The Barons team has obviously been very, very good this year, as its Christmas wish – for a strong sale to end 2009 on a high note – was granted.  When the hammer fell on the final lot on December 8 some £400,000 worth of collectors’ cars had found new homes; Barons’ best sale result to date.

Highlights of this bustling event included the 1971 ex-Jo Siffert Chevron B19, which sold for £80,800 and a stunning 1947 Jaguar 3.5 Saloon which, at £62,450, sold for significantly over top estimate and for what is believed to be a UK record price.

Other notable results included two splendid Ford Escort competition cars: the 1972 MkI Mexico works rally replica sold for £36,250 and the immaculate 1979 RS 2000 MkII for £21,200.

'What an exhilarating way to end the year,' said Barons’ MD Laurence Sayers-Gillan. 'At the start of 2009 there was much prophesying of doom and gloom, but we’ve seem some excellent results throughout and this sale really was the icing on the Christmas cake.

'The saleroom was packed, the bidding lively and the results show once again that quality cars will find a ready market and command strong prices.  And, as we look to 2010, and yet more prophesies of financial uncertainty, I believe that, increasingly, enthusiasts will choose to invest their money in a cherished vehicle and enjoy the pleasures of ownership rather than worrying about dwindling interest rates.'