Ferrari takes top spot at Brightwells sale

A 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB sold for £123,000 at Brightwells sale during the Flywheel Festival. One of just 154 built in right-hand drive, and an early dry-sump Vetroresina model to boot, it was a very original one-owner car that attracted strong bidding at the Bicester Heritage sale on 21 June.

Some 60 lots went under the hammer, with a large selection of pre-war machinery on offer. Austin Sevens had a good day, with all five finding new homes. Two Chummys imported from New Zealand were on offer, one yet to be UK registered and one with a V5C sold for £9900 and £11,660 apiece.

Of the two specials on offer, a barn-find that had last seen service in the 1950s made £6,160, due largely to its original Ulster bodywork And a superb 1929 special with pre-war history and Frazer-Nash style front axle made an estimate-busting £19,250.

There was another strong result for the 1936 Railton Cobham Saloon, which even with a declared engine noise made £24,750 against an estimate of £15,000-£18,000. An Australian import Alvis 12/50, with non-original Beetleback body from the 1960s sold well at £33,000 and a wild 1934 Chevrolet special, sporting more than 300 louvres on its unique polished aluminium bodywork, but lacking UK paperwork, was sold to an American buyer for £17,600.

Two cars made during the Second World War were offered. A 1942 Lancia Ardea created a lot of interest, offering what is in effect 90% of an Aprilia for 30% of the cost. Bidding finally coming to halt at £11,550. A Jeep, also from 1942 had been restored and sold for £19,800.

Buyers are well versed with the costs of reviving a classic, wisely choosing to pay top price for well-restored examples. One example was a restored Austin A60 pick-up, which sold a whisker under £19,000 - surely a record for such a model.

Brightwells’ next Classic and Vintage sale is on 12 July in Leominster and entries are now being taken for our next Modern Classic sale on 17th August and our Leominster Classic on the 27^th September - free valuations is available by emailing classiccars@brightwells.com