CLASSIC sports and rally cars which were until recently showcased in an AC Williams showroom are to go under the hammer.
The impressive collection of motors, including a 1972 Alpine Renault A110 as the star lot, will be auctioned off following the company’s demise.
As reported in the Journal, the firm has gone into administration and has closed its two Renault dealerhips in Harlaxton Road, Grantham, and Ancaster. However, it is hoped the coach hire arm of the business will be sold on.
The entire assets of the business will be sold online on Thursday by industrial auctioneers CJM Asset Management, including machinery, equipment and tools alongside the collection of Renault motors.
CJM director Charles Moses said: “Of course, the thing that is capturing the attention of Renault enthusiasts is the small collection of classic sports and rally cars.
“The star lot is a fully restored 1972 Alpine Renault A110 rally car that has been a focal point of the showroom display in Ancaster for a number of years.
“An Alpine with a particularly interesting racing history sold in Paris recently for 90,000 euros. We are not expecting this car to make quite as much as that but it is a real beauty and it is in literally showroom condition. We rate it at £20,000 to £30,000.”
Also gathering a lot of interest is a 1994 Renault Megane rally car, a 1982 Alpine Renault A310 sports coupe and number plate ‘STL 1’.
Mr Moses said: “Any 1 plate is going to make serious money. We’re expecting that this will make £10,000, possibly more on a good day.”
Also being auctioned off are 11 vans, two Scenics, a recovery truck, a car transporter trailer and £50,000 worth of garage equipment.
It is a shame to lose a local business, said Mr Moses.
He added: “It is a sad end to a well-known and respected Lincolnshire company that has been in business for more than half a century.
“Unfortunately these are hard times for smaller motor dealerships and many of them around the country are struggling.”
l The auction catalogue is available at www.cjmasset.com
The online auction will close at noon on Thursday.
A public viewing session will be held at the showroom in Ermine Street, Ancaster, between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday.