A CLASSIC car owner is auctioning off his beloved MG - with all profits going to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Ron Kingman, from Chickerell, Weymouth, is auctioning off his 1948 MG TC, and it is expected to fetch up to £24,000.

After approaching South Western Vehicle Auctions (SWVA) in Poole and telling them he wanted to donate all the proceeds to the charity, the SWVA has agreed to donate their 6 per cent commission as well.

Ron bought the car as a 'box of bits' in 1991 and set about a total restoration and rebuild. Since it was rebuilt, thirty years ago, the car has only covered 13,425 miles and comes with a logbook that was issued in 1966.

Although there is no early history on the car, Ron has kept a comprehensive photo record of its restoration as well as certificates of it winning car shows in Dorset and Somerset.

Ron is thrilled to be supporting the air ambulance and hopes that the next owner of the classic car will enjoy it as much as he has.

Ron said: "Nobody knows when they might need the air ambulance and I never realised just how much it costs. Supporting a local charity means a lot to me but there are so many to choose from.

"Being able to do this now means that we can get to see the pleasure it will bring to others and how it will help DSAA continue saving lives."

Tracy Bartram, DSAA communications manager, said: "What an incredible gift this is. When we heard of Ron's plans, we just had to meet him and his partner Eileen and what a delight that was.

"The car certainly has an incredibly history and both Ron and Eileen have had some amazing memories with it - we loved hearing all about them.

"With no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery, we rely on the generosity of the public to help us raise our operational costs of over £5m a year. Every penny and every pound that people donate really does make a big difference and ensures that we are there for the people of Dorset and Somerset when they need us the most.

"Ron should feel extremely proud of what he is doing and we are unbelievably grateful for his support."

The auction will take place on Friday, July 30 at 10am and is being streamed online via the SWVA YouTube channel.

For more information on the MG TC, which is lot 53, and to place a bid visit www.swva.co.uk/classic-car/mg-tc-1948

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