Seven Classic Cars Hidden for Over 80 Years Set for Auction in London
Imagine discovering seven historic automobiles that have remained untouched since the outbreak of World War II. Now, more than eight decades later, these extraordinary vehicles are preparing to return to the spotlight at a major London auction.
Known as the Somerset Hoard, the collection includes rare automobiles dating back to the early 1900s. Preserved within the same British family for generations, the vehicles will be offered by Bonhams at its Golden Age of Motoring Sale on October 30, 2026.
A Forgotten Collection From Another Era
The seven vehicles were acquired during the 1930s and remained in family ownership as the world around them changed dramatically.
While automotive technology advanced through generations of innovation, these cars remained largely untouched, preserving fascinating examples of early motoring history.
The collection includes vehicles from Rover, Humber, Darracq, Swift, Progress, Belsize and Baker Electric.
Their reappearance highlights the enduring fascination with classic automobiles and the remarkable discoveries that continue to emerge within the collector-car market.
Readers interested in automotive heritage can explore more classic car stories and automotive features on CarBook Magazine.
An Electric Car From 1903 Steals the Spotlight
Perhaps the most surprising vehicle in the collection is a circa-1903 Baker Electric, a reminder that electric vehicles existed long before today’s modern EV revolution.
The historic two-seat runabout features an original electric motor and period engineering details, offering a fascinating glimpse into the earliest days of electric mobility.
Bonhams estimates the vehicle could sell for between £35,000 and £45,000.
Its presence demonstrates that electric mobility is not simply a modern invention but a technology with roots stretching back more than a century.
For more developments in modern electric mobility and automotive innovation, visit CarBook Magazine.
How Much Are These Historic Cars Worth?
The collection carries a combined pre-sale estimate of approximately £215,000 to £290,000.
Among the highlights is a circa-1903 Darracq 12HP Twin-Cylinder, estimated at £55,000 to £75,000, while a 1913 Belsize 10/12HP is expected to attract bids between £10,000 and £15,000.
Despite their historical importance, the vehicles will require extensive restoration before returning to the road.
Their originality, provenance and connection to the earliest years of automotive engineering are expected to attract interest from collectors and motoring enthusiasts.
A Rare Opportunity for Automotive Collectors
The auction will take place at Bonhams’ New Bond Street headquarters in London, just ahead of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
For collectors, the Somerset Hoard represents more than a selection of vintage vehicles. It offers an opportunity to preserve a remarkable chapter of motoring history.
As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, digital technology and increasingly sophisticated vehicles, discoveries like this remind enthusiasts how far automobile engineering has progressed.
