IT WAS believed to be Britain’s biggest-ever barn-find car collection that recently headed to auction.

Some 200 vehicles went under the hammer at Doward Farm, hosted by FM Hutchings Auctioneers.

It was a traditional auction with only in person bidding with the auctioneer travelling to each lot on the back of a vehicle.

The collection of vehicles belonged to Mark Dew, who started his car collecting hobby 40 years ago. And over the four decades he managed to fill up a barn and several fields with an assortment of vehicles.

Mr Dew explained that he had originally planned on setting up a motor museum and began collecting cars from all eras, the oldest of which is said to be about 90-years-old,

One of the lots was a vintage Jaguar, which currently has a tree growing through the bumper.

Mr Dew said that he has now decided to sell the property, and consequently the collection has got to be sold.

Among the collection is a Triumph TR7, Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and a couple of Volkswagen Golf cabriolets, Land Rovers and MGs.

Also going under the hammer are a Range Rovers of various ages, a Bentley Turbo R and an Aston Martin DBS.

Auctioneer Finlay Hutchings said after the auction: “I was amazed how many people turned up for the auction. It was very successful as every lot was sold.

“Some bidders got themselves a bargain, as there was no reserve on any of the vehicles. I believe that the lot prices were quite strong despite a lot of cars being very rusty. It’s the old adage that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

“Part of this success is nostalgia combined with how far the bidder is prepared to go. A lot of the vehicles will probably be used primarily for parts as the body panels have disintegrated.”