Bonhams put together an impressive selection of decadently unloved, crying-out-for-restoration models at Beaulieu’s 45th Autojumble, 10 September.  A wide range of cars went under the hammer, with the great majority changing ownership – several for the first time in a few decades.

Star of the show was a 1937 Bugatti Type 57: against a very conservative ￡40k-50k estimate, the complete and very original model sold for ￡150k plus premium. A full mechanical and cosmetic restoration seemed to be an incentive rather than a hindrance to over 20 bidders.

A few collections, part of the auction, sported cars with a certain quirkiness, such as the Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV Coupe with its body shell separated from chassis, drivetrain and ancillaries (most of which were then stuffed back into the shell, à la Christmas turkey), its completeness an unknown factor which did not prevent the lot to be sold at ￡6.7k, more than the price for a roadworthy vehicle.

Another forgotten and forlorn Italian, an Isotta Fraschini 14-18hp Type FC Tourer, which had been in the same family ownership since 1913, was fiercely fought upon to the winning ￡70k (from an estimate of ￡20-30k). Like many other lots, it looked like a survivor in need of specialist restoration services, but still came with matching oil side lamps.            

The Robert Harley Collection was equally unusual, comprising of three Bentleys ranging from a 1935 4 ¼ Litre Competition Special (￡70k) to a more modest 1953 R-Type (￡16,250) and a 1997 Turbo RT Mulliner Pinnacle (￡20.5k); a 1938 Lagonda V12 Saloon De Ville (￡64k); a coach and two car transporters in smart green and crème livery.

Another long-term ownership model, a rare 1925 Bentley 3-litre Shooting Brake, fetched ￡112k, though one wonders if it would have gone for more had it not been in relatively good condition.

The Meldonfoot Historic Vehicle Collection was a veteran riot of Ford Model Ts immaculately maintained, all gone for sensible prices ranging from ￡13k to ￡23, with a 1904 Cadillac Model B fetching the highest price, at ￡55k.

Though the Roman Gipsy caravan remained unsold, one of very few vehicles not to find a new owner, it was offered ￡7k, just a smidge below the price paid for the bargain of the day: a 1984 Ferrari Mondial Qv Coupe in good condition and excellent interior, went for ￡7.5k.

It was the Willow collection, an eclectic mixture of ‘non’ or ‘poor’ runners of British models (MG Midget, Austin Seven Special, Sixties’ Land Rovers, Morris Minor Travellers with the odd Italian (a Lancia Ypsilon) which stirred competitive spirits among the dealers in the audience. An interesting 1964 Jensen C-V8, modestly pitched at ￡1,000, achieved six times as much. It will need full restoration, like most of the others.

Bonhams achieved over 90% sale rates, a remarkable feat for such a large sale; its Goodwood Revival consignment (for the auction taking place a week later) will be in infinitely better condition, but may lack in the charm, quirkiness and the original auction 'soul’ displayed at Beaulieu.