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