Manor Park Classics acquires Barons Classic Car Auctioneers

Manor Park Classics, the North-West’s foremost fixed-venue classic vehicle auction house, has bought out Southampton-based Barons Classic Car Auctioneers in a deal that marks the start of MPC’s planned expansion across other areas in the UK.

Since its first sale in April 2021, Manor Park Classics (MPC) has enjoyed remarkable growth, and gained an enviable reputation among buyers and sellers for the quality of its sales process, and well above average sale rates, which frequently achieve 90%. Operating from its purpose-built, 30,000sq ft premises near Runcorn, Cheshire, much of MPC’s success has been attributed to its unique three-stage sales process, with extended pre-sale viewing days, bidding by ‘phone, online or in person at auction, and a commitment to closing deals post-sale with no deadline.

MPC’s outright purchase of Barons will give it a foothold in southern England through one of the UK’s oldest-established names in classic car auctioneering. Founded by Tony Cavell in 1998, Barons runs monthly sales of classic cars and motorbikes on the second Saturday of each month, with, on average, 50 lots consigned to each auction.

Operating from fixed-venue premises in Marchwood, on the edge of the New Forest, Barons was seen as a perfect complement to MPC’s northern business, and welcomed by MPC’s chair, Stephen Ashworth: “I am delighted to confirm our takeover of Barons Auctioneers and greet Tony and his team to the Manor Park family.

“As auctioneers of both classic cars and bikes, based at their own bespoke facility, they operate exactly the same model as we do, so the fit is perfect. We intend to turbocharge the business by bringing MPC’s socials, internet and telephone bidding to our international audience, headed by Paul Cowland.

“My thanks go to Paul and fellow directors, James Gregory, Nik Askins and Andy Park for making this deal happen so quickly. I am also delighted to announce that there will be no changes to the team at Barons, headed by Tony Cavell and Molly Agius. 

“Auctions will continue to be held on a monthly basis at Barons’ premises at Harbour Close in Marchwood, and the Manor Park Classics service and three-stage sales process will also be available in the South, as well as the North. We now aim to open four or five auction houses at various strategic locations across the UK so that everyone has access to the three-stage sales process, 90% sale rates, and the unrivalled service that Manor Park offers for all buyers and sellers of classic cars and bikes.”

Barons’ director, Tony Cavell, was equally enthusiastic about the new venture: “I am very excited to be joining the team at Manor Park Classics and to be part of the future development of Barons Manor Park Classics Ltd.

“I believe that we both have the same ethos and business ethic, which can only take us forward in a very positive way.” Barons Manor Park Classics Ltd., as the new business will be known, will hold its first sale on Saturday, February 8th, with viewing already available from 9am to 5pm through to the day of the sale.

Manor Park Classics’ next sale will run the following week, with viewing open from Monday, February 10th, and the sale of classic bikes on Friday, February 14th, and classic cars on Saturday, February 15th.