Classic car to go under the hammer for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
It’s hoped thousands of pounds will be raised for the charity
Last updated 23rd Jul 2021
A classic car found as a box of bits painstakingly restored by a Dorset man is being auctioned to raise vital funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).
After approaching South Western Vehicle Auctions (SWVA) in Poole, Ron Kingman will put his 1948 MG TC up for sale next Friday (30th July).
All proceeds will go to the DSAA Charity.
SWVA have also agreed to donate their 6% commission fee as well.
Ron purchased the MG TC as a box of bits in 1991, before he set about a total restoration and rebuild.
Since it was restored 30 years ago, it has only covered 13,425 miles and comes with a green logbook that was issued in 1966.
Although there is no early history on the car, Ron has kept a comprehensive photo record of its restoration.
He has also kept numerous photographs and certificates of it winning first place in concourse, at car shows in and around Dorset and Somerset.
When Ron was asked why he decided to do such a generous thing, he said:
"Nobody knows when they might need the air ambulance and I never realised just how much it costs. Supporting a local charity means a lot to me but there are so many to choose from. Being able to do this now, means that we can get to see the pleasure it will bring to others and how it will help Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance continue saving lives.”
Tracy Bartram, DSAA Communications Manager said:
“What an incredible gift this is. When we heard of Ron’s plans, we just had to meet him and his partner Eileen and what a delight that was. The car certainly has an incredible history and both Ron and Eileen have had some amazing memories with it; we loved hearing all about them. With no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery, we rely on the generosity of the public to help us raise our operational costs of over £5 million a year. Every penny and every pound that people donate, really does make a big difference and ensures that we are there for the people of Dorset and Somerset, when they need us the most. Ron should feel extremely proud of what he is doing and we are unbelievably grateful for his support.”
ABOUT DORSET AND SOMERSET AIR AMBULANCE
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance, with an air and road-delivered critical care capability. We receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Our operational costs are over £5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.