Classic enthusiast sells up
A North East car collector who spent 57 years in the motor trade has decided to sell his private collection of modern classic cars.
Howard Ryle began his career as an apprentice at Volkswagen dealership, HRG Robinson, at Gosforth, Newcastleon-Tyne when he was 15. He later worked as a car salesman in local dealerships.
He said: ‘I’ve never been able to resist buying cars. Suddenly, you find yourself with a collection. I’ve not been feeling so well recently and decided that I definitely need to go where there’s some sunshine this winter – and I don’t want a load of cars standing outside.’
Howard has advertised eight modern classics for sale in CCW, all of which he says are in, ‘well-above average condition, MoT’d, drive correctly and priced to sell’.
The collection includes two MercedesBenz Kompressor convertibles at £1850 each, a 126,000-mile CLK 230 dating from 2000 and a 116,000-mile 1997 SLK 230.
There’s also a 2000 Mercedes CL 500 coupé with 49,000 miles on the clock and a rare Vauxhall Omega 2.6 V6 automatic Wilcox eight-seater limousine with 49,000 miles at £2250.
Howard has also decided to finally part with cherished registration number JHR 19 for £10,000.
He said: ‘I remember going to a garage in Wiltshire in 1973 to buy an Austin Somerset with this number on it.
‘I paid £75 for the car, which I then sold for £50, and I’ve had the registration number ever since. It’s now on retention.’
Nick larkin ❚ 07885 187076