Thinking of snapping up a classic perfect to enjoy in 2024? David Simister casts his eyes over the hottest deals heading to auction
Don’t worry – it’s okay if you still haven’t come up with any New Year’s resolutions because ‘buying a classic’ should be at the top of your list.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or have been buying and selling for years it’s a great time to snap up a piece of our automotive heritage, because the number of cars coming onto the markets has been increasing over the past few years and the average selling price has slowly been coming down. In fact, a Classic Car Weekly analysis of more than 2200 classics changing hands at 12 of the nation’s biggest auctioneers revealed that the average price paid for classics was £24,678, compared to £34,067 for the same set of sales a year earlier.
So there are plenty of great deals out there, and to whet your appetite we’ve looked at 20 great buys going under the hammer over the next few weeks. Our round-up includes everything from pre-war designs to Nineties hot hatches but they’re all ready for a summer of shows – or need minimal fettling to get them there – and attainable for less than £10k, the territory where most of the UK’s classic deals are done.
So happy hunting – and whatever you do don’t forget to check out our auction calendar (page 29) if you’re thinking of placing a cheeky bid…
SUBSCRIBE TO CCW FOR AS LITTLE AS £7.99 A MONTH SEE PAGE 8
1988 FORD FIESTA XR2
MANOR PARK CLASSICS, RUNCORN. 17 FEBRUARY £5000-6000
Proof that fast Fords needn’t cost a fortune. This XR2’s been treated to an engine-out re-spray and upgrades including a Kent cam, a CNC cylinder head by Ric Wood and Piranha disc brakes, so you should be able to keep its rolling road-verified 120bhp in check. There are few blemishes around the driver’s door and some minor wear to the driver’s seat bolster but otherwise it looks like it’s been doted upon, and there’s paperwork stretching back to 2006.
1980 TRIUMPH TR7 V8
MANOR PARK CLASSICS, RUNCORN. 17 FEBRUARY £8000-9000
This TR should go as well as it looks thanks to its Stage 2 Rover V8 conversion courtesy of S&S Preparation – but just as importantly, it’s been looked after, too. The paperwork on this example goes back more than 30 years, including details of when it was recommissioned in 2021. It’s worth noting that it’s had a speedometer change – which is all documented in the history – but it’s this car’s condition that makes it stand out.
1951 FIAT 500C TOPOLINO
SOUTH WESTERN VEHICLE AUCTIONS, POOLE. 1FEBRUARY £7000-8000
Utterly charming and temptingly estimated. This Topolino was originally a home-market example – so it’s LHD, but don’t let that put you off – and was brought over to the UK in 2019. It’s
