H&H sales manager Damian Jones, in conversation with CCWs auctions man Richard Barnett, talks about this year's sales and looks to the future

Did your 2011 sales meet or exceed your expectations?

It was hard to know what to expect from 2011. Some sales exceeded our expectations while others fell short, but overall our financial performance has been in line with predictions.

Did any results surprise you because they were higher than you expected?

We have had some notable successes with Aston Martins this year, including selling a DB6 Mk2 Vantage for £209,000. But our most pleasing result was the £528,000 achieved for the ex-Capt Woolf Barnato 1929 Bentley 4V2-litre Le Mans Style Tourer

Do people want to buy restoration projects?

A lot of people enjoy the prospect of being the one to restore an old car to its former glory. As well as having a certain romance, restoration projects are often prized because of the degree of originality they possess.

Is there Increased Interest and demand for pre-WW2 cars of all types, or Just the more luxurious and sporting models?

Not all pre-war cars have witnessed an increase in value. The more luxurious and sporting models are often the most usable/capable of keeping up with modern traffic. But when it comes to coachbuilt cars; the coachbuilder can have just as much of an effect on value as the chassis manufacturer.

Is the Aston Martin bubble going to burst In 2012?

Perhaps, perhaps not. Some feel that the marque has had its day in the sun, while others see room for further price growth. The markets for pre- and post-war Astons remain largely independent of each other.

What are your thoughts about one-marque sales?

One-marque sales can be highly successful but take time to establish. The more support you get from the manufacturer (if they are still trading) and any owners club the better.