Private Cheshire collection breaks cover
British classics belonging to dismantling firm to be auctioned online
A cache of dry-stored British classics in Winsford, Cheshire, is to be sold by online auction. Bidding closes on 28 May.
The sale of the Winsford Collection is hosted by its owner, specialist dismantling firm, SYNETIQ. Its predominantly Mini, Ford, and Jaguarbased collection was amassed over decades of buying and selling salvage vehicles; the cars, many of them projects, are to be sold owing to the site becoming an electric vehicle recycling yard.
A SYNETIQ spokesperson said: ‘It’s the old making way for the new. Our position in the market has allowed us to buy these interesting cars over the years but it’s now time for them to go to enthusiasts.’
Ten of the cars are Minis or derivatives thereof; two of the star lots include a
Downton-engined 1964 Cooper S with a Radford interior, and a sub-26k-mile 1966 Riley Elf MkIII.
British Mini Club chairman, Dave Hollis, said: ‘The Cooper S will do well and there has been resurgence of interest in Elfs and Hornets because there’s no such thing as a cheap Mini now. You can get them for a cheaper price and they are the new “entry-level” Mini; they’re even being done up to race and rally.
‘It’s nice to see these cars and I will look to see how they do – hopefully someone I know will buy one of them.’
Affordable classics comprise a 1935 Morris 8 Saloon, a 1966 Ford Cortina 1200 four-door and a 1989 Austin Metro L, with fast Fords including a 1971 Escort Mexico MkI and a 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.
Classic Car Weekly’s markets editor, Richard Barnett, said: The Minis and Mini derivatives, like the Wolseley Hornets and the 95 pick-up, will do well because the market does like a hitherto unknown collection becoming available. There’s no denying the way “proper” Mini popularity continues to grow.
‘I’d expect the performance Fords and the Jaguar 3.4 to perform well, too.
‘It might be argued that this collection is being offered at exactly the right time and should ride on the strength of ongoing pent-up demand.’
Jon Burgess
] synetiq.co.uk