Joining the team on stage was Harry Fox-Edwards from Iconic Auctioneers, who revealed the scale and variety of the latest sale, from affordable projects and barn finds to high-value collector cars. The conversation also explored what makes certain cars stand out, why personal stories can add huge value, and how changing tastes are reshaping the classic car market.

And then, across the show floor, Danny Hopkins shared the remarkable story behind the restoration of his own Fiat 124 Spider – a car that will soon have a very special purpose.

A record-breaking auction

Iconic Auctioneers brought 265 cars to the sale – a record for the event.

The selection covered just about every corner of the classic car world. As Harry explained, there was something for almost every budget, from cars around the £3,000–£4,000 mark through to cars worth hundreds of thousands.

“There is a complete variety of everything, from the most projecty projects to really, really nice examples that any collection would welcome.”

That variety is deliberate. Iconic Auctioneers works hard to attract consignments from across the market, using extensive advertising across platforms including Classic Cars, PistonHeads, AutoTrader and eBay.

The aim is simple: take away much of the stress of selling a car and put it in front of as many potential buyers as possible.

Harry also highlighted the knowledge within the Iconic team. With specialists covering everything from pre-war cars and JDM machinery to homologation specials, sellers and buyers can speak to someone who genuinely understands their particular corner of the market.

Cars with character

One of the standout cars discussed was a Porsche 911 SC converted to Turbo-look specification.

It wasn't an original factory Turbo, but that was part of the appeal. With the right vents, bumpers, stance and styling, it delivered much of the visual drama without the price tag of a genuine Turbo.

The discussion highlighted an important point about the modern classic market: originality isn't always everything.

A genuine right-hand-drive Porsche 911 Turbo can command enormous money, but a well-executed conversion can offer a huge amount of enjoyment for a fraction of the cost.

As Harry put it, you can look at a car and simply think: that's a really good-looking car.

The humble hot hatch

Another fascinating example was a Renault 5 Turbo Raider, which demonstrated the growing interest in late-1980s and early-1990s performance cars.

Its relatively low mileage and family history added to the appeal. The car had spent its life being used for family holidays, including towing a caravan, and came with photographs documenting that history.

Although it needed some work, that was part of its charm.

Harry believes the market for hot hatches, performance cars and homologation specials remains particularly strong – and that cars like the Raider could become increasingly desirable as enthusiasts look back to the cars of their youth.

When the owner becomes part of the story

One of the most interesting themes of the discussion was the value of provenance.

A modern Mini Clubman might normally have a fairly straightforward market value. But when its previous owner was Mary Austin, the personal connection changes everything.

The car's history suddenly becomes a major part of its appeal.

It demonstrates how classic and collectable cars aren't valued purely on age, specification or condition. The person who owned a car – and the story attached to it – can have a huge impact.

The same principle can apply to celebrity ownership, famous collections or unusual journeys.

The Aston Martin you can't ignore

The Aston Martin Cygnet was another talking point.

Essentially based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet was created to help Aston Martin meet emissions requirements. But its unusual combination of tiny city-car dimensions and Aston Martin branding has turned it into a fascinating modern collectable.

For around £30,000, you're effectively getting a Toyota iQ with an Aston Martin badge – but that is precisely why people love it.

It has novelty, rarity and plenty of conversation value.

And for someone with a serious Aston Martin collection, it makes an entertaining addition: even an Aston owner needs something to nip to the shops in.

Is pre-war making a comeback?

The auction also offered an interesting perspective on the pre-war market.

A 1937 Rolls-Royce Sedanca de Ville achieved strong money, despite the fact that pre-war cars have generally become much more affordable than they were at the market's peak.

Harry believes that shouldn't necessarily be interpreted as the death of the sector.

Instead, lower values could provide an opportunity for a new generation to discover these cars.

He is currently building a pre-war Hillman Straight Eight himself, with plans to approach it in much the same way as a modern project – making it low, loud and cool.

That willingness to personalise older cars could help bring new enthusiasts into the pre-war scene.

Daimler Dart: colour makes the car

The Daimler Dart was another favourite.

The example discussed achieved £31,500 and demonstrated just how much colour and presentation can transform a car.

Its V8 engine ran beautifully, while the metallic paint really brought out the shape.

The Dart also has an unusual construction story. Being an early fibreglass-bodied car, it doesn't suffer from the traditional rust problems associated with many classics – although its lightweight construction means it isn't necessarily the stiffest car on the road!

As with so many auction cars, though, the story behind it is part of the attraction.

What could buyers find next?

The auction wasn't over.

Among the cars still available were an MGA, a Porsche 911, a remarkably low-mileage Subaru WRX, and even an Escort convertible with an intriguing connection to the Sultan of Brunei's collection.

The Subaru was particularly special.

With just 51 miles, it was effectively a delivery-mileage example. Harry described it as “box fresh”, and its rarity makes it particularly interesting to JDM enthusiasts.

While earlier Subaru performance cars such as the 22B, P1 and Type R have become well established among collectors, later-generation WRXs haven't always received the same attention.

That could make cars like this an interesting proposition for someone looking for something rare, fast and usable.

Looking to buy or sell a classic?

Iconic Auctioneers' team was on hand throughout the show to discuss consignments, sales and potential purchases.

Visitors could register to bid for free, with a driving licence or passport and proof of address, while absentee bidding was also available for those unable to stay for the auction.

With hundreds of cars crossing the block, from affordable projects to serious collector pieces, there was something for almost every kind of classic car enthusiast.

And as Harry and the team demonstrated, you never quite know what story is going to roll onto the auction stage next.