Virus hit sale still a Triumph of sorts

The March sale held by Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions just as the coronavirus lockdown began to bite remained a Triumph of sorts.

DVCA director Brian said the viewing day on March 18^th ahead of the actual sale on March 19^th at Henstridge Airfield between Shaftesbury and Sherborne saw both the venue and the phone lines busy, with potential buyers making promises to arrive to bid at the sale.

“In the event, I decided the auction should go ahead because we had taken steps to deal with the coronavirus guidelines and everything was in place,” he added.

“On the day we disappointingly had only about 25 per cent of the normal crowd but that didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the automobilia lots in particular, with most being taken home by new owners. I really appreciate the support from those who did turn up and would like to thank them for their loyalty.

“The car sale also got off to a good start with the first lot, a one owner 1968 Triumph Herald 13/60 saloon showing fewer than 80,000 miles accelerating past its top estimate of £2,500 to achieve £3,400. Its new owner will have a bit of time to get it shiny before the show season restarts!

“The second lot of the day, a restoration project Phillips P39 Gadabout moped from about 1958 sold for £170, again above top estimate, while the third lot, a 1936 Ford Model Y two door saloon, very much original and with delightful patina, sold for its lower estimate of £4,500.

“Enthusiasm for warm Fords saw £2,200 and a new owner for a 1995 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk5, a car that has yet to excite the market; that time will surely come, making it a terrific buy now and a good investment for times to come.

“The next two lots were both economy two wheelers, with a 1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports Tourist bicycle fitted with a Power Pak motor  sell for £440 while a 1998 Piaggio Vespa Ciao moped made £500.

“Perhaps the thought of getting out and about on two wheels, making it easier to keep a social distance, explains their popularity, with all but one of the two-wheeled lots selling – a powerful 1987 BMW R80T touring machine found a new owner for £1,200 while an even bigger touring combination, a 1990 Honda Gold Wing GL 1500 complete with a camping trailer packed with gear, sold for £4,000.

“Growing nostalgia for 1980s cars resulted in a 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier 2000 GLS four door saloon selling for £800. That’s not to say much older cars don’t have their devotees, proven by the 1927 Renault NN two dour coupe with dickey seat and interesting KO registration number selling for £8,000.

“Plenty of people will have time on their hands for the next few months but likely to be busy is the new owner of a restoration project 1970 Lotus Elan +2S who paid £6,000 for what will turn into a highly desirable and sought-after car once work is complete.

“Showing that Triumph cars still have a strong following despite the marque disappearing almost 40 years ago, a 1971 Triumph TR6 rebuilt from the chassis up at the turn of the millennium sold immediately after the auction for £16,500.

“Negotiations are continuing for some other significant lots and while the auction is closed private treaty sales are offered for many of the lots that remain.

“In view of the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, the planned sale on July 9^th is under review but the auction on October 22^nd remains firmly in the calendar, hopefully enabling us to have a good close to what looks like a difficult year.”