Even snow failed to stop buyers flooding to Buxton this week (November20/21) – they came from as far afield as Malaysia, California and South Africa for H&H’s final sale of the year. And what a cracking auction they attended, with new homes being found for some 425 items of automobilia, 30 bicycles and motorcycles and 80 collectors’ cars, the combined value of which was c.£1.5million – a house record for an H&H Buxton sale. This put the seal on another record year for this burgeoning auction house.
Prancing horses
A veritable stable of Ferraris was on offer, the star of which was arguably the 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Complete with the registration 365GT, it changed hands for £148,500. The time warp 1972 Dino 246 GT that had covered just 20,400 from new was eventually knocked down for £83,600.
The prices of AC Cobras have reached stratospheric levels in recent years and those of Aces have also been moving up steadily. Even so, the £126,500 achieved for the bright red 1957 Bristol-engined Ace was mighty impressive and well above its top estimate.
Classic Aston Martins have long since been on the rise too and, despite needing a complete repaint, the 1961 Series II DB4 in the sale was knocked down for £64,900. The stunning red 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS emanated from the same superb private collection as the Daytona. Better than new, it fetched way over estimate at £53,900.
Exceptional interest
The c.1917 Hispano-Suiza 8/10CV T24 was one of a quartet of lots previously on show in a Danish museum. One of the Spanish built examples, the pretty little Runabout caused great interest – finally selling for £34,100. Entries that prompted an exceptional number of commission and telephone bids were the 1935 Riley 12/4 Falcon Special that was made for and has competed in numerous VSCC events (£28,600), and the delightful little maroon 1959 BMW Isetta 300 (£4,290).
The sale featured some fine offerings from over the pond, the star of which turned out to be the massive 1932 Nash 1097 Ambassador 8 Brougham (£26,400).
The delightful blue and white 1933 Hupmobile B-316 Roadster found a new home for £24,750, while the equally evocative 1939 Chevrolet Standard Business Roadster made well over estimate at £15,950.
Automobilia for all
The automobilia sale was arguably the most successful H&H have ever held at Buxton and one of the company’s most rewarding of all ephemera auctions to date. It certainly comprised one of the most wide ranging selections H&H has amassed, with everything from petrol pumps and enamel signs to automotive literature and art, and models to pedal cars. Of particular note were:
The splendid Michele Conti 1958 250TR, 1:10th scale model – £11,812 Assorted items of Stirling Moss ephemera – £1,237.50 A pair of diamond encrusted Bentley brooches – £1,237.50 each A set of Howes & Burley Acetylene headlamps and Lucas sidelamps – £618.75
The next H&H sale of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, registration numbers and automobilia will be held at The Centaur, Cheltenham on February 26/27, 2008.
Already entered is a pair of Works Mini rally cars and an ex-Colin McRae Works 1992 Subaru Legacy. Further information on all H&H sales is available at www.handh.co.uk
H&H’s