Under the Hammer
Rob Hubbard's Top Picks from the MPH December Sale
Ahead of the MPH December Sale, Head of Department at Bonhams MPH, Rob Hubbard, tells us about his top picks coming under the hammer on 11 December 2020.
Bonhams launched its successful MPH division for modern, popular and historic collectors’ cars in 2019, which now hosts four sales a year – including its trademark ‘drive-through’ auctions at Bicester Heritage, the home of historic motoring. Rob Hubbard is looking forward to the finale of the year, the December Sale which offers more than 125 vehicles, representing a century of motoring. Here he has managed to whittle the catalogue down to his top five.
Lot 338
1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-litre Coupé
Lot 338, 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-litre Coupé, Estimate: £45,000-55,000
Lot 338, 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-litre Coupé, Estimate: £45,000-55,000
Arguably the most easily recognised of all classic cars, the E-Type holds a special place in many collectors’ hearts. This example for me has the best specification; it’s a Series One with enclosed head lights, the bigger 4.2-litre engine and coupé body. Its sleek lines are achingly beautiful, it’s powered by the legendary XK straight six engine, and has more comfortable seats - it’s the perfect mix for relaxed grand touring, or take it by the scruff and you smile from ear to ear as you drift through the bends with the unmistakable XK growl.
Lot 359
1992 Land Rover 4x4 ‘Camel Trophy’
Lot 359, 1992 Land Rover 4x4 ‘Camel Trophy', Estimate: £16,000-22,000
Lot 359, 1992 Land Rover 4x4 ‘Camel Trophy', Estimate: £16,000-22,000
I hold a few Land Rover records under my gavel, so it would be remiss of me to not include one in my top five. Camel Trophy - two words which immediately excite any Land Rover fan. Those not familiar with these special equipment Land Rovers should spare some time to look into this magical sector of exploration history. For two decades 1980-2000 the annual event saw Land Rover use all the models in its arsenal. Presented in ’sandglow’ paintwork, these limited-edition beasts were highly modified by Land Rover Special Vehicles to cope with the toughest terrain, deepest waters, highest altitudes and long desert routes. This 1992 example was a support vehicle on the Guyana event, and then later on three return trips to India. Being in the Camel Club is only for the select few who own such examples - and here is your chance. No collection is complete without a Land Rover!
Lot 374
1957 AC Aceca Coupé
Lot 374, 1957 AC Aceca Coupé, Estimate: £70,000-90,000 (To be sold without reserve)
Lot 374, 1957 AC Aceca Coupé, Estimate: £70,000-90,000 (To be sold without reserve)
The world’s most famous car, the AC Cobra, started with humble beginnings. The AC Cars company, since pre-war days, had created high quality, low output sports cars celebrating ingenious design and elegant styling. The Ace, which went onto become the Cobra, had a stable mate – the Aceca. Sharing the same underpinnings, the tubular twin ladder chassis frame was light and strong, the steering light and precise and, coupled to good brakes, was a rolling chassis most manufacturers lusted after. Clothed in beautiful Ferrari Barchetta-style aluminium coachwork, and suitably appointed interior, the AC was - and remains - a connoisseur’s car. Powered by AC’s own 2-litre engine, a lightweight engine giving sprightly performance – though often overshadowed by the Bristol-engined Acecas. These AC powered examples are the wise man’s choice in my book. Lightweight, nimble, stunning to look at and at home both on a B-road blast or a relaxed trip into mainland Europe.
Lot 348
1959 MG A 1600 Roadster
Lot 348, 1959 MG A 1600 Roadster, Estimate: £20,000-25,000
Lot 348, 1959 MG A 1600 Roadster, Estimate: £20,000-25,000
Morris Garages had a competition and sporting heritage to be proud of, with participants, trend setters and more importantly winners in all forms of motorsport from pre-war years through to the early 2000s. MG got it right with the A roadster in my opinion. The styling is fabulous, the disappearing hood elegant and brilliantly designed, the rake of the windscreen and slippery bodywork appear wind tunnel engineered. This was a great time for British motor manufacturers, and many stamped their authority on the world’s stage. Popular with US airmen, many MGs found their way on the other side of the pond, like this left-hand drive 1,600cc variant. The MG gets it right on so many levels, if you haven’t driven one you will be surprised at the performance, handling and stopping power. If you have driven one, this example is stunning – don’t miss out.
Lot 373
1914 Sunbeam 16/20 Cabriolet
Lot 373, 1914 Sunbeam 16/20 Cabriolet, Estimate: £50,000-70,000 (To be sold without reserve)
Lot 373, 1914 Sunbeam 16/20 Cabriolet, Estimate: £50,000-70,000 (To be sold without reserve)
Sunbeam produced exceptionally well-made motor cars, filled with engineering prowess and quality beyond belief. This stunning 16/20 features a robust and advanced engine for its year, with 4-litre capacity, mated to a four-speed gearbox. Whilst this doesn’t sound hugely impressive by modern standards, remember this was 1914. The cabriolet coachwork offers the luxury of snug saloon type motoring for cold and rainy days; and then fully open tourer motoring with all canvas lowered. With carriage quality interior leather seating, deep buttoned and pleated brown leather, this is more a gentleman’s club room than a car interior. For those not familiar with Vintage motoring, I can’t recommend it enough - and this museum quality Sunbeam could be just the ticket.
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