The estimates

VEHICLES FOUND IN BARN COULD FETCH £100,000

A 105-YEAR-OLD fire engine discovered in a farmyard barn could fetch up to £40,000 at auction.

The red Dennis N Type Fire Engine, dating back to 1914, is among six classic vehicles found in the barn and could net their owner almost £100,000 when they go under the hammer at John Pye Auctions in Marchington. The online auction will go live today.

One of the most exciting motors is a 1972 Mercedes 250 auto saloon, said a spokesman for the auction house. It has a confirmed odometer reading of only 16,100 miles and the car has been kept in superior condition, making it a rare find.

Others include a 1930s Dodge Pick Up Truck, a 1940 Leyland TSW 14T “Hippo”, a Morris Minor 1000 Traveller and a 1995 Mercedes E250D Elegance auto saloon with one owner and just 37,000 miles from new. The vehicles have been stored in a farmland barn in Kent by a private owner who is selling them due to relocation.

The oldest vehicle on offer is the fire engine, one of only a handful still in existence.

This vehicle was owned and run by Dennis for five years before it was bought by Folkestone Corporation in 1919 and entered service with the local Fire Brigade.

It was purchased by the vendor in 1980 and nd has since been restored ored

■Dennis Fire Engine £30,000-£40,000 ■Leyland TSW 14T “Hippo” £13,000-£18,000 ■Dodge Pick Up Truck £4,000-£8,000 ■Morris Minor 1000 Traveller £1,500-£3,000 ■1972 Mercedes 250 Auto Saloon £20,000-£24,000 ■1995 Mercedes E250D Elegance Auto Saloon £3,000-£5,000

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ over several years, to ensure the vehicle stays in top condition for a classic car of its age.

Lee Mabbutt, head of vehicles at John Pye, said: “Collections such as this are becoming increasingly rare in the UK and there has been a great deal of anticipation surrounding this sale, with an opportunity for car enthusiasts to find something both rare and special. “As most of the vehicles are being offered without reserve, bidders will have ever every chance to take on the legac legacy of this collection.” The online auction will go live l from this evenin ing and end at noon o on Thursday, April 2 25.

Viewing will be available a at John Pye Auctions’ Marchington hub on Monday, Mo April 15, Friday, Frid April 19, and Monday, Monda April 22. Lee Mabbutt of John Pye

Collections such as this are becoming increasingly rare in the UK.