Classic car market revs up for 2025, and Iconic auctioneers break records.
As 2024 nears its end, the classic bike and car auction scene is buzzing. Hagerty Market rating shows that the collector car market has experienced some fluctuations, but also a steady decline in the second half of 2024. Iconic Auctioneers has emerged triumphant despite these bumps on the road. Iconic Auctioneers, a classic car auction house, has seen bidders continue to be enthusiastic about vintage Fords and sports cars. “Currently the company reaches buyers in more than 18 countries in Europe and the Americas.”
Hubbard’s sentiment echoes a larger trend. Iconic Auctioneers has set several world records this year for the sale of classic cars, including celebrity-owned vehicles. This suggests that there may be a more positive outlook for the collectible market in 2025. Even in more uncertain times, the company’s success reflects the enduring appeal of high-end, limited-edition vehicles.
Record-Breaking Fords
1990 Ford Sierra RS500 BTCC
For Ford enthusiasts, a standout moment for Iconic Auctioneers came with the sale of British racing driver Tim Harvey’s 1990 Ford Sierra RS500, one of the most famed touring cars from the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). This model features the Labatt livery. This car, widely regarded as a classic and original example of the Group A era is a cherished part of British motorsport’s history. It sold for GBP 309 375.
1987 Ford RS200
Iconic auctioneers made a significant impact by selling two Ford RS200s. This 1987 Ford was one of 90 examples made and in excellent condition. It had only covered 8,877 miles with only one owner since new. This rare, low mileage example was valued between GBP 190,000.00 and GBP 210.000.00. It sold for GBP 236,250.00, a reflection of growing demand for the refined road car model. The 1989 Ford RS200 was the second RS200 to be sold. It is a slightly newer model, with fewer miles. Hubbard attributes their strong sales in Fords to the auctioning of Princess Diana’s Ford Escort in 2022, which fetched a price of GBP 722,500. Hubbard says that they have a reputation as THE auction house for unique Fords. We have sold 10 RS200s, which includes the two RS200s that we sold at NEC in Novermber, more than any other auctioneer. So we are THE auction house to go to if you want to sell a unique Ford.”
1976 Ford Escort RS2000 Auto
A truly one-of -a-kind 1976 Ford Escort RS2000 was offered at live auctions. This car was built for Henry Ford II to accompany him on his European and UK tour in the 1970s. It features a rare automatic gearbox and an exterior color that has never been seen before in the Escort line. The Electric Land Rover Series by Zero Labs 109
2003 Ford Focus RS mk1
Most pleasantly it was a group of Ford Focuses dating back to the 2000s which broke the personal sales record of the auction house. One of these was the 2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1. This limited edition RS Mk1 was only available in Ford’s Imperial Blue color. It also featured styling cues similar to its rally counterpart. Racing alloy wheels. The car was in near-perfect shape, and only had 12 miles on it. The car sold for GBP 87.750, which was far more than Icon Auctioneers previous record of GBP 77.500.
2010 Ford Focus RS mk2
The Ford Focus RS, a second-generation model that Ford originally claimed would not be produced, has become one the most desired’super-hatches” in the modern classic market. The Focus RS Mk2 was a powerful hatchback that had some unique colourways. It has a loyal following. This particular example broke the previous auction record for the company of GBP 63,000 by selling for GBP 67.500.
2010 Ford Focus RS500Mk2
Above everything, the real show-stopper for Iconic Auctioneers has been the sale of 2010 Ford Focus RS500Mk2. The RS500 made its world debut at the Leipzig Motor Show, in April 2010. It was the final model of Ford’s second-generation Focus RS. The car, which was limited to 500 units, was originally valued at GBP 50,000-60,000. However, the bids soared, and the car ended up selling for GBP 99,000. Interestingly, the price matched another record set by Iconic Auctioneers for a similar model sold in 2022.Celebrity-Owned Cars
1980 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4
This Ferrari, presented directly from the private collection of English rock musician Chris Rea, drew significant attention this year. The 308 GT4 was Ferrari’s first mid-engine V8 sports car. It also had a sleek, angular look. Rea’s Ferrari was fully recommissioned before it was presented for auction, subsequently selling for GBP 64,125.
2011 Land Rover Defender 110 6.2-litre V8
Another specially-commissioned celebrity car to be sold was Guy Ritchie’s 2011 Land Rover Defender, at a price of GBP 84,375. This bespoke Defender, powered by a powerful V8 engine was designed to combine rugged capability and undeniable styling. Previously, the car was used by the British film director and producer for both countryside drives and trips to London.
Land Rover Heritage Defender 110
Similarly, Iconic Auctioneers were entrusted to auction off actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson’s Land Rover Heritage Defender. At only 3,800 miles, the company claims that Atkinson’s Land Rover Heritage Defender was meticulously maintained and stored. As one of the final models in its series, this pristine model sold for GBP 83,250 — arguably a result of its combined celebrity history and well-maintained structure.
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Performance Classics
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Group B Homologation Special
The headlining car of the Competition and Collectors’ Classic Sale at Silverstone Circuit was the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16. The Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 was the star of the Competition and Collectors’ Classic Sale at Silverstone Circuit. It sold for a record-breaking GBP 227,000. The car, which was limited to 200 units, was designed specifically for the Group B rally championships. The result was a design that was similar to the Peugeot 205, first introduced in 1983. However, it had a detuned engine, which was more suitable for everyday driving.
1985 Porsche 911 (3.3 Turbo).
Known as one of the fastest cars produced during the 1970s, the Porsche 930 Turbo is known for its unwavering reliability and blistering performance. In the 1980s it was a symbol for automotive excellence. It combined raw power with the unique handling and build-quality that the company is known for. The legendary sports car was initially valued between GBP 90,000.00 and GBP 105,000. It eventually sold for GBP 119.250.
1985 MG Metro 6R4 – Group BIn yet another record-breaking sale, the 1985 MG Metro 6R4 became a highlight of the Supercar Fest Sale held in May. This highly sought after rally legend is one of nine ‘Works cars’ ever built. It was built to International Tarmac specifications. Metro 6R4 was a true motorsport icon. It competed in the Monte Carlo Rally and other prestigious rallies, including Tony Pond’s legendary Monte Carlo Rally. Marc Duez, a legend of rally driving, drove the Metro 6R4. The Metro 6R4’s rally pedigree eventually commanded a GBP 425.500.
1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT -R V -Spec I.
While European and American cars seemed to be at the forefront of classic car scenes, the 1999 Nissan Skyline demonstrated the growing demand for Japanese high-performance cars. The R34 GT-R is one of the most iconic classic cars, and has gained legendary status thanks to its appearances on the Fast & Furious series and Gran Turismo. This particular Lamborghini Diablo is a factory Special Edition and one of only 42 ever made. It sells for GBP 121.500.
2001 Lamborghini Diablo V 6.0 SE Coupe
As it’s a rare factory special edition, this supercar has an abundance of JDM parts. The Diablo SE is powered by a V12 engine with a 550bhp normally aspirated that can reach 205mph. This example is in near-new conditions, and is a testament to Lamborghini’s most powerful supercar. The limited-edition car sold for GBP 425,500.
2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Manual
Another Lamborghini to take the stage was the Lamborghini Murcielago Manual. Iconic Auctioneers reported that the car, finished in Giallo Orion, was highly sought after by bidders from around the globe. Its manual transmission is a rare feature that adds to the car’s appeal. This makes it a highly sought after variant, setting a world record for live auctions of GBP149,625.1001010Click here to read more about
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