A 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe "barn find" has highlighted a stunning line-up at Silverstone Auctions' Restoration Show Sale.
 It's what's inside that counts - with barn finds, collectors are looking for original parts and a matching numbers engine and chassis |
Held on April 12 in the UK, the auction offered several clapped-out classics waiting to be given the "concours treatment" by collectors.
With classic car investment booming, the sale saw strong bids, topped by the Jaguar, which realised a 38% increase on its £45,000 high estimate to make £62,100 ($104,105).
The XK150 was the final model in Jaguar's popular XK sports car range, following on from the 120 and 140. Just under 10,000 were produced, though many were exported to the US and Australia, leaving very few remaining in the UK.
This example was originally registered in the UK, but at some point in the 1980s was bought by an Italian collector and moved to Sicily. There it remained in storage for the past 20 years before being bought by a British collector and repatriated.
 Buying a partial restoration like this Facel Vega could save you time and money, but if the work has been completed poorly, you may end up having to start from scratch, at considerable expense |
Also starring in the sale was a rare 1962 Facel Vega HK500, which had been partially restored by its previous owner. Estimated at £28,000-34,000, it made £64,400 ($107,961) - an 89.4% increase on estimate.
The Facel Vega brand originates from France, providing luxury on a similar level to Britain's Rolls-Royce. However, the company was short lived and good examples are extremely rare.
In 2013, the Facel Vega Facel II owned by Ringo Starr sold for £337,500 ($565,788) at Bonhams.
Barn find cars - those discovered abandoned in original condition - are the ultimate prize for many car collectors and investors. Barn finds provide a great way to earn returns on a purchase, though restoration costs can often outweigh the initial outlay.
Paul Fraser Collectibles' selection of racing memorabilia for sale provides the perfect complement to your collection.
