A twin-engined Ford Model A special is the most intriguing lot in H&H Classics’ 100 car catalogue for its Buxton auction on 24 April. The Ford, known as ‘The Ballard Special’, features two Model A engines in a Model A chassis, with the two four-cylinder motors set up to run as a single straight eight. Clothed in an imposing hand-crafted body it comes with a £60,000-80,000 estimate.
Other highlights include a pair of Jaguar E-types with very different histories. One is a manual 1974 Roadster owned by the vendor and his father from new, and having covered just 54,412 comprehensively historied miles (£45,000-55,000), while the other is a matching numbers, UK market 1962 fixed-head that has been dry-stored for over 20 years and will be sold with no reserve.
Also boasting an impressive history is an R107 Mercedes-Benz 280SL that has been in one family’s ownership from new. Bought new in Cyprus and arriving in the UK two years later, the Mercedes has 18 service stamps from main dealers and specialists, has been garaged all its life, and comes with a hardtop and optional rear seats. Estimate is £15,000-20,000.
There is healthy dose of modern classics in the catalogue including a 37,000-mile BMW i8 (£32,000-38,000), a 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider (no reserve) and a 2005 Renault Megane RS 225 (£5000-7000).
H&H Classics director Damian Jones said: ‘Today’s collector car market is more diverse than ever, driven by increasing interest in modern classics. These are welcome, admirable additions to our richly eclectic sale, but for those who prefer older classics there’s much to like, with Jaguar E-Types and Jensen Interceptors, along with an MGA Roadster and Triumph TR3 certain to enjoy interest. The sale goes into the pre-war period too with, among others, a lovely AC Six Aceca, while the twin-engined Ford Model A Speedster is truly wild! There really will be something for everyone who is able to join us on the day.’