If cars could talk, the top performer in last week’s H&H sale at Buxton would certainly have a story to tell. It started life as a 1937 Alvis Speed 25SB Charlesworth Speed Saloon, but was rebodied as a lightweight competition machine and used for racing in the mid ‘60s. The current, very elegant Vanden Plas-style suit of clothes was acquired in the ‘90s at the hands of Simon Isles of Pott Shrigley.

Finished in a striking combination of Silver and Blue, it cut quite a dash at the sunny, well-attended sale, and was eventually knocked down for £94,080 – more than had been anticipated.

A number of lots surpassed their estimates by notable margins, including: a Maroon 1972 Triumph TR6 that had been the subject of a restoration back in 2002 and managed £12,600; a 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider that began life in South Africa and doubled expectations by making £13,440; and a 1953 Humber Pullman Limousine that was once employed for Royal occasions which, at £10,304, achieved three times the suggested figure. There were some good results from the ‘No Reserve’ lots too, with the 1977 Austin Allegro that had accrued just 6,751 miles before being consigned to life in a museum and was rehoused for £4,480 - £2,218 more than it cost new.