H&H Classic Cars Auction at Haynes International Motor Museum

H&H made a welcome return to the Haynes International Motor Museum, Somerset – achieving an excellent sale rate of 82% for the cars and 90% for the motorcycles.

Despite the current economic climate, the auction was notably better attended than last year’s inaugural one at this venue which took place during the height of the banking crisis. Several buyers from the company’s regular Buxton events had travelled south for the occasion and the assembled throng was bolstered by both local enthusiasts and a notable European contingent. Telephone and commission bids were also very strong throughout the sale from all over the world.

Classic Cars
The star four-wheeler proved to be the 1930 Talbot 90 Fox & Nicholl Team car – the third such competition Talbot H&H has sold in the last few years. Affectionately known by its team number plate of PL 4, the car boasted a rich history including appearances at the Brooklands Double Twelve, Le Mans, Irish Grand Prix, Ards Tourist Trophy and other major races during 1930. Though far from original ‘PL 4’ is well known in marque circles and exceeded its top estimate by selling to a European collector for £134,750.

To paraphrase the old saying about London buses, ‘you don’t see an AC Ace for ages then four come along (almost) at once’! Indeed, H&H has now sold examples of this iconic British sports car at each of its last four sales. The hammer fell on the silver 1957 Bristol-engined car in this one for £124,300.

As much as anything, this buoyant auction will be remembered for its Jaguar results. The very tidy Old English White, 1960 3.8-litre MkII saloon achieved above top estimate at £20,350; the similarly coloured, 1954 XK120 Drophead Coupe realised £30,800; the black, 1955 XK140 Roadster made £39,600, and the especially pretty green, 1954 XK120 Drophead Coupe found a new home for £58,300.

Local Interest
Supplied new by the College Green Motor Company of Bristol, the 1922 Hands 10/20 Tourer had spent almost all its life in the South West. One of just 150 cars thought to have been made by George W. Hands’ Birmingham-based enterprise, it had been with the vendor since 1960. Extremely well viewed (among those poring over it was a previous keeper!), the 10/20 was sold to a gentleman with a singularly appropriate surname for an estimate topping £11,000.