Blazing sunshine saw more than 34,000 motoring enthusiasts from across the world turn out for Beaulieu’s International Autojumble to mark the 50th anniversary of the popular event.
As many as 2,341 stands were packed with elusive classic car spare parts, motoring accessories, literature and automobilia for a busy weekend of trading on September 2nd and 3rd. Not even Sunday’s rain which followed Saturday’s sunshine could dampen the spirits of the dedicated bargain-hunters, who searched for good quality treasure at Trunk Traders.
To celebrate 50 years of the International Autojumble, crowds gathered for the start-up of the National Motor Museum’s Lotus 49, which was built in the same year that the first autojumble was held. Lord Montagu and Museum Manager and Chief Engineer Doug Hill introduced the legendary F1 racing car, before its 2993cc V8 engine roared into life for show-goers.
Beaulieu Events Manager Judith Maddox said: “It felt like a very busy Saturday with a lovely festival atmosphere, as visitors enjoyed the sunshine and trading continued well into the afternoon.
“We were pleased with the trial of a popular new entry system and will continue with that again next year. Bookings at the show for the 2018 International Autojumble also reached a record level.”
A unique collection of rare finds saw 128 historic cars, 17 motorcycles and 313 automobilia lots go under the hammer at Bonhams sale which reached a sale total of £3,271,000. Turning heads was a stunning aero-engine 1921 Napier Blue Bird Homage built in the spirit of Malcolm Campbell’s Land Speed Record breaker. Selling for £264,700, this unique creation captured the pioneering spirit of the early record-breakers, with its 24-litre W12 Napier Lion aero engine.
Another auction highlight was a replica of the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen, the first ‘modern’ motorcycle and built out of wood, which sold for £7,762. Very different but equally fascinating was a rare early Austin Mini Seven dating from 1959 but in need of careful renovation, which reached a staggering £18,975 and smashed its £5,000 – £7,000 estimate.
In true Beaulieu tradition, Lord Montagu and Lolly Lee, who donates a trophy in memory of her late father and autojumbler Terry Lee, presented the Best Stand award. It was won by Mark Cocklin and David Wilkinson for their stand packed with Austin Seven spares. In autojumble camararderie fashion, Mark and David also took over the stand of their neighbours of ten years who were unable to make the show because of illness. They packed their plot with everything a Seven fanatic could need, even including a complete 1930s Austin Seven Ruby.
Clockmaker Mark said: “This show is about the buying and selling but also the socialising and doing the right thing by helping other classic car owners to get the parts they need. It’s a way of life!”
The Quirkiest Stand was awarded to top hat-clad John Keith, whose Airstream Bambi caravan stand was laden with unusual spare parts as well as a selection of novelty hats.
John said: “I came to the first ever International Autojumble when I was only 21 and have been coming back ever since. Back then, there were farmers just throwing veteran car parts in the back of their trucks to be sold. I become a seller later and love this international corner of yellow field to sell in.”
Both sets of winners received a special Ringwood Brewery hamper.
The Automart was packed with temptations for any enthusiast looking to buy a classic – and even those who weren’t. The 146 cars on offer included the automotive star of the recent Man From UNCLE film, an unusual East German 1964 Wartburg 311 which was priced at £7250. While £5,995 would have bought a striking 1963 Humber Sceptre Mk1.
Pre-war cars that were snapped up within minutes included a 1926 Morris Cowley and a much smaller but equally charming 1930s Austin Seven Ruby. Another pre-war car on offer was a part-restored luxury American 1934 Hudson Teraplane Six Drop Head Foursome Coupe which was priced at £9,000.
No less than three classic Volvos – a 1967 Amazon saloon, 1970 145 estate and a 1973 144 saloon – were up for grabs along with two Bristols, a 1952 401 and 1965 408. An immaculate 1965 Morris Mini Cooper S was on sale at £34,995, while a rare 1960 Triumph Herald coupe was on offer for a tenth of the price.
A range of high-quality vehicles, from sports cars to limousines, was also showcased by classic car traders at Dealermart.
Not for sale but an impressive sight was the Morgan Sports Car Club’s shining display of some of the best classic and modern examples.
Also on show was media sponsor Practical Classics magazine’s Ford Model T rebuild project, which is nearing completion. Magazine Technical Editor Sam Glover drove straight to the show from Moscow in the Russian ZAZ Zaporozhets he had collected and worked on.
Equally popular with visitors was show sponsor Ringwood Brewery’s offer of a taste of cask beer straight from the award-winning New Forest brewery.
Plans are already underway for Beaulieu’s 2018 International Autojumble and dates will be announced later in the year.