Paul Jolly: Lots to enjoy in the sale

Summer is nearly here as this classic car auction in Poole last Thursday clearly demonstrated. No less than 26 entries were convertibles out of an auction list of 87.

More impressive than this was the fact that over 80 lots were sold, being a 93% success rate. This is an extraordinary result for South Western Vehicle Auctions and one they can be rightly proud of since most auctions of this type only manage around 65% sale rate. SWVA hold these classic car auctions every three months or so.

Last week I reported on this upcoming auction and a very rare Hillman Avenger GT made an impressive £13500 while the Morris 1000 Traveller, with all proceeds going to a local hospice, made £7100. My top tip was the Saab 900 Turbo which came with a modest guide of £2000-£3000. In the event it went on to sell for £4200 and was still a bargain in my book.

1980’s Hot Hatches are the current rising stars in this market since the aspiring youths of the day are now able to afford these pocket rockets having reached middle age and with disposable income to hand. A scarcely remembered example of this was a 1989 Vauxhall Nova GTE which commanded an impressive £11400. All these hammer prices I mention also attract the buyers fee of a further 10% remember, so this little Vauxhall was actually over £12500 on the day.

There were no less than 9 open top MG sportscars and the majority were sold for under £5000 apiece. What a great way to spend the summer knowing your investment is unlikely to depreciate while enjoying British Motoring at its best.

For those considering a classic car for the first time, there were nice opportunities including a 1971 Austin 1300, VW Polo and a convertible VW Golf MK1, all well under £3000. At the other end of the scale, we found two drophead Ferraris, sold for £43000 and £59000. Take your pick.

A 2004 Mercedes SL350 represented remarkable value at just £5500 against a cost new of £60000. One to watch for the future.