mk.1 Estate by Abbot of Farnham sets the tone superbly, passing to a new owner just shy of £14,000.

Also on the rarity stakes, a one-off example of a much loved British sportscar of yore, a 1953 Jowett Jupiter MK II with a truly fascinating history, sold for a well-deserved £22,640.

Meanwhile, on the British sporting icons front, a magnificent 1968 Triumph TR5 waved the flag vigorously and that it sold for a heady £56,000 is a tribute to its superb 16-month, nut and bolt restoration and TLC by its enthusiastic owner.

Classic Porsche prices are robust and Historics sale was testimony to this, with 80% of the 12 varied examples finding new owners, including a rare 1969 2.0 litre Porsche 911S that settled for a shade under £100,000. Equally interesting was a 1970 Porsche 911E to lightweight 'S' spec with racing history that attracted vigorous bidding, finishing on £61,600, well north of its pre-auction estimate.

Whilst Pagodas continue to grab the limelight amongst classic Mercedes-Benz aficionados, it was good to see that amongst Historics varied M-B marque line-up, a well-restored and finely-presented 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE 2-door coupe hit the spot amongst bidders at £44,800.

The enduring appeal of American classics can be overlooked with the sheer weight of European marques but Historics champions their cause at auction and here was no exception. No less than four Ford Mustangs, dating from 1968 to 2016, all rumbled nicely to new owners, matched by an outstanding, no-expense-spared 1967 360 cu.in Chevrolet Camaro SS with 'stick shift' that crested £43,000.

For full results, see here

Historics is now consigning for its next sale, returning to its ever-popular Ascot Racecourse venue on Easter Saturday, 8th April. To enter a car, call 01753 939170 or see here

Enzo Ferrari | 125 Years | Founder of Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari was born 125 years ago and between the 18th and 20th of February, his birthday was remembered by many.

He was reported to have been born on the 18th of February 1898 but the birth was actually recorded on the 20th of February.

He grew up with little formal education. At a young age, he witnessed Felice Nazzaro's win at the 1908 Circuito di Bologna, an event that inspired him to become a racing driver. During World War I he served in the 3rd Mountain Artillery Regiment of the Italian Army.

In his early years, he became a racing driver, joining Alfa Romeo in 1920. He won his first race in 1923 and the following year had his best season with three wins.

After his own son Alfredo (Dino) was born in 1932, Enzo decided to retire from racing and focus on managing and developing the factory Alfa race cars, called the Scuderia Ferrari team.

The team was very successful, thanks to excellent cars like the Alfa Romeo P3 and talented drivers, like Tazio Nuvolari. Ferrari himself retired from competitive driving having participated in 41 Grands Prix with a record of 11 wins.

The prancing horse emblem began to show up on his team's cars. The emblem had been created and used by Italian fighter plane pilot Francesco Baracca. During World War I, Baracca's mother gave Ferrari a necklace with the prancing horse on it prior to takeoff. Baracca was shot down and killed in 1918. In memory of his death, Ferrari used the prancing horse to create the emblem that would become the world-famous Ferrari shield. It was first seen on a Ferrari in 1947.