Exploring the UK’s Classic Car Auctions From Prestige to Regional
The UK Classic Car Auction Market 2026
The UK remains one of the world’s most active and wide-ranging classic car auction markets. While high-profile London events often dominate headlines, the broader auction landscape stretches far beyond the capital. Across the country, collectors and enthusiasts can find everything from multi-million-pound rarities to accessible, well-bought classics, often without the eye-watering budgets associated with global prestige sales.
Understanding where different auction houses sit within the market can help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions, whether they are entering the auction scene for the first time or expanding an established collection.
Prestige Auctions at the Top End
At the uppermost tier of the market sits RM Sotheby’s, whose London sales have become a fixed point on the global collector calendar. These events routinely attract ultra-rare hypercars, pre-war masterpieces, and modern limited-production vehicles with impeccable provenance.
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. Figures like these reinforce the strength of the top end of the market, particularly for vehicles with rarity, history and international appeal.
Alongside this sits Bonhams, which operates a broad programme of classic and collector car auctions across the UK, both in person and online. Bonhams sales typically offer a wider spectrum of vehicles than the prestige London events, ranging from veteran cars and post-war classics to modern performance models.
Bonhams is also well regarded for its detailed condition reports and transparent results archives, making it a valuable reference point for market values beyond the sale room.
These auctions attract international buyers and sellers, but they represent only one segment of the UK auction ecosystem.
The Core of the UK Auction Market
For many enthusiasts, the most engaging opportunities exist within the middle of the market, where cars remain attainable and buyer competition is driven by enthusiasm rather than global speculation.
H&H Classics is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist auction houses. Hosting multiple sales each year at venues such as the Imperial War Museum Duxford and Buxton Pavilion Gardens, H&H offers a wide mix of entry-level classics, enthusiast cars and serious collector vehicles.
Full catalogues are published online well in advance, and bidders can participate in person, online or by telephone, an approach that appeals to both traditional buyers and those new to auction participation.
Formerly known as Silverstone Auctions, Iconic Auctioneers runs themed sales alongside major automotive events, including Race Retro and the Practical Classics Classic Car Show at the NEC. These auctions frequently feature competition cars, homologation specials and increasingly sought-after modern classics.
Prices at Iconic sales can vary significantly, which makes them particularly attractive to both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors who understand the nuances of condition, originality and provenance.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com
Another major player in this segment is Anglia Car Auctions, based in King’s Lynn. Anglia runs some of the busiest classic auctions in the country, with hundreds of vehicles passing through a single sale. The selection is deliberately broad, covering family classics, restoration projects and occasional rarities.
Their sales are well attended, openly accessible and often reward careful research and inspection.
https://angliacarauctions.co.uk
Regional Auctions and Lesser-Known Opportunities
Beyond the nationally recognised names, smaller and regional auction houses often present some of the most realistic buying opportunities.
Brightwells has been conducting classic vehicle auctions for decades. Their catalogues frequently include estate vehicles, private collections and well-used classics with honest histories. Buyers are encouraged to attend preview days in person or online to assess vehicles before bidding.
Hampson Auctions specialises in performance, supercars and desirable classics, often staging sales at country estates such as Bolesworth Castle. These auctions sit comfortably between enthusiast-focused sales and prestige events, offering a carefully curated selection of vehicles.
For those who prefer a fully digital experience, Car and Classic Auctions operates an online-only auction model with escrow protection. Listings are supported by extensive photography and detailed descriptions, making the platform particularly popular for modern classics and enthusiast-owned vehicles.
https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions
What Is Performing Well at Auction?
Recent UK auction results indicate strong demand for original, well-presented vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. Fast Fords, homologation specials and low-production models continue to exceed estimates, particularly when originality and documentation are strong.
At NEC-based auctions during 2024 and 2025, Ford Escort Cosworths and Capri Brooklands models regularly achieved prices well above guide values. This trend reflects a shift in collector demographics, with buyers increasingly seeking cars linked to their formative motoring years.
At the upper end, pre-war and historically significant vehicles remain resilient, while modern hypercars continue to dominate prestige sales. The mid-market remains active, with realistically priced cars often selling quickly when condition and provenance align.
Attending and Buying at Auction
Most UK auction houses offer public viewing days, typically held one or two days before the sale. These sessions allow potential buyers to inspect vehicles closely, review documentation and speak directly with specialists.
Registration is required to bid and can usually be completed online in advance. Buyers may choose to bid in person, online or by telephone. It is important to remember that buyer’s premiums apply and vary by auction house.
Auction websites publish catalogues, viewing schedules and bidding instructions well ahead of each sale. Reviewing these details early helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Why Auctions Still Matter
Classic car auctions remain one of the clearest ways to understand genuine market values. They bring together buyers, sellers and specialists in a transparent environment, offering insight that private listings often lack.
They also provide something increasingly rare, the chance to see historic vehicles gathered in one place, hear them running and appreciate their condition in person.
Whether attending to buy, sell or simply learn, UK classic car auctions remain central to the country’s motoring heritage and a rewarding experience for enthusiasts at every level.
