THE family of a vintage car enthusiast said they were delighted after his treasured collection fetched almost £60,000 at an auction.

The immaculately kept collection consisted of four Ford Model Ts, two Minis and a Ford Sierra, with all four of the Model Ts being dated at more than 100-years-old.

Colchester auctioneers Reeman Dansie held the auction of George Allen’s cars, which sold for £57,900 overall.

After his death, Mr Allen’s collection was to be donated to a museum as per the wishes of his will.

Unable to find any takers, however, his next of kin, niece Bridget Couch, followed the next instruction which was to sell them at auction with the proceeds going to charities close to Mr Allen’s heart.

Those to benefit include the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the Danaher Animal Home.

Mrs Couch said: “We are really happy; it’s quite a sum of money for the charities and hopefully it will make a great difference.”

“He [Mr Allen] ideally wanted his cars to go to a museum so lots of people could share his pleasure in seeing them, however he’d still be pleased with the money raised.

“He was passionate about all of his cars; there was one Model T he had done up to a pristine condition and it was his pride and joy.

“It was an amazing collection which was a result of a lifetime’s passion “My uncle was well-known locally. He was a fantastic resource for Halstead History Society as his memory was immaculate.”

Lewis Rabett, an auctioneer at Reeman Dansie, said the results of the bidding “exceeded expectations”.

“We are so pleased Mr Allen’s cars are going to be cherished by fellow enthusiasts,” he said.

“Mr Allen would be thrilled to know the money raised will go a long way in supporting things he cared about.”