A special section of 20 4×4 pick-ups were offered and sold at BCA Blackbushe on behalf of the UK Car Group late in January and generated a huge amount of interest with trade buyers, small business end-users and private buyers competing strongly.

Duncan Ward, BCA general manager – commercial vehicles, commented: 'Well-specified 4x4s are in demand and examples with leather, satellite navigation, chrome trim, alloy wheels, metallic paint and popular extras like searchlight bars are making exceptional money. Buyers are not so concerned about the age and mileage, providing vehicles are in good, clean condition.  Presentation remains important, however, and damaged examples need to be sensibly valued to generate interest.'

Buyers don't even have the option of down-speccing, because base-models are in even shorter supply and values are rising as a consequence.

There is also plenty of demand for late-registered Land Rovers and a limited 60th Anniversary 110 Defender was sold for £20,000 in the same sale.

Mr Ward commented: 'The 4×4 double-cab sector is reaching a wider audience than previously, with caravanners and rural pursuits enthusiasts enjoying the pulling power and sure-footedness these vehicles offer, as well as the extra space. However, buyer interest has risen sharply since the weather deteriorated in November and December. There are many self-employed owner operators whose businesses are completely dependent on being mobile every day. When their traditional commercial vehicle is stuck at base defeated by the snow they inevitably start looking at a 4×4 as a logical alternative.'

He continued: 'Double cab pick-ups are becoming de rigeur at county-fairs, gymkhanas and caravan parks because of the combination of comfort and rugged performance. They will tow a decent sized caravan or double horsebox with ease and if fitted with a Truckman top or similar offer plenty of additional carrying capacity. They are also very competitively valued when compared to the equivalent premium 4×4 in the car market.'

Mr Ward concluded: 'There's still an active buyer base in the building and construction trades for double cabs as a working tool, of course, from the site foreman to the self-employed builder for whom it may also have a role as "family car".'