Amazing barn-find auction totals £1m

THE LARGEST collection of ‘barn find’ cars ever assembled in one auction has raised more than £1 million.

The auction, which included amazing and rare lots including Aston Martins and Jaguars, was the first of its kind and took place at Silverstone Auctions’ Practical Classics Restoration Show.

More than 85% of the cars put up for sale have found new owners.

A number of fascinating cars were sold in the sale which took place at the NEC, Birmingham. British classics sold particularly well including a stunning 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe.

A true barn find discovered a short while ago in Sicily and repatriated back to the UK, the car sold for a premium inclusive total of £62,100, more than double its lower estimate.

The top seller at the sale was a restoration project 1962 Facel Vega HK500, successfully hammered away for £64,400.

An international bidding war saw a rare 1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage eventually sell for premium inclusive £51,175, more than double its upper estimate. Another DBS barn find, a 1970 V8 Series I, proved equally popular selling for £49,450.

Managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “I’m delighted with the results we’ve achieved for our vendors in the biggest ever auction of its type. If ever proof was needed for the enduring appeal of the barn find then surely these results are it”.

Form the world of TV was a 1981 Daimler Sovereign Saloon that featured in Minder, selling for £15,525, whilst the original EastEnders Morris milk float sold for £2,300.Another frenzied bidding war saw an incredibly low mileage 1983 Fiat X19 Bertone sell for £17,940, more than twice its lower estimate.

“This was a fantastic sale and we look forward to seeing many of the restoration projects brought back to their former glory very soon” added Nick.

By Press Association reporter