AUCTION REVIEW
Long-abandoned Facel Vega fires up the bidders at packed Buxton sale
H&H CLASSICS, BUXTON. 26 APRIL
Buxton’s fine Pavilion Gardens set the scene on an equally fine offering of classics. From a 1926 McLaughlin Buick through regular classics (MGBs and Triumph Stags) to late models tapping into the modern classics seam, there was a lot to like. Some projects added to the mix too.
One of those project cars, the 1960 Facel Vega HK500, was the star of the sale for many onlookers. The glamorous French grand tourer has always enjoyed a small yet loyal following and H&H’s UK-market car – with the deceased owner for 47 years – was an exemplary find and off for just under 60k. The auctioneer said it had been the subject of strong bidding throughout the sale.
A 1951 Lagonda 2.6 saloon coming from long-term ownership and off the road for 50 years sold for £7650 and a 1964 Volvo P1800S that ran but needed bodywork was off at £14,062.
Traditional British sports cars were popular: a 1974 Triumph TR6 project sold for £4500 while a tidy 1966 TR4A fetched £12,656, a touch ahead of a fine MGB Roadster selling at £12,600. A 1968 MGC Roadster was away for £21,375 while a 1960 Daimler SP250 made £29,250, a 1973 TR6 £26,438 and a 1972 Triumph Stag – 33,300 miles from new – £28,125.
A good selection of pre-war Rolls- Royces saw a 1926 20hp doctor’s coupé at £37,125 and a 1937 25/30 limousine for £22,781. A 1949 Wraith, meanwhile, sold for £24,250.
Two cars from the late Rolls-Royce and Bentley historian Bernard L King – a 1975 Silver Shadow for £23,625 and a 1994 Continental R for £32,625 – also found new homes.
A small number of Land Rovers included a 1956 88 bought for £11,250 and a 1980 88 for £13,500.
❚ 01925 210035 ❚ handh.co.uk
1984 FORD SIERRA XR4i
The XR4i is rarer than an RS Cosworth and offers greater value and two more cylinders. H&H’s 1984 model, showing 37,000 miles, enjoyed some re-commissioning five years ago that included a replacement steering rack and rear exhaust. The service book had nine stamps up to September 2017 and a good run of MoTs. Said to have very good bodywork, engine and gearbox, as well as good paint and interior. Very well bought.
SOLD
£12,375
1960 FACEL VEGA HK500
Lovers of same-era Astons and Ferraris often knock the HK500 for its bought-in engine but the US mechanicals provided the performance required by the 500’s looks. The motor was simple and strong too, meaning the new owner of this one could get stuck in with relative ease. The car’s ownership trail could be traced back to the first. The car was thought to be complete, a desirable state of affairs for anyone taking on such a project.
SOLD
£59,625
1966 TRIUMPH TR4A
Not conforming to the usual red paint
