Bad-ass Brits: Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest Sale

Sean Rooks | May 28, 2024

Iconic Auctioneers

One of my favorite YouTube channels is Harry’s Garage. The video series is hosted by Harry Metcalfe: farmer, car collector, and co-founder/editor of Evo Magazine in the UK. Aside from his stellar car reviews, Harry also documents long driving tours in some of the best cars in his collection, including his beautiful Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach. He also narrates wonderful auction previews of Iconic Auctioneers sales, one of which is the subject of today’s Market Monday (delayed due to the Memorial Day Holiday in the USA).

Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest Sale

On May 18, Iconic Auctioneers held their Supercar Fest Sale. Per Harry, the weather was chucking it down which may have led to the poor sell-through rate of only 49%. While that’s better than Iconic’s STR of 25% at their Seven auction back in March, it’s less than the 58% netted at the Race Retro sale in February. A fair number of cars seem to have sold post-auction, however.

There were 88 listings in the May live auction, with some choice cars crossing the block. The vast majority were right-hand drive, and of course they were all located in England. Below are 5 of the cars which sold (or sold eventually) that we would love to import into our garage, even if the pilot seat is on the right side. Read on to see why.

Iconic Auctioneers

With an ultra-low count on the odometer of only 4,961 miles and bargain sale price of just $28,750 this Aston Martin Virage would be very welcome in my home garage. While it needs a touch of reconditioning per the auction listing, I’m in love with its muscular good looks, hand-hammered bodywork and lovely Salisbury Blue over light tan interior. Factor in shipping from Europe plus acquirining an airbag from AM Works and I think you’re still ahead if you can turn a wrench.

Iconic Auctioneers

Is there anything better than a yellow Lotus? How about an early Esprit in the iconic color? While the S1 Esprits are arguably prettier, this Series 2’s integrated front spoiler looks the business and it’s in remarkable condition. The interior, which never aged well on these, is a particular bright point of this example. One of just 88 built, the sale price of $25,272 feels like a massive win for the buyer.

Iconic Auctioneers

Recently restored, this Advanced Vehicle Operations built Ford Escort RS2000 is a real gem for fans of British rally cars. Born out of the successful homologation rally racers, the RS2000 was a fantastic street performance car. The sale price of $63,971 is far from a bargain but this is effectively a new car with a complete nut and bolt restoration recently completed in a gorgeous and eye-catching shade of blue. You’re guaranteed to be the only one at your local show in the USA.

Iconic Auctioneers

If you thought the Ford was a mouthful, look at this Group B rally MG’s full title! One of only 9 works cars built to race in WRC, these MG race cars were a bit late to the rally party and didn’t stack up well against entries from their competitors, but they’re still a potent performance vehicle that would be welcome at any rally exhibition. This one sat in the Williams F1 Museum for a time, which adds provenance. Sold for $543,710, this is a new world record for MG R64s given they used to trade for under £200,000 only a few years ago.

Iconic Auctioneers

TVRs are fascinating cars, and while my eyes tend to steer toward models like the older Grantura or newer Tuscan Speed Six, this TVR T350 has a history worth buying. A Motor Show Car and personal vehicle to TVR Chairman Peter Wheeler, this car is also a rare specimen with unique features from the production cars. This particular lot is in the post-auction corral and available for what I consider to be a highly tempting $39,420 USD. I mean, just look at that rear 3/4 view…

Final Thoughts

While I always describe the focus at Wolf and Mare as German collector vehicles, I love classic British cars. Perhaps it’s the shared heritage between the US and our British brethren, or my own British Isles descent. Regardless, the only car I’d ever accept in right-hand drive is a true British original, like the cars above. Even considering importation costs and potential mechanical needs, in today’s market it’s smart to keep an eye on auctions and dealers across the pond for potential deals.

I hope everyone in the USA had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend celebrating and honoring the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers. Till next time…

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisals, and auction services for buyers and sellers of collector European cars. If you’re interested in acquiring an overseas car, give us a call or drop a line!

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