Bid analysis: SWVA, held on January 30
Kickin' Off 2025 with a Bang! The Dorset Auction House's Sizzling Start
This year's first SWVA sale at the Dorset auction house was absolutely lit! With a whopping 90% sell-through rate, it outshone the July and October 2024 sales by an impressive 10%. Let's dive into the highlights!
Performance cars were the talk of the town, and our very own 1989 VW Jetta GTI 16V, with its few running hiccups, still managed to fetch a decent £2350 plus fees! On the other hand, a Vauxhall Nova GTE from the same year, in tip-top shape, scored a winning bid of an impressive £6500, right on its upper estimate. There was also a 2004 Porsche that attracted bids up to £2800, despite clocking 173,000 miles on its odometer. A 2004 Mercedes SL55 AMG, boasting a menacing 5.4-litre V8 and a supercharged engine, was snagged for £8500.
If you're after a British beast, you'd love the 2004 Jaguar XKR Coupe, featuring a rare Arden bodykit and OZ Racing wheels, that sold for £6750 plus fees. The '90s classics didn't miss out on the fun either. A 2001 Ford Mondeo ST24, with just 66,000 miles, more than tripled its estimate to secure a winning bid of £4500 plus fees. A 1992 Ford Sierra Azura hatchback, showing 67,000 miles, also received a highest bid of £3700, and a 1995 VW Corrado Storm in Classic Green sold for £9100 plus fees. The 1996 BMW E34 530i Touring offered practicality and speed for a winning bid of £8450 - a whopping £2450 above its estimate. Even top-spec Rover 825 Sterling models enjoyed a doubled hammer price of £3200.
Traditional classics had their moment too. A stunning 1964 Triumph TR4 matched its upper estimate with a winning bid of £19,500, while a charming 1962 Sunbeam Rapier IIIA in Pale Grey with a red roof outperformed its estimate with a winning bid of £6000. The 1976 MG Midget 1500, converted with chrome bumpers, earned £2500 at the auction, and the 1978 Pageant Blue MGB roadster fetched £3500 plus fees.
If you're starting your classic car collection or looking for a project, a seemingly tidy 1959 Morris Minor in Trafalgar Blue could be the perfect starter classic for its £2700 winning bid. Or, if you're after a more hands-on project, the 1958 Austin A35, hammered away for a bargain £2000, could be the challenge you're seeking.
For the full list of results, don't forget to check out swva.co.uk!
The first sentence: Amidst the diverse array of items sold, performance cars stole the limelight, setting the stage for an exciting lifestyle in 2025.
The second sentence: In addition to the racing thrills, the Dorset auction house offered a wide variety of entertainment and sports memorabilia, promising a well-rounded experience for the enthusiastic bidder.
