A RECORD number of customers registered to bid at what turned out to be an auction company’s best ever sale at Bicester Heritage.

Car fanatics tuned into Bonhams' Live Online Motoring Auction on Saturday where high-value classic and modern cars were on sale.

The event achieved a sale total of more than £2.5 million and a sell-through rate of 71 per cent.

One of the vehicles, a 1993 Porsche, attracted strong interest and after a lengthy bidding battle between the telephone and online, ultimately sold for £164,250.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions, the auction took place behind closed doors, with no public in attendance.

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People interested had to book a viewing of the cars on offer in advance at the site.

Bicester Advertiser:

But a record number of customers registered to bid and 65 per cent of lots were bought online, with the balance coming via live telephone and absentee bids submitted in advance.

Bonhams says strong competition saw many lots attract multiple bidders.

Head of department at Bonhams, said: “We are very pleased to see that our online consignment platform has, yet again, proved to be an effective and efficient way to consign and sell motor cars at auction.

“Results were strong across the board, particularly for pre-war, modern and popular classics, again proving confidence in the market.”

Other sale highlights included a 1964 Jaguar MK2 3.8-Litre ‘Coombs Replica’ which sold for £51,750; a 1968 Volvo P1800S Coupe which sold for £22,500 and a 1949 Land Rover Series I 80’ which sold for £20,250.

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Bicester Advertiser:

The motorbike section of the sale was 100 per cent sold, matching the success of the first sale.

Bonhams is now getting ready for its next auction taking place on September 19 before its series finale in on December 12, both of which will happen at Bicester Heritage.

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery.

It has offices in London and moved to a new office in Bicester Heritage last June.