Kim writes: “Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble is always in my diary as a ‘must-see’ event, and I was there again this year, thankfully with sunshine galore to help the weekend along.
Here is how my visit worked out…”
(All words © Kim Henson and Wheels-Alive; photographs © Kim Henson and Chris Adamson, as individually credited).
This year I decided, “I will not buy any more cars or parts at the Spring Autojumble”. However, with temptation ‘everywhere’ at this year’s event (as always), this was not so easy to adhere to…
To be honest I did take with me a list of a few vital ‘must-have’ components for my current restoration projects, and managed to find several of these parts at the event. More of which anon.
Enthusiasts from far and wide arrived at Beaulieu to look around the stands packed with vehicle parts and ‘automotive treasures’, plus a wide variety of vehicle and club displays.
These included a special line-up of classic Sprite caravans, these iconic vans (built by pioneer Sam Alper’s firm) were affordable and hugely popular in the 1960s/70s.
There were some very rare and unique vehicles to be seen, including this 1958 Rayford/Ratel Mk 1…
As usual, there was a fascinating variety of classic vehicle organisation displays. These included, in alphabetical order: Austin A30/A35 Owners Club, Austin Ten Drivers Club, Capri Club International, East Anglia Cyclemotor Club, Heinkel Trojan Archive Trust, Maestro and Montego Owners Club, Mk 1 Cortina Owners Club Ltd, Morris Minor Owners Club, Rover Sports Register, Singer Motor Club, Standard Motor Club, Standard Register, The Pre-War Minor Network, The Wessex Ducks 2CV Club, Triumph Sports Six Club, Vintage Austin Register, Wolseley Hornet Special Club.
Moggyfest
‘Amazing’ is just one word to describe the ‘Moggyfest’ display put on by the the Dorset Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club. However their efforts this year deserve many superlatives; the huge amounts of time, dedication and effort put in by their team to put together such a wonderful display should be applauded loudly I feel. Deserving of a special mention is Roger Kellow, who again this time created the fabulous artwork for this year’s Moggyfest, as he has for many years.
This year’s theme was ‘Morris through the ages’, with a particular highlight being a display of the 8hp models, but showing Morris vehicles right up to the last of the line, the Marina-based Ital. Separate sections of the indoors displays were set up to represent individual decades in the history of Morris.
Around 220 Minors and contemporary classics were lined up in the sunshine for enthusiasts to enjoy, and through each day, a variety of speakers discussed various aspects of Morris history and the classic scene in general.
The Dorset Group of the Morris Minor Owners Club also brought along their wide range of spares for sale, including new old stock items and cleverly devised upgrades that can help owners keep their Minors on the road and in fine fettle.
Vehicles for sale
Those visitors looking for a classic to buy were perusing the ‘Automart’ and ‘Dealermart’ areas of the show. Again there were vehicles on offer to suit all budgets, from restoration projects to pristine vehicles.
My colleague Chris Adamson toured the Automart area for Wheels-Alive, and below is listed a selection of vehicles that caught his eye… First, however, one that attracted me was the three door front wheel drive Mark III Escort pictured below. This now rare vehicle was looking very tidy and the asking price was £7,850 o.n.o.
For something rather different, how about this 1956 Bedford ‘Green Goddess’ fire engine (petrol powered)? The information sheet on the windscreen read, “Part of a collection for many years, very low owners and low mileage. Full service history and original paperwork. Untouched, completely original, with all original equipment. Runs, drives and works perfect. £6,500).
For those fancying an open top sports car, this beautiful-looking 1977 MGB, equipped with overdrive, upgraded brakes and power steering, was stated to be “Simply superb” and was priced at £12,995 “No offers”.
An earlier MG for sale was this 1954 TF (1250cc), said to have been in the same ownership for 15 years and very well maintained. The car is also said to have been the subject of engine and brakes overhaul, and has an upgraded rear axle. It comes with a Heritage Certificate and ‘history’, and has an MoT current until May 2026. The asking price was £15,500.
Early Standard Vanguards (Phase I and II versions) are fascinating cars and this pick-up version is stated to date from 1957. The price ticket quoted £4,950.
For £4,695 this ‘round wheelarch’ 1275cc MG Midget, complete with a full engine rebuild about 1,000 miles ago (at a cost of more than £4,300), plus a recent new clutch, would surely be a great sports car to enjoy this summer. The car has a mohair hood, Minator wheels, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a stainless steel boot rack. The MG is said to provide “A lovely drive”.
The six cylinder Triumph Vitesse is a well-liked compact sporty classic, and in four seater convertible form offers open top motoring for a family too. The comprehensive honest description of the car on the windscreen includes the information that the car had been in the same ownership for 27 years, that ‘everything works’, it has a stainless steel exhaust system and that the hood is past its best. The car was being “Sold as seen” for £4,000 o.n..o.
With an asking price of £18,500, this 1938 Mclaughlin Buick Series 40 Special is a magnificent looking vehicle, powered by a straight eight cylinder engine and with coil spring suspension plus hydraulic brakes. The information sheet advised that the car would make a great wedding vehicle, with its rear-hinged rear doors. A further note adds “Drives superb”.
Commercial variants of the original Minis are well-liked and this 1982 Mini 95 van, with the 998cc A+ engine, looked good. It was said to have a solid shell, with minor wear to paintwork from regular use (including a trip to Germany last year). Previous restoration work is documented in photographs, and with a written description from a specialist. The asking price was £16,000, but “Open to sensible offers”.
RARE ITEMS GALORE
As always, for many visitors the main focus of the Beaulieu Autojumble events is the wide variety of vehicle components on offer.
Among those I saw were ‘new old stock’ body panels for all sorts of classics, including a new front grille panel for the 1950s Standard Eight and Ten models, sill components for ‘family’ Fords, unused Maestro inner wing panels and a front wing for a Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam. In addition, among many other examples, there was a pair of front wings, used but good, for an early Renault 5, and used chromed bumpers galore, in reasonable condition and with fair prices being asked.
I also spotted a pair of used front wings for a Mark IX Jaguar, a front grille assembly for a 1938 Flying Standard Twelve, and unused front grilles for Ford Zephyr and Zodiac Mark III models.
Mechanical components on offer included complete engines and gearboxes (some in need of restoration, others ‘ready to use’), plus full rear axle assemblies for various models.
I noticed too some fascinating tools for sale, including a hub puller specific to late 1940s Vauxhall models, plus a wide range of general use implements to suit ‘all cars’.
Workshop manuals and handbooks were in evidence in abundance, including some rare examples offered at reasonable prices, I felt. In addition there were classic photographs, marque history books and other fascinating items available.
(All photographs in the next ‘slideshow’, below, by Kim Henson).
On the Sunday of the show (18th), there was a special section set aside for Land Rover enthusiasts, in the ‘Land Rover Rummage’ area, with parts, accessories and complete vehicles on offer.
On the Sunday only too, in the ‘Trunk Traders’ section of the show, amateur autojumblers were selling their surplus automobilia and parts from the boots of their cars.
SERVICES AND PRODUCTS TO HELP ENTHUSIASTS
I enjoyed having conversations with many stallholders about the services and products they provide to help owners of classic vehicles keep their cars on the road and looking/operating as they should. Here are just three examples…
I gained much helpful information about cutting new keys for my old vehicles, from Stan Cantrill, of Cantrill Classic Car Keys (pictured below on his fascinating stall), a mine of information on the subject, and, like so many at Beaulieu, very helpful.
I spent some time talking to Beaulieu ‘regulars’ Ken and Lyn Burdekin (pictured below), suppliers of classic vehicle paints and associated products. Over the years their in-depth knowledge has helped countless enthusiasts make the correct decisions with their vehicles’ paint products, and at this event again they certainly helped me (yes, I came away with a trolley load of paints and other related items).
Another stallholder who helped me with information about a screen wiper motor for one of my cars (and indeed identified and supplied the correct reconditioned motor for it) was Mick Lambert, who reconditions classic vehicle electrical units, including starter motors, dynamos and screen wiper motors. The photograph below shows a selection of units on his stall.
VERDICT
I very much enjoyed this show, as always. At the outset I stated that I hadn’t intended to buy much this time, but in the event I came home with a much-needed reconditioned windscreen wiper motor for one of my classics, some new under-seat webbing for another long-time owned family vehicle, a hub puller for my pre-War Austin Big Seven, plus various nuts, bolts, screws and a box of work gloves! Oh well, next time I don’t need to buy so much… probably!
I thought that the show seemed very busy, with enthusiasts in attendance in numbers. Talking to some of the ‘regular’ stallholders, some felt that business for the traders was below previous levels, whereas others seemed very happy with the sales they had made.
My grateful thanks to Chris Adamson for his help with for my report, especially for his photographs.
Stop press…
This lunchtime (Monday 19th May), Beaulieu has issued their post-event press release.
They tell us:
More than 13,500 visitors and exhibitors were in attendance.
Highlights of the show can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi4odq116LM
Although primarily about motoring projects, bargain-hunters, friends and families alike browsed the colourful stands for antiques, unique homeware and even vintage clothing.
The Best Stand Award was awarded to Mark and Mel Cutler for their captivating stand ‘Broad Assortments’. As a yearly feature, the award is presented to the stand which best captures the spirit of the autojumble. As first time exhibitors at the Spring Autojumble, Mark and Mel’s beautifully presented display, packed with an eclectic mix of jumble, stood out from the crowd.
The trophy was presented by the editor of Practical Classics magazine, Danny Hopkins and Managing Director of Beaulieu Enterprises, Russell Bowman. As in previous years, the trophy was generously donated by Lolly Lee in memory of her late father, Terry Lee, a dedicated autojumbler.
Mark said: “We live down the road and it’s the first time we’ve exhibited here but we used to come along as visitors. We wanted to try something different and this is how Broad Assortments came about.”
Avid autojumbler Kathleen Smith celebrated her 50th anniversary of exhibiting at a Beaulieu autojumble. Kathleen first took part in the inaugural Beaulieu Autojumble in 1967 with her late husband, Geoff, selling vintage car parts and memorabilia. Both Kathleen and Geoff were passionate about vintage cars and supportive of the community that surrounds it. Today, the Spring Autojumble continues to be ‘one of the highlights of her year and being part of the vintage car scene remains incredibly important to her’.
The Dorset branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club returned with over 200 Morris Minors and contemporary classics for the much-loved MoggyFest. This year’s theme, ‘Morris Through the Decades’ featured three eras of Morris Motors: the pre-war golden years (1927–1928), wartime production (1939–1945), and post-war models (1945–1956), each represented by iconic Morris vehicles. The club also hosted Open Mic Sessions across both days, featuring familiar faces from the motoring world, including YouTuber Steph Hoy(a.k.a. ‘I Drive a Classic’) and motoring journalist Kim Henson, creator of ‘Wheels-Alive’.
For the first time at the Spring Autojumble, a vibrant display of vintage Sprite Caravans was showcased to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Sprite brand. Among the display was the cheerful 1971 Sprite 400, more commonly known as ‘Chatty Caravan’ on social media, which has been featured in the National Motor Museum.
Acclaimed artist Maxime Xavier was also enjoying the vibrant automotive weekend. Maxime proudly unveiled her newly completed 1995 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit titled ‘Spirits of Genius’, uniquely painted with four of the world’s most iconic artworks: The Great Waveby Hokusai, The Kiss by Klimt, A Bigger Splash by Hockney and Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych. Showgoers were able to closely admire the custom masterpiece and chat with the artist herself during the show.
For those searching for their next motoring project, or just their perfect car, the Automart was the perfect opportunity to explore a huge variety of motors for sale. Ranging from a 1956 Bedford Fire Engine, right the way through to modern classics such as a BMW Z3 and even a Porsche 911 GT3 Replica, there was something for all automotive tastes!
A surprise exhibit made a late Saturday afternoon appearance at the entrance to the Spring Autojumble, joining the National Motor Museum stand – a striking 1954 Austin Healey, originally built as a ‘special test car’ for international racing and speed record attempts. This showstopping red sports car, which originally raced in Le Mans painted green, was back in Britain for the first time since 1955 and made a superb addition to the weekend.
A standout highlight on Sunday was Trunk Traders, where amateur jumblers had the chance to get involved in the selling action straight from their car boots. A wide variety of items were on offer, from motoring spares and materials to vintage enamel signs, model cars, magazines and much more.
Another eagerly awaited Sunday feature was Land Rover Rummage, drawing fans of the 4×4 from far and wide. Owners were able shop for a wide range of spares and essential items, while also connecting with fellow overlanding enthusiasts to exchange stories and advice. Meanwhile, the Land Rover Series One Club displayed a broad selection of Series One Land Rovers from 1948-1958, with everything from newly completed restorations, bespoke conversions and everyday “go anywhere” vehicles.
Beaulieu’s International Autojumble takes place on 6th and 7th September 2025, but until then there’s plenty to keep motoring enthusiasts, day-trippers and families entertained. Starting with Simply VW on 25th May, followed by Simply Porsche on 1st June, the Custom and American Show on Father’s Day, 15th June, and many more exciting events to come. Visit https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/ for more information.