A Tragedy

It all began one evening when the phone rang. It was Steve, and he sounded excited - he said, "Have you seen this mornings paper?". I hadn't, so I said, "no, go on , tell me then".

It turned out that there was an ad in the auction sales column, announcing the winding-up of a local Funeral Furnishers and Wedding Car Hire businees, and giving details of the entire contents of the garage, and listing the vehicles to be auctioned. My friend Steve, who was the owner of a 1948 Series III 18/85 (ex Police), explained that items to be sold included hydraulic jacks, ramps, compressors, paint spray equipment, vast quantities of tools - and, ALL THE FLEET OF WOLSELEY 25h.p. LIMOUSINES! There and then, we agreed to meet at the Undertakers premises where the auction was to be conducted the following afternoon at 2pm.

At the time, I was running a 1938 Series III 12/48, and it was with quite a degree of anticipation I arrived, parking just behind Steves 18/85. Steve and I had a quick 'pow-wow', before walking over to the auction - we reckoned that we could just about afford £100 (£50 each) for one of the 25's - cars that we both knew well around our locality.

Never having attended an auction before, we entered the garage somewhat nervously, where the acution was already underway - apparently they had auctioned all the tools and bits and pieces first, and were just about to commence with the first of the 25's. In all, there were five 25 limos - four of them were Series III, and the fifth was a Series II. I wondered across to get a better view, and the bidding started. I was taken aback by the low bids, and before I could compose myself, the hammer came down at ........£33.

I couldn't believe it. What was wrong? Did it have some major unseen fault? It looked OK, in fact, it looked immaculate. I turned to look at Steve - his mouth was open, but no words came. - Next lot, another 1948 model, was quickly sold for £32. Lot 3 and 4 were, from memory, sold for about £30 each. It was all happening so quickly, that neither of us had the nerve to put in a bid. The last lot was the Series II - not so attractive as the Series III's, but in excellent condition nonetheless - I remember it so well, because for some reason, it was on 3 wheels, and a small hand-jack!

"What am I bid....?", called the auctioneer -

£5?.... £2?.... - Iam bid £2. £3?...£3, £4..£5, £6, £7, £8?..£8?..£8...£9? I am bid £9 - selling at £9.....sold at £9.

This is a true account of one of the worst days of my life. We just couldn't believe it. We could have had, not just one, but three 25 limos, for less than our £100. In fact, I think we could have had four for £101 - mind you, one would only have had 3 wheels!

The exact year, I cannot recall, but it was either 1957 or 1958 - two of those very cars, had in fact been the wedding cars at my own wedding in 1956.

The amazing thing was, that these cars were in superb order, and apart from the "3 wheeler", all were driven away after the auction.

Now, almost 40 years on, I still can remember that awful day - I wish I could forget it...

JAD