A remarkable collection of ultra-rare vintage cars hidden away in a Cambridgeshire barn for decades is set to go under the hammer without reserve later this month.
The extraordinary collection of nine classic vehicles from the 1920s and 1930s was uncovered when auctioneer Jonathan Humbert of Humbert & Ellis Ltd visited the property of an elderly collector who had spent more than 50 years carefully curating the historic automobiles.
As the cobweb-covered barn doors creaked open, a treasure trove of motoring history emerged into the daylight, revealing some of the rarest surviving vehicles from the early 20th century.
Among the highlights is a 1934 Crossley Streamline, an exceptionally rare aerodynamic concept car designed by Sir Denniston Burney, the engineer behind the R100 airship. Just 25 examples were ever produced and only two are believed to survive today, including this example and another housed at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
The collection also includes a highly desirable 1935 Crossley Sports Saloon, thought to be one of only three remaining worldwide.
Other standout vehicles include a 1925 Alcyon cyclecar, described as resembling “a canoe on wheels”, a 1932 Alvis 12/50 complete with dickey seat, a 1929 Sima Standard, a 1924 Françon Voiturette, a 1937 Wolseley 12/48 and a rare circa-1924 Louis Chenard Type D featuring an opulent upholstered interior.
Jonathan Humbert described the discovery as one of the most memorable moments of his auctioneering career.
“As far as we were concerned, it was another site visit to appraise some vintage cars that were to be sold. I had no idea the barn contained such an incredible array of extraordinarily rare vehicles,” he said.
“In my long experience of auctioneering, I cannot think of the last time I had such a heart-stopping moment beholding a dusty, cobweb-ridden time capsule with the most beautiful, elegant and exceptional vintage cars, most in original and unmolested condition.”
The timed online auction will end from 7pm on Monday, May 18. Full catalogue details and bidding information are available via Humbert & Ellis.
