The largest private Ford collection in the world is to sell off some of its earliest exhibits. Directors of the Den Hartogh Ford Museum, which is based in Hillegom in The Netherlands have decided to auction nearly 50 of its pre-war cars.
"The Ford vehicles are being auctioned because we want to ensure the range can be recognised by visitors," said a spokesman. "The decision was taken to exchange the pre-war Fords for vehicles that are not as old."
In total, 47 vehicles – ranging from buses and commercials to convertibles – will be sold by 2 October via an online auction, with viewings taking place at the museum on 28 September.
The earliest car in the sale is a 1911 Ford Model T Speedster. The car has been in the museum for the past 25 years.
Bidding for a 1929 AA fire engine starts at €16,000. Like the Model T, it has been in the collection for a number of years and is equipped with a secondary engine for powering its pump.
A 1936 Ford V8 Club Cabriolet is one of the younger cars in the sale, and was restored at the museum 10 years ago. It was imported from the United States.
The most imposing vehicle in the line-up – and that thought to be the most valuable – is a 1937 950 V8 Touring Car. Like the V8 Club Cabriolet, it was brought to The Netherlands from the United States before undergoing a full restoration.
Commercial vehicles are also set to feature, including a 1939 Y Truck. Fitted with a V8 engine, it was restored prior to being put on display.
A stylish Five Window Coupe from 1936 is fitted with non-original hydraulic brakes, and is the last model fitted with removable headlamps.
