Modern classics in demand at auction

Modern classics were in demand at auction over the weekend – proving once again that performance cars from the 1980s and 1990s are a rapidly growing market sector.

A 1983 Ford Escort RS1600i finished in Diamond White was one of the big winners at Classic Car Auctions’ sale on Saturday, 2 June. With an unmarked cloth interior, the fast Ford surpassed its pre-sale estimate, selling for sold for £46,200 including premium -  more than £16,000 above its lower guide price.

Another 1980s icon in exceptional condition was a 1988 Audi Quattro Turbo 10V. Presented in Pearl Effect White Metallic and coming from 19-year ownership, it was sold to a bidder in the room for £38,500 (exceeding its estimate by £12,500).

A late production 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500SL and a smartly presented 1992 Mercedes 500E Lorinser also proved popular, both exceeded their pre-sale estimates, selling for £18,480 and £17,380, respectively.

Bargain of the day? An original UK, right-hand drive 1991 Ferrari Mondial T 3.4, which was sold to a bidder in the room for £32,120. Although we also had our eye on the 1957 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster F89L Panel Van, the only example in the UK, which found a new home when bought for £11,550.

The auction at the Warwickshire Event Centre saw 115 classics sold - a 65% sales rate with total sales exceeding £1.53 million.

There was also plenty of demand for traditional classics. A restored 1954 Citroen 2CV was sold to a bidder in Australia at a winning bid of £10,340. While an original UK, right-hand drive 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL 'Pagoda' with a five-speed manual gearbox sold to a phone bidder for £50,050. An aluminium-bodied 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7 sold to an online bidder for £49,500.

To see all the results from the CCA June sale visit: classiccarauctions.co.uk.