Motor Collection of Moretonhampstead Museum Up for Sale
Unique Motor Museum Auction Gears Up for May 15th and 16th
Get ready for a thrilling auction experience as Charterhouse takes over the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum! After a new custodian failed to materialize, founder Frank Loft reluctantly shut down the popular Devon classic car hotspot. The collection, spanning over a century, will be put up for sale right on the museum premises.
Located in a charming 1930s building with a stunning art deco facade, the museum opened its doors in June 2013. The renovated space soon housed over 150 historical motor cars, motorcycles, and automobilia. The collection boasts a gem from 1918, a De Dion Bouton, all the way to a 2023 motorcycle. But the charming charm lies in the British classics, which make up the majority of the collection, including a 1929 Rolls-Royce and a D-Type replica.
Frank has parted ways with a few beloved rides, keeping a Rover 14 for himself, and returning loaned cars to their rightful owners. The rest of the collection will be offered for auction, with experienced Dorset firm Charterhouse Auctioneers leading the charge. Director Richard Brommell and his team are no strangers to off-site classic car sales, giving them the perfect skill set to make this auction a success.
"I've had a lot of interest from various auction houses, but my association with Charterhouse, Richard, and many of his staff goes back to around 2007-2008, when I was buying cars for my own personal gratification," Frank shared.
Behind the scenes, the vehicles are being readied for the big day. Although not concours, many cars boast low mileages and are honest examples. An experienced mechanic, Roland, is working his way through the collection to ensure all vehicles run smoothly.
"Honest is a good word for them, solid is another," Frank explained. "Mechanically, I've driven more or less every single car when I first got it and for a little while before it came inside the museum. They'll be in need of re-commissioning on the brakes and such on quite a few of them, but some will be on the button and fully operational."
Viewing is set for Wednesday, May 14th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the automobilia and motorcycle auction happening the next day, May 15th. The main event, the classic car auction, will take place on May 16th. Entree to both auction days requires a catalogue, which can be purchased for £15 on the door or £18 post-paid. Online registrations are also open for the online auction.
Keen to learn more about this hotly anticipated auction? Head on over to the *Charterhouse* website for the latest updates and details!
- The upcoming auction at the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, scheduled for May 15th and 16th, is a significant event in the classic car industry, with the collection, spanning over a century, being put up for sale by Charterhouse Auctioneers.
- The auction, led by experienced Dorset firm Charterhouse Auctioneers, is set to be a success due to their expertise in off-site classic car sales and their prior association with the museum's founder, Frank Loft.
- The auction, which covers various areas of transportation such as classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia, will attract interest from the automotive industry, sports enthusiasts, and finance investors seeking unique pieces for their collections.
