Evaluation of Auction: Historics, May 3rd Sale
Hooligan's High-End Hooray! - Historics Auctions Unleashes a Banger of a Sale
Historics Auctions, known for their spectacular selection, didn't disappoint during their May 3 extravaganza. With summer on the horizon, car enthusiasts were eager for the roll-down top thrillers, and the auction delivered.
This 165-lot spectacle was a smashing success. Convertibles were the craze, with a 1969 MGC roadster, fresh from its American vacation and British conversion in 1989, stealing the spotlight for an impressive £16,016. A meticulously restored 1971 Triumph TR6 'CP' followed closely, with new owners parting ways for £19,448. The prestigious British roadster, a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12, set sail for £51,480.
An eye-catching 1986 Bentley Continental Convertible wasn't far behind, fetching £57,200. Four Mercedes SLs vied for bidder attention. A 1962 190SL, one of the 562 right-hand drive cars in existence, was in near-perfect condition, selling for an impressive £120,120. A 1971 230SL 'Pagoda' featuring a 280 engine rocketed to £68,640. A 1988 R107 420SL in the lesser-seen hue of Pajett Red made heads turn, fetching £23,452. Last but not least, a 2006 R230 SL350, with considerable mileage under its wheels, managed to sell for £10,010 despite its 112,000 miles.
Affordable drop-tops weren't left out. A 2008 Daihatsu Copen snagged a buyer for £2059, and a 1997 Ford Escort Mk6 Ghia Cabriolet went for just £572.
Luxury vehicles were high on the list, with a impeccable 1985 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3 Sovereign selling without reserve for £5720. Bidders battled over the 1987 XJ-S V12 coupe, owing to its low 50,000 miles and top-notch condition, with the hammer falling at £11,440. Crewe-built classics ruled the show: a 1997 Bentley Turbo R, with 73,000 miles under its belt, sold for £10,582, while a 2001 Arnage R took no prisoners, going home for £11,440. A 1969 Rolls-Royce Corniche FHC, one of 369, looked minty fresh after a 2016 restoration and sold for £18,304. A 2000 Silver Seraph, also a smooth operator, found a new home for the same price.
Daily-use classics also caught buyers' eyes. A charming 1965 Morris Minor 1000, sporting a fresh post-2012 restoration, sold for £6578. Rare finds, such as a 1992 Subaru SVX and a 1994 Lotus Elan M100 Final Edition, didn't disappoint, fetching £3432 and £5468, respectively. For the full rundown of results, check out historics.co.uk.
While the May 3, 2021, auction didn't have the exact details in our books, take a peek at the May 3, 2025, event for a glimpse into the typical performance for Historics' auctions focusing on convertibles and luxury cars. During this event, the auction featured notable convertibles and luxury vehicles, including the 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, 1960 Jaguar XK150 Coupé, 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Pro, and 2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder. Highlights of the sale included the 2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1 Coupé, 1923 Bentley 3-Litre Open Tourer by H.J. Mulliner, and the 1988 Bentley Turbo R. While some top-tier luxury cars didn't find buyers, such as the 1923 Bentley 3-Litre Open Tourer by H.J. Mulliner and 1972 Aston Martin V8, the overall auction performance for May 2025 was mixed. Some key high-value vehicles didn't sell, but there were plenty of impressive sales throughout. If you're after information on a specific auction, make sure to double-check the date to get the lowdown you're after.
- The automotive industry and finance sectors were highly active during Historics Auctions' May 3 event, with luxury vehicles and convertibles being the primary focus.
- The transportation sector showcased a variety of cars, such as the 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible and 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Pro, which attracted significant interest and sales at the auction.
- The auction's success in the lifestyle segment, particularly with the sale of luxury cars, highlights its impact on the overall finance and automotive industries.
