First Dorset Vintage and Classic Auction A Success

Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions' first sale of 2011, which took place on March 24th at the Gartell Light Railway in Yenston, near Templecombe, was a resounding success, according to the organizers.{ad] Warm spring sunshine and an exceptional selection of cars and historic commercials drew clients to the sale from across the UK and even the European continent.

Notable results included the 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Fixed Head Coupe, which sold for £48,950, the 1936 Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Holbrook Sports Saloon, which sold for £18,000 and the 1959 MG A Fixed Head Coupe 1800cc, which fetched £15,125.

Possibly the most pleasing result of the day for the auction house was the sale of the very pretty MG J2 Midget from 1933, which received a £27,610 final bid and was bought as a gift for the new owner's wife. The two pre-war Austin Hearses both sold to enthusiasts for £330 and £2,200 respectively, while the 1936 Austin 18 York Saloon made a very respectable £7,000. MG's and Morris Minors remain as popular as ever with British clients, as both 'B's' entered in the auction, together with the Midget, found new custodians. The startling price of £7,260 was achieved for 1960 Alvis TD21 Saloon restoration project.

The auction reported an increase in interest for historic commercial vehicles in the past few years. The fully restored 1969 Bedford CA Mk Two LWB Van in RAC Livery sold for a world record price of £7,040, the restored 1960 Austin A60 Pick-Up Truck made £4,840, and two Fords - a 1960 Thames 400E Pick-Up and a 1966 Transit MkI Transporter - achieved £6,490 and £3,250 respectively.

After an excellent Spring Sale, the Stalbridge-based auction house is now preparing for the Summer Sale, to be held on June 23rd, 2011.