A 1982 Lamborghini Countach sells at a record £337,120 in a blistering sale day at Historics largest auction to date
Historics at Brooklands amassed its familiar eclectic mix of classic motor cars – 149 in total – plus a separate sale of 100 classic motorcycles, at its largest-ever sale at Brooklands Museum on Saturday, June 7th.
As the weather cleared to blue skies above, the sun shone on a bright and breezy day for the full-to-bursting auction hall. By the close, motor cars in excess of £2 million had changed owners, with a 67% sale ratio and a significant UK record sale price scored for one consignment…
The 1982 Lamborghini Countach was clearly the sale star, soaring to nearly three times its reserve price and settling at what is believed to be a UK auction record for this model, at £337,120 including commission and tax. The Historics hall was treated to a gargantuan struggle between bidders for ownership of the 8,500 mile car, which rested in professional storage for the last 23 years.
It breached its £120,000-£160,000 pre-sale estimate with ease, rapidly moved on to £200,000, a staccato exchange of bids then pushing it through the £250,000 landmark and on to its ultimate record sale price to a round of applause and the acknowledgment of the private buyer in the hall.
Historics Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, commented: “Interest in the Lamborghini Countach has long been eclipsed by other marque sports cars but this emphatic result demonstrates that it’s now very much on the collectors’ radar. It’s also great that the car’s creator, Marcello Gandini is now receiving the recognition he so richly deserves for such a landmark in automotive design.”
The Countach was amongst a broad mix of strong sellers, including a unique, no reserve 1969 Wood & Pickett Margrave Mini Cooper S, with a pop star provenance, that sailed to an altogether ‘maxi ‘ sale price of £40,320.
A statuesque 1933 Lagonda Three Litre T7 Open Tourer carried the pre-war flag exceptionally well, the appearance of its engine bay every bit as impressive as its flowing lines, robust bidding taking it to a sporty £105,000.
A jet black 1961 Porsche 356B Convertible was also a strong seller, changing hands at top estimate for £140,560, and ditto a 1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 – complete with AH1004 number plate – which crested its top estimated price, selling for £49,840.
Arguably the bargain of the sale was a supremely-elegant and immaculate 2002 Bentley Arnage LWB by Mulliner. Powered by the twin turbocharged BMW V8, its performance was matched only by its exquisite coachwork and interior. The deal was finally clinched at £29,700.
In contrast to the statesmanlike pose of the Arnage, a 1960 bright red Alfa Romeo Giulietta looked very much the part for breezy weekend fun. In contrast to its less than flamboyant number plate – 907 YUK – brisk bidding propelled its sale price to an above estimate £52,800.
The 1996 Ford GT40 Recreation by Tornado – the longest-running manufacturer of the GT40 replica – resplendent in dark blue livery, may have been dwarfed by virtually every other consignment at Historics, but delivered high value for money motoring for its new owner, changing hands for £35,000.
Affordable classics featured equally strongly in Historics’ portfolio. A very collectable 1983 VW Golf GTi Mk.I Campaign changed hands well above estimate for just under £8,000, whilst a 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo whistled above its £7,000 top estimate to settle at £8,400 including commissions. Meanwhile a 1992 Vauxhall Carlton by Lotus (Est £6,000-£9,000) with 377bhp on tap – and a heady original purchase price of £49,750 – provided great value to its new owner at £11,200 and a no reserve Ford Granada Scorpio by Cosworth stretched its legs to close at £4,256.
On the two-wheel front, Historics followed up its inaugural classic motorcycle auction of last year with another major sale of over 100 very saleable classics, alongside the motor car auction on June 7th. Included in the varied consignments were 39 machines from one fastidious collector who had amassed them over the years and presented them all in superb condition. All but seven found new owners, helping to bolster still further Historics’ strong sale result from the day.
Historics’ next auction at Brooklands is on Saturday, August 30th, for which consignments are invited. For full results from the sale on June 7 and for further information, visit www.historics.co.uk.
About Historics at Brooklands
The independent auction house, Historics at Brooklands was established in March 2010, by private investors, to provide a highly-knowledgeable and professional resource for the sale and purchase of fine quality classic and collector cars and motorcycles.
All staff are highly experienced within the classic sector, and are themselves classic car owners and enthusiasts.
With a permanent home at the evocative venue, Brooklands Museum, but independent in ownership, Historics has hosted 17 auctions to date, including a rare ‘white glove’ sale of a 56-strong collection of American classics from the film ‘Captain America – The First Avenger’. Benz World.
In October 2012 Historics opened a second regional office near Devizes, to better service customers located in the south west of England and Wales.
www.honestjohn.co.uk awarded Historics a HAT (Highly Approved Trader) Award in November 2012, and repeated the accolade in 2013. The annual HAT Awards recognise best practice within the UK motor trade, and promote fairness to consumers. Historics is the first classic car auctioneer to receive this award, and unique in being awarded it twice in consecutive years.