Four new Austin additions – Minimarque/Illustra and a long-sought Spa Croft

Every once in a while, an auction delivers exactly the sort of surprise that keeps this hobby interesting. My latest haul includes four Austin models—three from Minimarque (two of those from the later Illustra years) and one very special first for my collection: a Spa Croft. (and yes, I have all the small fender ornaments... I just chose not to lose them on the floor trying to place them)

Minimarque – 1950 Austin Atlantic

The first piece is a 1950 Austin Atlantic from Minimarque. This example is the red “Ed Abbot of Farnham Estate” car, numbered 37/300. This one captures the distinctive postwar optimism of the real car beautifully.

There’s something particularly satisfying about estate-found models. The seller mentioned that these Austins, along with several others, were acquired at an estate sale. That provenance always adds a layer of quiet history. You can’t help but wonder how long they sat proudly displayed before making their way into the secondary market.

Illustra Years – Limited to 50 Each

The other two Minimarque pieces are from the later Illustra era, noticeably more detailed and refined in finish. Each of these versions comes from a limited run of just 50 pieces per color.

The boxes list additional available colors in light blue, pink, cream, green, gold, and red. Which, of course, means the hunt is officially on!

Limited runs of 50 always create that uncomfortable mix of satisfaction and inevitability. You’re pleased to land one, but immediately aware that six other colors are now out there somewhere, quietly waiting to test your resolve.

If anyone this has examples in those other colors, I’d love to see 'em.

Spa Croft – 1950 Austin A70 Hampshire Countryman

The real headline piece, however, is the Spa Croft Models 1950 Austin A70 Hampshire Countryman in green.

This one is significant for a few reasons.

First, it’s my first Spa Croft model. When I was a younger (and poorer) collector, Spa Croft pieces were objects of serious admiration. They represented a tier just out of reach. Beautifully finished, limited, and rarely discounted.

Second, this particular release was an edition of 400. What surprises me most is that in all my years of watching online auctions, this is the first example I’ve encountered. With a run of 400, you would expect them to surface occasionally. Apparently not.

It seems owners are reluctant to part with them, which tells you something about how these models are regarded. When one finally appeared, I wasn’t going to let it slip by, especially as I’ve been steadily building out the woody segment of my collection. The A70 Hampshire Countryman fits that niche perfectly.

Estate finds and the ongoing hunt

There’s something fitting about all four coming from an estate. These models clearly meant something to their previous owner. Now they’ve found a new shelf and a new chapter.

Between the Illustra color variations and the realization that Spa Croft examples don’t circulate often, this latest acquisition has reignited the hunt which, truthfully, is half the enjoyment of collecting. As always, the chase continues.