During a beautiful weekend, happy attendees strolled around in warm sunshine on the hallowed Autojumble fields of Beaulieu, on the occasion of the 21st annual Spring Auojumble.
Sponsored by ‘Practical Classics’ magazine and held over the weekend of 17th and 18th May, the event was buzzing and attracted stalls and buyers in their droves.
As well as the fascinating array of stalls selling vehicle components, enthusiasts looking for a new project, or indeed a car in pristine condition, could wander among the vehicles for sale in the Automart section. From budget bargain to exotica, there was something for everyone.
On the Sunday (only) there was the additional ‘Old Sodbury Sortout’ of Land Rover components. ‘Trunk Traders’, in the form of people selling parts from the backs of their cars, were also out in force, and Sunday’s ‘Walkabout Auction’ offered an ‘end of show’ chance to buy and sell.
A particular highlight for me was the wonderful display put on by the Dorset branch of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club. With input from many of the organisation’s members, they had spent many hours re-creating a typical scene from a Morris dealership, from the years when the Minors were in their heyday. In addition to superb examples of Minor models from across the range, especially eye-catching were the truly remarkable murals (delightfully created by Roger Kellow), set up as a backdrop to the display.
The Dorset Minor Owners’ Club’s efforts were rewarded by winning the ‘Best Stand’ trophy, donated by Lolly Lee in memory of her father Terry.
The event also saw ‘Practical Classics’ and the Sussex Imp Club involved with putting the National Motor Museum’s ‘Imp Number One’ back into running order.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event; just brilliant. I managed to avoid buying another classic, but did bring home many useful parts obtained from the stalls.
Looking ahead, the next, bigger still 2014 Beaulieu Autojumble (always ‘The Big One’), will be held this year over the weekend of 6th and 7th September (with next year’s Spring Autojumble booked for 16th and 17th May, 2015). For more information, please go to: www.beaulieuevents.co.uk
