Paul Jolly: Classic car auction delivers bargains and surprises

South West Vehicle Auctions opened their doors to the first classic car sale of 2025 and it was an exceedingly well attended event with many potential buyers having travelled from far afield.

The largest group of buyers on the day were online bidders, interestingly. 

Of the 61 lots in total, over 90 per cent went to new owners such was the competitive pricing that SWVA management put in place together with a highly competitive commission structure.

The hammer fell at under £5000 for the white Jaguar XJS with a reputed 20,000 miles from new and just £1200 secured the 1977 Reliant Scimitar GTE offered with no reserve. These are a brilliant alternative to the now rather pricey Ford Capri 2.8 and a little-known future climber for sure. They also happen to be much rarer than the Capri and if it was good enough for HRH The Princess Royal, then need I say more.

MGBs are highly viable, ‘entry-level’ sportscars into the classic car world with many thousands built between 1962-1980. They can be anything from just a few £1000’s to over £18000 for top examples with excellent spares availability. However, much less well known and considerably less common is the Sunbeam Alpine from 1959-1968 also made in the Midlands.  These stylish two-seaters were also available with the Ford Mustang V8 and marketed as the Sunbeam Tiger. Chrysler became new owners of the Rootes Group in 1967 and swiftly chopped this E Type competing rocket ship from production to much dismay, just because it had a rival firm’s engine no less. 

SWVA sold this fully restored bright red Alpine for just £9966 including commission and I saw this as a refreshing alternative to the MGB scene and well worth the money for the lucky buyer. My point was reinforced by over £21,000 being achieved for a restored Triumph TR4 that in its day, was an equal contender to the Sunbeam.

My standout bargain of the day was the 2002 Bentley Arnage R with just 71000 miles and truly magnificent. At over £150,000 new, this silver beauty was snapped up for just £11,000.