Western Morning News (Saturday)
Classic cars and motorcycles
THE Charterhouse specialist auctions of classic cars and classic motorcycles has two lots which are polar opposites.
“Collectors and enthusiasts often favour either two or four wheels. Within this you again have collectors and enthusiasts who favour their classics to be in a show ready condition or in an original state,” commented Richard Bromell. “It will always be a personal choice and one which they will always champion.”
In the bright and shiny corner, with two wheels, is a Vincent Rapide Series C, from a deceased estate in Leicester. It was cherished by the owner who lovingly named it ‘Sir Costalot’ no doubt due to the money he lavished upon it.
Assembled in 1963 and today presented in pristine condition, it comes to auction with a Vincent Owners Certificate stating the frame came from a 1953 Vincent Comet and the engine from a 1951 Rapide.
With just three owners since 1963, and the current one from 2001, this Vincent has been maintained to a high standard and is estimated at £25,00030,000 when it is being sold by Charterhouse at their specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles at The Haynes International Motor Museum on Thursday, October 15.
However, if you like four wheels and you like your motorcar in an original state, then a barn find Mini pickup should tick the box.
It is a proper barn find Mini which has spent the past 25 years on a sheep farm in deepest Devon. The owner, a farmer all his life, used the pickup on his farm moving feed around and the occasional passenger sheep.
The Mini, a rare pickup, was first registered in 1978 but has been barn stored on the farm for many years. With the owner now advancing in years, he has decided to let a new custodian take over ownership of his beloved Mini.
Estimated at £2,000-4,000, the farmer is giving the proceeds of sale to his granddaughter to buy a car for herself.
Charterhouse are now accepting entries for both these classic and vintage vehicle auctions at the Haynes International Motor Museum in October.
Contact Charterhouse, Sherborne via www.charterhouse-auction.com or call on 01935 812277.