About
Need Help Navigating The Complex World Of Classic Cars?
The classic car market is unlike any other. It’s a world governed by history, passion, pedigree, and, often, immense financial commitment.
For over three decades, my life has been centred on these extraordinary machines, not just selling them, but understanding the narratives they carry, the engineering beneath their elegant curves, and the collector psychology that drives the market.
Independent Classic Car Consultant
My name is Simon Hope. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to refine a multi-million-pound garage or a passionate newcomer hoping to acquire your first significant classic, I offer a promise of unbiased, expert advice. My counsel is rooted in 30 years of unfiltered experience that has taken me from the dusty floors of provincial car auctions to setting world records on the international stage.
This isn't just a consultancy; it's a partnership where my entire legacy, the wins, the mistakes, and the deep, abiding knowledge of the global market, is put to work for your specific goals. I’m here to help you make confident decisions, ensuring that every acquisition, sale, or restoration project is a step forward, not a costly diversion.
Where the Journey Began
Every classic car career starts with one car that ignites the fire. For me, that spark was lit not by a multi-million-pound Ferrari, but by a little red car that required blood, sweat, and savings.
As a young enthusiast, cars and sports weren't just hobbies; they were obsessions. I worked every holiday and saved diligently, finally achieving that pivotal first purchase: a bright red Mini.
It was a symbol of freedom and the beginning of a lifelong addiction to four wheels.
The Mini was soon followed by a car with real character: a 1947 Sunbeam Talbot 10. That car taught me about history and pre-war engineering in a way a modern vehicle never could. It instilled a deep appreciation for the story embedded within the metal.
My passion continued throughout my time in the Navy at RAF Leeming. While serving, I went through various classics, more Minis, an MGA, an MGB, an AC Ace (unbelievably affordable back then, an opportunity I'm glad I seized), and an MG TC.
Each car was a lesson in itself, a hands-on education in maintenance, performance, and provenance. That passion, the same drive that chased down a vintage MG in my early twenties, still dictates my life today. It’s this deep, personal, and mechanical understanding that forms the bedrock of my professional expertise. You can't advise on the market unless you truly understand the heart of what you're selling or buying.
Founding a Legacy
The shift from passionate enthusiast to professional auctioneer was a natural evolution. I entered the car business by running part of National Car Auctions, which gave me invaluable insight into the mechanics of the auction world. It was there that I first connected my love for cars with the dynamic, high-stakes process of the auction room.
This experience led to a pivotal meeting with Geoff Hamilton and his nephew Mark. They recognised my auctioneering experience and invited me to set up their car auction, Hampsons. I duly took on the challenge, and we held our first auction, successfully selling over £1 million worth of collector cars. a significant milestone that proved the demand for a dedicated, expert-driven classic car auction house was there.
Expert Classic Car Valuation
The success of Hampsons laid the groundwork for a far greater ambition. In 1993, Mark Hamilton and I co-founded H&H Classic Auctions.
For the next three decades, H&H became my life’s work. We established the brand on principles of integrity, transparency, and, above all, an unyielding passion for classic automobiles and motorcycles. We weren't just moving metal; we were trading history, engineering brilliance, and dreams.
I am immensely proud to have helped bring H&H to where it is today, a name synonymous with quality and a pioneer that set standards for the industry globally.
The 31 years at the helm of H&H Classics were filled with countless successful auctions, but some milestones stand out as true testaments to the expertise and trust we built.
From humble beginnings, H&H grew into one of the world's elite auction houses. We achieved a goal that few could ever claim: H&H is one of only five auction houses globally to have ever sold a motorcar for more than $10,000,000. That single achievement speaks volumes about the level of cars, clients, and execution that the company was capable of.
I vividly recall the sale of a particular Ferrari SWB. The hammer price set a world record, securing H&H’s place at the top table of global auctions. That record, for a car sold over $10 million, stood firm for more than ten years. Moments like that don’t just happen; they are the result of meticulous preparation, global marketing reach, and a deep, respected relationship with the world's most discerning collectors.
Beyond the four-wheeled giants, we were also hugely successful in the motorcycle market, setting records there as well, including one magnificent motorbike fetching over £500,000. It proved that our passion and expertise weren't limited to cars; if it had an engine and a history, we treated it with the respect it deserved.
Over my career at H&H, we have amassed almost 80,000 clients globally. While I can't pretend to know every single one, I gained true friends and enjoyed more than my fair share of memorable deals. This network, this understanding of who is collecting what and why, is an irreplaceable asset that I now bring directly to my consultancy clients.
Unforgettable Deals
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Global Pursuits and Private Racing
The professional high stakes of the auction room were always balanced by the personal, hands-on thrill of driving and racing. My passion isn't confined to a catalogue description; it thrives behind the wheel.
My work naturally took me to the major global automotive events, from judging concours at Pebble Beach to sourcing rare classics in Malaysia. Yet, some of the most profound experiences were those that pushed the cars and me to the limit.
I have participated in epic endurance and road events like the Peking to Paris rally and the legendary Mille Miglia. These events are not leisurely drives; they demand mechanical resilience, logistical mastery, and unwavering focus. The insight gained from completing these rallies, understanding a car’s true reliability, its maintenance demands, and its intrinsic value under pressure, is invaluable when advising clients on their own significant purchases or ventures.
As the chapter at H&H closed with my retirement, the racing chapter intensified. My focus is now on spending quality time with my family and indulging in my true boyhood dream: racing the magnificent Maserati 250F. This car is pure history, and campaigning it on the circuit is an absolute privilege.
My personal garage is anchored by two long-term loves that represent different facets of classic motorsport: the powerful 1964 Mustang and the iconic 1950 Allard J2. I have owned both of these fantastic machines for over 20 years. Their maintenance, racing preparation, and ongoing enjoyment provide a constant connection to the core mechanical challenges and rewards of classic car ownership.
This is why my advice is different: it comes from someone who is in the market, on the track, and under the bonnet, not just behind a desk.
Your Personal Classic Car Advisory Partner
My retirement from H&H Classics marks a new phase: one dedicated entirely to independent consultancy. This shift ensures that the expertise I offer you is now completely unbiased.
In the complex ecosystem of classic cars, conflicts of interest are common. As an independent consultant, my only fiduciary duty is to you. I don’t represent a specific auction house or dealer; I represent your best interests, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply seeking validation on a major project.
My Tailored Guidance Covers:
Acquisition Strategy: Leveraging my global network to locate the perfect, authenticated vehicle, often before it hits the open market.
Valuation & Due Diligence: Providing realistic, data-driven valuations and managing the rigorous inspection process to uncover any hidden flaws or questionable provenance.
Collection Curation: Helping you define the scope and focus of your collection, ensuring maximum value appreciation and personal enjoyment.
Ditch Discreet: Utilising any and all channels needed to present your vehicle to the right audience be it privately and quietly or via auction, tender or indeed any other method.
Over Three Decades of Experience
With over 30 years of navigating this unique market, witnessing the bubbles, the crashes, and the enduring passion, I offer a rare clarity of vision. My guidance ensures you move past the marketing hype and focus on the facts, the history, and the mechanics that truly determine a classic car’s worth.
Whether you're aiming to refine your garage, prepare a vehicle for a high-profile sale, or simply need an expert voice to sanity-check a purchase, my experience is your strategic advantage.
Let’s Discuss Your Car Collection
My journey has been incredible, but the most exciting part is helping others write their own automotive chapters.
If you are ready to take the next step in your classic car journey and want the benefit of world-class, unbiased advice, I’m ready to talk.
Get in touch with me for advice on building a classic car collection
I’m here to ensure that if you go down a particular route you understand the pitfalls along the way and everything else so that you hit your goal and you are not disappointed.
There is no charge for this part of the service so there is nothing to lose but a little time…
I am not looking for a job or to be busy but I would love to help people if possible.
There is no charge at this stage so you have nothing to lose. It is entirely free advice.
