It’s the stuff of dreams for any motoring enthusiast. An incredible array of classic cars has been uncovered in a Midlands barn, writes Charles Hanson.
And aside from the inevitable layers of dust which have settled over time, all are in remarkable condition given their age.
Some 10 curvaceous classics offer a tangible lesson in British, USA and French motoring history. The earliest example, a Citroen open two-seater, below, dates back to 1923. In fact the Roaring 20s are well represented with four vehicles from that decade.
We have one man and his car passion to thank for preserving a century of motoring marvels. A retired businessman from Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, built up this extraordinary collection over the course of 45 years.
Every vehicle has been loved, driven, enjoyed and well maintained. Some have been owned from new and cherished for decades. All are now destined to get collectors’ pulses racing when they go under the hammer in Hansons Auctioneers’ March 18 Classic Cars Auction.
They will be offered without reserve – yet more reason for car enthusiasts to get excited. But such is their quality and rarity the collection could achieve in excess of £80,000.
The vehicles were found by Hansons’ classic cars consultant Jim Ronan – and he could hardly believe his eyes. He said it was like uncovering a secret small car museum, hidden from view in the countryside.
As well as the 1923 Citroen, the finds include a 1952 Austin A125 Sheerline; a 1929 Peugeot open tourer; a 1928 Chevrolet doctors coupe; an extremely rare 1941 Hudson 6 coupe; a 1926 Austin van 12/4 van; a 1928 Franklin Airman and a 1981 Rolls-Royce Silver spirit. The latter has been owned by the vendor from new.
The Austin A125 sheerline – Austin’s answer to the Bentley – has been owned by the vendor for 40 years while the rare 1928 Chevrolet doctors coupe has been in his care for 30 years.
Also steering into auction is a 1973 Rolls-Royce shadow 1, also owned from new, and a 1997 Jaguar 3.2 sport.
Jim is hugely excited about what he describes as ‘a fantastic varied selection of classics’. His favourites are the Hudson 6 Coupe and the Franklin.
Franklin automobiles, built from 1902 until 1934, were distinguished by their air-cooled engines. When American aviator Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic with an air-cooled motor in 1927, Franklin played up the connection by introducing an ‘Airman’ sedan. Their cars were known for their lightness and responsiveness compared to other luxury makes.
The Franklin Automobile Company marketed their wares in the United States in Syracuse, New York. Herbert H Franklin, the founder, began his career in the metal die casting business before establishing his car business.
The Hudson 6 is another American classic. The Hudson Super Six Coach was first manufactured by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, in 1916. The first model was kept in production until 1928. The nameplate was revived for a rebadged Essex for 1933 (single model year only), and then returned again from 1940 until 1951, aside from a wartime hiatus.
Before retirement the seller took great pleasure in driving one of his classics to his former Burton-based business, Applied Signs. The 1926 Austin 12/4 in the amazing mix proudly displays its livery. In days gone by it would have provided a wonderfully eye-catching advert on wheels for the business.
Our vendor inevitably turned heads with his motors and became known as a car collector. This led to offers of more classic vehicles. The collection grew and eventually became so big it was housed in an an aircraft hanger. Later the vehicles were transferred to a watertight secure barn in East Staffordshire.
Now they are set to drive out of the shadows to bring enjoyment to a host of car enthusiasts lucky enough to deliver that winning bid.
Further entries are invited for Hansons’ March 18 Classic Car Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffs. Whether it is a single car, motorcycle to entire collection, Jim Ronan, a highly experienced car expert and auctioneer, would like to hear from you.
For no-obligation advice, email classiccars@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 07707 720020.
To book a free valuation of any type of antique or collectible, available weekdays and Saturday mornings at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
