The largest private collection of old Fords
It’s not every day that a classic Ford goes up for auction. Well, try more than 220, ranging from Model A’s and T’s to wood-panelled station wagons and vintage buses.
This breathtaking array of vehicles – recognised as the largest private collection of classic Fords in the world – formed the Den Hartogh Museum, a 50-year labour of love for Piet den Hartogh, in the Netherlands.
Piet’s love affair with Ford began after his father bought a Model T truck in 1924 and later, as an adult, he bought cars, buses and vans from all over the world – including a popcorn van, a police snowmobile and a truck that was fuelled by wood.
Pieter den Hartogh, Piet’s son:
“Without Dad, it’s just not the same. My father was a passionate man and he wanted to share this obsession with everyone. All of the cars were a big part of our lives.”
The complete collection was auctioned by Bonhams on site in Hillegom on June 23. Every vehicle on offer was sold during the 10-hour sale, attracting bids from around the world. The combined total from the sale was a staggering €6,157,353 (approximately £5,409,000). The longest bidding exchange involved a 1905 Ford Model B Side Entrance Tonneau that sold for €419,750 (£368,700) – more than seven times its estimate and a world record price.
Rupert Banner, group motoring director from Bonhams and one of the auctioneers for the sale:
“We were bowled over by today’s result. A 100 per cent sold auction is a rare occurrence, especially one with such a vast quantity of lots. It was a pleasure to be able to find new owners for vehicles that had been treasured for so long."
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