Manor Park Classics (MPC), the North-West classic vehicle auction house, has bought out Southampton-based Barons Classic Car Auctioneers for an undisclosed sum as part of its wider growth plans.
MPC launched in April 2021 but is already planning to make further acquisitions to expand its classic car operations to other areas of the UK.
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 chairman, Stephen Ashworth: “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.”
MPC is aiming to open four or five auction houses at various strategic locations across the UK.
Barons director Cavell added: “I am very excited to be joining the team at MPC and to be part of the future development of Barons Manor Park Classics.
“I believe that we both have the same ethos and business ethic, which can only take us forward in a very positive way.”