On Sunday 23 October Bonhams’ Australian Motoring Department will conduct its inaugural auction at the Motorclassica Concours D’Elegance in the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia. With a line up of cars and motorcycles produced in no less than six of the major vehicle manufacturing nations, few can doubt the international credentials of Bonhams Australia’s forthcoming auction, and an international bidding audience is expected for the event.
1957 Cadillac Series 70 Eldorado Brougham
For enthusiasts of American built cars there is a superb line up of pre and post war classics including a fully restored and extremely rare 1957 Cadillac Series 70 Eldorado Brougham. Estimated at AU $200,000 – 250,000, it is one of the ultimate post war American collectables.
For vintage, Edwardian and veteran enthusiasts there is an excellent line up of four vintage and Edwardian Vauxhalls including the ultimate 30-98 and what is believed to be the world’s earliest surviving D-Type Vauxhall from 1913, estimated at AU$230,000 – 260,000 and AU$120,000 – 140,000 respectively.
Not to be left unmentioned is the stunning 1913 Sunbeam 12/16 open tourer (estimate AU$120,000 – 140,000), while for the Rolls-Royce enthusiast there is the ex-Commonwealth Government of Australia, 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine – an ideal car to take to Motorclassica in 2012. It has been estimated at AU$400,000 – 450,000.
Much like in America there is a huge market for muscle cars in Australia and of particular interest will be the 1973 Ford Falcon XA 351 Coupe Estimated at AU$40,000 – 60,000, it was driven by the late Heath Ledger in the film ‘Two Hands’ and owned by local radio celebrity Merrick Watts.
For Motorcycle collectors the collection of the late Leo Andrews is sure to attract international interest with a huge selection of spare parts and a star consignment in the form of c.1948 Velocette 348cc KTT Mk VIII (estimate AU$42,000 – 56,000).
James Knight, International Group Director of Bonhams Motoring Division, states: ‘We are excited by the prospect of holding an auction at an international event based in Australia. The Bonhams team has been at the forefront of event based auctions for over 30 years, a concept we firmly believe in, but this is the first time we have had the opportunity to hold an auction alongside an event in Australia.’
For the online catalogue please visit: www.bonhams.com/aus/auction/19746/
