Ruby Beaulieu

As in Ruby Anniversary. The Beaulieu International Autojumble marked its fortieth birthday a weekend back. Held annually on the Beaulieu Estate of Lord Montagu in England's New Forest, the Autojumble offers some 2,000 vending spaces were one can buy brass lamps, hampers, picnic sets, car mascots or spanners. An engine for your Riley or DeDion or Darracq? No prob!

The Automart, a British incarnation of the car corral, offers fare from restored DeSotos and Whippets to restorable hulks like a 1946 Wolseley, which on closer inspection was found to have no engine. On the Saturday afternoon, Bonhams holds an auction. This year's offerings included a well-conserved steam Locomobile, a curved-dash Olds, and a Crossley Ten just exhumed from a chicken house. Looking intensely more elegant was a 1933 Invicta, a bargain at £8,050 ($16,341 US) with buyer's premium. More of a project but attracting much interest was a 1913 Cadillac Model 30, its copper-jacketed engine a tourist attraction. It sold for £13,800 ($28,014 US). Auctioneer James Knight coaxed £141,200 ($286,636 US) from a buyer for a Sunbeam Super Sports, high sale of the day.

As at Hershey, clubs and marque registers have a presence, and one can buy toys or, perhaps, a Bébé Peugeot. The minimalist might like a Sinclair C-5. Trudging the fields of Beaulieu can be exhausting, but worth the effort if a sought-after part is found. If the prizes won't fit in a wagon, a friend might lend a hand. Alternatively, heavy parts can be left for later collection and free transport to the parking areas.

The forty-second Autojumble will be held September 13-14, 2008. Start planning now.