A 1965 Mini Cooper S, which had lain in a Derbyshire garage for nearly 50 years, sold for £28,600 in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars on 23^rd September.

“Everyone loves a project, especially one which has been squirreled away for decades.” Commented Richard Bromell.

The Mini Cooper S was last on the road in 1973 when it was driven into its garage. It lay dormant here until being discovered by the executors in 2020 after the owner passed away.

Over the decades, a huge amount of rubbish and other detritus covered the Mini. The car had clearly been enjoyed and used by the late owner as it managed to cover a not inconsiderable 91,000 miles in the 8 years it was driven on the road.

Moving forward to 2020 and Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne, Dorset, were contacted by the Derbyshire executors to enter the Mini Cooper S into their specialist classic car auction.

“Although we are based in Dorset we cover a wide area having held specialist classic and vintage car auctions for 20 years.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The Cooper was not is great condition having succumbed to tin worm over the decades and now requires full restoration.”

Despite needing full restoration there was huge amount of pre-sale interest. The successful buyer, who lives in Cheshire, arranged to meet his Welsh restorer to view the car who also had a five hour journey to see the car.

On the auction day bids flew in via the internet and telephone, with the Cheshire collector securing the project.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their autumn programme of auctions including classic and vintage cars on 11^th November, silver, jewellery & watches with Asian Art on 5^th & 6^th November which is then followed by classic and vintage motorcycles on 28^th 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.com

Captions:

Buried – 1965 Mini Cooper S sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne for £28,600