We regularly open our Two-Day Specialist Auctions with classic cars and motorbikes. That's the spot that draws the buyers' attention and allows us to showcase some of the big names in motoring history. From a 1946 Rover 16 to a 1970 MGB Roadster, a 1955 Standard 10 to a 1986 Mercedes 508D camper van converted from a former school bus, we have sold some fantastic restoration projects to our collectors.
But it's not just the vintage cars and classic motorcycles that our buyers are seeking. They are very keen collectors of smaller items such as motor car hood badges (examples from Austin Healey, Triumph, Jaguar, Seddon, British Leyland, MG and Rover have all been under the hammer recently), AA motorcycle badges, and owners' club badges.
Ephemera also performs well in the saleroom, with a 1913 pamphlet, 'Instructions for the Care of Rolls Royce', selling well above estimate earlier this year. We've also sold motoring rarities such as a 1920s Fabergé trophy secured by Leyland Motors during a mileage competition - achieving a good price in spite of the vendor having employed its services as a paint pot and Christmas tree holder.
Lower estimate items that you can expect in this section include Stewart or Smith dashboard gauges, Sparks Withington 'The Spartan' motor engine horns, vintage Lucas 'King of the Road' headlights, and a signed and numbered limited run screen print after Ken Reed marking the 70th anniversary of Morgan.
We offer extended viewings on the Fridays and Saturdays preceding our auctions. Viewing by appointment is also available for classic cars and motorcycles.
If you have a motor vehicle you are considering selling at auction, please do contact our lead auctioneer for classic cars, motorcycles and motoring ephemera, Bill Nelson (simply complete the valuation form below).