Haulier to sell Ford-rich collection of 200 classics
More than 70 cars will be sold at the East of England Showground, Peterborough during Truckfest, including this rare Capri 3.0-litre GT.
The biggest ever British auction of ‘workaday’ classics from one collection is for sale after the owner admits he got ‘carried away’.
More than 70 classic cars will go under the hammer with 130 trucks and lorries on 23 April at the East of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambs, in a Protruck Auctions sale. All the vehicles belong to Suffolk haulier Gary Cooper. Estimates are from £750 to above £20,000 and apart from a 1999 Bentley Turbo R once owned by Gary’s parents there is little by way of exotica – with Ford being the most prominent marque.
Expect frenzied bidding on delights such as a Ford Cortina Lotus MkII with 4753 miles, as well as a selection of 2016’s must-have classic, the Capri, that includes a 1974 3000GT auto, a pair of 1600XLs, and two 3.0 Ghias.
Also of special interest is a 1962 Austin A35 pick-up converted from
a van to an extremely high standard and Minis ranging from a Mini 30 to
a rare Scamp and even a four-door convertible ‘limousine’ bought by Gary for his wedding.
‘I have always collected lorries – I was brought up with them,’ says Gary. ‘I’ve also loved cars since I first drove an Austin Seven with extended pedals when I was five years old. I got the bug to collect them five or six years ago. However, I just got carried away and we ran out of space.
‘We had to cut down and I’ve decided I’m really a commercial vehicles man, so all the cars have to go. It was a tough decision and I’ll really miss them but hopefully they’ll go to good homes where other people can enjoy them.’
The sale represents a new direction for Doncaster-based Protruck Auctions. Spokesman Charlie Wright says: ‘We’ve sold thousands of commercial vehicles over the years but never cars. We’ve known Gary for many years and are very much looking forward to the event.’
www.protruckauctions.co.uk