Continental classics shine at H&H’s Buxton auction

• Incredible results as H&H Classics hosts its third Buxton auction of 2025
• One German classic was hammered away for more than twice its higher estimate
• Fierce bidding for a variety of lots and more than 90 cars find new homes

German marques stole the limelight at H&H Classics latest auction, with one European classic fetching more than twice its pre-sale estimate.

The auction in Buxton, Derbyshire, on Wednesday 30^th July saw more than 90 classic, collector and performance cars successfully hammered away, resulting in total sales of almost £1.5 million and a very respectable sales rate of more than 70 per cent.

Undoubtedly, the standout success of the auction was a stunning 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5, which sold for an incredible £51,188, more than £31,000 above its lower estimate.

Aside from being a rare UK supplied, right-hand drive ‘flagship’ example, it had also benefitted from a comprehensive restoration costing in excess of £130,000, which clearly added to its appeal in the auction room.

Modern German classics were well represented by a one-owner, and low mileage 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet which found a new home for £50,062, more than £15,000 above its lower estimate.

There was also fierce bidding for another German example, this time a no reserve 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL. The hammer finally fell at £19,125 for this rare and desirable car showing just 77,000 miles, which has been in its current ownership for 35 years.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “Our third Buxton auction of the year enjoyed some amazing results, especially for cars heralding from Germany.

“These incredibly strong performances are further proof that well-presented cars attract strong interest, no matter if they are older, or more modern, classics.”

Homegrown marques also delivered commendable results, led by a 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Saloon which recently benefitted from an extensive recommissioning programme. It was hammered away for £23,625, more than £8,500 above its lower estimate.

Other notable classics flying the flag for the UK were a 1951 Jaguar MK V 3.5-Litre Drophead Coupe, which fetched £52,875, nearly £8,000 over its lower estimate, and a 1951 Alvis TA21 Drophead Coupe which found a new home for £27,281, more than £7,000 above its lower estimate. Interestingly, the Jaguar and Alvis were both bought by the same Swiss collector.

James added: “Our next auction is going to be extra special as it will be our very first sale at Kelham Hall in Nottinghamshire.

“We’ve already welcomed some fantastic entries and are currently accepting more, so would be delighted to hear from classic, collector and performance motorcar owners thinking about selling their vehicle.”

For a full list of the results from H&H’s Buxton auction, visit www.handh.co.uk, while H&H’s specialist motorcar team can be contacted on 01925 210035 or via email sales@handh.co.uk.  

Notes
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading specialist automotive auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the classic and collector vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.
 
Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.
 
To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk

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Pictures
For high resolution images which accompany this release, please visit the following Dropbox link.

	The standout success of the auction was a stunning 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5, which sold for an incredible £51,188, more than £31,000 above its lower estimate.
	Modern German classics were well represented by a one-owner, and low mileage 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet which found a new home for £50,062.
	After an intense bidding war, the hammer fell at £19,125 for a rare and desirable 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL.