Manor Park Classics has acquired Barons Classic Car Auctioneers, one of the UK’s longest-established names in classic vehicle sales, marking the first step in its nationwide expansion. The deal gives the North-West-based auction house a foothold in the South, with further locations planned across the country.
Since its launch in 2021, MPC has built its business from its Runcorn facility. The acquisition of Barons, which has operated from its Marchwood premises near Southampton since 1998, allows MPC to apply the same model to a well-established southern operation.
‘We are delighted to welcome Tony and his team to the Manor Park family,’ said MPC chairman Stephen Ashworth. ‘Barons shares our fixed-venue auction approach, making it a perfect fit. Our plan is to turbocharge the business, integrating MPC’s digital and telephone bidding to a global audience, with Paul Cowland leading the charge. This is just the start – we aim to establish four or five additional auction houses across the UK to bring our proven formula to more buyers and sellers.’
Barons, which hosts monthly classic car and motorcycle auctions, will continue under the leadership of founder Tony Cavell and director Molly Agius. The first sale under the new Barons Manor Park Classics Ltd. banner is set for 8 February, with MPC’s own auction following on 15 February.
‘This is an exciting new chapter for Barons,’ said Cavell. ‘We share the same ethos and commitment to service, and I look forward to driving the business forward as part of MPC’s growing network.
