As 2024 draws to a close, the classic car and bike auction scene is buzzing with renewed excitement. According to the Hagerty Market Rating, the collector car market suffered some fluctuating returns, with a steady decline and stagnation in the latter half of 2024. Despite these bumps in the metaphorical road, Iconic Auctioneers emerged victorious. The classic car auction company has experienced continued enthusiasm from bidders for Fords and vintage sports cars.

“The past year whilst it has had some challenges in the market, we ended the year on a high,” said Rob Hubbard, managing director of Iconic Auctioneers. “Currently the company reaches buyers in more than 18 countries in Europe and the Americas.”

Hubbard’s sentiment echoes a larger trend. This year, Iconic Auctioneers set multiple world records for sales in classic cars and celebrity-owned automobiles, suggesting that the market for rare and high-quality collectibles may be more optimistic for 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 particular model is adorned in the signature style of Labatt’s livery. Widely regarded as one of the most original and well-preserved examples of the Group A era, this car is not just a racing legend but a cherished piece of British motorsport history, fetching a price of GBP 309,375.

1987 Ford RS200

Iconic Auctioneers also made a notable impact with the sale of two Ford RS200s. One of only 90 examples produced, this 1987 Ford was in exceptional condition, having covered just 8,877 miles since new with only one previous owner. Valued between GBP 190,000 and GBP 210,000, this rare, low-mileage example soared past expectations, selling for GBP 236,250 — a reflection of the growing demand for this refined road car model.

1989 Ford RS200

The second RS200 to be sold was this slightly newer 1989 Ford RS200. This pristine example boasted even fewer miles than its 1987 counterpart, clocking in at just 1,798 miles, making it a true collector’s gem. The car sold for GBP 247,500. Hubbard attributes their strong sales in Fords with their auctioning of the late Princess Diana’s Ford Escort in 2022, which fetched a price of GBP 722,500.

“We have developed somewhat of a reputation for being THE auction house to sell unique Fords,” says Hubbard. “In fact, including the two RS200s we sold at the NEC in November, we have sold a total of 10 RS200’s more than any other auction house, so we really are the “go to” auction house if you have a special Ford you are looking to sell.”

1976 Ford Escort RS2000 Automatic

A rare offering at the live auctions was this truly one-of-a-kind 1976 Ford Escort RS2000. Built specifically for Henry Ford II during his European and UK tours in the 1970s, this car features a unique automatic gearbox, a luxurious leather interior, and a special exterior colour never before seen in the Escort range. Having only done 44,000 miles, the model was relatively unknown to the public for the past two decades before its recent sale of GBP 59,062, underscoring its unique place in Ford’s legacy.

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2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1

Most pleasantly, it was a collection of Ford Focuses from the 2000s that smashed the auction house’s personal sales records. The 2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1 was one of them. Only made in Ford’s Imperial Blue colour, this limited-edition RS Mk1 carried styling cues that closely echoed its rally counterpart, including the striking custom 18-inch O.Z. Racing alloy wheels. Even more remarkable was the car’s near-perfect condition, with just 12 miles on the clock. The car was sold at GBP 87,750, far surpassing Icon Auctioneers’ previous record of GBP 77, 500.

2010 Ford Focus RS Mk2

The second-generation Ford Focus RS — a model Ford initially claimed they would never produce — has become one of the most sought-after ‘super-hatches’ in the modern classic car market. Despite its understated hatchback roots, the Focus RS Mk2 delivered raw power and some memorable colourways, earning it a dedicated following. This particular example also broke the company’s previous auction record of GBP 63,000, selling for GBP 67,500.

2010 Ford Focus RS500 Mk2

Above all, the real showstopper for Iconic Auctioneers was the sale of the 2010 Ford Focus RS500 Mk2. The RS500, which made its global debut at the Leipzig Motor Show in April 2010, marked the grand finale of the second-generation Focus RS, cementing its place as one of Ford’s most iconic performance models. With only 500 units produced, the car was valued between GBP 50,000 to GBP 60,000, yet the bid soared and eventually sold at 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. In addition to its sleek, angular design, the 308 GT4 also marked Ferrari’s first foray into mid-engine V8 sports cars. 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. Powered by a robust V8 engine, this bespoke Defender was designed to blend rugged capability with undeniable style. 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 just 3,800 miles from new, the company reports that Atkinson’s vehicle was always meticulously serviced, 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. This car set a new UK auction record, selling for an impressive GBP 227,250. With only 200 cars produced, the car was specifically designed to meet requirements for Group B rally championships. The resulting design was the same as the Peugeot 205 first introduced in 1983, but with a de-tuned engine that was easier for everyday driving.

1985 Porsche 911 (930) 3.3 Turbo.

Known for its blistering performance and unwavering reliability, the Porsche 930 Turbo was one of the fastest production cars of the 1970s. By the 1980s, it became a symbol of automotive excellence, combining raw power with the distinctive handling and build quality that the car company is renowned for. Although it was first valued between GBP 90,000 and GBP 105,000, the legendary sports car eventually sold at GBP 119,250.

1985 MG Metro 6R4 ‘Group B’

In another series of record-breaking sales, the 1985 MG Metro 6R4 emerged as a highlight at the Supercar Fest Sale in May. One of only nine ‘Works’ cars ever built, this highly sought-after rally legend was crafted to International Tarmac specification. A true motorsport icon, the Metro 6R4 competed in some of the most prestigious rallies of its time, including the famed Monte Carlo Rally, with legendary drivers Tony Pond and Marc Duez behind the wheel. Its rally pedigree ultimately commanded a price of GBP 425,500.

1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec I.

While it seemed like European and American-made cars were at the forefront of the classic car scene, the 1999 Nissan Skyline showcased the growing demand for high-performance Japanese cars. Known as one of the most iconic cars of the modern classic era, the R34 GT-R has achieved legendary status, thanks in part to its appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise and Gran Turismo. This particular example boasts an array of mechanical upgrades and an abundance of JDM performance parts, selling at a price of GBP 121,500.

2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 SE Coupé

As a rare factory Special Edition, this supercar is one of just 42 examples ever produced, making it a desirable collector’s car. The Diablo 6.0 SE features a normally-aspirated 550bhp V12 engine capable of propelling the car to 205mph. Having done just over 500 miles, this example remains in near-new condition, and a true testament to Lamborghini’s most ferocious supercar. The limited-edition car sold for GBP 425,500.

2004 Lamborghini Murciélago Manual

Another Lamborghini to take the stage was the Lamborghini Murciélago Manual. Finished in a striking Giallo Orion yellow, the car was a favourite of bidders around the world, according to Iconic Auctioneers. The car’s rare manual transmission adds to its allure, making it a sought-after variant among car enthusiasts, and setting a new live auction world record of GBP 149,625.

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