Car collector's 'dirty little secret' discovered after death
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dirty little secrets are rarely this big. An eclectic car, motorcycle and parts collection discovered after the May 2018 death of a Michigan man who had amassed it over the years is heading to the auction block.
The uniquely styled Citroen Type SB SM is powered by a Maserati V6 and rides on a hydro-pneumatic suspension. (VanDerBrink Auctions)
According to VanDerBrink Auctions, Jeff Begg was an engineer who worked for Dana Corporation, founded several manufacturing companies of his own and fell under the spell of eBay when he was closing out his wife’s account following her passing in 2003.
The 1936 3 Window Coupe is powered by Ford's legendary Flathead V8. (VanDerBrink Auctions)
Begg loved machines, cars and motorcycles and bid on pretty much everything that caught his eye. Over the years, he purchased dozens of mostly British bikes, 38 classic midget and sprint cars and 70 automobiles from a variety of eras.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Many of Begg's midgets were veterans of the Midwest racing circuit. (VanDerBrink Auctions)
He didn’t tell many people about the collection, though. Even the few that knew something had no idea of its extent until they started sorting out his affairs and discovered several buildings filled with what they called his “dirty little secret.”
A perfectly restored 1952 Vincent Series C Rapide can be worth $70,000 or more. (VanDerBrink Auctions)
Among the gems are a 1952 Vincent Series C Rapide motorcycle, a 1936 Ford 3 Window Coupe, a 1973 Citroen Type SB SM sedan, a Ford Cosworth Formula One engine and a 1996 Ferrari 456 GT Coupe.
The Ford Cosworth DFV is the most successful Formula 1 engine of all time. (VanDerBrink Auctions)
Online bidding is open now and the on-site auction takes place in Springfield, Mich., on Jun 15.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Ferrari 456 GT is a 2+2 coupe with a top speed of 186 mph. (VanDerBrink Auctions)