The UK Classic Car Auction Market: Looking Beyond the Headline Sales
From Prestige Classic Car Sales to Hidden Gems
The United Kingdom is home to one of the most active and wide-ranging classic car auction scenes anywhere in the world. While high-profile London auctions often dominate headlines and social media feeds, they represent just one part of a much broader marketplace. Across the country, regional and specialist auction houses continue to provide realistic buying opportunities for enthusiasts, often without the eye-watering price tags associated with global prestige sales.
From internationally renowned auctioneers to smaller regional houses, the UK offers something to suit almost every collector, budget and level of experience.
Prestige Auctions at the Top End of the Market
At the very highest tier of the UK auction scene sits RM Sotheby’s London. Their annual London sale has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the global collector calendar, drawing rare hypercars, pre-war masterpieces and limited-production modern vehicles.
In November 2025, RM Sotheby’s London reported total sales exceeding £23 million. Among the standout results were a Ferrari FXX-K Evo achieving £4.73 million and a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Spider selling for £2.8 million. These figures underline the auction’s ability to attract elite consignments and international buyers.
Bonhams operates a broader auction programme across the UK, combining traditional saleroom events with online sales. Their catalogues can range from veteran and early motoring examples through to modern performance cars, often at more accessible entry points than the flagship London events. Bonhams is also well regarded for publishing comprehensive condition reports and transparent sale results, making it a valuable reference for assessing market values.
These high-profile auctions attract buyers and sellers from around the world — but they are far from the only options available to UK enthusiasts.
The Core of the UK Classic Auction Scene
For many collectors, the most engaging and approachable auctions sit firmly in the middle of the market.
H&H Classics is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist classic car auctioneers. They stage several live auctions each year at venues including the Imperial War Museum Duxford and Buxton Pavilion Gardens. Their catalogues span everything from affordable entry-level classics to serious collector cars. H&H publishes detailed online listings ahead of each sale and offers live, online and telephone bidding options.
Iconic Auctioneers, previously known as Silverstone Auctions, runs themed sales at major automotive events. These include Race Retro and the Practical Classics Classic Car Show at the NEC. Their auctions often showcase competition cars, homologation specials and sought-after modern classics. With estimates covering a wide range, these sales appeal equally to first-time bidders and seasoned collectors.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com
Based in King’s Lynn, Anglia Car Auctions hosts several large classic car auctions each year, many of which are among the busiest in the country. It is not unusual for hundreds of vehicles to pass through a single sale. The variety is extensive, from family classics and restoration projects to occasional rarities. Anglia’s auctions are well attended and openly accessible, contributing to their strong reputation.
https://angliacarauctions.co.uk
Regional Auctions and Overlooked Opportunities
Smaller and regional auction houses often present some of the most realistic buying opportunities.
Brightwells has been running classic vehicle auctions for decades. Their sales frequently include estate vehicles, private collections and well-used classics with honest histories. Buyers are able to attend previews in person or online, allowing time to inspect vehicles before bidding.
Hampson Auctions specialises in performance cars, supercars and desirable classics. Their sales are often held at prestigious country venues such as Bolesworth Castle, positioning them between enthusiast-focused auctions and top-tier prestige events.
For buyers who prefer a digital-only experience, Car and Classic Auctions offers a fully online auction platform with escrow protection. Vehicles are presented with detailed photography and comprehensive descriptions. This model has grown in popularity, particularly among modern classic and enthusiast car buyers.
https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions
Which Cars Are Performing Strongly?
Recent UK auction results indicate sustained demand for original-condition vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. Fast Fords, homologation specials and low-production models continue to exceed estimates. At NEC-based auctions in 2024 and 2025, Ford Escort Cosworths and Capri Brooklands models regularly achieved prices well above guide values, reflecting changing collector demographics.
At the upper end of the market, pre-war and historically significant cars remain robust performers, while modern hypercars continue to dominate prestige sales. The middle of the market remains particularly active, with well-presented cars selling quickly when priced realistically.
Attending a UK Classic Car Auction
Most auction houses in the UK offer public viewing days, typically held one or two days before the sale. These allow prospective bidders to inspect vehicles, review documentation and speak directly with auction specialists.
Registration is required in order to bid and can usually be completed online in advance. Buyers should be aware that buyer’s premiums apply and vary between auctioneers. Full catalogues, viewing schedules and bidding instructions are published on auction websites and should always be reviewed early.
Why Classic Car Auctions Still Matter
Classic car auctions remain one of the most transparent ways to understand real-world market values. They bring together buyers, sellers and specialists in a way that private listings often cannot.
They also offer something increasingly rare: the opportunity to see, hear and experience historic vehicles in one place. Whether attending to buy, sell or simply learn, UK classic car auctions continue to play a vital role in preserving motoring heritage — and they remain a rewarding day out for enthusiasts of all levels.
