22 classic cars for sale to get you dreaming of better times

Pining for the open road?

If we can all agree on one thing, it’s that this ‘new normal’ of cancelled events, lifestyle restrictions and social distancing, brought on by the global coronavirus outbreak, is taking some getting used to.

There’s no doubt about it, isolation is tough, so we’ve trawled the catalogues and inventories of auction houses to share a host of fabulous classic cars with you, to help raise spirits and get us all dreaming of rosier times to come.

What’s more, all are for sale right now, or by the end of the month (May 2020), through reputable online sites, meaning as soon as restrictions are eased, you could start enjoying your new classic. We’ve supplied the pre-sale estimate, where given, in the currency local to each sale.

And they’re not all big-money GTs, as above, but each has a special something about it. Take a look… 

1. 1981 MGB GT V8 Special Edition Classic (est: £28-40,000)

This one’s so special, it says so in its name! What’s more, it is the only one of its kind.

A mere five ‘SEC’, or ‘Special Edition Classic’ MGBs were built by Mallalieu Cars and its successor Abingdon Classic Cars, based on new, unsold MGBs. Of that quintet, just two had eight-cylinder power, a roadster and this GT – and only this car and the original turbocharged Roadster prototype survive.

Despite being totally original, it is claimed to be rust-free, there are 55,846 miles on its odometer and it comes with a good chunk of paperwork.

It’s being sold through The Market, bidding open between 21-28 May – take a look.

2. 1986 Lynx Eventer (est: £50-60,000)

The striking Lynx Eventer is a rare beast indeed, but this example of the V12-engined, Jaguar XJ-S-based shooting brake takes this up a gear, because it is apparently the only one with in-period TWR upgrades.

That means a 6.1-litre powerplant with 380bhp. And given it has been used but cared for throughout its life, and has benefited from an engine rebuild and other restorative work, it looks like it is ready for more posing, load-lugging or whatever its next owner choses.

It’s consigned to Bonhams’ Live & Online Motoring Auction on 30 May at Bicester Heritage.

3. 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220SEb 6.3 (est: $55-65,000)

Speaking of under-bonnet magic, the ‘6.3’ badge on the rear of this handsome, two-tone and otherwise quite unassuming W111 coupé gives the game away here.

That’s right, powering this classic Mercedes-Benz isn’t a 2.2-litre straight-six, but the mighty M100 6.3-litre V8. And the rest of it appears to be in rather fine fettle, too.

Tempted? It’s part of RM Sotheby’s online-only ‘Driving into summer’ sale that’s live now – bidding closes on 28 May.

4. 1939 Delahaye USA Pacific (est: $150-200,000)

Wow! Will you just look at that. But, as you might’ve guessed looking at RM Sotheby’s pre-sale estimate, all is not as it perhaps first seems.

Despite its title, this is a 21st-century tribute to Bugatti’s voluptuous Type 57S Atlantic, wearing a glassfibre body and powered by a BMW fuel-injected 12-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission, with mod cons including air-con and electric windows.

Nevertheless, it is definitely a head-turner! Bidding closes on 28 May.

5. 1978 Porsche 928

We’re on much more conventional ground with this early 928, said to be ‘a wonderfully original example’.

This left-hand drive, matching-numbers car has covered 86,613km (53,818 miles) since new and seems to have been well cared for throughout its life – the bare-metal respray in January 2018 undoubtedly contributes to its current good looks.

We love its 16-inch ‘telephone dial’ cast alloy wheels and the chequered ‘Pasha’ velour trim.

It’s for sale now with online auction site Collecting Cars, bidding closing on 26 May.

6. 1971 Citroën SM

Packed with hydropneumatic goodies, powered by a Maserati V6 and designed by Robert Opron, there’s nothing like the dashing Citroën SM.

This car started life on the French Riviera in Cannes, then went to Portugal before being imported to the UK, and it is described as boasting ‘almost food-hygeine standards of cleanliness’. Impressive.

It’s being sold through The Market and if you’re interested, you have until 7:30pm on 25 May to bid on it.

7. 1958 Lancia Aurelia B24S Convertible (est: £220-260,000)

If you’re seeking classic wind-in-your hair motoring, trust Pininfarina to have designed something to have you reaching for the piggy bank.

Finished in a sweet shade of baby blue and coming with a rare hardtop, this is no concours queen, but that means it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Restored most recently in 2005-’06, it is said to be in ‘generally good condition’ and has a brand-new soft-top.

It will cross the block with Bonhams at its 30 May sale.

8. 1969 Jensen Interceptor (est: £40-50,000)

Also in Bonhams’ sale at the end of this month is this ’69 Interceptor, said to be a very usable example thanks to some choice modifications, including uprated brakes and shocks, and a fast road cam. 

What’s more, the cabin has been retrimmed and the car’s brightwork has been rechromed.

And with just 44,306 miles on the clock, this Jensen is surely ripe for many a cross-continental road trip.

9. 1959 Maserati 3500GT (est: $220-260,000)

This jaw-dropping, Touring-bodied two-door wears its original shade of Azzurro Grigio Verde and stopped us in our tracks when viewing RM Sotheby’s ‘Driving into Summer’ catalogue.

Having been stored for more than three decades, it emerged in 2009 and finally received the restoration it deserved.

If its estimate is anything to go by, the top bidder come 28 May will have to pay a pretty penny for this 3500GT, but just think of all the adventures that can be enjoyed in it.

10. 1960 Austin Mini Seven Deluxe (est: £6-8000)

Who doesn’t love a classic Mini? And this one has been with the same family its entire life.

Described as being in ‘good, largely original condition’, this early example has been lightly restored but retains all its notable features, such as the floor-mounted starter button and the cable-operated door openers.

It’s yet to hit the 50,000-mile mark and will be sold at Bonhams’ online auction on 30 May.

11. 1958 Ferrari 250GT Coupé (est: $625-725,000)

You know the drill by now: in almost every classic car auction, there’s a stunning Ferrari. And the RM Sotheby’s ‘Driving into summer’ sale is no different with this special, V12-engined consignment.

This 250GT Coupé is number 40 of only 50 bodied by Ellena and has had just three owners in its life, one of whom kept it for an amazing 32 years.

Lovingly cared for, restored and maintained, you’ll need deep pockets if you want to place a bid by 28 May – the rest of us can just dream.

12. 1957 BMW Isetta 300 (est: $25-35,000)

This is another lot from the same RM Sotheby’s sale, but it couldn’t be more different. And we don’t know if we’ve ever seen an Isetta in this two-tone, factory-offered Pastellblau and Bayerische Blau finish, but it certainly pops!

We’re sure that buzzing about in this little single-cylinder-powered classic microcar would raise a smile and it appears to present well, wearing what is described by the auction house as a ‘well-maintained older restoration’.

Fancy it? Bidding closes on 29 May.

13. 1976 Lamborghini Urraco (est: £60-70,000)

A Lamborghini always raises our spirits and this Urraco has received a near-peerless 99% score from vendor Bonhams – it has covered fewer than 14,000 miles, too.

Its silver, Bertone-penned body is wonderfully understated while its black-leather upholstered cabin looks to be in good shape.

Bid online on 30 May.

14. 1966 Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica (est: $30-40,000)

Here’s another, but very different, Italian classic that made us smile – and it is being offered without reserve.

This Autobianchi’s charming ‘bicolore’ finish following a recent full-body restoration suits it perfectly, while the period stickers, roof rack and picnic basket give it yet more character.

Bidding is open on this diminutive Fiat 500D-based, 499cc-engined classic until 29 May.

15. 1996 Mazda MX-5 (est: £4-6000)

Here at Classic & Sports Car, we’re not ashamed to say we’re big fans of the Mazda MX-5, especially in its original iteration.

The model turned 30 last year and it’s a classic that will cheer you up and make you smile every single time you drive it. And, even better, it shouldn’t break the bank.

This one has 79,000 miles on the clock, but that shouldn’t be a problem if it has been properly cared for. And given that this car has recently had its underbody protection reinstated and extensive paintwork restoration, there are two fewer matters to concern you.

It will be auctioned with Bonhams on 30 May.

16. 1971 Volkswagen Beetle

Meet Joseph the Technicolour Dream-Beetle. Yes, really. And whether that makes you laugh with or at this classic, either way you’re smiling!

This Bug’s creation was the realisation of one keeper’s dream, but now it is seeking another for the next chapter of its life.

It is being sold on The Market with no reserve, because the vendor doesn’t have the time to bring the car back to best. Could this be your lockdown project and post-lockdown open-road companion? Bidding runs until 8:15pm on 25 May.

17. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (est: £230-280,000)

If this Aston Martin’s V8 doesn’t raise your spirits, its pillarbox-red interior should – even if its predicted sale price makes you wince.

This Raven’s Black car with a manual gearbox has been converted to X-Pack spec, while the three service books it will be sold with contain almost every MoT certificate.

It has been consigned to Bonhams’ 30 May online sale.

18. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (est: $200-220,000)

The unmistakable profile of Mercedes’ BMW-slaying 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II still thrills three decades after it was launched.

Just 502 were built, for homologation purposes, and this example was sold new to Japan and stayed there until it was imported to Canada in 2015, which is where it is now.

It’s done fewer than 30,000 miles and will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s with items including its factory tool roll, books and manuals (in Japanese), its data card and more – get your bid in by 29 May.

19. 1949 Allard L-type Tourer (est: £40-50,000)

This is a very different prospect from that DTM-born Benz, but its design is no less distinctive.

Offered in Bonhams’ sale on 30 May, this Allard is one of just 10 known survivors, making this a special proposition for marque enthusiasts.

Since its restoration in the ’90s it has covered few miles, but has still be maintained and kept in good running order. Indeed, late last year the hood was refurbished and new side screens were fitted.

20. 1974 De Tomaso Pantera (est: $120-140,000)

Finished in brilliantly outrageous orange, this Ghia-bodied supercar is a true fulfiller of fantasies and delivers a serious dose of wow factor.

On the lot list for RM Sotheby’s ‘Driving into summer’ online sale, the auction house has given us no more information, but we’re happy just to drink in the delicious lines of this Mangusta successor and imagine the burble from its Ford V8.

21. 1963 Studebaker Avanti (est: £20-25,000)

You don’t see these too often in the UK and this Avanti’s pale metallic blue paintjob is just the ticket, too. Not only that, it has a very period and charming blue and cream, two-tone interior.

Described as being ‘in good order, but with some scope for interior improvement’, maybe this is a chance to acquire a gentle lockdown project, so you can enjoy some eight-cylinder wafting in style once restrictions are lifted.

Check it out in Bonhams’ catalogue.

22. 1985 Ferrari 288GTO (est: $2.2-2.4m)

Seeing as this gallery is all about dreaming, let’s finish with something that is well and truly in fantasy land, with a price-tag to match.

With three owners and 23,555km from new, this one-of-272 Prancing Horse was at one point an exhibit at the Nürburgring’s museum – plus it was once stolen and was involved in an accident.

However, thanks to specialist care and some good detective work, it comes to auction in apparently brilliant condition.

‘This example will not disappoint,’ says RM Sotheby’s, and bids are open until 29 May.