In Spring 2018, Bicester Heritage will play host to a one-off auction that will see more than 140 rare and unique pedal cars go under the hammer from the Jaguar Land Rover Classics Collection.
The No Reserve pedal car auction will sit alongside the eagerly anticipated ‘Affordable Classics’ event hosted by Bicester Heritage’s official auction partner, Brightwells – where over 100 rare and low-mileage models will go up for grabs from Britain’s most revered classic marques.
The Centre of Excellence will open its gates on Wednesday 21st March and, while it’s not unusual for the odd pedal car to turn up at auction, rarely do you see a whole collection up for sale at one venue.
Brightwells will sell over 140 pedal cars, all at no reserve, at Bicester Heritage, making it the fourth sale the auction house has held on the historic WW2 site.
Mirroring the history of the automobile itself, the pedal cars span virtually every decade of the past 130 years and range from highly detailed miniature vintage Bentleys and pre-war racing cars made from metal, to a modern BMW Z4.
In the early 1900s, pedal cars were widespread, especially in the heartlands of motorcar manufacture powerhouses like America, Britain, Italy and France.
Although they were ostensibly aimed at children, most of these pedal cars were just as well made as their full-size brethren with enamelled steel bodies, opening bonnets and boots, working brakes, steering and headlights, leather seats and adjustable pedals. Some even had miniature electric engines.
Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, said: “Pedal cars are a part of our motoring and social history, the no reserve auction represents a potentially once in a lifetime opportunity to snap up some fascinating rarities.
“To host another fantastic auction with our partners at Brightwells will give a further reason for car enthusiasts from around the globe to visit us on sale day, and we look forward to welcoming them and to show all that Bicester Heritage has to offer.”
Full details of the cars going up for grabs can be found online at www.brightwells.com. Visit www.bicesterheritage.co.uk/events for more information.