Instant British collection
Five restoration-ready British classics are up for grabs as a deceased collector’s cars are put up for sale.
John Dawson of Hull bought all of the cars in the Sixties and Seventies. They’ll be for sale at Dee Atkinson & Harrison’s 4 November auction in Sledmere, East Yorkshire.
John’s small collection came about by accident when he simply kept his old cars, rather than trading them in, when buying new vehicles, leading to a slowly growing collection.
A 1962 Sunbeam Alpine is the most valuable of the collection, being a rare Series 2 model complete with large tail fins. The car requires a complete restoration after John attempted – but eventually abandoned – the car’s refurbishment decades ago.
A 1959 Hillman Minx and 1966 Singer Vogue complete the Rootes contingent. Both require restoration, but unlike the Sunbeam, are sold complete and fully assembled. John used both regularly until the mid-2000s, serving as tow cars for numerous family caravan holidays.
A 1959 Morris Minor and 1965 Triumph 2000 complete the collection. Both are in need of restoration, but are complete, having last run around 15 years ago.
John’s family is now looking to sell the cars, and eager for them to be restored to their former glory.
Andrew Spicer, auctioneer at Dee Atkinson & Harrison, says: ‘ The Sunbeam is quite rare and none of the cars are especially common. We’ve had lots of enquiries already and I’m sure there’ll be lots of interest on the day as people love barn-finds.’ dee-atkinson-harrison.co.uk