In It To Win It – No Reserve Night

With regards to auctions here at Car & Classic, a listing, generally speaking, will have a reserve price set which is a number agreed by the seller that they hope to achieve when selling their vehicle. A number that, if not met or exceeded will mean the classic in question will not be sold. For example, if we wanted to sell, say, a Ferrari F355 GTS then we might set our reserve between £70,000 and £80,000 with any bids over that amount securing the car. Well, our data shows (and we have a lot of it) that we would be far more likely to generate a greater level of interest from bidders and net ourselves a higher sale price if we were to list our Ferrari with no reserve.

On average, Car & Classic auctions with no reserve receive 92% more views, 50% more bids and get a six per cent higher sale price than vehicles with a reserve figure in place, so to celebrate we thought we would introduce a dedicated No Reserve Night. Featuring a whopping 23 vehicles, from convertibles and rarities to sports cars and luxury tourers, there’s sure to be something for everyone with all of them ending on the 6th of December, so join us as we take a look at five of these 23 spectacular classics where literally any bid could win!

1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Meticulously restored and fully documented in the early 2000s (including a full engine rebuild) and having covered just 926 miles since, this beautiful 190 SL is in superb condition throughout. Complete with both its rare small rear window hard-top and soft-top roof, as well as an advisory-free MOT and recent service by Mercedes specialists Colin Ferns  it’s a beautiful example of the marque.

The 190 retains the style and charm of its 300SL big brother but presents as a more usable and affordable alternative. Progenitor of the successful convertible lineage that would later morph into the inimitable W113 “Pagoda” and beyond this 190SL is perfect for any discerning classic Mercedes fan.

1967 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint

For those enamoured with ’60s Alfas (which should be all of you we hasten to add) there’s this gorgeous 2600 Sprint. A rare beast with only 6,999 ever produced this particular coupé has been with the same family since 1972. We get it, we wouldn’t want to let it go either. Fitted with three Weber 45 carburettors (the original Solex carburettors are included in the sale) and its original black leather interior the car would make for an excellent light rolling project, requiring as it does, a little TLC.

A matching numbers car that was restored in the early to mid-seventies the mechanicals are spot on, with that wonderful inline six-cylinder engine providing a beautiful and sonorous soundtrack to this Italian’s handsome looks.

1981 Saab 99 Turbo Two Door

The Saab 99 Turbo is a cool car. This is a fact and cannot be disputed. A two-door Saab 99 Turbo? Well, suffice to say our boats are well and truly floated. This rare and ground-breaking 99 Turbo is being sold as a barn find project but a lot of the restoration work has already been carried out, including an engine rebuild and new TurboDynamics turbo fitted in 2015.

Homologated in the late ’70s so that Saab could take the 99 Turbo rallying the road-going versions of these two-door cars are renowned for their precise handling and decent power output from the forced induction 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Being MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt too this Saab 99 Turbo represents an excellent opportunity and once finished will provide bags of fun in a stand out package.

1972 Volkswagen T2 Bay Window Fleetline Campervan

One of two Type 2 Bay Window Campers in the collection this 1972 model, resplendent in Beryl Green, was imported into the UK in the late ’90s and benefits from restoration work including a new chassis and body panels and recent new wiring loom. The original air-cooled engine has also been bored out to 1835cc, making this camper a much more usable proposition.

As far as its camping credentials go this ’72 Bay Window has what it takes with a brand new kitchen with dual gas hob, 240v hook up and leisure battery and a pop up roof. Perfect for next summer’s festivals or that camping getaway to Devon you keep putting off it’s a decent example that’s in perfect running order.

1987 Bentley Eight

For those of you craving a bit of elegant British luxury then you should definitely chuck in a bid for this Bentley Eight. Don’t forget, any bid can win so why not have a cheeky tickle for the chance to scoop this freshly painted, late model car. With its high spec and fuel injected V8 engine its a rare and desirable example (only 1,736 were built) that will surely turn heads wherever it goes.

There’s a business opportunity here, too with the wedding car angle being an obvious one. Well maintained and with a decent history file this Bentley Eight is ready to roll following a recent replacement head gasket. The only trouble is you may need someone to drive you around to fully immerse yourself in the comfort and opulence that only a Bentley can deliver.

With 18 other cars to peruse you’d be silly not to bid on at least a couple because remember, these are no reserve listings. We’re championing sellers who balance risk with reward whilst also offering potential bargains to buyers. These no reserve auctions will no doubt generate a great deal of interest from eager car fans keen to snap up a cool classic before Christmas.

Our No Reserve Night auctions end on December the 6th so head on over to the full auction list and get bidding.