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Barn-finds and restoration projects at Bonhams’ Beaulieu sale

At its annual sale held at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Bonhams will offer not only classics restored to perfection, but also several ‘barn-finds’ and restoration projects. Here are the examples we’d most like to see brought back to life…

Included in the roster of for-restoration classics is a 1929 Bentley 4½-Litre Sports Saloon with matching numbers, owned by the same family since 1935. The estimate is set at £150,000 – £250,000… but we all know about the current market appetite for ‘barn-finds’, especially for highly original cars with a story to tell. A little time, patience and cash could also see a 1950 Bristol 402 Drophead Coupé or a 1969 Aston Martin DB6 MkI Vantage given a new lease of life. Just be prepared to call on professionals if necessary, though. 

If you’re looking to keep your own hands busy as the winter months close in, perhaps a 1930 BSA 770cc or 1921 Harley-Davidson Model F might be a more realistic project for you to resuscitate personally? Of course, those that prefer an easy life can always choose from a number of pristine classics in the auction lotlist, many of which have quite reasonable estimates attached.

Our favourites from Bonhams’ 2015 Beaulieu auction