A remarkable collection of seven veteran cars from the 'Somerset Hoard' will be auctioned by Bonhams on October 30, just before the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
A unique collection of seven veteran cars, known as the 'Somerset Hoard', will be offered at Bonhams’ upcoming Golden Age of Motoring Sale in London on October 30. This collection, which has remained largely untouched since World War II, consists of vehicles assembled during the 1930s and preserved by the same family for generations. Bonhams describes this find as one of the most significant in the world of veteran cars in recent years.
The Auction Details
The auction takes place at Bonhams’ New Bond Street headquarters, conveniently timed just two days before the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on November 1. This timing is more than just a coincidence; it highlights a tradition that celebrates the legacy of early automobiles. Several cars in the collection date from the pre-1905 era, making them eligible for participation in this historic event, which itself is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of early motoring.
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is more than an auction backdrop; it’s a cultural institution that draws enthusiasts and participants from around the world. The emotional connection to these events often drives prices at auction, as buyers look for vehicles that not only represent automotive history but also provide a chance to engage in a living tradition. It's a vivid reminder that collector cars aren't just objects; they embody stories, history, and nostalgia.
Highlights of the Somerset Hoard
Among the standout pieces is a circa-1903 Baker electric car, which holds an estimated value between £35,000-45,000. This model, originally registered in Bristol, is noteworthy as an important example of early electric vehicles. The Baker's design features a right-hand tiller and controls catered to English markets. Its history tracks it from Bristol to Scotland in 1915 before it returned south to Tewkesbury three years later. The existence of this car underlines that electric propulsion has been a viable component of automotive evolution for more than a century and indicates early interest in cleaner transportation methods.
Another notable entry is a circa-1902 Progress, constructed by the now-defunct Progress Motor Co based in Bishops Green, Coventry. This two-seater, estimated at £35,000-45,000, is remarkable for its originality, retaining authentic Progress-branded hubcaps. Powered by a De Dion-Bouton engine, its engineering signifies the era's experimentation with various powertrains. It illustrates how diverse approaches to automotive engineering emerged as manufacturers sought to establish themselves in a burgeoning market.
Another interesting model is a circa-1903 Swift, featuring an estimated value between £35,000-45,000. What makes this vehicle unique is its detachable rear groom’s seat, crafted by renowned coachbuilders Hollick and Pratt. It’s powered by a 6HP De Dion-Bouton engine. The unusual design elements, including a rear-mounted starting handle and a distinctive rear axle configuration, reflect the craftsmanship and creativity characteristic of early automobile design.
Also included in the Somerset Hoard is a circa-1904 Darracq 12HP Twin-Cylinder, valued between £55,000-75,000, featuring four-seat rear-entrance tonneau bodywork. This design was somewhat of a standard in its day, emphasizing comfort while also facilitating ease of entry and exit for passengers. Additionally, the collection houses a 1905 Rover 8HP, which has an estimated value of £25,000-35,000 and showcases the evolution of automotive engineering with its unique combination of steel-cable steering and a mix of wire-spoked front and wooden-spoked rear wheels.
The youngest vehicle in the collection is a 1913 Belsize 10/12HP four-cylinder, estimated to fetch between £10,000-15,000. Meanwhile, the most recently used is a 1905 Humber 8/10HP two-seater, expected to bring £20,000-30,000. Their inclusion in this sale underscores a pivotal moment in automotive design and usage, showcasing how the transition from mere transportation to recreational vehicle was beginning.
Other Historic Cars on Offer
Looking beyond the Somerset collection, Bonhams will also feature additional historic vehicles, including a 1904 Darracq Twin-Cylinder 10HP Swing-Seat Tonneau, with a higher estimated value ranging from £150,000 to £200,000. This model carries added significance as it shares the same make and year as the vehicle that starred in the classic film Genevieve, enhancing its appeal to collectors who also appreciate automotive cinema history. Also set to be offered is a 1910 Brasier 12/18HP Tourer, which will be sold without reserve and is estimated at £40,000-60,000. Such offerings highlight the varied appreciation for cars—not just as collector's items, but as artifacts of cultural history.
Implications and Future Outlook
The Somerset Hoard signals not just a financial opportunity but reflects a growing market for vintage automobiles that collectors increasingly view as investments. If you’re working in this space, the value of preserving and celebrating automotive history may only deepen as new generations begin to appreciate the craftsmanship and storytelling embedded in these vehicles. With modern electric vehicles taking center stage today, there’s also a curious irony in old electric vehicles like the Baker car now sold as collectibles, illustrating how cyclical trends can be.
As interest in classic cars continues to foster new communities within the collector arena, the implications for auction houses like Bonhams are significant. They are not merely places to buy and sell but are becoming custodians of history, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the interplay between nostalgia, technology, and investment. That said, as cultural expectations shift towards sustainability, how the auction houses market these relics will be paramount. Collectors may become increasingly aware of the stories these vehicles tell about the past—and how they might speak to the future.
For more details on this collection and the auction event, enthusiasts can visit Bonhams’ website, where additional specifications and photos of the vehicles are available.
