The Museum hosted the first H&H auction some four years ago, but this year the house comes back in full force, having been given the main hanger as a dramatic backdrop to one of the most substantial auctions of the year: with automobilia and bikes making up almost a third of the offerings, a new marketing manager and a brand new venture, H&H Classic Rallies, the Duxford gig was bound to be an intricate affair, complete with pre-event reception and social schmoozing.

Yet there was nothing particularly extravagant about the auction itself: known faces from the trade mixed well with private buyers; i-bidders and phone sales were equally buoyant.

The two-wheeled star of the show, an unassuming Brough Superior SS100, set the tone when it went for a provisional £320k. H&H has the world-record for the highest price paid for a motorbike, and that was indeed a Brough. 

Onto the cars, it was interesting to see how Aston Martin DB6s, trade and public’s long-time favourites, still pulled in strong money, as two Mk II Vantage models changed hands at £130k and £190k respectively, before premium. However, the former required some TLC and yet it fetched a lower price than the latter, bucking the trend of commanding a higher premium for being in a poorer condition. Logic prevailed on this occasion.

Some 300 people had been keeping an eye on the 1953 Aston DB2 Saloon on H&H’s website, and the interest translated into a healthy sale when the car went to the highest bidder for £108k.

The ever-popular Ferrari Daytona was sold for £140k, just below estimate. A few of its poor relations went for rather a lot less, proving that you can own a bit of prancing horse and a V12 for as little as £2.5k a seat: the four-seater, 1978 Ferrari 400GT sold for £10k.

It was refreshing to see an E-type drop-top go for a the most reasonable money seen all year: £30k. The 50th birthday celebrations must have finally fizzled out. 

Pre-war classics seem to be gaining ground: a 1929 Bentley 4 ½ litre ‘Le Mans’ Tourer with dramatically extensive history achieved £480k – almost ‘Monterey’ week levels; a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500k Cabriolet C in exemplary condition got a provisional £575k.

Even Alfa Romeo little racing cars, usually the runt of the litter when it comes to auction prices, did well: a 1900 SS, said to be set up for racing (but with no brakes!) sold for £45k.

Simon Hope, MD of H&H and ‘auctioneer extraordinaire’, must have been disappointed by the last lot, conveniently placed at the end of the auction to keep the audience there: the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, ex-Sir Paul McCartney was offered £300k but did not sell.

Perhaps it was the missing musical note embroidered in the original hide and removed when the car was restored. See? Not all restoration is good news.