Austin-Healey tops sale as bargains abound in Dorset

| 28 Jun 2013

A 1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 sold for £29,700 to top Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions’ sale on 20 June.

The Healey came from a deceased estate and had a comprehensive history file dating back to 1984.

A smart-looking 1971 Volvo 1800ES looked like a fine everyday classic for £7700.

The Volvo only had five previous owners, the most recent of which treated it to a respray and fitted new engine mounts, shock absorbers and an alternator.

The radiator was recored, the fuel system checked, the brakes overhauled and the car came with a fresh MoT.

A 1982 Austin Morris Mini 95L pick-up was a genuine ‘work ready’ classic.

It was snapped up for £6710, despite coming with bills for more than £6000.

The receipts covered a restoration in which most of the body panels were replaced, followed by a respray and a comprehensive mechanical fettling.

A 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 24V offered more glamour for less money, selling for £4400.

This example had covered just 50,000 miles, was said to be in exceptional condition and was the auctioneer’s pick of the cars on sale.

A 1985 Lancia Gamma that had been stored in a heated garage since 1999 offered an Italian alternative for just £2420.

Now recomissioned, the car had electrical faults – broken central locking and a temperamental electric window – but came MoT’d until March 2014 and had a documented history dating back to 1992.

Even cheaper, though, was a Jaguar XJ-S that was snapped up for just £2200.

It had an MoT until February next year and had recently been subject to a major service, which included replacing the front brake discs and pads, suspension bushes and Lambda sensor.

For its next sale, DVCA moves to a new location, Athelhampton House near Dorchester, on 19 September.