Follow for more talkers

Cash from sale of vintage cars donated to charity to honor owner’s dying wish

Avatar photo

Published

on
George Allen, who died at age 94, asked in his will for his cars, like this 1991 Ford Sierra, to be sold for charity at auction. (SWNS)

By Ben Turner via SWNS

A late car collector's dying wish has been fulfilled as his seven vintage vehicles sold for about $80,000 - with the money going to his favorite charities.

George Allen, who died last year at age 94, asked in his will for his beloved cars to be sold for charity at auction.

On Thursday, the cars - which included four 100-year-old Ford Model Ts - raked in $79,600 when they went under the hammer in Colchester, Essex.

1911 Ford Motel T sold for $16,500(SWNS)

The money will go to Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Allen, known by his friends as 'Chips,' initially wanted to give the cars to a museum but his family decided to auction them when they couldn't find a suitable home.

1921 Ford Motel T sold for $22,700. (SWNS)

Allen, of Halstead, Essex, worked as a laborer at RAF Ridgewell during World War II before joining his family's scrap metal business.

"He was keen on Cancer Research but also the British Heart Foundation as my brother died at 45 of a heart attack and heart problems are hereditary in the family," said his niece Bridget Couch. “He was always keen on the air ambulance as well as the [RSPCA] Danaher Animal Home. He was always going over there when he could drive bringing tins of cat and dog food.”

The full list of cars sold was:

  • 1911 Ford Model T, $17,200
  • 1915 Ford Model T, $16,500
  • 1921 Ford Model T, $22,700
  • 1921 Ford Model T, $8,940
  • 1969 Austin Morris Mini-Minor MkII Countryman, $8,250
  • 1981 Austin Mini Clubman automatic, $4,675
  • 1991 Ford Sierra Estate, $1,375

The vehicles sold at almost $27,500 over the initial valuation of $55,000 given at Reeman Dansie auction house.

1969 Austin Morris Mini-Minor MkII Countryman sold for $8,250. (SWNS)

Auctioneer Lewis Rabett said:

"We are very happy with the results of the auction and it has exceeded our expectations," said Auctioneer Lewis Rabett. "We are so pleased that Mr. Allen's cars are going to be cherished by fellow enthusiasts. It was Mr. Allen's wish that the proceeds of his cars would be donated to local good causes and he would be thrilled to know that the money raised will go a long way in supporting things that he cared about."

Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available to download & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by SWNS. To license content for editorial or commercial use and to see the full scope of SWNS content, please email [email protected] or submit an inquiry via our contact form.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top Talkers