Angus was the weekend draw of the vintage vehicle world as the sale of a unique Scottish collection drew interest from across the globe.
The lifetime treasure trove of Fifer William “Freddie” Cunningham went under the hammer at the base of Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club (SVVC), near Glamis, and enthusiasts from Britain and across Europe were joined by telephone buyers from as far afield as the United States in the bidding for a host of rarities.
A skilled craftsman with a special eye for exquisite styling, Mr Cunningham amassed a collection containing pre-war examples of legendary marques many of which have now passed into automotive history.
The weekend sale the first at the new SVVC base since the club realised its dream of creating a permanent home proved a major challenge given the scale of the collection and the massive interest in more than 900 lots, including more than 50 vehicles.
Star of the show was a 1936 Hotchkiss Grand Sport Roadster, and the stylish six-cylinder raced to a price almost four times its £14,000 estimate.
The car is to remain in the UK, and the delighted buyer hopes to complete restoration and have it competing again within six months.
There was also intense interest in a 1939 McEvoy Steyr, the only known example of its type, and it is set to return to its Austrian homeland after being knocked down for more than double the £16,000 estimate.
SVVC chairman Allan Burt said the sale far exceeded the club’s expectations, particularly the interest from abroad which saw a number of cars sold to Germany.
Bidders have also signalled their intention to return to a Forfar sale later this month when the residue of spares from the collector’s estate will be sold.
Club administrator Lesley Munro added, “Overall, the sale was a great day and it was fantastic to see so many enthusiaists at our new building.
“We had telephone bidders from Missouri and New York as well as Holland and Italy, and in the hall there were visitors from many places including Germany, Austria and Holland.”