The annual H&H Classics which took place in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens made a huge £1.6m.

The auction took place on Wednesday April, 29 and saw more than 140 classic, collector and performance motorcars go under the hammer, with total sales of £1.6 million.

The standout result was for a 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost that was hammered away for £37,125, more than £25,000 above its lower estimate.

In need of restoration and appropriately described as a ‘true diamond in the rough’, the car was first owned by Otto Oppenheimer of the De Beers diamond empire.

The 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost which sold for £37,125

placeholder image — The 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost which sold for £37,125

It still has its original engine, while it was initially supplied with Pullman Cabriolet coachwork by the renowned H. J. Mulliner.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “This was our first Buxton auction of 2026, and the strong results prove that there’s still fantastic demand for realistically guided classics.”

This great result was quickly followed when a 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Fixed Head Coupe found a new home for £50,062, more than £15,000 above its lower estimate. It is one of just 1,368 right-hand drive examples and was offered from long term family ownership.

Another notable classic, a 1954 Austin Healey 100/4 ‘La Carrera Panamericana’, sold for £49,500, more than £14,000 above its lower estimate. The car that went under the hammer is among the most historically significant Austin Healey’s of its type as it was extensively developed and raced to championship success by renowned tuner and racer John Chatham.

The 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Fixed Head Coupe which sold at Buxton's Pavilion Gardens for £50,062

Not to be outdone was a splendid 1950 Riley RMD Drophead Coupe, a regular prize winner at classic car shows and rallies fetched £27,562.

Also attracting keen bidding was a 1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, subject to much expenditure almost ten years ago and eventually sold for £20,250.

James said: “There were great results for Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Austin Healey and Riley, all with examples that attracted good interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.”

Other eye-catching results included a 1968 Triumph TR250, which sold for £29,250, which was £9,250 above its lower estimate, and a 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, which sold for £38,250, more than £8,000 above its lower estimate.