‘New Dawn’ Beaulieu Autojumble 2021…
The first International Autojumble for two years took place at Beaulieu over the weekend of 4th and 5th September. Kim Henson describes his elation at being there…
(Words by Kim Henson; copyright photographs by Kim Henson and Chris Adamson; the images by Chris are individually credited).
This was to be a Beaulieu International Autojumble like none of its predecessors. After 18 months of a catastrophic pandemic affecting people around the world, and the inevitable cancellation of the 2020 event, it was with great excitement, relief and anticipation for everyone involved that the 2021 ‘Beaulieu’ was able to be staged as planned this September. It was evident that great attention had been paid to making it a ‘Covid-safe’ event.
Sure, there were differences this time. For a start visitors would look in vain for exhibitors from overseas, who were unable to take part, and there were very few enthusiasts from outside U.K. shores attending this year, so of course the event was smaller than usual, and with fewer visitors. However, the important thing is that the Autojumble did go ahead and with most of it taking place outside in fresh air, visitors and stallholders I spoke to felt comfortable and everyone seemed respectful.
For me this was the first big motoring-related event that I had attended for more than 18 months, and my own feeling of relief and joy at being out and about again was shared by those I met, whether stallholders or visitors. It was a welcome bonus for everyone that the weather was dry and warm over the whole weekend.
It is no surprise that the area covered by stalls was far smaller this year, with one less very large field in use. That said, there were plenty of automotive components and memorabilia on offer, and for visitors who could only attend for one day, there was a greater chance than usual for them to look at all the stalls. From a spark plug to a radio to complete vehicles, there was something for everyone.
Of particular fascination for me (although personally I didn’t need any) were sets of hub caps (nave plates) in new/excellent condition and at reasonable prices, for cars as diverse as Austin Big Sevens, Hillman Minx models, large Fords and Vauxhall Victor 101s from the 1960s.
I also spotted several rare complete differential units for BMC vehicles, and some engine tuning components for Fords and Rootes models.
Another very useful stall stocked freshly-manufactured engine cooling system hoses for many cars dating back to the 1950s. Reinforced with Kevlar, these hoses should last for a long time and I thought they were reasonably priced (I bought a top and bottom hose for a friend’s 1959 Sunbeam Rapier, for £31 the pair).
I spotted several very interesting classics among the stalls too; including a magnificent Maudslay, a memorable Morris Minor and an ‘adventurous project’…
The photographs in the following ‘slide show’ round-up were all taken by Chris Adamson…
For me my ‘star buy’ was a full set of brake linings for my pre-War Flying Standard, needed soon on my car. I also purchased specific paint and equipment (including a specialised small spray gun) and other ‘goodies’ for my various project vehicles.
For those interested in buying a complete vehicle, the Automart area was stocked with a wide variety of models, in an equally diverse range of conditions, and with prices varying from ‘bargain’ to ‘how much?’! Complete vehicles for sale were also to be found in the ‘Dealermart’ section. The photographs below were all taken by Chris Adamson…
A wide range of vehicles was also offered in the Bonhams MPH auction. Contrasts included a 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 Sports Saloon, which sold for £141,750 (including Premium, and against a reserve figure of £150,000 to £200,000) and a ‘barn-find’ 1979 Reliant Kitten DL Estate, which changed hands for just £506 (including premium, and against a reserve of £1,000 to £1,500). These cars are included in the photos in the ‘slide show ‘below, all of which are by Chris Adamson…
‘Trunk Traders’ operated on the Sunday only, giving people the chance to sell from their vehicle boot, helping to clear their garages/sheds of parts no longer needed.
A nice touch this year was the inclusion of a ‘Forgotten Favourites’ area, highlighting cars from 1960 to 1990, brought to the event and put on display by their enthusiastic owners.
KIM’S VERDICT
Excellent. I have never ‘not enjoyed’ a visit to the Beaulieu International Autojumble and this year the event felt even more special to me.
Following the event, Beaulieu has told us…
Despite difficulties for overseas exhibitors and visitors attending, due to Brexit and of course Covid-19, some 25,000 people went along to enjoy the show.
The Best Stand Award, given for the stall thought to be best representing the spirit of the event, was adjudged to be the stand by Mark, Andy, Sarah and Jamie Burnett of Burlen Fuel Systems, and promoting their newly formed J40 Motor Company. This business, recently taken on by the Burlen team, was originally started almost 40 years ago by Roy Halford and is devoted to producing high quality components for the famous Austin J40 pedal car, built by the Austin Motor Company between 1949 and 1971.
The judge was Danny Hopkins, editor of ‘Practical Classics’ magazine, media sponsor of the Autojumble, and the prize was awarded by Lord Montagu and Lolly Lee, who donates a trophy every year in memory of her father, autojumbler Terry Lee.
Future events at Beaulieu:
Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble will be returning on 14th and 15th May 2022, with the dates for next year’s International Autojumble to be announced later this autumn. In the meantime, Simply French will be taking place on Sunday 12th September, followed by Simply BMW on 19th September, Simply British Classics on 26th September and Simply Smart on 7th November.
Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information.
