25 £25k classics for sale tomorrow

Time to add to your fleet?

We find it hard to resist classic car auction catalogues, dreaming of what we could buy next if only we had the money, garage space and so on.

But what if you could make those dreams real? We’ve jumped in to the catalogue for Historics Auctioneers’ Mercedes-Benz World sale, taking place at the site in Brooklands, Surrey, this Saturday, 27 November.

For a relatively modest £25,000 there is a huge amount of choice – so much so that we had to share it with you. What’s more, if you’d like to do your bit for charity and you like two wheels as much as four, a Triumph ’bike is for sale, raising money for the British disabled flying charity, Aerobility.

While you ponder that, here are 25 classic cars for sale for £25k or less to tempt you…

1. 1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Coupé (est: £18-22,000)

We start with this Bertone-penned shape that we think looks rather fine in dark metallic blue – it certainly sits well with the cream leather interior, although this will need some TLC to bring it back to best.

This Alfa was the subject of a ground-up restoration in the past and in 2018 had a lot of mechanical work, which included an engine rebuild, an upgrade to triple Weber carburettors, plus a new clutch and radiator.

1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Coupé (cont.)

Today the odometer reads 68,562 miles and we understand it is being sold simply because the owner is now too old to enjoy it as much as he’d like.

That it is going to auction with a stash of receipts, photos and brochures, as well as a diary its current custodian kept of its use surely proves it is coming from a loving home.

2. 1990 Volvo 240GL saloon (no reserve)

This Swedish classic is not the only lot in Historics’ Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands sale being offered with no reserve.

It certainly appears to be in fine fettle – and fewer than 45,000 miles on the clock is nothing for a workhorse like this. That said, this example looks like it might not have lived too hard a life.

1990 Volvo 240GL saloon (cont.)

With smooth power from the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, you could be sitting comfortably in its charcoal velour cabin, with niceties such as electric windows.

The winning bidder will also get Volvo snow mats.

3. 1973 Triumph GT6 Mk3 (no reserve)

And here’s another classic being offered without reserve in Saturday’s sale.

We’re big fans of the GT6’s fastback shape and this car, first registered on 8 February 1973, is one of 13,042 Mk3s produced and is finished in a striking red with, the auction house says, a few blemishes.

1973 Triumph GT6 Mk3 (cont.)

The black interior has new seats and a new Moto Lita steering wheel, and this Triumph has done just over 92,600 miles in its life.

It goes under the hammer with what Historics describes as ‘a sizeable history file’.

4. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (est: £14-18,000)

We’re dropping the roof and upping the cylinder count with this next lot, also being offered for no reserve but in this case with a £14-18,000 guide price.

This R129 Mercedes-Benz SL500 with its 5.0-litre V8 could be everything you need for a slice of easy, classic cruising – and even if the weather isn’t great, it is being sold with a factory hardtop which transforms it into a sleek coupé.

1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (cont.)

Historics explains that this example has benefited from a decent amount of work in the recent past, which should help reassure potential bidders.

In July 2021 it received a new electric hood and its gearbox was rebuilt, the latter having a warranty until July 2023. Other fettling in the past five years includes a power steering box and pump replacement and suspension work. Just mind those not insignificantly sized, ‘unmarked’ alloys on any kerbs you come across.

5. 1960 Jaguar MkIX (est: £18-23,000)

We edge a little closer to our self-imposed £25k price cap with this elegant, two-tone, four-door Jaguar.

This three-owner, black over Sherwood MkIX was first registered on 21 October 1960 and has since covered 85,648 miles.

1960 Jaguar MkIX (cont.)

We’ll confess we are quite taken with this opulent-looking rear cabin, although the auction house concedes that the interior is comfortable but ‘well patinated’.

Still, the car reportedly drives well, it has a manual transmission with an overdrive unit, plus there’s a sunroof for some fresh-air ventilation.

6. 1999 BMW 840Ci Sport (est: £13-16,000)

With this lot it’s not just the price you might need to consider – do you think you can live with this rare paintwork?

Called Violet Blue, this purple hue is no doubt striking and suits the 8 Series shape well, but it won’t be to everyone’s taste. Still, its ‘Individual’ spec and Alpina updates could help make it worth it.

1999 BMW 840Ci Sport (cont.)

This BMW has covered 117,261 miles, but we’re told that inside and out it shows little sign of wear, and it is said to go very well. Its sports exhaust means we bet it sounds rather tasty, too.

It will be sold with its history file which includes its original and up-to-date BMW service book.

7. 1951 Kaiser-Frazer Deluxe Custom Coupe (est: £16-22,000)

We don’t blame you if you’re wondering what this is – but we think you’ll agree it is rather handsome.

The Kaiser-Frazer marque was only around for a decade, but this attractive two-door means it has left a stylish legacy – what’s more, this is thought to be one of only 18 such cars to exist, meaning Saturday’s winning bidder will be entering into an exclusive club.

1951 Kaiser-Frazer Deluxe Custom Coupe (cont.)

If you like turning up at your local car show in something no one else has – and that many will never have heard of – you will also be pleased to learn that this 99,700-mile classic ‘presents beautifully’ and its 3.8-litre V6 ‘drives very well’, according to the auction house.

That Cape Verde Green with a cream and green interior are its original colours, and it will be sold with its original sales literature, a valid MoT certificate and its UK registration document.

8. 1961 MGA (est: £16-22,000)

We’re back in rather more familiar territory with this MGA, a UK-supplied example that it seems you should be able to get within our £25,000 budget.

This late-production example isn‘t in its original colour, although we rather like this understated grey and it certainly goes well with the red interior.

1961 MGA (cont.)

This MG has been restored which Historics says shows in the fine condition when you open the doors and inspect the cabin, and when you open the bonnet to inspect the engine bay.

Out back is the optional luggage holder, so maybe this could be your ticket to classic road trips. Well, its odometer reads 17,999 miles, so there is plenty of life left in it.

9. 1975 NSU Ro80 (est: £13-16,000)

Here is another rarity that caught our eye in the catalogue for Historics’ 27 November sale at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands.

This right-hand drive, rotary-engined classic was registered on 23 January 1975 and today, just over 40,000 miles later, it is being sold by its owner who’s a collector of quirky classics.

1975 NSU Ro80 (cont.)

The interior is described as being ‘in very good condition boasting all its original features’ and this certainly appears to be the case, the trim looking bright and cared for, with no massive signs of wear.

It is said to run and drive well, too, so if you are looking for something distinctively different to add to your classic collection, this might be it.

10. 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (est: £24-29,000)

We’ll concede you might need to stretch that £25k budget to claim this at auction on Saturday, but maybe this 14,117-mile Nissan is worth it?

Well, it was originally registered in the UK to the Sultan of Brunei, which usually means a high spec on a cosseted and little-used car – which seems to be the case here.

1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (cont.)

It was supplied in the UK, shipped to Brunei, then made the return journey in 2006.

Despite such a low mileage, the V6 is said to be in great condition and in February of this year it was serviced by an independent specialist – £1593 was spent which saw the belt and tensioner replaced, and the fitting of a new water pump and hoses, and new front and rear discs and brake pads.

11. 1989 Porsche 928 GT (est: £18-25,000)

Only a year older than the Nissan we’ve just looked at, this Porsche is said to be in ‘very good order’, but it has seen a lot more action than that 300ZX. How much more? It has covered almost 142,000 miles.

That said, Historics claims that this car has always been well maintained, so there is no reason why this 928 can’t give good service – and it looks great in its famous Guards Red paint.

1989 Porsche 928 GT (cont.)

Plus, you get that 5.0-litre engine, a five-speed, dogleg manual gearbox and it is another rarity – according to Historics, just 38 right-hand-drive, manual 928 GTs were supplied to the British market.

The chunky history file it comes with should offer some reassurance for prospective bidders, too.

12. 1970 Bentley T1 (est: £13-17,000)

Now this seems like a lot of car for the money, don’t you think?

It looks black in the photos, but we are told it is finished in dark blue and it is ‘a joy to drive or indeed to be driven in’ – we’d definitely prefer the former in this classy, commanding classic.

1970 Bentley T1 (cont.)

It appears to be well-kept inside, too, as befits a car that has only done a little over 25,000 miles in its 51 years.

This Bentley has recently been serviced, repainted and fitted with fresh carpets – ready for more wafting then, we think!

13. 1984 Mercedes-Benz 230E (est: £7-10,000)

This W123 Mercedes is being offered without reserve by Historics, but with just one owner from new and fewer than 70,000 miles on its odometer, surely this is quite a find.

Its single keeper always garaged it and took it to the main dealer to be serviced right the way up until 2017, thereafter ensuring it received specialist care.

1984 Mercedes-Benz 230E (cont.)

Again, this seems a lot of car for an estimated £7-10,000 – the body is said to be ‘generally in good order’, the interior ‘in very good condition’.

It is said that some detailing work to bring it back to best would not go amiss, but then this is a 37-year-old car.

This three-pointed star will cross the block with a fresh MoT certificate, its owner’s manual and a tool roll.

14. 1994 Renault Alpine A610 Turbo (est: £22-28,000)

This might be another classic that could stretch our self-imposed £25,000 budget, but when did you last see one?

With its sharp styling, 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 engine and demure dark blue paint, this is an appealing prospect – and we’re always ones to fall for pop-up headlights!

1994 Renault Alpine A610 Turbo (cont.)

This particular A610 has done fewer than 65,000 miles and, according to the auction house, it has been ‘exceptionally well cared for’.

It still has its original service books and handbook, and in August 2013 it had some major work to its body, including a full repaint in its factory-correct colour – work which cost more than £12,000! Well, it is thought to be one of only 67 right-hand-drive examples. 

15. 1961 Saab 96 race/rally car (est: £13-16,000)

This eye-popping blue paint certainly catches the eye – the fact that it’s a super-sweet Saab 96 doesn’t hurt, either.

Built in 1960 and registered the following year, it wasn’t until early this century that this classic was transformed into a Group 2 racing car, after which it was campaigned in its native Sweden.

1961 Saab 96 race/rally car (cont.)

It was imported to the UK in 2007 and modified to meet the requirements of the FIA CT1 Competition Touring Car class. Since then, it has been raced here, mostly with the Historic Racing Drivers Club, but it is eligible for a number of series.

Its current custodian has a large collection of racing cars but he’s now decided to downsize his collection, hence offering this Saab for sale. But he’s not scrimped on it – its engine was recently rebuilt which apparently cost £10,000, since when it has been raced just once.

If you fancy giving historic racing a go in 2022, this could be for you.

16. 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.3 S (est: £15-18,000)

Here’s another classic car with plenty of competition pedigree, although this is a roadgoing example.

We love this Series 2’s gold Cromadora wheels, which really set off the understated Grigio Patrizi Metallic paintwork.

1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.3 S (cont.)

This 60,000-mile example was sold new to South Africa but wasn’t there long, being imported to the UK in July 1975.

Fast forward to 2010 and it underwent a specialist restoration, which is when it’s thought it gained those gold wheels, and its current keeper took ownership in 2011, since when it has had more specialist care – indeed, it is said to start ‘on the button’. It sounds like a lot of fun to us.

17. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (est: £14-18,000)

Maybe it’s because this Historics sale is being held at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, but there are a number of great-looking Mercedes in it, such as this. It’s not the first time we’ve said this looks a lot of car for the money.

The 55 AMG engine is a modern-classic masterpiece, giving 5.5 litres of supercharged punch and a fabulous soundtrack, while the R230 shape is ageing elegantly – and, don’t forget, there’s that folding hardtop, which is still a seriously impressive party piece.

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (cont.)

Yes, there are a lot of electronics to go wrong and these can be pricey cars to fix, so there are points to check before bidding. Indeed, this car’s spec includes sat nav, heated, electric, orthopaedic seats and cruise control – oh, and that swish panoramic roof.

It’s done 70,000 miles and was serviced by Mercedes-Benz until 2010, thereafter by specialists.

18. 1938 Fiat 508c New Balilla Spider (est: £19-24,000)

This is rather different! And we have to be upfront and say that, yes, it is a replica, but it is still very sweet.

The original car was built by Jack Tuson for the Tourist Trophy races at Brooklands in the late 1930s, based on a bare chassis.

This car’s story starts rather later, in the early ’70s, when its current owner took two derelict cars, disposed of their rotten bodies, kept the mechanical items and started to build this recreation on the better of the two chassis.

1938 Fiat 508c New Balilla Spider (cont.)

Tuson’s notes proved invaluable in building this replica of his two-seat racer – although its current owner did introduce a few modifications to improve performance.

All this work has been documented, too, and this Fiat is eligible for – and has competed in – Vintage Sports-Car Club races.

19. 1960 Jensen 541R (est: £13-17,000)

If you’re planning on bidding on this Jensen at Historics’ 27 November sale, be sure to factor in the cost of the work required to bring it back to best.

There is no escaping the fact that this is a project, but it could be a very lovely classic car indeed. Perhaps you need something to get stuck in to this winter?

1960 Jensen 541R (cont.)

This 60,000-mile car was stored in a barn for years, but apparently beneath those layers of dust, both its fetching white and red exterior and red interior are not in too poor a state.

Largely original, this right-hand-drive Jensen 541R now needs somebody to rescue it – could that person be you?

20. 1986 Austin Mini Mayfair (no reserve)

Turquoise with a brown interior means this is another eye-catching classic – what’s more, this Mini has covered fewer than 14,000 miles and is being offered with no reserve.

With such a low mileage, you might expect it to be in fine condition, and indeed the auction house says this is the case.

1986 Austin Mini Mayfair (cont.)

Inside and out it is said to present very well, which is certainly reinforced by the photographs.

It comes to auction with an MoT until June 2022, a good-sized history file and bags of character.

21. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 280GE (est: £20-25,000)

Here at Classic & Sports Car, we are big fans of Mercedes’ G-Wagen, so while this car’s pre-sale estimate is at the top end of our £25,000 budget, we couldn‘t resist.

It is a long-wheelbase example with the 2.8-litre petrol engine, and since 1990 it has had four owners.

1990 Mercedes-Benz 280GE (cont.)

We are also big fans of this original tartan trim, which looks to have aged pretty well – armrests for those up front is a nice touch, too.

There’s a three-person bench seat behind plus a ‘jump seat’, meaning this 280GE can carry six.

It has recently been serviced, at which point it received new front brake pads, plus it is heading to auction with an MoT that runs until next June.

22. 1995 BMW M3 Coupé (est: £15-17,000)

With its red paint and cloth ‘Vader’ interior, this E36 is one desirable M3.

That 3.0-litre engine, limited-slip differential, boot spoiler and five-speed manual gearbox hardly hurt, either.

1995 BMW M3 Coupé (cont.)

Going under the hammer with Historics this Saturday, this 74,000-mile example also boats an electric sunroof, mirrors and windows, plus it comes with its original manual and stamped maintenance book.

Not only that – it still has its original toolkit.

23. 1968 Volvo P1800S (est: £21-26,000)

Our third Swedish entry is this recently repainted Volvo P1800S, its fresh dark green body a smart contrast to its new tan upholstery.

This really does look to be a lovely example – indeed Historics describes it as being ‘stunning’ – so it might just be worth stretching your £25k budget a little to snare it.

1968 Volvo P1800S (cont.)

Although it doesn’t require an MoT, this Volvo has a certificate valid until February, one of the many in its big history file alongside receipts and invoices.

And it’s not just the upholstery that is new, the carpets and dashboard of this 69,500-mile car are, too.

24. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor (est: £15-19,000)

Our final Mercedes-Benz is pretty special. Yes, it is a first-generation SLK and not the sought-after 32 AMG model – but this 230 Kompressor has done a mere 4980 miles.

Which means if you’d like an as-new R170 SLK, this could be car for you. According to the auction house, it even retains that new-car feel after 21 years.

2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor (cont.)

This SLK is thought to have never been driven in the rain and always garaged, which goes some way to explaining its condition.

It is also a one-owner car, kept by an aircraft mechanic who did all the work himself.

As Historics says, where will you ever find another like this? If this is your cup of tea, this definitely warrants a closer look.

25. 1953 Triumph TR2 (est: £15-19,000)

Last but by no means least is this delightful-looking Triumph, an early example of the TR2 and one of the first right-hand drive models to roll off the production line.

This ‘long door’ car has the aluminium bonnet and spare wheel cover, and it was with the same owner from 1973 for almost half a century, during which time it was enjoyed on club events.

He is also responsible for its red colour, chosen because his wife didn‘t like its original green, that change made back in 1975.

1953 Triumph TR2 (cont.)

It has its original weather equipment, including side screens, a smart black interior and a hardtop, and it is said to run well.

However, work to the boot floor and some other restoration is required to bring it back to best, so if you like the look of it, take that into account when bidding.

Historics’ 27 November sale at Mercedes-Benz World kicks off at 9:30am and you can check out the full lot list here.