Welcome to the Thriving Autojumble Scene in the UK

The Art of Haggling at Autojumbles

When it comes to autojumbles in the UK, haggling is the name of the game. Sellers and buyers face each other across a vast array of car parts, most of which are unpriced. The value of these parts is determined by what someone is willing to pay for them.

Take Simon Davey, for example, a dealer in cars and car parts. A customer wants to buy a truck horn from him, but he wants proof that it works. Davey connects the horn to his van’s battery and gives it a loud blast. After some negotiation, they agree on a price of £25.

The Haynes Museum Autojumble

The Haynes Museum autojumble is a popular event that takes place in the car park of the Somerset mecca of motoring. Despite the windy and rainy weather, the event attracts a large number of visitors. Exhibitors pay £30 for a pitch, and entry is £5 per person.

This autojumble is just one of many taking place throughout the country this year. The International Autojumble at Beaulieu is the biggest and most well-known event of its kind.

A Treasure Trove of Car Parts

At the Haynes autojumble, you can find a wide variety of car parts from different eras. Graham Bunter is selling Ford parts, including Pinto cylinder heads and inlet manifolds. Norman Dunford has exhausts and other parts from Mk2 Escorts and an Escort RS2000. Steve Crew is drawing a crowd with his collection of red Mondeo Mk2 tail-lights and parts from Fiestas, Focuses, a Honda Civic Mk8, a Jaguar XJ8, and an Audi A4.

There are also plenty of older car parts available. Stuart Sinclair is selling wings from an MG TF and a side-valve engine from an Austin Cambridge. John Mason-Wenn, a 90-year-old trader, has brought magnetos, carburettors, and vintage headlights. And there’s even a stand selling chrome door handles for Ford Populars.

From Car Breaker to Autojumble Trader

Steve Crew, who is at the Haynes autojumble with his nephew, is a car breaker by trade. He sells salvaged car parts on eBay and Facebook, as well as at events like this. According to Crew, if you buy the right car, strip it slowly, and sell the parts, you can make five times its price.

A Blast from the Past

Tim White is a throwback to the glory days of the British car industry. He sells replacement panels, chassis, suspension legs, floor pans, and subframes that he produces using equipment he saved when his old employer ceased trading.

Andrew Welsh specializes in car parts from the 1970s to the 1990s, which he claims are in growing demand. At the Haynes autojumble, he has brought a wide range of parts, including two unused Morris Marina rear bumpers, the front wing from a Maestro van, and headlights from a Mk1 Ford Escort.

A Surprising Variety of Finds

Visitors to the autojumble browse and haggle, often finding unexpected treasures. Peter Simmons, for example, bought light lenses for his Mini pick-up, some tools, and even a horse-shoeing stand. The variety of items available at autojumbles is truly surprising.

So, pull up your haggling socks and explore the thriving autojumble scene in the UK. You never know what hidden gems you might discover.