The Haynes Museum autojumble is a haven for car enthusiasts and collectors, where haggling is the norm and obscure car parts are up for grabs. The event takes place in the car park of the Haynes venue, a motoring mecca in Somerset, England. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, with rain and strong winds, the autojumble attracts a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.
Autojumbles are a popular phenomenon in the UK, with the International Autojumble at Beaulieu being the largest and most well-known. The Haynes autojumble is a newer addition to the scene, but it has quickly gained traction. Exhibitors pay £30 for a pitch, and entry for visitors is £5 per person. The event provides a platform for sellers like Simon Davey, a dealer in cars and car parts, to showcase their wares and strike deals with eager buyers.
Haggling is an essential part of the autojumble experience, and sellers and buyers engage in negotiations to arrive at a fair price. In one instance, a customer offers £20 for a truck horn, but Davey counters with £30. They eventually settle on £25, and the deal is sealed. This practice of haggling reflects the value of items being determined by what someone is willing to pay for them.
Various sellers at the Haynes autojumble specialize in different types of car parts. Graham Bunter, a car hobbyist and club racer, focuses on Ford parts and is confident in the sale of his two Pinto cylinder heads and five inlet manifolds. Other sellers offer items like exhausts, carburettors, intake manifolds, and vintage headlights for a range of car models, including MG TF, Austin Cambridge, and Ford Populars.
The autojumble also showcases the dedication and passion of sellers like Steve Crew, a car breaker who salvages parts from cars and sells them on platforms like eBay and Facebook. Crew believes that by buying the right car, stripping it, and selling the parts, one can make five times the car’s original price. This endeavor has become a significant part of his life.
While the autojumble primarily features parts from older cars, there is also demand for parts from more recent models. Traders like Tim White produce replacement panels, chassis, suspension legs, floor pans, and subframes for cars. Andrew Welsh specializes in 1970s to 1990s car parts, bringing a vast array of items to the Haynes sale, such as unused Morris Marina rear bumpers, a Maestro van front wing, and Mk1 Ford Escort headlights.
Visitors to the autojumble have the opportunity to browse and haggle for their desired parts. For some, it is a chance to fulfill their dreams of finding specific items for their car projects. Peter Simmons, for example, purchases light lenses for his Mini pick-up, tools, and even a horse-shoeing stand. The autojumble is a place where unexpected treasures can be found, and going in with an open mind can lead to surprising discoveries.
In conclusion, the Haynes Museum autojumble is a vibrant hub for car enthusiasts and collectors, providing a platform for sellers to showcase their car parts and strike deals with buyers. Haggling is a common practice, and visitors can find a wide range of parts for various car models, from vintage to more recent ones. The event is a testament to the passion and dedication of car enthusiasts and offers a unique experience for both buyers and sellers.
