Rare cars hidden in Suffolk barn since 1980s to be auctioned

Two rare cars which have been stored in a barn for more than four decades are to go under the hammer.

The 1921 Talbot Darracq and the 1950s Mercedes Benz 220 Type A convertible had been the pride and joy of their late owner, but were hidden away and gathering dust near Framlingham, Suffolk.

Auctioneers Reeman Dansie, of Colchester, said the Mercedes was bought while the man was serving with the British Army in Germany, and travelled with him during his military career in Cyprus and the Middle East.

"They are surprisingly solid and one of the good things about them is they have both been dry-stored away from the elements which would have caused them to deteriorate," said auctioneer Lewis Rabett.

The Talbot is a "big open tourer" reminiscent of Laurel & Hardy films from the era "or, as some have said, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", added Mr Rabett.

"It's more than 100 years old, so the fact it has survived is an incredible feat in itself," he said.

"There are no mod cons, no power steering, no heated seats, in fact no heating at all.

"It probably cruises at 40mph so I don't think you'd want to take it out on the A12."

Both cars are still covered in dust that had settled on their bodywork over the years, with the auction house keen to retain it ahead of the auction on Saturday.

"Barn-find dust, as it is known in the classic car world - you can't put a price on it; it's invaluable; it's party of their story," explained Mr Rabett.

The windscreen of the Talbot displays a tax disc that expired in 1982, which he agreed was a "classic in itself".

"It's spent a long while in storage so it's definitely ready for its new owner to breathe some new life into it," he added.

The Mercedes has an estimated sale price of £30,000-£35,000, with the Talbot estimated at £6,000-£8,000.