Beaulieu and Bonhams|Cars are looking to the future with its annual Beaulieu Sale, with the two organisations signing a new five-year agreement for the auction to remain a key part of the International Autojumble.
Continuing the decades-old partnership between the auction house and the much-loved event, which dates back to 2000, the new agreement will ensure that the Beaulieu Sale, which is renowned for the wide variety of collectors’ vehicles and automobilia that go under the hammer, will continue to be at the heart of the buying and selling action of the largest autojumble this side of the Atlantic.
In the saleroom at this year’s show on 2nd-3rd September, Beaulieu’s Managing Director Russell Bowman and Tim Schofield, UK Head of Department, Collectors’ Motor Cars for Bonhams|Cars, shook hands as they signed the new contract.
Russell Bowman said: “This is a great occasion for both Beaulieu and Bonhams, and we are delighted that the Beaulieu Sale will continue to take pride of place at our International Autojumble over the coming years. Bonhams has held an auction at the show for over 20 years and it has always been a must-see for every showgoer, with many being tempted to bid by the top selection of vehicles and items on offer.”
Tim Schofield said: “We’ve had remarkable success over many decades with Beaulieu and are pleased to continue our partnership. At Bonhams|Cars, we are proud to represent the full spectrum of motor car collecting and our Beaulieu Sales have always showcased an array of Lots that appeal to a diverse range of collectors and restoration aficionados. From impeccably restored classics to project motor cars, numerous treasures have been uncovered at our Beaulieu Sales and we look forward to presenting more gems in the years to come.”
Always a major highlight of Beaulieu’s International Autojumble, held every September, the Beaulieu Sale always brings together a staggering selection of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, along with a diverse range of motoring-themed collectors’ items. There has been an auction at the long-running event since 1990, which was run by the Brooks auction house from 1998. In 2000, Brooks merged with Bonhams and the International Autojumble auction took place under the Bonhams banner.
In contrast to just 51 vehicles in the 1990 International Autojumble auction, the 2023 Beaulieu Sale saw almost 120 cars and commercial vehicles, and even a historic fire engine and a classic speedboat, go through the auction. Amongst the eye-catching lots, a stunning 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 sold for £142,600 including premium, with a 1903 De Dion Bouton 6hp selling for £92,000 including premium. While a 1985 Austin Maestro 700 City van, selling for £7,475 including premium, was a true ‘when did you last see one of those?’ motor.