Twin brothers set to auction twin cars to raise funds for the RNLI

David and Jamie Luke, both 67, were born in Bournemouth and spent many years at sea together working for the Cunard Line on the Queen Elizabeth 2; Jamie was the Purser and David was the Finance Officer. In the 1980s they both purchased a MGB Limited Edition roadster each, but they have now decided that they would like to sell these for the benefit of the RNLI.

David now lives in Florida with his American wife and Jamie spends much of the year there. However, this hasn’t stopped him regularly volunteering at the RNLI College Shop in Poole during visits to Dorset to see family since January 2014.

He said: ‘My twin brother and I were at sea for 24 years and now we’ve happily retired, so it is time to give something back.’

One car is an MG Limited Edition 1981, purchased in October 1981 and one of only 208 built. It has only 48,455 miles on the clock, wire wheel,USA sidelights and a Pioneer radio. The second car, the MGB LE Roadster 1982, purchased in August 1982, was only one of 212 built. It only has 33,429 miles on the clock, alloy wheels, USA sidelights and a Kenwood radio. The cars haven’t been driven for over 20 years and have been securely stored in garages with dust covers for protection.

Both cars will require some restoration and are being sold as seen. This is a fantastic opportunity for car enthusiasts to acquire a car (or two) with an interesting back story. The MGB Limited Edition cap and key fob are included with both vehicles.

Ali O’Neill, RNLI Philanthropy Manager, said: ‘As a charity, the RNLI relies on the generosity of the public. People support us in a variety of ways with donations of time or money, or by leaving a gift to us in their will. But this is the first time I’ve heard of twins donating twin cars to help us raise funds. David and Jamie are keen to see how much they can raise to help save lives at sea. It’s very exciting for everyone.’

The auction is a rare opportunity to purchase two near identical MGB LE Roadsters 1981, 1982. It will take place on 22 August 2017 at House and Son Auctioneers in Bournemouth. Viewings will take place the week prior to the sale by appointment, or on Monday 21 August between 9.30am-3.30pm. All proceeds of the sale will be gratefully received by the RNLI.

To find out more contact: House & Son, Tel: 01202 298044 Web: www.houseandson.com Email: [email protected] .

RNLI notes to editors

The enclosed photos show:

• RNLI Philanthropy Manager Ali O’Neill with Jamie Luke at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.
• Jamie and David Luke with their near identical classic sports cars.
• The two MG LE sports cars.
• Jamie and David Luke posing with their near identical sports cars, with the Queen Elizabeth 2 in the background.
• Jamie and David Luke working aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1989.
• Jamie Luke on board a Shannon class lifeboat with other RNLI College Shop volunteers and volunteer tour guides from the RNLI College.

Please credit Jamie Luke for all photos.

Interviews available with Ali O'Neill, RNLI Philanthropy Manager (1-16 August).

For more information please contact Jade Dyer, Communications Student Placement, on 01752 854485 or by emailing [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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