Auction ABC Austin, Bentley, and celebrations!

Anniversaries come and go – some are obvious, others easily forgotten in the shadow of seemingly greater things.

Such is the lot of the Farina-designed saloons launched by BMC in 1959. They may have been big, but when it comes to celebrations they have been totally overshadowed by the Mini from the same stable.

This year, Mini parties have been seen everywhere but the cars favoured by bigger families – or bigger budgets – have been largely unrecognised.

That, thinks Brian of DVCA, gives potential buyers of Farina models a good chance of getting an excellent car at a good value price.

In DVCA's auction, to be held at Henstridge Airfield on Thursday October 24^th there’s a prime example of the larger Farina saloons under offer, a 1967 Austin A110 Mk II Westminster Super Deluxe Auto Saloon.

“Everyone naturally thinks of the Austin Cambridge / Morris Oxford derivatives of the Farina but there were larger versions wearing the Austin, Wolseley, and Vanden Plas Princess badges that also found favour of executive types,” explains Brian.

“I have managed to source one of these for the next auction, beautifully finished in a combination of Arianca Beige over Old English White and with the sort of luxury interior that people associate with upmarket cars of the day.

“The wood dash, leather trim, and rear picnic tables shout quality – there is some patination of the leather but it adds to the overall ambience of the car, which is showing just over 54,000 miles. The C Series engine is related to motor that powered the Big Healey sports cars - that’s why the Police loved the Westminster and its sister Wolseley 6/110 model - but this Westminster adds a lot more space than a two seater sports body and, at a guide of £8,000 to £10,000 is likely to find a new home for a fraction of the £52,250 paid for a Big Healey at our last auction.

“I am also offering a Bentley Brooklands in the sale, registered on the last day of 1993. Bentley cars have a real following among enthusiasts for the Crewe-manufactured models from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, more so than Rolls-Royce equivalents.

“Finished in the classic combination of pearl red metallic paint with a magnolia hide interior, this particular Bentley is a car I sold to the current owner in 2010. Under the bonnet is a landmark engine, the 6.75 litre V8 first introduced as a 6.2 litre in 1959 so another diamond anniversary celebrant but in the non-turbo form that leads to kinder driving styles that help longevity. It’s now someone else’s turn to enjoy this Brooklands, and outstanding example of both the marque and model sensibly guided at £12,000 - £14,000 to reflect its quality.”