Gary Johnson, auctioneer at Eriswell Hall Barns, said it had been 'a hell of a day' as around 4,000 people turned up.

Around 16,000 people had previewed the collection and car fans from as far away as Germany attended.

A client, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave the go-ahead to sell the cars, which he had collected from scrap yards and kept in store for the last 20 years. A small number were still running, including a 1955 Austin A35.

Mr Johnson said most of the cars cars sold for between £300 and £700. The most expensive, which sold for around £5,500, were an American Ambassador and a Morris 10.

"It was the most exciting, best and most difficult auction I have ever done and organised," said Mr Johnson, who has been an auctioneer for 25 years.

"It was a sea of people. Where do you start looking (for bidders). It was like looking up to see a mate at a football ground, there were so many people."

Cars up for auction included classic Vauxhalls, Cortinas, Morris Minors, MGs, a World War One Mercedes German staff car and a 1950s Daimler.

"Some people bought them for banger racing, but most are going to be restored," said Mr Johnson.

"I'm also very pleased what the auction did for the local economy. Most of the B&Bs were full and the local restaurants were busy."

For more information, go to www.eriswellhallbarns.co.uk