Mercedes Benz and Talbot Darracq found in Framlingham barn after 40 years make more than £40,000 at auction

A pair of rare classic cars that were discovered in a Suffolk barn, having been hidden away for 40 years, have sold for tens of thousands of pounds at auction.

A 1921 Talbot Darracq and a 1952 Mercedes Benz 220 Type A convertible were found stored away in Framlingham after the death of their owner.

The white Mercedes, which had an estimated sale price of £30,000 to £35,000, went under the hammer for £37,000 and the green Talbot, estimated at £6,000 to £8,000, sold for £10,500.

The auction took place at Reeman Dansie Auctions in Colchester, Essex, on November 16.

A Reeman Dansie spokesperson said: "The left hand drive Mercedes was originally purchased by the late owner, whilst he was serving in the British Army in Germany, with the much loved car travelling with him during his military career.

"It also saw life in Cyprus and the Middle East, before he undertook an epic journey across the continent to bring the car back to Blighty.

"The 1921 Talbot Darracq was purchased from C. J. Bendall Ltd in Hitchin in February 1967 at a cost of £750.

"The original purchase receipt and cheque remains with a photograph of the late owner and his wife standing proudly beside their new purchase.

"We understand from the late owner's family that the cars were last running in the 1980s and have remained preserved in his barn for the last four decades."