Possibly the finest original Rover P6, no less than three 50’s MG drop-tops and one of the last Porsche ‘993’ 911 models, are all ready to cross the block at Manor Park Classics’ first physical sale of ‘22, to be held at its purpose-built HQ on Saturday, March 12th.
But even with a month to go before the sale, MPC’s sale room is rapidly filling with an appealing mix of restored and highly-original vehicles. And there are a few left-field surprises, too, including a vast 1967 Pontiac Catalina looks tempting with a £9-11,000* estimate. One of only 36 such models registered in the UK, this 6.2-litre V8-powered car was imported in 2008 and is a former Stars & Stripes show winner. Complete with its original ownership documents, the Catalina comes with factory options, like power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and cruise control.
If you’re after a more home-spun flavour to your ‘60’s classics, then MPC has two excellent examples of blue-chip collectables. A 1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupe spent 48 years with one Californian owner, before coming back to the UK in 2018. Resplendent in Regency Red, with a restored body and mechanicals, this E-Type comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate and a sale estimate of £45-55,000. If you’re happy making statelier progress, then MPC’s 1961 Bentley S2 saloon might fit the bill. Another car that’s seen long-term ownership – this time, 40 years – it’s been cossetted, with invoices for much mechanical work in the ‘90s, a chassis/body resto in the ‘80s and other work dating back to 1971.
And that Rover P6? It’s a 1973 2200 TC manual in Mexico Brown with a recorded – and thought to be genuine – 42,299 miles showing. We’d be surprised if there was a better example of this model on the market today. An original UK car, the P6 comes with an array of receipts dating back to 1981 and a BMIHT certificate. And with an estimate of just £7-9,000, quality classics in this condition are hard to find.
At the other end of the price scale (£55-65,000) is a 1996 (993) Carrera S, representing the final production year of air-cooled 911s. With extensive mechanical work carried out in 2014 totalling over £6,000, this car wants for little, and comes with desirable options such as 18-inch Technology wheels, air conditioning, and carbon-backed sports seats. Once again, this is an original UK car, and it comes with a Porsche certificate of authenticity and MOTs going back to 2002.
The ’50’s MG selection all come with £15-18,000 estimates and comprises two 1954 MG TF 1250s – one in red, one in white – and a 1951 MG TD 1250 in BRG. The TD and red TF have both undergone extensive restorations, while the white TF is pleasingly original. But for those after an MG with a slightly more vintage feel, how about a lovely 1930 MG M-Type? With £2,500 recently spent on mechanical work, including refurbished carburettors and a new clutch, this matching numbers car will be perfect for the summer season, with a sensible estimate of £16-20,000.
But if your budget doesn’t quite reach that far for a 1930’s classic, MPC has two more gems. A smart 1931 Armstrong Siddeley 12/6 saloon which has had extensive mechanical work completed must represent entry-level pre-war ownership with its estimate of £4-6,000. And a 1934 Morgan F4 three-wheeler restored by Car SOS in 2015 is also tempting at £13-15,000. More so, when its history includes single family ownership for 75 years of its life.
A firm ‘70’s favourite, the Cortina Mk. 3 was once ubiquitous but is now a rarity, especially in the kind of condition that MPC’s 1976 1600 XL is presented. This particular time-warp car has what’s possibly a genuine 49,000 recorded miles, as well as MOTs going as far back as 1990. In Carnival Red, with lovely white-on-black number plates, this Cortina’s sure to find a new home at its £6-8,000 estimate.
Two evergreen classics that are always in demand are the Mini Countryman and Volvo PV544. The 1958 Volvo was imported to the UK from Sweden in 1998, from when it has a full record of all MOTs (even though it’s currently exempt). Smart and usable, with a lovely patina, this distinctive Swede even has a period steel roof rack with a wooden-slatted base. The Volvo’s estimate is £8-12,000. A slightly more common sight, the Tartan Red Countryman is a 1965 Austin Seven model, which has had a full body restoration and over £2,600 spent on mechanical work in 2015. Its estimate? £14-18,000.
We end our highlights with a 500bhp bang. Even though the Alpina B5 is a very modern classic, being registered in 2005, its still deserving of MPC’s sale thanks to its rarity and exclusivity. Build number 112 out of a 428 B5s sold globally, the sale car has had just two owners, with a comprehensive service history (crucial for this model) showing 14 stamps in its service book, plus invoices for over £1,200 worth of recent mechanical work. This supercharged, 4.4-litre powered super-saloon looks excellent value, with its estimate of £10-14,000.
As usual, MPC’s auction welcomes buyers in the sale room on Saturday, March 12th (start time: 1.00pm), but also people who wish to bid online or over the ‘phone. Sellers’ commission is 5% plus VAT, and buyers’ commission is 12.5% plus VAT, with in each case a £150 plus VAT minimum charge.
Full details of all vehicles in the sale can be found at:https://auctions.manorparkclassics.com/auction/details/-the-march-2022-classic-car-auction/?au=7
