H&H Press Releases

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Singer Nine Team Car (The ‘Meistersinger’) Fetches Way Over Estimate At Latest H&H Auction

A new chapter in the rich and fascinating history of the 1935 Singer Nine TT Team Car registration AVC 484 began last Wednesday (July 21), when it sold for Ł132,000 at the H&H sale in Buxton – a figure way above the estimated price. A veteran of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Ards and Donington TTs and many other pre war classic events, it was restored to its former glory in time to participate in the Ards 75th Anniversary celebrations of 2003 and remains in splendid order throughout. Christened the ‘Meistersinger’ by former owner, doyen of motoring journalists and successful race driver, the late Gordon Wilkins, it will hopefully be seen at the some of the host of prestigious events for which it is these days eligible.

Among a number of other 1930s motorcars on offer were a 1934 SS 1 Sports Saloon. One of only 45 thought to still exist and a stunning looking machine by any standards, it was knocked down for Ł110,000. Equally elegant was the 1936 AC 16/70hp March Special Sports Tourer with four-seat body designed by the successful coachwork business of Freddie March, the grandfather of the current Earl of March. This was knocked down for Ł77,550. The nicely presented blue/black 1934 Lagonda 3-litre Tourer fetched Ł72,600.

H&H’s ongoing success with AC Aces has not gone unnoticed and most of the recent sales have featured an example of John Tojeiro’s pretty two-seater sports car. This auction’s offering in fact started life in 1960 as an Aceca Bristol and was converted to Ace specification during the 1980s. Combining the advantages of the Aceca’s heavier-duty chassis and the open air motoring of the Ace, it made Ł89,100. A 1957 Aceca Bristol also came under the hammer in this sale. An entrant on the 1958 RAC Rally, its original Bristol engine had at some time been replaced with a 2.6-litre MKII Ford Zephyr unit. It fetched Ł51,200.

Other car results of particular note include: the Ł77,000 returned on the low mileage Rosso Chiaro 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT; the Ł45,100 achieved for 1947 Lagonda Prototype ‘LBS EX1’; the Ł48,400 managed for a silver 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster and the Ł33,000 paid for the well presented brown 1974 G-Series Porsche 911 Carrera.

Motorcycles, automobilia and watches
The star performer from the motorcycle section was one of only two 500cc Stevens models believed to remain in the world. A 1937 example, it was presented in fine order and found a new home for Ł12,980. A replica 1949 Triumph Grand Prix made Ł11,000, while the 1925, British-built Ner-a-Car and 1950 Vincent Comet Series C awaiting restoration both made Ł8,580.

The most outstanding result from the typically attractive array of automobilia assembled by the H&H team fell to one of the rarest and most desirable of all motoring themed enamel signs – that shaped in the form of a Gargoyle Mobiloil A can. It was knocked down for way over estimate at Ł2,875. An original Moser watercolour depicting a Bugatti at Shelsley Walsh made Ł1,725, while a very rare 1940s BP enamel thermometer fetched Ł1,150.

The first of H&H’s watch sales saw a TAG Heuer Monaco wristwatch achieve Ł6,000 and a Bulova gentleman’s time piece, reputedly the property of Tazio Nuvolari, return above estimate at Ł4,600.

The next H&H sale will be held at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on October 1. For further details of all H&H sales log onto www.handh.co.uk

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The Sun Shines on Aston Martin DB4 Convertible at Highly Successful H&H Buxton Sale

The gorgeous, matching numbers, Fiesta Red 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible entered for this week’s (June 9) H&H sale at Buxton, way surpassed even its top estimate to return a whisker under Ł300,000. One of just seventy made, the suave four-seater soft-top was originally the property of Sefton Myers, the property developer and theatrical agent who fostered the careers of Sir Tim Rice and Baron Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Restored some thirty years ago, it was one of five splendid cars from the Midlands-based MJF Collection, all of which were hotly contested.

Bearing in mind H&H’s recent run of success with AC Aces, it was perhaps no great surprise to see the wonderfully patinated, 100D2-engined, metallic red, 1959 Ace Bristol fetch Ł170,500. Pleasingly sharp, MJF’s 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS had covered a mere 12,800 miles and had little trouble finding a new home for Ł37,400. The red 1977 Triumph Stag had been part of the collection from new and, though it had covered 120,500 miles (proof that well sorted examples can be reliable!), it was nicely presented and made Ł8,580. The last member of the MJF quintet was a bronze 1980 MG B LE Roadster. With just 2,500 miles to its name, it sold for Ł7,700.

Other notable car results
Another delightful lot was the 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III – the model driven by Bond in the novel, Goldfinger. A former entry in the Louis Vuitton Concours, the dark green example offered was knocked down for Ł93,500. The seductive dark blue 1959 Jaguar XK150 S 3.4-litre Roadster was on the money at Ł56,100, while the stunning metallic blue 1962 E-Type that had been converted from fixed-head coupe to roadster guise and subsequently featured in a variety of magazines returned Ł43,450. The prize for the biggest surprise of the sale must surely go to the Sky Blue 1966 Lotus Elan S2 Convertible that had lain untouched in a garage for the last 10 years. A non-running project in need of restoration, it carried an estimate of Ł1,000-2,000 yet finally sold for Ł16,060.

The motorcycles and automobilia also fared well
The undoubted star of the motorcycle lots was the 1951 Vincent Black Shadow which, though not perfect, was a fine example of this highly sought-after British classic and fetched Ł46,750. The delightful maroon 1921 Indian Powerplus Combination made Ł18,700, while the rare 1939 Excelsior Manxman realised way over estimate at Ł17,600.

H&H had once again assembled a fine selection of automobilia, the vast majority of which sold, in many cases for excellent prices: a sensational example of the rare, double-sided Aeroshell enamel sign made Ł2,350 and a most attractive pre-war Wakefield Castrol enamel sign/thermometer returned Ł1,495, as did an impressive Hispano-Suiza Flying Stork mascot.

The June 9 sale was also notable for the return of an online bidding facility (i-bidder) which added a welcome extra dimension to proceedings not to mention a flurry of bids and purchases from some far flung time zones.

Further details on this and other H&H sales can be found at www.handh.co.uk. The company’s next auction of collectors’ cars, motorcycles, bicycles and automobilia will take place at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on July 21.

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Audi Driving Experience Day with the A8

Every now and again a real perk comes along and Simon was very honoured to be invited to be flown by Audi www.audi.co.uk to Berlin, on a chartered plane, to test drive the new A8 - both around town in Berlin and out of the City on the old Russian airfield covering some 3,500 hectares where a new race track had just been finished.

We, about 70 of us, left Manchester on Monday lunch time flying straight into Berlin where we were chauffer driven in the new A8, 4.2 diesels or petrol’s, to the Hyatt in the centre of Berlin. No expense spared there then.

We went to an Audi exclusive restaurant and had a sumptuous dinner in the evening where there was a new A8 on show and we were guided round by the director of this driving experience and the Marketing Director of the UK and their team.

Split in to two groups, and then into pairs, we got up early the following morning to be given ‘our car’ for the day and we chose a 4.2 diesel. I teamed up with an old golfing friend, Paul McAlees, and we drove 90 kilometres out to the ex-Russian base where you can see from the photographs the old bunkers, which are still very much use today, and the old staff buildings which have not been used since the Russians pulled out after the wall was built.

The whole Audi experience was to say the least extraordinarily impressive.

At the test centre we were allowed to drive the new A8 in both 4.2 litre diesel and 4.2 litre petrol formats to show the handling characteristics of the car. We were to drive at speed through a series of cones and driving tests and then to compare them with the opposition. If you look at the photographs you can see the odd Mercedes ’S’ Class and new BMW 7 series thrown in which really were interesting by comparison. Having been a Mercedes man all my life until I bought the Audi I have to say the ‘S’ Class was very good but the least said about the BMW the better.

After lunch we took the new 3 litre onto the track and I have to say it was a revelation. Not only did we think that it was more than quick enough compared to the 4.2 it also handled better due partly to the lower engine weight. We decided that the 4.2 was no longer worth the extra Ł5000 or so. That would be my choice.

We then drove back to Berlin, taking in the opportunity to go to see the Brandenburg gate (also pictured) before being flown back to Manchester, where we arrived back about half past seven on the following evening.

I have to compliment and commend Audi on all aspects of the trip and the detail they put into the event. If it was a case of showing the car it worked tremendously well, if it was a case of brand building it was exceptional. I think everybody on the trip would recommend a look at the A8 or indeed any other Audi.

It’s probably not the car you thought it was and maybe the brand isn’t either.

When the main man stood up at the dinner and stated that ‘this A8 is the best Audi can do’ he made a very powerful statement and one that I believe they can live up to.
From my world you have to put that statement in the context of where they have come from – their immense heritage. www.auditradition.com.

One thing you need to remember.
Audi commitment to excellence is shown by the following numbers – mostly guessed.

Number of guests from England – 480 (not a large market e.g. 1000 cars a year)
Number of guests therefore Europe – say 5000??? They had been in Berlin non-stop for 7 weeks!
Worldwide – 20,000???

At a cost of say 2000 euros a time?

That’s some driving campaign.

Add into that – there must have been 100 + A8 on show that day. Press cars, directors cars, test cars etc etc. What 1000 pre-production A8??
Well here’s the rub.
At the end of that week when they launched the car worldwide – they crushed them all. Yes that’s right – they crushed them as they had not rolled off the proper production line.

Quite a revelation.

Simon Hope

Ferrari Fever Strikes H&H Buxton Sale

Supercharged Lagonda fetches new world record price

Four desirable prancing horses came under the hammer at last week’s (April 21) H&H Buxton sale of collectors’ motorcars and automobilia, all of which sold for excellent prices.

Of particular note was the stunning 1970 365 GTB/4 Daytona that had covered just 65,860 miles from new. Effectively a two-owner car that was originally the property of Ferrari aficionado Colonel Bob Roberts, it was beautifully presented, came with a fascinating history file and made Ł176,000. The equally immaculate, Nero black 1978 512 Berlinetta Boxer emanated from the same stable and had driven a mere 49,100 miles in its life to date. It returned Ł82,500. The smart LHD 1996 F355 GTS found a new home for Ł31,900, while the striking 1988 328 GTS was on the money at Ł26,950.

Lagondas have long since been a speciality of H&H who have achieved a number of enviable price records with examples of the marque. There were therefore high hopes for the magnificent 1930 2-litre Supercharged Tourer on offer – it did not disappoint. The star of Lagonda’s stand at the 1930 Olympia Motor Show and the veteran of two Monte Carlo rallies, two Lands End trials and a number of other major events in the hands of its original owner T.C. Mann, this superb English thoroughbred greatly exceeded expectations to return a new world record price of Ł148,500. At the other end of the scale, the 1980 Aston Martin Lagonda in need of restoration also surpassed its estimate to make Ł5,500.

Other notably strong performers in this eclectic sale included: a very tidy 1957 Bentley S1 (Ł37,400); a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that had covered just 28,000 miles from new (Ł20,900) and a pair of Austin Sevens – a pretty 1927/31 Ulster style two-seater sports (Ł10,450) and 1930 ‘Chummy’ (Ł9,900).

The eagle flies
The highest returning item of automobilia was a superb eagle’s head glass mascot by Lalique. In magnificent, original condition it returned more than double its estimated value at Ł2,530. A striking bronze study of the Spirit of Ecstasy made Ł2,070, a fully-restored Bowser hand-operated petrol pump returned Ł1,380 and a unique prancing horse desk piece fetched Ł1,265.

Further details of this and other H&H sales can be found at www.handh.co.uk.

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Motor Journal - Feb 2010 Issue

Další Talbot na prodej

Ve čtvrtek 29. října uspořádala aukční síň H&H aukci v Haynes International Motor Museum, které se nachází ve Sparkfordu asi dvě hodiny jízdy z Londýna směrem na Exeter. Aukci navštívilo výrazně více zákazníků než vloni při prvním konání v tomto muzeu a mnozí se aukce účastnili po telefonu.

Mezi sběratelskými předměty byla na prodej zajímavá sada 214 fotografií z předválečných závodů. Cena se vyšplhala až na 8775 liber. Z nabízených motocyklů byl nejžádanějším vojenský sidecar Zündapp KS750 z roku 1943. Scházely mu některé součástky pohonu zadního kola a celkově vyžadoval renovaci. Zákazník z východní Evropy za něj nakonec zaplatil 8800 liber. Očekávanou cenu rovněž překonal Ariel Square Four z roku 1954 prodaný za 7260 liber. Více méně stále ceny si udržují motocykly Scott. V nabídce byl Scott z roku 1930 s motorem o obsahu 596 cc ve slušném stavu prodaný za 3850 liber a Scott Flyer z roku 1950 za 4730 liber. Značka Scott obnovila výrobu v roce 1946 se stroji vybavenými přední vahadlovou vidlicí Webb, kterou však záhy nahradily teleskopy Dowty. Dalším zlepšením bylo nové cívkové zapalování od roku 1949 a takový motocykl se prodával i v roce následujícím, kdy byla továrna v Saltaire uzavřena.

Aukční síň H&H se pomalu stává jakýmsi specialistou na prodej závodních vozů Talbot (viz MJ1/2009) Hvězdou aukce v muzeu Haynes se stal Talbot 90 z roku 1930 upravený firmou Fox&Nicholl a známý podle své registrační značky jako PL4. Evropský sběratel si vůz koupil za 134 750 liber. Na počátku roku 1930 přesvědčil Arthur Fox s pomocí vlivného přítele Warwicka Wrighta vedení firmy Clement Talbot Ltd., aby postavili a poskytovali servis třem otevřeným vozům postaveným na základě nového modelu 75. Fox naopak slíbil poskytnout tým jezdců, platit startovné na závodech a převzít zodpovědnost za nutné testování. Dřevěná karoserie potažená látkou byla vyrobena u Hoyal Body Works ve Weybridge. Všechny tři v barvě slonové kosti s černými blatníky a vysoký předek doplňovala dlouhá splývavá záď, která ukrývala nádrž a náhradní kolo.Trojice továrních Talbotů 90 pak hrála prim ve třídě tří litrových vozů na 24 hodinách LeMans, Irské Grand Prix, Tourist Trophy a na Brooklands '500' (závodu na 500 mil) přestože je poháněl motor s obsahem pouhých 2276cc. Po veleúspěšné sezóně si vůz s registrační značkou PL4 v květnu 1931 vypůjčil redaktor časopisu Autocar H. S. Linfield na závod London - Edinburgh Trial, aby si přivezl zlatou medaili. Další rok si tento Talbot pořídila Patricia McOstrich, majitelka firmy Speedy Transport and Garages Ltd.. Často usedla za volant a z nejrůznějších závodů si přivážela ceny za přední umístění. Až do 31. července 1934, kdy se v čaasopisu MotorSport objevil inzerát, že PL 4 – jeden z nejslavnějších továrních Talbotů 90 – je na prodej za 255 liber. Od té doby vůz prošel rukama mnoha majitelů. Na začátku sedmdesátých let však z továrního Talbotu zbyla jen hrstka původních dílů v majetku Anthony Blighta ze kterých Arthur Archer postavil nový vůz přesně podle původního vozu týmu Fox&Nicholl. V roce 2001 tento automobil získal doklady historického vozidla FIA a jeho tehdejší majitel se s ním účastnil mnoha závodů a výstav. Podobnou částku – 124 300 liber – zaplatil nový majitel za AC Ace z roku 1957.

Poměrně drahé byly některé Jaguary. Bílý vůz, model MkII s 3,8 l motorem z roku 1960 se prodal za 20350 liber, bílý XK 120 z roku 1954 v provedení coupé stál 30800 liber, obzvlášť hezké coupé XK 120 ze stejného roku se prodalo za 58300 liber a černý roadster XK 140 z roku 1955 stál 39600 liber.

George W. Hands vyráběl na počátku dvacátých let v Birminghamu automobily pod vlastním jménem. Vozů značky Hands bylo vyrobeno snad 150 a často se nevídají. Model 10/20 hp z roku 1922 si proto přišlo prohlédnout značné množství diváků. Poháněl ho čtyřválcový SV motor Dorman o obsahu 1100cc. Přestože se o vozech značky Hands vyjádřil velmi pochvalně časopis Autocar byly příliš drahé na to aby mohly uspět a pan Hands s jejich výrobou přestal v roce 1924. Nabízený vůz se prodal za 11000 liber.

Lancia Fulvia Zagato Sport 1,3 z roku 1968 měla najeto pouze necelých deset tisíc mil. Model Fulvia navrhl Antonio Fessia jako náhradu za Lancia Appia. Poprvé byla vystavena na veletrhuv Ženevě roku 1963. Vidlicový čtyřválec o obsahu 1298cc nabízel výkon 65 kW a tím rychlost 175km/hod. Stylový vůz z roku 1968 v bezvadném stavu se prodal za 9350 liber. Na stejném autosalonu měl v roce 1963 premiéru také Mercedes 230 SL. Následník úspěšných modelů SL padesátých let byl vybaven řadovým šestiválcem o obsahu 2306 cc a výkonu 112 kW. S tímto vozem se tedy dalo jet i 200 km/hod. V aukci se za 20500 liber prodal vůz vyrobený roku 1964 ve velmi dobrém stavu s doloženými účty za opravy,

Za 5720 liber se museum Haynes zbavilo Tatry 603 z roku 1966, která byla mnoho let součástí jeho sbírek. Předchozí osudy vozu však nebyly známé. Přítomným zájemcům ji aukční síň popsala jako Československý Jaguar Mk2. Tatra byla podle všeho v dobrém technickém stavu, jen karoserie vyžadovala několik drobných kosmetických zásahů.

V době konání aukce stála britská libra 29,50 Kč.

Jiří Mewald