Barnfind Lagonda doubles estimate at Imperial War Museum Sale

| 28 Apr 2014

A number of interesting classics crossed the block at H&H's Duxford sale on 24 April, but it was homegrown cars that eventually won over the room.

The star of the show was a 1934 Lagonda M45 T8 Tourer, which raised an impressive £123,200 despite a pre-sale estimate of just £60-80,000.

One of just ten survivors known to the Lagonda Club, the car was formerly in the care of Walter 'Wal' Handley and had a detailed history that was well known to the club. Offered in barnfind condition it prompted much bidding, though it hadn't turned a wheel in 30 years.

Highest estimated of all the lots was a 1969 Aston Martin DB6, which also beat the auctioneer's expectations by selling for £157,920, exceeding its upper estimate by £17,920. While its Dubonnet Rosso bodywork was described as being in very good condition, the history file with invoices totalling £90,000 did more to reassure potential suitors.

1969 Aston Martin DB6

A photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip viewing the car was also included in the sale.

A 1923 Marmon Model 34B Speedster, a replica of the 1920 Indianapolis 500 pace car and one of just six survivors known to the owners' club, smashed its £35,000 upper estimate to sell for £53,760.

Its history as a television star undoubtedly helped: it featured in several episodes of Jeeves and Wooster.

1923 Marmon 34B Speedster

A 1956 Bentley S1 Drophead Coupé was also slated to do well, wearing a pre-sale upper estimate of £120,000. Despite bearing its original registration number and 4.9-litre straight-six engine, it failed to reach its reserve and remained unsold.

1956 Bentley Drophead Coupe

Returning to the 1960s was a Lotus Elan GTS. Originally built by Barry Wood of Surbiton Motors, the car featured an aluminium hard top and boot, and was displayed at the 1964 Racing Car Show in the same year it was built.

A series of racing success at Spa-Francorchamps proved its competition pedigree, and it sold for a whisker over its upper estimate at £100,800.

1964 Lotus Elan GTS

Also from the racing stable was a 1963 MGB, which again sold just above estimate at £15,960. Finished in Iris Blue with an Old English White hard top, it sported a 1950cc Stage 3a Oselli engine. It was last raced in the 2011 MGCC Peter Best Insurance Challenge.

1963 MGB

Again flying the flag for Britain was a 1954 Riley Ramsay, which was offered by respected historian Karl Ludvigsen on his 80th birthday. Despite – or perhaps due to – being a one-off special, it failed to reach its £20,000 reserve.

1954 Riley Ramsay

Showing the continuing popularity of the Jaguar E-type was a 1971 Series 3 V12, which had no brightwork, gearbox or engine. It came close to doubling its upper estimate of £4000, eventually selling for £6832.

1971 Jaguar E-type Series 3 V12

In total, 70 out of 106 lots were sold.

The next H&H auction is due to take place at Rockingham Castle of 21 June.