Over 26,000 showgoers turned out for Beaulieu’s International Autojumble on 10th and 11th September, with a wide variety of automotive items for sale, alongside a Nifty Fifties car display and a Bonhams sale.
With a greater international presence from traders and bargain hunters alike compared to last year, the show felt more like its old self, with two busy days. The sun shone as deals were done and old friends were reunited.
Watch the highlights from the show here, youtu.be/8qzmyLXKQu4
From essential tools, books and automobilia, to retro lifestyle items such as clothing, picnic sets, classic toy cars and more, not to mention complete vehicles, there were all manner of motoring treasures on offer to tempt buyers. 55 years since the event was started in 1967, the show returned to the Beaulieu parkland for the golden anniversary year of the National Motor Museum.
Showgoers may have spotted a familiar face amongst the crowds, as Dominic Chinea, YouTuber and metalwork specialist from BBC TV show The Repair Shop, joined in the search for bargains as he rummaged out in the event fields.
The Best Stand Award, presented to the stallholders whose pitch truly captures the spirit of the show, was won by Jon Rowsell, for his colourful stand and entertaining sales skills. Dressed in a vintage blazer and bringing smiles to showgoers with his sales patter, Jon attracted passers-by with his remarkably honest descriptions of the items on his stand, which ranged from tools, headlights, magazines and toy cars, to retro uniforms and even an aeroplane propeller.
A show newcomer, this was only the second time that Jon had traded at International Autojumble. His lively banter and varied stock, as well as the tent-adorned split-screen VW Type 2 van at the heart of the stand, caught the eye of judge Danny Hopkins, editor of event sponsor Practical Classics magazine.
Jon said: “I’ve always dabbled in selling old car bits, having started with classic Volkswagen parts and progressed to other cars over the years, but I’m relatively new to the autojumble business. Having always traded online, but living just 8 miles up the road from Beaulieu, I started at International Autojumble last year.
“I’m selling a plethora of curios and talking pieces, as well as a few shiny things to draw people in! Last year, I realised that people come here to buy all sorts of retro items, not just car parts, so have brought along quite a mix. It might look like junk, but with vintage car parts I find at Beaulieu that people are prepared to buy things to fix them up themselves.”
Jon was presented with his award by Lord Montagu and Danny Hopkins. The Best Stand Award trophy was donated by Lolly Lee in memory of her late father and autojumbler Terry Lee.
A special display for 2022 was Nifty Fifties, bringing together a fascinating selection of classic vehicles dating from 1950 to 1959. Causing a great deal of interest, the line-up included an immaculate Morris Oxford MO, which had travelled from Belgium to take part, as well as a Vauxhall Cresta E-series, a Hillman Minx Series I, a very early Morris Mini-Minor, an ex-RAF Land Rover Series I, a pair of Wolseley 1500s and an Austin A40 Somerset, amongst others.
The line-up of cars for sale in Automart was equally impressive. £10,995 was being asked for a 1988 MG Metro with just 19,000 miles on the clock, while offers were being invited for a rare 1916 Saxon Roadster. Offers were invited for a delightful 1929 Morris Minor fire engine and a sleek 1932 Lagonda 2-litre Low Chassis Continental, as well as rare 1937 Tatra 75 convertible, in need of complete restoration. A range of high-quality classics was also up for grabs in Dealermart.
The Bonhams sale was a highlight for many, as a wide selection of historic vehicles and automobilia went under the hammer during the weekend. A beautifully restored 1950 Austin K4 petrol tanker in National Benzole Mixture livery was sold for £24,725 including premium, while a stylish 1963 Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide went for £51,750 including premium.
A 1949 Fordson 7V van, fully kitted out as a retro catering van, was sold for £29,900 including premium, while a fully-restored 1984 Citroen 2CV Special sold for £11,270 including premium and an impressive 1931 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp sold for £155,250 including premium.
One of the most remarkable lots was a unique 1914 Ford Model T that had been built with a substantial wooden motor caravan body, complete with a wood-burning stove, four berths and a Welsh dresser, which sold for £63,250 including premium. Another head-turner, but very different, was a 1991 Miura Replica Sports by Prova Designs. This tribute to one of Lamborghini’s most iconic models, powered by a 3.4-litre Ferrari V8, sold for £57,500 including premium.
International Autojumble media sponsors Practical Classics were at the show, sharing advice and motoring stories with enthusiasts, and talking about automotive projects of the past, present and future.
The Morgan Sports Car Club shared a collection of its members’ beautifully presented cars, in another special display in the showground.
Beaulieu’s Spring and International Autojumbles will be returning in 2023, with the dates for next year’s events to be announced later this year. In the meantime, Simply BMW will be taking place on 18th September, followed by Simply British Classics on 25th September and Simply Smart on 13th November. Click here for more information.