Rare cars hidden in Suffolk barn since 1980s sell at auction

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Recently, two classic British cars that had been hidden in a barn for more than 40 years were sold for more than the estimated sale prices. The 1921 Talbot Darracq and 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Type A convertible had been the pride and joy of their late owner, and the “barn-find dust” covering both cars is part of their charm, according to the auctioneer. The cars were kept in a barn near Framlingham in Suffolk, UK, and both vehicles were purchased by separate bidders that paid over the odds for them.

Reeman Dansie, the Colchester-based auctioneers, declared that both the Mercedes and Talbot were “surprisingly solid” despite spending so many years in the barn, due to dry storage away from elements that could have caused decay over time. During the auction, the Mercedes was sold for £37,000 and the Talbot for £10,500, both above the initial estimated sale prices.

The Mercedes had been acquired while the owner served in the British Army in Germany and had travelled with him during his time in Cyprus and the Middle East. The Talbot, on the other hand, was described as a “big open tourer”, dating before WWII and reminiscent of the era’s Laurel & Hardy films, or, as some have said, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Considering it is more than 100 years old, having survived until today is an incredible accomplishment in itself, according to Reeman Dansie’s auctioneer.

Both cars were sold while they were still covered in dust, which had settled on their bodywork over the years. The auction house was keen to preserve the cars’ “barn-find dust”, which is known in the classic car world, as it is part of the vehicles’ story and invaluable. The tax disc that expired in 1982 on display in the Talbot’s windscreen was said to be “a classic in itself”, and though the car had spent a long time in storage, the auctioneer believes it was ready for its new owner to breathe some new life into it

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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