10 wind-in-your-hair classics in Historics’ 10th-anniversary sale

Summer is short, so make the most of it!

Despite all that’s going on in the world right now, summer is still very much upon us and with classic car auctions aplenty, this could be the perfect opportunity to bag something in which to enjoy the sun. 

And just round the corner is Historics’ 10th-anniversary sale, coming to Windsorview Lakes, Berkshire on 18 July. It’s a venue well-known for fishing and we reckon the auction’s ‘catch of the day’ is undoubtedly the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 with a £540-640,000 pre-sale estimate.

But you don’t have to spend that much. Check out these 10 far more affordable convertibles on the lot list, to help you enjoy classic wind-in-your-hair motoring for less.

10. 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC (est: £5-7000)

Unlike most car-based royal anecdotes, this one doesn’t involve Princess Anne. You see, the XJ-S (the SC in particular) was used by Princess Diana for a period of time. 

Although to be fair, her one was modified to have Harris Tweed seats and a permanently fixed rear roof, rather than the folding soft-top of the regular SCs, like the one you see here.

1988 Jaguar XJ-SC (cont.)

Still, this and her car feature a 5.3-litre V12 of renowned smoothness (and terrifying fuel bills) mated to a three-speed automatic. 

The listing mentions that it could benefit from a touch of cosmetic refreshment, but it is said to have been recommissioned and is in good running order.

And it might have a £5-7000 guide price, but it is being offered with no reserve so could well represent a usable classic for not much outlay. At least until you come to fill it up, that is…

9. 1966 Ford Cortina Crayford convertible (est: £18-23,000)

Don’t let the fairly modest guide price (compared to most in this auction) fool you because this Crayford-built Cortina convertible is a very rare Ford.

Fewer than 50 were said to be made, of which 30 were exported to Bermuda to be used as taxis. None of those are known to have survived.

1966 Ford Cortina Crayford convertible (cont.)

This one sadly fell into disrepair. Happily, it was saved in 1988 when it was bought as a restoration project.

Plus, it has a few choice upgrades in its red upholstered cabin to bring it up to the level of the highest-spec GT version, such as the additional gauge pack and remote gearlever. 

8. 1976 Triumph Stag (est: £10-12,000)

Time can sometimes be a great healer and despite the early quality problems with the Stag, enthusiasts and specialists have been able to iron out the issues to make this Triumph a much more reliable proposition today.

The Michelotti styling also helps to give this classic a timeless elegance, while the Triumph V8 endows it with an unforgettable soundtrack.

1976 Triumph Stag (cont.)

This example in Historics’ 18 July sale has covered fewer than 43,000 miles, of which around 10,000 were after a recent engine rebuild, plus it will be sold with a hardtop and a new soft-top, as well as a modern stereo set in that nicely veneered dashboard.

It also comes with lots of paperwork, including an up-to-date MoT certificate, even though it doesn’t need one any more.

7. 1934 MG J2 (est: £24-29,000)

Perhaps that last classic wasn’t quite old enough for you. Maybe then, this 1934 MG J2 would be more your cup of tea.

It and its successor were admired by American squaddies when they were based in the UK during WW2. So much so that demand for such sports cars after the war ended was so great – particularly in California – that it funded a burgeoning export market that lasted for decades.

1934 MG J2 (cont.)

This J2 sports a little 847cc engine, yet is still said to be capable of 80mph. Mind you, you probably wouldn’t want to stretch it too much because the brakes won’t be up to the same standards as those on the modern cars you’re sharing the road with.

Best to stick to ambling down small country lanes, much like those squaddies did back in the day. That way, you can take in all those lovely MG motifs, such as the octagon design that’s repeated throughout the car.

6. 1975 Toyota FJ Land Cruiser (est: £13-16,000)

Now here’s a convertible with a difference. If highly polished classics aren’t really your bag then check out this Toyota FJ Land Cruiser that’s been kitted out with all sorts of off-road goodies.

There’s the usual stuff such as a chunky roll cage, CB radio, altimeter, inclinometer and low-ratio gearbox, but it’s the small-block Chevy V8 that’s the most important addition to help deal with the added rolling resistance of those enormous knobbly tyres.

1975 Toyota FJ Land Cruiser (cont.)

Originally from California and also restored over there in 2015, this FJ would be the perfect vehicle for going, well, wherever you fancied, really!

It won’t handle brilliantly on Tarmac, but then again, that wasn’t what it was built for. At least it’ll sound ace as you climb to the summit of a mountain.

5. 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster (est: £90-105,000)

Yes, this is our second Jaguar pick and, yes, its pre-sale estimate might be pushing the boundaries of ‘more affordable’…

But having only done a little over 12,000 miles in its 70 years and wearing charming, colour-matched wire wheels, we couldn’t resist.

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster (cont.)

Powered by Jaguar’s glorious XK straight-six engine, when launched the XK120 was the fastest production car in the world.

This example was subjected to a full restoration some years ago and there is all the relevant documentation to prove this, along with evidence to show that it’s still using the original engine from the factory and the registration number it’s had since new.

4. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (est: £70-85,000)

The epitome of cool convertibles is surely Mercedes’ W113 ‘Pagoda’ SL, although this late-model 1971 280 misses out on the classier sealed-beam headlights of European SLs, since this is an American-market example. 

So it may wear a few US-spec features that are less familiar to European eyes, but a US import might be a way to help find a rust-free example – and this one had a full restoration before leaving the States.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (cont.)

Lot 202 at Historics’ sale has yet to be registered for use in the UK, but with all the paperwork in order, that shouldn’t be much bother for the winning bidder.

Finished in Olive Green, it will be sold with its matching factory hardtop, its original service book and owners’ manual, and a Becker Europa radio.

3. 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII (est: £32-36,000)

If you’re after a classic that’s ready to be enjoyed right away, this could be it.

A matching-numbers Healey in its original (and we think rather fetching) colours, it went to the US when new, returning to the UK in the late ’90s and bought by its current keeper in 2001.

1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII (cont.)

Its listing is honest: this is a well-maintained classic, not a concours queen. Which is just as well, because this is a car built to be enjoyed, not merely gawped at.

And being left-hand drive, it’s primed for long-distance European touring, if the dream of a road trip to the Amalfi coast or the Côte d’Azur in search of sun appeals.

2. 1968 Austin Mini Moke (est: £13-16,000)

It’s hard to believe when looking at the bug-eyed little Moke that it was originally intended for military service. Particularly when ground clearance is so lacking.

Instead, it found much greater success in civilian life as a beachfront hack. Mind you, the proximity to salty sea air is most likely why many rusted away into oblivion.

1968 Austin Mini Moke (cont.)

This one’s been subjected to a full nut-and-bolt restoration totalling £13,000 and so, perhaps unsurprisingly, is said to start on the button and be free from any known faults.

You can expect to have plenty of fun with a Moke, and not just because you’ll have the wind in your hair. It’s actually lighter than the Mini it shares most of its mechanicals with. Although, expect a much bouncier ride on those rubber cones since the Moke doesn’t have the weight of the vehicle these cones were originally designed for.

1. 1956 Ford Thunderbird (est: £33-37,000)

We’ve saved what we think is the best until last.

This stunning 1956 Ford Thunderbird has been through a thorough recommissioning since it was imported in 2016. The bodywork is said to be blemish-free and its 292cu in V8 engine hums along nicely.

1956 Ford Thunderbird (cont.)

You can tell it’s a later ‘56 model because it features a number of improvements over earlier cars, such as the side vents for added cooling in the footwell, the side porthole window in the hardtop to help with over-the-shoulder visibility, along with the ‘Continental kit’ rear-mounted spare tyre to increase luggage capacity.

And it has done fewer than 27,000 miles. What are you waiting for?

All these and more are being sold by Historics on 18 July, and viewings can be arranged from Tuesday 14 July through to Friday.

To find out more and to see the full lot listings, please click here.