Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions' first sale of 2011

Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions' first sale of 2011, held on the 24th March at the Gartell Light Railway in Yenston, near Templecombe, was a resounding success. Warm spring sunshine and an exceptional selection of motor cars and historic commercials attracted clients to the sale from across the UK and Europe.

Notable results included the 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Fixed Head Coupe, which sold to a local gentleman for £48,950, the 1936 Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Holbrook Sports Saloon, which sold for £18,000 and the 1959 MG A Fixed Head Coupe 1800cc, which made a world record price of £15,125. Possibly the most pleasing result of the day for the auction house was the sale of the very pretty MG J2 Midget of 1933 vintage, which achieved £27,610 and was bought as a gift for the new owner's wife. The two pre-war Austin Hearses both sold to enthusiasts for £330 and £2200 and the 1936 Austin 18 York Saloon made a very respectable £7000. MG's and Morris Minors remain as popular as ever; both 'B's' entered in the auction, together with the Midget, found new custodians, as did the 1971 Minor 6cwt Van and the 1960 Minor 1000 Four Door Deluxe Saloon. A startling price of £7260 was achieved for 1960 Alvis TD21 Saloon restoration project.

Interest in historic commercials has increased in the past few years: the beautifully restored 1969 Bedford CA Mk Two LWB Van in RAC Livery sold for a world record price of £7040; the restored 1960 Austin A60 Pick-Up Truck made £4840, and the two Ford's: a 1960 Thames 400E Pick-Up and a 1966 Transit MkI Transporter achieved £6490 and £3250 respectively.

After an excellent Spring Sale, the Stalbridge-based auction house are now preparing for the Summer Sale, to be held on the 23rd June 2011.