SYON PARK TO HOST H&H AUCTION OF THE STUNNING VAN DIJK COLLECTION AND SELECTED OTHER FINE MOTORCARS ON OCTOBER 3
The 60 Van Dijk cars compromise one of the UK’s best private collections
H&H, Europe’s largest specialist historic car auction house, is to auction the 60-car Van Dijk Collection - without question one of the finest to be offered on British soil for many years. The fastidious creation of a Kent-based entrepreneur, it comprises a unique mix of classic American, Italian and German marques - not to mention a Hispano Suiza - many of which will be recognised from Europe’s major concours competitions. This very special sale is to take place on Monday October 3, 2005 at Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex.
In recent times, the cars have served as the centrepiece of a themed museum situated alongside an equally becoming fifteenth century moated farmhouse in Kent. The owner’s decision to move his business to America has necessitated the sale of both the house and cars. This important event provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors around the World.
Among the many classic British models on offer are: five beautiful Jaguars, two Aston Martins, a 1929 Alvis Silver Eagle with special aluminium body by Rod Jolley and a 1935 Alvis Tourer in race trim. Also included are a brace of Jensens, four Triumphs, a Frazer Nash TT Replica and a magnificent Ford RS 200 complete with full history and workshop manual.
The American marque entries include: an Auburn Speedster, a Ford Thunderbird and Shelby Mustang GT500, a pair of Dodges - classic and modern - a beautiful Ford Model A Cabriolet two-seater with dickie and a Marmon single-seat racecar.
The obvious star entries comprise: a 1931 Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim Cabriolet (one of only a handful made); a 1962 Hispano Suiza H6B Landaulet; a 1936 Jaguar SS100; a 1935 Auburn; a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Cabriolet and a 1931 Cadillac Fleetwood Sports Roadster V12.
Said H&H’s Managing Director Simon Hope, “This is one of the most significant UK-based collections to come to the market in recent years and is notable for the stunning quality of each and every car. We are delighted to have been chosen to handle this sale.”
Additional entries:
Additional entries for the Syon Park sale include a 1933 Rolls Royce 20/25 Sedanca Coupe with coachwork by Freestone & Webb. A multiple concours winner in recent years, it was ordered by Louis Mountbatten but first registered by a Mr Howarth who loaned it to such eminent houseguests as Prince Chula and Lord Howe.
Another car that could tell a story or two is a 1922 Stanley Steamer that was reputedly once owned by the Clark Brothers of Bugs Moran fame: James Clark being one of the seven gunned down in the Valentine’s Day massacre of 1929. It is believed his brother used this very car to escape the scene. It is also said to be the car driven by James Clark during the so-called ‘1000 bullets’ drive-by assassination attempt on Al Capone in Cicero, Illinois in 1926!
Other entries include: a pair of stunning Alvises - a 1936 Charlesworth saloon and a 1939 Speed 25 four-seater Open Tourer; a low mileage 1964 Lagonda Rapide and an exceptional 1949 Land Rover 80” Series 1.
Further information on the sale and a complete vehicle list +44 (0)1925 730630
