Moretonhampstead Motor Museum collection to be auctioned

A large collection of vehicles and motoring memorabilia from the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum is to be auctioned next month.

The two-day sale will take place on site on 15 and 16 May, with auctioneers estimating the items could fetch between £700,000 and £900,000.

The museum was founded by Frank Loft, who has curated the collection since it opened in June 2013.

It houses more than 150 vintage and classic vehicles, dating from before the 1920s through to the 1990s. 

The main display is accompanied by a range of motoring artefacts, memorabilia and petrol-related items.

The building itself was constructed in the 1930s as a bus depot and retains its original art deco frontage.

“Frank, the founder and curator of the museum has been a client of Charterhouse for many years,” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse Auctioneers. 

“He bought many of the vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia from our auctions over the years and we are delighted to be instructed to conduct the sale for him.”

Among the vehicles listed for auction are a 1918 De Dion Bouton Model HD 15 CV charabanc, a 1929 Rolls-Royce 20/25 hp Weymann saloon with coachwork by H J Mulliner, and a 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE FHC.

Other models include a 1970 Ford Cortina Lotus, a 1954 Triumph ‘long door’ TR2, and a Jaguar D Type recreation. 

Several microcars will also feature in the sale, including a Bond Bug and a BMW Isetta 300, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Children’s Hospice South West.

More than 300 automobilia lots are expected to go under the hammer, including enamel signs, vintage petrol pumps, pedal cars, mascots and showroom displays. 

Items also include an AA telephone box from Pains Hill and a garage sign from Bovey Tracey.

Public viewing will be held at the museum on 14 May and during both auction days. 

Further details are available via the auctioneer’s website.