More than 37,000 people from the British Isles and far beyond attended the 49th International Autojumble, held in the parkland of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England. More than 2,300 venders took part in what Americans would recognize as a swap meet.
“While, in accordance with the late Lord Montagu’s wishes, it was ‘business as usual’, there was a sense of underlying sadness at his absence from the event and we missed the familiar sight of him around the event fields,” Judith Maddox, Beaulieu events manager, was quoted in a news release.
Museum and Autojumble founder Lord Montagu died last week at the age of 88.
“However,” Maddox continued, “we could imagine him looking down with satisfaction as stall holders and visitors enjoyed another successful show.”
In addition to the usual swap meet fare, some 244 cars were for sale in the Beaulieu Arena and in the Dealermart classic car sales area.
Attendance was off some from 2014 numbers, organizers believe primarily because the event was moved forward a week to avoid conflict with the annual Goodwood Revival. However, that move put the Autojumble on the same weekend as another major local event, the Dorset Steam Fair.
“This did cause difficulties,” the news release noted, “particularly for some of our exhibitors who traditionally attend both shows.”
The last day of the “jumble” features Trunk Traders, a day in which “amateur jumblers” bring their stock for sale.
