THE number was certainly not unlucky for organisers as thousands poured through the gates for the 13th annual spring motormart autojumble at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu over the weekend.

The event initially began with about 100 stalls, supported by a display of Britain's best classic cars. But it has become so successful that this year's attraction boasted more than 900 stalls.

Books, memorabilia, tyres - you name it. "Car badges are very popular," museum spokeswoman Margaret Rowles said. "It's a great place for the real petrolhead."

There were also more than 200 classic cars for sale.

They ranged from the Morris Minor to the Rolls-Royce. Oldest cars on sale were a 1923 Bullnose Morris and a 1930 Austin 7.

Among those looking for a bargain was Keith Abrehart from Kent, who specialises in buying 60s models which he then leases to television and film companies specialising in dramas like Heartbeat.

The oddest things for sale included an eco-friendly fuelcat enabling cars to run on vegetable oil, and a stuffed fox.