2017 Beaulieu International Autojumble

The Beaulieu International Autojumble is promoted as the largest event of its type this side of the Atlantic.

This year was its 51st running and it had more than 2000 trade stands. It would be a mistake to think that these were all full of rusty old tat, musty old books and manned by crusty old men. Oh, alright, many were, but there were also very many extremely high-quality cars, motorcycles, parts, tools and artefacts for sale, plus very many experienced craftsmen and specialist engineering firms offering their services. Dig deep enough and you’d most likely find what you wanted, or you’d meet someone who knew who or where to turn to. Everyone always seems so eager to help.

The most eye-catching of the American cars on display was an enormous Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, a duplicate of the car in which President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in November 1963. The President’s open-top limo was commissioned by Ford and built in 1961 by coach builders Hess and Eisenhardt of Ohio. The stock Lincoln convertible chassis was lengthened by 33 inches and a rollover hoop was constructed behind the driver which added rigidity and gave the President something to hold on to while standing up and waving to the crowds.

At the rear, steps and grab handles were incorporated for the riding Secret Servicemen. After that fateful day, the car was completely rebuilt and upgraded and went back into service for Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford. It now resides in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. The facsimile car on show at Beaulieu was also built by Hess and Eisenhardt, but two years later in March 1963. In 1985 it was sold in Florida to the owner of a French museum before finding its way back on to the open market in 2013. Currently on offer at around £80,000, it was great to see but quite what you’d do with it is anyone’s guess. Film hire maybe?