Linda Young hopes the new owner restores the Bentley to its former glory (Picture: BNPS)

A rare Bentley left to rust in a farmer’s barn for more than 50 years has sold for £68,000.

The 1935 classic was pushed into the barn by its late owner James Young after it failed an MOT in 1968.

It lay there gathering dust for five decades until winter storms damaged the barn’s roof earlier this year.

Mr Young’s grandson, Roger, and his wife Linda feared it would only deteriorate further in the exposed conditions, so put it up for auction.

It sparked a bidding frenzy from vintage car fanatics, who saw potential through the thick layer of dirt and cobwebs.

The Bentley sold for £58,000, rising to £68,000 with fees and VAT, but it’s thought it will cost the new owner £100,000 to restore it to its former glory.

The Bentley’s second owner Philip Bushell outside Bushells Tea in Sydney, Australia in the late 1930s (Picture: BNPS)

The classic car has become quite dusty over the last five decades (Picture: BNPS)

The leather seats are in surprisingly good condition for a car that has sat in a barn for 50 years (Picture: BNPS)

James and Mary Young with the Bentley in 1960 (Picture: BNPS)

Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse Auctioneers in Dorset, said: ‘It was a fabulous discovery and we are delighted with the price it achieved.

‘Although I have seen and sold many barn finds over the decades, this one certainly trumps all other previous discoveries.’

Linda said it’s a ‘beautiful car’ which holds a lot of memories for the family.

‘We were sad to let it go,’ she added.

‘It would be nice if the new owner can get her back up and running and care for her.’

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It was left to gather dust and cobwebs for 50 years.