Classics stand test of time
Last month's Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions' summer sale is a useful price indicator for Hong Kong car collectors seeking acquisitions in Europe over the next few months.
Among 44 classics and 200 lots of automobilia for sale at the Gartell Light Railway in Yenston, England, was a professionally restored 1959 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III with a Jaguar 3.8-litre engine, which was sold to a Scottish collector for GBP41,800 (HK$522,319).
A 'beautifully restored' MG B Roadster went for GBP8,360 while an 'immaculate' 1957 Ford Zodiac made GBP7,700, the auctioneers say, adding that a 1983 Land Rover Series lll 109 with a hard top was sold to an American for GBP3,080.
'Restoration projects continue to be popular,' the auctioneers say, citing the sale of a part-restored 1932 Austin Seven Saloon, which was bought by a Dublin collector for GBP4,510, and a late-1950s Lagonda Tickford Sports Saloon, which went for GBP3,300, without either an engine or gearbox.
One buyer spent GBP12,100 on a second world war Willys Jeep, while a 1923 Vauxhall 14/40 Princeton four-seat tourer was bought for GBP28,875.
A 1932 Riley Nine Plus Ultra Monaco Saloon fetched GBP7,700, while a 1929 La Licorne HO2 Saloon made GBP6,500 and a 1930 Morris Cowley Flatnose Folding Head Saloon sold for GBP8,360.
Among the motorcycle lots, a 1953 Triumph Trophy ISDT replica fetched GBP5,665 and a 1959 Ariel Leader was bought for GBP3,300.
