RARE and luxury cars and motorbikes attracted plenty of attention from enthusiasts at a recent sale at Tennants Auctioneers.

Low mileage classics mixed with historic vehicles in the first car, motorbike and automobilia sale of the year on May 12 attracted crowds of eager bidders. The level of interest was reflected in a healthy 90 per cent sold rate, and stand-out prices for top lots.

One of the highlights of the sale, and a magnet for motorbike enthusiasts, was a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow Series C, which sold for £40,000. Part of the Eddie Saxton Collection of Vintage Motorbikes, the Black Shadow is regarded as the world’s first superbike and, with a top speed of 125mph, it was the fastest production motorcycle of its era.

A 1972 gold Rolls Royce Corniche II – the ultimate symbol of 1970s and 80s success – with only 28,000 miles on the clock led the car section of the sale, selling for £51,000. The oldest car in the sale was a Clément-Bayard, made in 1914, which had starred in the 1978 film ‘The 39 Steps’ starring Robert Powell. This rare vehicle, with added provenance, sold for £20,000.

Further highlights included a 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe sold for £16,200, an 1929 Austin Seven ‘Chummy’ Tourer sold for £11,800 and a 1970 Morris Minor Traveller sold for £7,500.

The sale resulted in a total hammer price of £309,145 for 294 lots.