Bicester Heritage, the former Royal Air Force base in England that has been turned into a 348-acre campus for classic car and vintage aircraft restoration and events, will add auctions to its schedule in 2017 in a partnership with Brightwells.
In business since 1846 and selling art, real estate, livestock, machinery and more, Brightwells added classic car and motorcycle sales to its auction offerings in 2005.
“Having built our reputation in the classic car world over the past 12 years to become one of the most highly regarded auction houses in the United Kingdom, we are delighted that Bicester Heritage has chosen us as its auction partner, because we very much share the same concepts and loyalty to the cultural phenomenon of preserving this country’s heritage in motoring and engineering,” Richard Binnersley, joint managing partner of Brightwells, said in a news release.
“Partnering with Bicester Heritage allows us to continue to deliver a professional and welcoming sale experience in an authentic period setting of post-WW1 Britain with the benefits of the site’s central location, accessibility, superb facilities and ready footfall – this will create a unique auction event in which our clients’ classic cars can star.”
Brightwells plans to stage three auctions at Bicester Heritage in 2017; the first is scheduled for April 5, with others planned for July 1 and October 25.
“Bicester Heritage is all about the future of the historic car movement and, in creating a national center for specialist expertise, has been careful to select the best possible partners who share our vision,” said Dan Goeghegan, managing director of Bicester Heritage. “With that in mind, we knew that our auction partner had to deliver the right blend of knowledge, passion and content.
“After a rigorous selection process, we are delighted to welcome Brightwells to Bicester Heritage as our official auction partner in 2017. As a business with such strong family values and a heritage of 170 years, there is a true cultural fit.
“We’re also pleased that the Brightwells team is putting down roots at Bicester, providing a permanent onsite presence in the Guard House. This shows a real commitment to a long-term partnership on both sides and further adds to the focused blend of businesses at Bicester Heritage.”
Bicester Heritage, the site of more than 30 specialist vehicle restoration and preservation businesses, recently won “industry supporter of the year” honors at the International Historic Motoring Awards presentation.
