1958 Morris Oxford – Bernard Emm

Bernard spotted this Morris Oxford abandoned on a drive way some 35 years ago and plucked up the courage to knock on the door of the house to enquire if it was for sale. However, the owner didn’t want to part with the car despite several attempts by Bernard, who in the end left his number just in case he ever changed his mind.

Fast forward to three years later and Bernard received a surprising phone call out of the blue from the Oxford’s owner informing him that the car was going to go to the scrapyard but if Bernard paid him more than the scrapyard, the car would be his.

A deal was done and Bernard towed the car home where it was garaged alongside the 1935 Austin 7 Ruby that is also on this display.

“These cars have been locked away in my shed ever since and hidden from the general public – even my neighbours are probably unaware of their existence,” Bernard tells us.

“I’m now in my 70s and don’t think the restoration of these cars is going to happen by myself. However, it has given me great pleasure looking at them over the years and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

“I hope others will enjoy looking at them in the Footman James Barn Find display at the show too.”