Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Classic cars and motorcycles can include any models dating back to the development of the modern automobile at the end of the 19th century. Vintage models are often desirable due to their design as well as engineering with cars by the likes of Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Mecedes-Benz regularly commanding high prices at auction.

In addition to the vehicles themselves, automobilia is a popular collecting area and categories include items such as petrol pumps, enamel signs and car badges. Radiator mascots, particularly the highly-recognisable designs by René Lalique in the 1920s and 30s, are particularly sought after.


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Wings and wheels speed into Suffolk

02 September 2019

A 1935 oil on canvas of a Bugatti and Alfa Romeo speeding along a track is offered for £1550 during English and Continental Antique’s next 'Wings and Wheels' exhibition.

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James Bond’s 1965 Aston Martin DB5 comes to auction complete with ejector seat

03 August 2019

It has built-in machine guns, grenade storage, an ejector seat and it’s up for grabs. James Bond’s 1965 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger and Thunderball is going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s this month.

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How a saleroom can get into the right groove to offer an amphibious vehicle and a 12m sofa

17 July 2019

As an auction house, what sale format do you squeeze an amphibious vehicle or a 12m long sofa into? When it comes to the ‘weird and wonderful’, auctioneers often face a challenge.

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Bonhams Aston Martin auction offers James Bond-style drives and vintage classics: five highlights

18 May 2019

Bonham’s annual sale devoted to Aston Martin features old and new models of the classic British car – including some James Bond favourites – as well as a wide array of automobilia.

1927 Christmas card from Bentley Motors

Motoring memorabilia originally owned by Bentley’s founder to be exhibited at Bonhams in London

21 March 2019

For just one day in April, Bonhams New Bond Street saleroom will host an exhibition in celebration of the centenary of the legendary car marque Bentley.

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Pick of the week: Maker’s great-grandson buys back model steam engine for family from UK dealer

18 February 2019

An exceptional Victorian scratch-built model steam engine has returned home after the maker’s great-grandson bought it from UK dealer Vavasseur Antiques.

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Four collectables with royal connections up for sale this autumn

04 October 2018

Items with royal connections have extra cache for buyers when it comes to desirability and price. Here are four objects with direct connections to noble owners that are currently for sale across dealerships and auctions.

Call to help solve 20-year-old theft of James Bond Aston Martin car

18 June 2018

Calling all international spies, or maybe a super sleuth: can you track down a James Bond Aston Martin car stolen more than 20 years ago?

Vintage car

Vintage car auction takes flight in Dorchester

12 June 2018

A 1908 vintage car made by the Thomas Motor Company of New York was the highlight of a sale at Duke’s Auctioneers in Dorset.

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The trailblazing bicycle design made instantly redundant by the pneumatic tyre comes to auction

20 April 2018

You have to feel some sympathy for the innovative designers Charles Linley and John Biggs. Having just perfected a classic bicycle using an ingenious method of shock absorbing for a solid-tyre bike, then the pneumatic tyre came along.

Stewart Imber of Themed Garages

Automobilia from Stewart Imber’s Themed Garages offered at Cheffins’ auction

06 April 2018

Items from Themed Garages, a well known automobilia company that holds one of the most notable collections of motoring-related artefacts in the UK, will be offered at a Cheffins auction later this month.

Why car collectors are increasingly young at heart

19 February 2018

The rise of the ‘young classics’ has helped the market become accessible to investors across all prices. Nigel Boothman talks to auctioneers and experts about accelerating trends for 2018. He also looks at the motorbikes and automobilia markets.

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Auction previews: modern classics from Mercedes 450 to Honda Z50A ‘monkey bike’

19 February 2018

A selection of classic car stand-out lots at upcoming UK sales.

Classic cars auction calendar: February to June 2018

19 February 2018

Our special sales listing for classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia.

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Van delivers on sale day

12 February 2018

More down to earth than the Bentley Speed Sixes and MG TDs of the classic car world, this 1961 GPO van nevertheless was a major draw at Biddle & Webb (20% buyer’s premium) in Birmingham.

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John Lennon mini motorbike comes to auction

08 January 2018

What could be more rock ‘n’ roll than roaring around your own extensive estate on a motorbike, helter skelter? The H&H Classics saleroom is offering one such machine.

London to Brighton classic cars cruise into auction at Bonhams

26 October 2017

Fancy owning one of the earliest vehicles on the road and racing it down to Brighton? Now’s your chance as more than 20 vintage cars, many restored and fit to compete in the 120-year old veteran run, are to be sold in early November.

Jack Sears

‘Gentleman Jack’ Sears’ car among highlights of Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival auction

14 September 2017

A car owned by the winner of the first ever British Touring Car Championship back in 1958 was the highlight of Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival sale at the weekend, taking double its estimate.

Rally car

Bonhams takes its auction to the road for The Goodwood Revival this weekend

09 September 2017

Auction house Bonhams has a montage of motoring memorabilia and famous classic cars on the block today to coincide with the three-day festival at Goodwood Circuit in west Sussex.

Coutts survey

Coutts places musical instruments above classic cars in investment report

07 September 2017

The value of musical instruments outpaced the investment in classic cars and fine art last year, according to a survey by a private bank.

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