The Hall of Fame welcomed its first auction this year, and the new tradition began in style

In the grounds of the Royal Automobile Club’s wonderful Woodcote Park estate near Epsom, the latest H&H Classics auction was truly a high-quality affair. The first auction in partnership with Motor Sport magazine’s Hall of Fame event, it was a £3.75m classic car sale with some stunning headline vehicles from road, racing and rallying taking star billing.

The weather outside was challenging to say the least, with heavy rain showers and strong winds whipping across the golf course, but the mood inside was warm and welcoming. The cars were lined up neatly, and viewing encouraged with help on-hand from H&H if required. As you walked in, the first cars on display reflected the variety and quality of the lots – a late Ferrari 328 GTB, an early Ferrari 308 GTS (carburettor), a Mini 1275 Cooper S, and a shining red Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera.

The quality of the lots did not falter as you walked towards the stage: a stunning 1956 AC Aceca-Bristol, a Tojeiro-Climax from 1958 and no fewer than six Jaguar E-types including a ‘barnfind’ 1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Coupe. 

Arguably the two stars of the show were an Aston Martin DB5 with single vehicle ownership, and the spectacular Subaru Impreza WRC chassis 001 – the only remaining Prodrive car with the original body. This stunning machine, tested by Colin McRae, played a crucial role in Prodrive’s R&D programme ahead of the 1997 World Rally Championship season. It eventually sold for just over £230,000, which as we write is thought to be the highest price ever achieved for a Subaru at auction.

It proved to be the highlight of the sale, with tense bidding breaking out in the room. A round of applause followed the crack of the hammer; followed by big smiles from the buyer and the seller. 

As the auction ended, a number of people stayed to chat to friends and colleagues – testament to the open and affable atmosphere. Winners of various high-quality automobilia lots collected their items and slowly the floor emptied and various transportation vehicles crept in to the estate to take the cars away to their new owners.

It was a warm and friendly auction, with high quality cars at a suitably impressive venue. Motor Sport and H&H Classics are proud to have partnered on this event, and look forward to more collaborations in the future.