Over 13,500 visitors and exhibitors were welcomed to Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble on the 18th and 19th May for a lively weekend filled with stands offering everything from motoring memorabilia, parts and complete cars to bikes, books and artwork. Whilst vibrant car club displays offered showgoers the chance to admire some stunning motors.
This popular motoring event provided enthusiasts with the ideal opportunity to purchase sought-after spare parts, specialist tools and materials required for their various classic car projects. Meanwhile, exhibitors demonstrated their expert knowledge, liaising with automotive shoppers about their specialist items. With pleasant, sunny weather across the weekend, the autojumble had a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, as stands were busy with bargain-hunters, including familiar faces such as Dominic Chinea from BBC One’s The Repair Shop, as well as popular Youtuber, Ian Seabrook, also known as HubNut.
Watch the 2024 show highlights here
The Best Stand Award was presented to Jacqueline and Adrian Carter for their engaging display of automobilia and antiques. This annual prize is given to the stand which best represents the spirit of the autojumble, and the Carters, who have been exhibiting at the autojumbles for over thirty years, displayed the perfect blend of aesthetic presentation and motoring passion!
The trophy was awarded by judge and editor of Practical Classics Magazine, Danny Hopkins, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, Dr. Jon Murden, and Lolly Lee. Lolly donates the trophy each year in memory of her late father and avid autojumbler, Terry Lee.
Jacqueline said “It’s the highlight of our year. It’s not just the selling, it’s such a sociable event. We’ve done them for thirty years, so we know loads of people. We buy the things that we love and it’s lovely to see that other people recognise and value what we’ve got. It’s an experience like no other and it’s a unique atmosphere at Beaulieu that you don’t get anywhere else.”
Danny said: “For me, the most important thing about the autojumbles is that they thrive in years to come and for that to happen I think young people need to be engaged with them. That is why I involved my daughters who came up with a criterion for judging, but also spoke to the stand holders, and if they had a good interaction, that was what crystalised their shortlist. I had a fabulous chat with Jacqueline Carter and that’s one of the real joys of coming to the autojumble rather than buying online – the enthusiasm and the background knowledge you gain with every purchase.”
MoggyFest was a welcome returning feature of the show, as 200 charming Morris Minors and contemporary classics parked up along Beaulieu’s stunning Chestnut Avenue, as many of the owners celebrated the occasion in their vintage finery. The Dorset branch of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club was this year paying tribute to the iconic Traveller estate and van/pick-up variants of the Minor.
Morgan Sports Car Club were also back to display a shining medley of Morgans, fitting in perfectly with their elegant forest surroundings. Whilst displaying their vehicles for the first time at the Spring Autojumble, the MX-5 Owners Club celebrated the 35th anniversary of the iconic Mazda MX-5. The Solent Area group, alongside other branches, teamed up to showcase a selection of these sleek sports cars on the Sunday of the event.
Another successful Sunday highlight was Trunk Traders, as amateur jumblers were given the opportunity to trade their motoring paraphernalia from the boot of their car. Showgoers were able to browse everything from tools, materials and spares to vintage enamel signs, model cars, magazines and more.
Land Rover Rummage was also a highly anticipated Sunday feature for fans of the iconic 4X4. Owners visited the dedicated rummage from far and wide to search for essential items including engines parts, wheels, doors and more, as well as catch up with fellow enthusiasts to talk all things overlanding!
The Automart offered a wide selection of retro motors for sale, ranging from British classics such as a 1971 Triumph Stag, right the way through to more modern favourites such as a BMW Z4 and even a TVR Griffith.
Media partner of the Spring Autojumble, Practical Classics, were catching up with subscribers and fellow petrol-head enthusiasts, offering expert advice of all things motoring from their workshop themed stand.
Beaulieu’s International Autojumble will be taking place on 14th and 15th September 2024. In the meantime, Simply VW will be taking place on 26th May, Simply Porsche on 2nd June and the Custom and American Show on Father’s Day 16th June. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/events for more information.