Bonhams launches affordable classics auction

Something like a 2011 Megane Cup (£15-20,000) or a 1998 Clio V6 (£35-50,000). Or maybe a more recent 2015 Megane Trophy R – no F1 winner but competition bred all the same and forerunner of the Trophy-R that recently nicked back the front-drive Nürburgring Nordschleife record. And a lot more affordable at £35-50,000. 

These are just three collectors’ cars taking centre stage in a new venture by Bonhams, called Bonhams MPH, that is aimed at the more affordable end of the market.

Bonhams of course sells collectors’ cars at all price points, at Goodwood as elsewhere, and doubtless will continue to do so, but never before has it had a dedicated “modern” (or “popular”, “future” or “affordable”) classics auction. The first happens at a new Bonhams auction base in Bicester Heritage, the burgeoning hub of all things classic in Oxfordshire. And hot Renaults are just the start of it. 

Well, we presume so because the inaugural auction – on 26th September – is a way off yet and the entries are only just starting to come in. Illustrating the eclectic nature of modern classics auctions, other lots so far confirmed include an assortment of ex-SAS military Land Rovers. Among the armoured, gun-toting, go-anywhere machines is a real prize for the Land Rover enthusiast: a pair of 1968 Series IIs known as “Pink Panthers” for their distinctive desert-pink camouflage. Bonhams MPH reckons that with only around 20 Pink Panther Landies surviving, they could fetch as much as £75,000. 

You can see what else is entered in the auction, as well as enter you own car or bid for a new one, via the MPH portal -  mph.bonhams.com. Bonhams MPH is promising sellers and buyers an efficient way to sell or purchase a car, with services available that include valuations, photography and valeting. Sellers’ entry packages cost from £125 plus VAT and auction fees are set at 5 per cent for sellers and 12.5 per cent for buyers, both plus vat. Four of the drive-through sales will be held each year at Bicester Heritage. 

Bonhams’ motoring chief James Knight told GRR: “We recognise that the market is evolving and now covers a much broader spectrum that, until now, we have not been able to provide our service or expertise to. We are delighted that Bonhams MPH will allow us to offer the same Bonhams values to a wider audience, via a more streamlined service.”