PROVING that you should never throw anything away, Greenslade Taylor Hunt's recent automobilia sale saw a number of outstanding prices for the kind of ephemera most people unthinkingly consigned to the dustbin years ago. In particular a collection of vehicle tax discs, neatly arranged by period into multiple lots, were purchased for a combined £2,700. Rarity undoubtedly played its part but, so too, did the specialist nature of this sale which drew a healthy crowd of buyers to the room and

saw international interest on-line.

Two stock car racing posters for a 1954 Boxing Day meet at Matcham's Park Stadium, Ringwood (Hampshire) also surprised when two collectors went head-to-head in a battle for ownership that ended with a bid of £480.

A small collection of motorcycle sales leaflets from the 1950s and 1960s were snapped up for a premium-inclusive £235, while a single-owner group of mainly motor-racing books sold for just under £1000, with top honours going to a first edition of Gerald Rose's Record of Motor Racing (1909) at £120.

A copy of the 1990-91 edition of Autocourse signed by Ayrton Senna, offered with a model of the McLaren MP4/5B in which he excelled, was bought for £320, pipping a Nicholas Watts print of Michael Schumacher, signed by both the artist and the driver, which made £130.

Cycling memorabilia also featured in the sale. A scarce 1953 Tour de France technical support car identification plaque, from the 50th anniversary race, was keenly contested to a purchase price of £395.

Six gold motor cycling medals cost their new owner £1,250; while a much-admired Lambretta LD Mk III, in need of complete restoration, sold for £800. Also looking far from its best, but undeniably desirable in any condition, a 1917 Shell Motor Oil can lit-up the internet, sparking frenzied bidding among aficionados which resulted in an impressive ticket price of £430.

Altogether smarter was a replica of a Second World War Willys Jeep, laden with accessories and affectionately known as 'Lindy Lou'. Benefitting from modern mechanicals this combined period charm with reliability, fuel economy and relative comfort. Having drawn a great many admiring glances it sold for a solid £5,500.

Entries are already being accepted for the next automobilia sale and the auctioneers are always pleased to assess items entirely without charge or obligation. For further details contact the saleroom (01823 332525 or antiques.saleroom@gth.net).