There’s something magical about those perfect auction days when everything aligns – glorious sunshine, passionate bidders, and exceptional motorcars with stories that captivate everyone in the room.
My recent monthly trip to Southampton for Barons Auctions was exactly one of those unforgettable experiences that reminds me why I love this profession.
Sunshine and Success at Barons Southampton
The sun was blazing down on Southampton as collectors, enthusiasts, and dealers gathered for another excellent Barons Auctions sale. The atmosphere was electric from the moment the doors opened, with bidding action flowing seamlessly between the packed auction hall, online platforms, and telephone bidders from around the world.
These monthly trips to Southampton have become a highlight of my auctioneering calendar. There’s something special about the Barons team and their consistently strong consignments that creates the perfect environment for achieving exceptional results.
The Star of the Show: A Fighter Ace’s Rolls Royce
Lot 112 – 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 – SOLD for £25,588
Standing at the rostrum calling bids on this extraordinary Rolls Royce 20/25 was genuinely spine-tingling. This wasn’t just any vintage Rolls Royce – this was a car with genuine aviation heroism woven into its very fabric.
The story behind this remarkable motor car reads like something from a wartime adventure novel. Its first owner was WWI fighter ace Ivan Cooper Sanderson, a genuine hero whose courage in the skies was matched by his impeccable taste in motorcars. By 1955, it had passed into equally distinguished hands – Air Vice Marshall D.A. Holder, another aviation legend.
This fascinating military aviation provenance immediately sets this Rolls Royce apart from the crowd, adding layers of historical significance that resonated powerfully with bidders both in the hall and online.
Freestone & Webb Craftsmanship at Its Finest
What made this 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 even more special was its desirable low-roof Sportsman Saloon body by Freestone & Webb. For those familiar with vintage Rolls Royce, Freestone & Webb represents the absolute pinnacle of coachbuilding craftsmanship from the golden age of bespoke automotive construction.
This particular example perfectly showcased the elegant proportions and sophisticated design philosophy that made Freestone & Webb one of the most sought-after coachbuilders of the period. The low-roof configuration adds a sporting elegance that transforms the traditional Rolls Royce silhouette into something altogether more dynamic and purposeful.
Delivered new via the prestigious Jack Barclay of London – itself a mark of distinction – this Rolls Royce had impeccable credentials from day one.
Restoration Excellence Documented
One of the factors that drove strong bidding interest was the comprehensive restoration this Rolls Royce had undergone during the 2000s. This wasn’t just a quick cosmetic refresh – this was a proper, no-expense-spared body-off restoration that addressed every aspect of the car’s mechanical and aesthetic condition.
The restoration highlights included:
- Complete respray to concours standards
- Full interior retrim using period-appropriate materials
- New oak frame construction ensuring structural integrity
- Replacement aluminium wings crafted to original specifications
- Comprehensive engine work by specialists George Simpson
The engine restoration alone was a masterclass in proper vintage Rolls Royce maintenance, involving a complete strip down, precision line boring, new pistons, and a replacement camshaft. This level of mechanical attention ensures reliability and performance that honors the original engineering excellence.
Documentation That Tells the Story
What really impressed me about this consignment was the huge file of documentation that accompanied the car. In the classic car world, provenance and documentation can make all the difference, and this Rolls Royce came with everything you could wish for:
- Complete invoices from the restoration process
- Original build sheets providing factory specifications
- Extensive photographs documenting the restoration journey
- Historical records tracing the car’s distinguished ownership
This level of documentation doesn’t just add value – it tells the complete story of a cherished motorcar that has been properly maintained and thoughtfully preserved.
The Barons Southampton Experience
Working with Barons Auctions month after month has given me tremendous appreciation for their approach to classic car auctions. The Southampton venue provides an excellent environment for both consigners and bidders, while their team’s expertise in curation and presentation consistently delivers strong results.
The multi-channel bidding approach – hall, online, and telephone – ensures maximum exposure for exceptional lots like this Rolls Royce. Watching bidders compete from different platforms while calling the action is always exciting, and the £25,588 final price reflected the perfect combination of provenance, presentation, and passionate bidding.
Sales like this Rolls Royce 20/25 demonstrate why professional auctioneering services are essential for achieving optimal results with significant classic cars. Understanding how to present the provenance, highlight the restoration quality, and manage competitive bidding requires experience and expertise.
The sunny Southampton atmosphere certainly helped, but the £25,588 result was achieved through proper presentation, professional auction management, and the kind of passionate bidding that only occurs when everything comes together perfectly.
Ready to achieve exceptional results for your classic car at auction? Contact Auctioneer 4 Hire today and let’s create some sunshine success together!