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Garage Stored Classic Cars at Charterhouse

    Two classic cars, a Mini Cooper and a Golf GTI, both garage stored offer enthusiasts an unusual choice in the Charterhouse online auction of classic cars on Wednesday 23rd September.

    “Names which always stir the hearts of classic car collectors are Mini Coopers and VW Golf GTI’s.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Although we have sold many such motors, it is unusual to see both in the same auction in completely different conditions as the GTI is mint with very few miles and the Mini Cooper has not turned a wheel in the past 47 years!”

    First up for the classic car collector is the 1965 Mini Cooper S. The classic Mini spans classes and appeals to everyone from rock stars to Mr Bean from the 1960’s to the 1980’s.

    This rare Cooper S was bought new by John Machell of Ulverston in March 1965. He then sold this to Peter Ruddle, also of Ulverston, in October 1965. Peter kept this for two years when the owner’s father (Dennis) bought it in September 1967. Three months later it was given to his son Stuart, the owner, as a 21st birthday present and he has kept it ever since.

    Stuart always enjoyed cars and the Cooper was driven into his garage near Derby in 1973 from which point it was left as other cars took over his interest. Over the next 47 years, the Cooper became more and more buried with rubbish until Stuart passed away in 2019.

    The executors started to clear the garage of all the rubbish and were amazed to find the Mini Cooper S buried deep in the garage. They contacted Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne, Dorset as they have auctioned many Mini’s over the years for high prices.

    Now requiring full restoration, this 1965 Mini Cooper is expected to sell for a five figure sum.

    However, at the other end of the spectrum Charterhouse have been instructed to auction a 1996 VW Golf GTI. Whilst many Mark 3 GTI’s can be bought for under £1,000, this is a particularly special GTI.

    Unlike the Mini Cooper S which needs restoration, this Golf GTI is in mint condition having covered less than 15,000 in 24 years.

    “It is a time warp car, and one which I remember with great affection as I also owned a 1996 Golf GTI.” Commented Richard Bromell. “But unlike this Golf, mine was used and enjoyed and after two other family members owned the car it went off to be recycled!”

    This 1996 GTI was ordered new with the optional extras of special Hot Chilli Red Pearl (£228), a sunroof (£350) and rear head restraints (£146) which bought the total price to £15,039.

    Today the car has full service history, with a cambelt change in 2019, and survives with its original rubber mats, garage stickers, original booklets, purchase invoice, tax discs and MOT certificates.

    The second owner, who lives in Wiltshire is now in his 80’s and has decided to let another collector enjoy the car and contacted Charterhouse to value the car.

    This time warp, cherished and pampered Golf GTI in showroom condition would be a star car in any collection and is estimated at £8,000-10,000.

    Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this auction of classic and vintage cars on 23rd September, their sale of pictures, books, sporting items and Beswick on 1st & 2nd October followed by classic and vintage motorcycles on 28th October.

    For further information regarding these auctions, or to make a Covid-19 safe home visit, contact Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email images to Richard on rb@charterhouse-auction.comCaptions:

    Garage stored for 47 years in Derbyshire – 1965 Mini Cooper S £10,000-15,000

    Garage stored all its life – 1996 Golf GTI £8,000-10,000