VIEWING takes place today before an auction of classic cars in Hampshire.

Among hte cars up for sale is a classic Aston Martin that with a little bit of loving care could be worth a small fortune.

It is on sale at this weekend’s Beaulieu autojumble with an asking price of £180,000 but when restored to its true glory it could be worth as much as £600,000.

This car was the 78th of just 149 of the model ever to have been built but after falling into disrepair it comes without seat, engine, front wheels and steering wheel attached.

The current owner bought the car in 1986 with the aim of restoring it but after moving abroad for work the car was put into dry storage.

Launched in 1958, the DB4 marked a turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first that neither used a chassis from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor a Bentley engine.

This car and more than100 others may be viewed at Beaulieu National Motor Museum today prior to the sale on Saturday.

The Bonhams auction is part of the Beaulieu Autojumble which marks its 50th event when it takes place this weekend in the grounds of The National Motor Museum.

The auction by Bonhams also includes 43 motorcycles and 256 items of automobilia.

The oldest cars will be two different models from 1904 and the newest is a 2001 Bentley Continental T Coupe.

Most expensive is expected to be a restored 1932 Alfa Romeo 1750, which will be on sale for between £300,000 and £350,000.

At the other end of the scale is a 1964 Wolseley 1500 Saloon which is priced at £2000-£3000.

The autojumble was the brainchild of Edward, Lord Montagu, in 1967 after being was inspired by the ‘Hershey Swap Meet’ in America.

The curator of what was then called the Montagu Motor Museum, Michael Ware, created and organised this first jumble event back in 1967 and he came up with the ‘Autojumble’ term.

The Autojumble started with just 75 stands in a one-day event in 1967, now has up to 2,400 stands, spread over 25 acres of Beaulieu’s parkland in a two-day show which attracts up to 40,000 visitors from all over the world.

In addition to stands selling all kinds of vintage and classic motoring parts, accessories, literature, tools and clothing, there is an automart with vehicles for sale from restoration projects to vehicles in top condition and a dealermart selling classic cars.

Beaulieu’s events manager, Judith Maddox, said: “This year 2016 is a special year for this event as we will be celebrating the 50th International Autojumble.

"One of the oldest continuing motoring events, its appeal hasn’t diminished and in fact the upsurge in interest in classic motoring in recent yearsis bringing in a whole new generation of enthusiasts.”

Sunday highlights include a trunk traders area where amateur ‘autojumblers’ can sell their motoring items from their car boots.

Entry will include admission to all the Beaulieu attractions including The National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.