Naturally, when a group of British car barn finds comes up for auction, I’m paying attention! These cars are all being auctioned off here by Golden Gavel Auctions in New Britain, Connecticut. Classics like this 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 are being sold; as I write the 100-6 has only been bid up to $1,100 with less than two days to go.
Not to say the Healey doesn’t need work! In fact, almost all of the vehicles for sale would be considered projects. It’s nice to see the overdrive on this car (most Big Healeys came equipped with it) and I’ve restored worse. As a matter of fact, I used to daily drive a 1957 100-6 BN4 that didn’t start out a lot better than this one.
The 1967 Jaguar 420 is only showing 41,773 miles and seems fairly solid, although the rust on the left rear deck concerns me in this close-up picture. It’s easy to miss rust on the curved lower panels of these cars as well so I’d look the pictures over closely.
Some of the wood trim has been removed from the Jaguar but it looks like it is all included. Unfortunately, restoring the interior properly of one of this 60’s Jaguar sedans can cost more than the car is worth, so keep that in mind as you bid.
While the 91,000-mile 1986 Jaguar XJ6 may not generate as much interest as its older brethren, this car is said to run, albeit roughly, and benefits from the major efforts to improve Jaguar reliability at the time. The opening bid for this cat is only $3,000.
For our off-road enthusiasts, this 1972 Series III Land Rover might tickle your fancy. It’s a gas version with only 61,986 miles showing on the odometer, although we’re told it’s not running either. The top has largely disintegrated but the frame appears intact.
Unfortunately, the inside has suffered from the outside storage and I suspect replacement will be necessary. Of course, Land Rovers of this period aren’t known for their creature comforts anyway! Which one of these classic barn finds is your favorite (mine is the Austin Healey)? And special thanks to David B. for passing the auction information along!
I think this was a little late getting published, as all the auctions are closed now. Nobody bid on the Jaguars, as their minimum bids were far too high. The 100-6 sold for more than $9K, hopefully by someone who doesn’t need to be smart about their money. The Land Rover went for about $6K, which could conceivably turn out okay.
Whoever the owner of the estate is, here is a mesmerizing display of old school European sophistication and charm. I’m glad the Healey sold. Lots of cool “man stuff” like instruments, garments, cameras and the like. Too bad this posted after the fact! Jamie!
Do any of these cars use Whitworth?
I have just posed the question: “what happens to unsold auction vehicles” to the auctioneer. Surely they don’t scrap them! Will come back here if I get a reply.
does anyone out there have a method to talk to a human that is part of barn finds to ask some questions of?? I’ve emailed that question twice with no responce.