With 23 years in the business, Surrey-based H&H Classics is the longest-established classic car auction house in the UK. It also offers a private sales service and storage, and since it only has six auctions a year it is able to give maximum attention to each car consigned, says Damian Jones, head of sales.
Recent memorable sales have included the ex-John Coombs 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Competition Roadster (£858,000), the ex-HRH Prince Philip 1954 Lagonda 3 Litre Drophead Coupe (£346,800) and the 1964 Ferrari 330 GT ‘Nembo’ Spider (£609,500).
Although some more traditional ‘blue-chip’ cars are worth less now, the downwards trend is not universal, Jones reassures Spear’s: ‘I do not foresee a collapse in the market. As a generalisation, quality counts, whether that’s in terms of restored condition or untouched reality.’
Advice to buyers is simple. ‘Buy the best example that you can afford,’ says Jones. ‘The biggest returns will come with the biggest risks. Those who grew up playing Gran Turismo and Grand Theft Auto will soon be collectors, and some of the most popular cars from such computer games could prove wise investments long-term. The same might also be true of some of the hero cars from the Fast and Furious franchise.’
As for Jones, his dream car is a Ford GT40, Chassis 1075, the only car to have won Le Mans twice (1968 and 1969).