Best of British classics from significant collection being auctioned at Millbrook

Four highly desirable British classics from a private collection, including a rare Bentley, are going under the hammer with H&H Classics at its first Millbrook Sale.

The auction takes place at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire on Wednesday 25^th June, which sees three more collectable home grown classics from the same collection being offered for sale.

The rare 1957 Bentley S1 Continental HJ Mulliner Fastback entered from The Merlin Collection, named such as the vendor is also a collector of aeroplanes, is one of just ninety-seven, right-hand drive S1 Continentals clothed by H.J. Mulliner to its iconic Design Number 7400.

It has benefitted from a chassis-up, body-off restoration by Richards of England and Padgett Motor Engineers between 2016 and 2019, and carries a guide price of £250,000-£300,000.

Damian Jones, director at H&H Classics, said: “This Bentley is very impressive, and I’d be surprised if there is a better one on the market at the moment, regardless of price. This car, and the others in the Merlin Collection are truly befitting of our new auction venue at Millbrook and we are incredibly proud to be offering them for sale.”

The second classic entered from The Merlin Collection is a stunning two-owner 1974 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster with fewer than 20,000 miles showing. Estimated at £80,000-£100,000, it is reputedly one of only two right-hand drive examples to emerge from Browns Lane in Turquoise with Terracotta leather upholstery.

Damian added: “This Series III Roadster is a pleasure to drive while also retaining the vast majority of its factory paintwork and Black vinyl roof. It’s a prized example that we highly recommend.”

Meanwhile, the third Merlin Collection entrant is a 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe, estimated at £90,000-£110,000, that has been reunited with its original number plate.

Its appeal also includes a documented restoration lasting around 30 months and conversion by Viktor Valker at the VTG Group, while handsome lines and a two-tone colour scheme ensures this Rolls-Royce is a head turner wherever it goes.

Finally, the oldest entry from The Merlin Collection is a low mileage 1937 Bentley 3½ Litre Vanden Plas Drophead Coupe, showing a mere 16,000 miles from new and estimated at £80,000-£100,000.

A unique example with a remarkable state of preservation, this time warp Bentley is offered with a vast array of files and correspondence, including its original Bentley Motors Guarantee, continuation buff logbook and old MOTs.

Damian concluded: “This is probably the most original and best conserved Derby Bentley we have ever encountered, and H&H Classics is delighted to offer it for auction, along with the three other entries from The Merlin Collection.”

All lots will be available to view in person at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire from midday on Tuesday 24^th June and from 9am on Wednesday 25^th June, while the sale then commences at 12pm later the same day. Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

For more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.