Although the results were not as spectacular as the rare Bugatti that was sold for millions at the auction, the search has unveiled 20 examples of British vintage cars which are expected to sell between £200 to £4,000 at Keys auctioneers in Aylsham, Norfolk, on April 4.
"When we got there, it was so overgrown, we couldn't even get on to the driveway from the road. But once we battled our way in, there were barns and outbuildings absolutely crammed with 1920s and 30s cars. It didn't look much when we arrived. Part of the house had collapsed and the site was totally overgrown," expert Guy Snelling explained.
Among the models found, auctioneers note some Singers, a Lea Francis, two Swifts, a couple of Riley Monacos, a 1930 Morris Minor, a Riley Lynx, a Willys Overland, an Austin 7, a 1920s four-door Austin open tourer and a Morris commercial vehicle. In addition, the chassis and running gear of a 20 hp Sunbeam were also discovered in the barnyard.
Besides the cars, three vintage motorbikes, two Sunbeams and a 1930 BSA, were also found on the remote property.
The collection belonged to retired London wheelwright Jimmy Blanche who had become a recluse when his parents died 25 years ago. The cars have not been driven since the 1950s and many of them are in bad condition.
"There were piles of soup cans and pie tins lying around outside the windows, there was no running water and the whole place was a mess. The house was full of car parts, so he must have been a real enthusiast," Snelling said.
Too bad the man has become a recluse and gave up driving. It's such a pity for the valuable cars...
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