A massive barn-find collection of 150 classic cars, boats and tractors dating from the 1920s to the 1980s will go under the hammer at the Cheffins Cambridge Vintage Sale on 17th October.
Tipped to fetch approximately £250,000, the private collection from Bedfordshire represents one of the largest barn finds the UK has seen to date. Unseen to the public for decades, the collection was spread across six barns and includes a number of rare examples, all offered without reserve. The collection comes from the estate of prolific collector, who sourced the vehicles over a lifetime, from UK auctions, importers and via dealers nationwide.
Among the 70 cars available, there is a 1928 Morris Cowley two-seat tourer which could sell for £3,000 - £4,000, while another interesting example is a 1935 Daimler Special sports tourer kit car which is set to make £2,000 - £4,000. Other rare cars include a 1969 Morris 1800 Utility pick up, a New Zealand import “Ute” which is rarely seen in the UK and a 1985 Austin Metro pick up conversion, which have estimates of £5,000 - £6,000 and £1,000 - £2,000 respectively. In addition, there is a commercial 1952 Morris Cowley van and various Land Rovers for spares or repair.
A Healey Marine Sprite speedboat in need of restoration is on offer with an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000 as well as a Microplus 501 river cruiser
The Bedfordshire-based collection also includes over 60 classic and vintage tractors including both classic and vintage examples. Some of the most collectible of these include a Field Marshall Series II, a Ferguson TEA-20 Perkins P3 conversion, a Ferguson FE35 Grey/Gold, a Massey Harris 23 Mustang and a Fordson Model F.
Ted Shepherd, Associate at Cheffins who is handling the sale comments: “This is one of the most exciting barn finds we’ve seen to date. There are some really unusual examples, from military vehicles to collectors’ items. The Healey Marine Sprite is particularly exciting, reportedly having been held by the Healey family as a testbed for future engines. This really is the Austin Healey of the water. With cars dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, there’s examples from Ford, Austin, Morris, Vauxhall, Rover and more – meaning there’s something for everyone. We anticipate this sale to create plenty of excitement in both the classic car and tractor collecting circles.”
To sell machinery items through Cheffins, please visit: https://www.cheffins.co.uk/machinery-vintage-auctions.htm
The Cheffins Cambridge Vintage Sale
16th and 17th October 2026
For more information, please contact Cheffins Machinery Department on 01353 777 767, [email protected]