H&H Classics is set to close the curtain on its 2024 Cambridgeshire auction calendar with a highly anticipated sale on Wednesday, October 9th, at the iconic Imperial War Museum in Duxford. The event promises an eclectic collection of 160 classic, collectible, and performance cars, representing a century of motoring history. With an estimated combined value surpassing £6.5 million, the auction will bring together enthusiasts, collectors, and investors from across the globe.
James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, expressed his excitement for the event, noting, “It’s great to mark our final Duxford sale of the year with such an impressive collection of vehicles for sale. We always have fantastic and well-attended auctions in Cambridgeshire, and with such an extensive and diverse offering, I expect October’s sale to be no different.”
A Showcase of British Excellence
The auction will offer an extraordinary array of highly collectible British marques, a testament to the enduring legacy of the nation’s automotive heritage. Among the 160 vehicles, a staggering twenty Jaguars, sixteen Bentleys, seven Rolls-Royces, six Austin Healeys, six MGs, four Aston Martins, and three Lagondas are set to dazzle prospective bidders. Additionally, a pair of Lotus models and a solitary Morgan further enrich the collection.
A highlight of the British contingent is the 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Drophead Coupé Adaption, the most valuable car at the auction, expected to fetch between £300,000 and £400,000. This rare Bentley exemplifies the marque’s tradition of combining elegance with performance and is anticipated to be a crowd favourite.
Fast-forwarding to 1980, another standout is the pre-production Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo, estimated at £70,000-£80,000. This historic vehicle played a pioneering role in the development of active suspension for Formula One, marking a milestone in the world of automotive engineering. Thought to be one of the first cars globally with this groundbreaking technology, it represents a significant piece of Lotus’s illustrious racing history.
James Bond Legends and Celebrity Connections
A touch of cinematic glamour will also grace the auction, with several models closely tied to the James Bond franchise. Notably, a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 is estimated between £250,000 and £300,000, while its sibling, a 1966 DB6 Vantage, carries an estimate of £140,000 to £160,000. For collectors seeking something even rarer, a 1968 Aston Martin DBS ‘V8’ Prototype, expected to fetch £120,000-£150,000, offers a unique glimpse into the development of one of Aston Martin’s most iconic models.
Adding further intrigue is the 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish, famously used by Pierce Brosnan and EON Productions to promote Die Another Day and celebrated as the first car to drive down the M6 Toll road upon its opening. With an estimated price of £50,000-£70,000, this model offers bidders the chance to own a piece of Bond history.
Another vehicle with celebrity connections is a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2, once owned by pop legend Madonna for her son, Rocco. Offered without reserve, this Jaguar is likely to attract considerable attention, adding a pop-culture twist to the auction’s diverse offerings.
A Celebration of Rarity
For those in search of the rarest finds, the auction will present a 1970 Ford Escort Mexico, the oldest known surviving model from Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), with an estimate of £60,000-£70,000. Another rare gem is the 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Weymann Coach, which could fetch between £300,000 and £350,000. This car exemplifies the craftsmanship of pre-war luxury motoring and is sure to captivate collectors of rare and historical vehicles.
Among the sports cars on offer, a beautifully maintained 1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 litre ‘Semi-Lightweight’ Coupe, with an estimate of £120,000 to £160,000, promises to be one of the standout lots. The auction will also feature a 1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 327/80 Cabriolet, one of only 19 examples ever built, with an estimated value between £130,000 and £150,000.
Finally, the 1955 Austin Healey 100M BN1 ‘Le Mans’, estimated between £60,000 and £80,000, offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most storied British sports cars of its era. As a rare Le Mans edition, this car is expected to attract significant interest from enthusiasts looking for a piece of motorsport history.
Bidding Information and Auction Details
The viewing of all lots will be available at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, from midday on Tuesday, October 8th, and from 9 am on the day of the auction, Wednesday, October 9th. The auction itself will begin at 1 pm, offering potential buyers multiple ways to bid—either in person, online, by telephone, or through commission bids.
A Legacy of Automotive Excellence
Founded in 1993, H&H Classics holds the distinction of being the UK and Europe’s longest continually operating specialist automotive auction house. With over three decades of experience and a legacy of world record-breaking sales, H&H Classics has earned a reputation for delivering unparalleled service to both buyers and sellers.
Over the years, H&H has achieved remarkable auction results, including world record prices for classic motorcycles, competition cars, and royal vehicles, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Philip’s Lagonda, and Princess Anne’s Bentley.
As the curtains close on the 2024 Cambridgeshire auction season, this final event promises to be a fitting tribute to the world of classic motoring—a celebration of rarity, craftsmanship, and automotive history.
