Rare cars stored in barn since '80s sell at auction

Two rare cars that had been stored in a barn for more than four decades have been sold at auction, with both fetching more than the estimated sale prices.

A 1921 Talbot Darracq and a 1952 Mercedes Benz 220 Type A convertible had been the pride and joy of their late owner, but were hidden away and gathering dust near Framlingham, Suffolk.

Auctioneers Reeman Dansie, of Colchester, said both cars were "surprisingly solid... having been dry-stored away from the elements which would have caused them to deteriorate".

They were sold earlier to separate bidders - with the Mercedes fetching £37,000 and the Talbot fetching £10,500.

The Mercedes has an estimated sale price of £30,000-£35,000, with the Talbot estimated at £6,000-£8,000.

Auctioneer Lewis Rabett said the Mercedes was bought while the man was serving with the British Army in Germany, and travelled with him during his military career in Cyprus and the Middle East.

The Talbot was described as a "big open tourer" reminiscent of Laurel & Hardy films from the era "or, as some have said, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", Mr Rabett said.

"It's more than 100 years old, so the fact it has survived is an incredible feat in itself," he said.

"There are no mod cons, no power steering, no heated seats, in fact no heating at all.

"It probably cruises at 40mph so I don't think you'd want to take it out on the A12."

Both cars were sold still covered in dust that had settled on their bodywork over the years, which the auction house was keen to retain.

"Barn-find dust, as it is known in the classic car world - you can't put a price on it; it's invaluable; it's part of their story," explained Mr Rabett.

The windscreen of the Talbot displays a tax disc that expired in 1982, which he agreed was a "classic in itself".

"It's spent a long while in storage so it's definitely ready for its new owner to breathe some new life into it," he added.

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