The Meldonfoot collection was largely shaped by the owner's appreciation for the mechanical genius of Henry Ford.
Soon after buying a 1923 Ford Model T Tourer, 'Suzette' (estimated at £10,000 - 15,000) a large purpose-built motor house and workshop were built at the owner's Scottish Border Country home to accommodate the growing collection.
No expense was spared in equipping the workshops to the highest standard to ensure that additions to the collection would be restored and maintained.
Highlights of the collection include a superb 1904 Cadillac Model B 8½hp Rear-Entrance Tonneau with Surrey Top, which has previously been a winner of several concours awards in the USA, and is estimated to sell for £60,000 - 80,000.
A very early 1910 Ford Model T Tourer (est. £25,000 - 30,000), a 1911 Ford Model T Open Runabout that was restored from the ground up in the Meldonfoot workshops (est. £20,000 - 25,000) and a 1904 Cadillac Model A 6½hp Two-seater/Delivery Van (est. £60,000-80,000) will all be offered in the Bonhams sale.
A number of other motorcars offered by Bonhams in the Beaulieu Autojumble Auction have not been seen on the market for decades.
 1925 Bentley 3 litre shooting brake |
A 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Shooting Brake that has been in the current ownership for over fifty years is expected to sell for £80,000-100,000 ($132,000-$165,000), whilsta 1903 De Dion Bouton 6hp Type Q Four Seater (est. £60,000 - 80,000) has been in the current ownership for thirty-three years, with only four owners since new.
Then there's a rare 1935 Lagonda M35 Rapide, (listed at £50,000 - 70,000) still sporting its original Vanden Plas coachwork that has been in the current ownership since 1968.
Also consigned to sale are two diverse collections, one of 35 motorcars and one from the late Robert Harley, who was known for his historic racing. Highlights include a 1938 Lagonda V12 Saloon De Ville (est. £65,000 - 80,000) and a 1935 Bentley 4¼-Litre Competition Special (est. £55,000 - 65,000).
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