Britain’s biggest classic car graveyard found with over 150 cars

A huge collection of more than 150 classic cars, tractors and boats has been discovered hidden away across six barns.

The extraordinary Bedfordshire hoard was accumulated over a lifetime by a prolific collector who has since died – and remained unseen by the public for decades.

Now, the entire collection is going under the hammer and is expected to fetch around £250,000.

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The remarkable barn find includes around 70 cars dating from the 1920s to the 1980s alongside more than 60 classic and vintage tractors, as reported by Whats The Jam.

British motoring favourites including Austin, Morris, Ford, Vauxhall, Rover and Land Rover are among the haul.

One of the oldest vehicles is a 1928 Morris Cowley two-seat tourer, expected to fetch between £3,000 and £4,000.

A 1935 Daimler Special sports tourer kit car carries an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000.

More unusual finds include a 1969 Morris 1800 Utility pick-up imported from New Zealand, valued at £5,000 to £6,000.

There is also a 1985 Austin Metro pick-up conversion estimated at £1,000 to £2,000, a 1952 Morris Cowley van and several Land Rovers being offered for spares or repair.

But the collection is not limited to four wheels.

A rare Healey Marine Sprite speedboat in need of restoration was also uncovered.

Reportedly used by the Healey family as a testbed for future marine engines, the boat is expected to fetch between £2,000 and £3,000.

A Microplus 501 river cruiser is also included.

More than 60 classic and vintage tractors were stashed across the Bedford site, including Field Marshall, Ferguson, Massey Harris and Fordson models.

Expert Ted Shepherd said: “This is one of the most exciting barn finds we’ve seen.

“There are some really unusual examples, from military vehicles to collectors’ items.

“The Healey Marine Sprite is particularly exciting, reportedly having been held by the Healey family as a testbed for future engines.

“This really is the Austin Healey of the water.

“With cars dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, there are examples from Ford, Austin, Morris, Vauxhall, Rover and more – meaning there’s something for everyone.

“We anticipate this sale to create plenty of excitement in both the classic car and tractor collecting circles.”

The entire collection will go under the hammer at Cheffins in Cambridge on Saturday 17 October.

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