A classic 1938 Austin 10 Cambridge that spent more than three decades tucked away in a barn in Chelmsford is heading to a new home – with all proceeds going to support a local hospice.
The charming pre-war car was originally given to Tony Stubbings as a 50th birthday present in 1988. For the next 36 years, it remained stored in a barn on the family property, gradually accumulating dust, cobwebs and even rat droppings as it sat unused and out of sight.
When Tony’s son, Richard, decided to demolish the barn in 2024, the family faced a choice about the vintage vehicle’s future. Rather than letting it go to waste, a group of classic car enthusiasts stepped in, giving the Austin a full and careful restoration.
The result is a beautifully refurbished black 1938 Austin 10 Cambridge, now looking far better than it has in decades. The car is currently on the market for £4,000, with every penny from the sale going directly to Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford.
Farleigh Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients and their families across mid and west Essex. The donation will help the charity continue its vital work supporting local people at one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Hazel Clements, who has been involved with the project, described the car’s original condition as far from roadworthy, but said the transformation has been remarkable. The decision to donate the proceeds to the hospice has been warmly welcomed by everyone connected to the story.
This feel-good tale highlights the kindness of local enthusiasts and the Stubbings family, turning what could have been the end of the road for a neglected classic car into a meaningful contribution to the Chelmsford community.
Anyone interested in the Austin 10 or wishing to support Farleigh Hospice can find more details through local classic car channels or the hospice’s own website.