Inside This Week’s Classic Car Auction Market: Italian Performance Machines and American Barn Finds Lead a Diverse Lineup (6 Upcoming Sales)
Upcoming classic and collectable car auctions across Australia. This week we highlight 6 sales. Upcoming classic and collectable car auctions across Australia. Vintage, veteran, and historic vehicles heading under the hammer — a weekly roundup from specialist and general auctioneers nationwide.
FAQ
Which auction houses specialise in classic cars in Australia?
Burns & Co in Victoria, Lloyds, Slattery, Grays, and Pickles all run regular classic car sales. Donington in Victoria is the stoundout for having an exclusive focus on automobila and exotic cars.
Are classic car auctions a good way to buy?
Can be, provided you do your research. Auction is transparent: you’re buying at what the market will pay on the day. The risk is condition: inspect thoroughly, or have a specialist do it for you, before bidding on any significant piece.
What paperwork should I expect with a classic car?
Ideally: original title, service history, heritage certificate (for number-matching cars), and any restoration invoices. Many lots at general auction have minimal documentation, so factor this into the value and what you’re prepared to pay.
Are classic car prices holding up?
The Australian market has softened slightly from its 2021–2023 peak, but genuine, well-documented cars in original condition continue to attract strong prices. Anything “restored to show standard” is more market-sensitive.
Trends & Insights
The standout result of the past week was the sale of a one-of-one 1970 Ford XY GT 351 V8 Automatic Sedan for $291,235 including buyer’s premium at Burns & Co’s May Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle Auction on 18-19 May (Burns & Co Auctions, May 19). That same sale also saw a 1975 Ford XB Fairmont 302 V8 7 Seater Automatic Wagon realise a strong $59,346 including premium, underscoring sustained appetite for well-presented Australian muscle and family-classics in the upper-mid market (Burns & Co Auctions, May 19).
Following that flagship event, Burns & Co opened its May Motoring & Affordable Classics Auction as a timed online sale on 20 May, targeting more accessible price points for the week ahead (Burns & Co Auctions, May 20). Meanwhile, Lloyds Auctions closed its Classic, Muscle & Barn Finds timed sale on 24 May, offering a mix of project cars and running classics that tested bidder confidence across condition grades (Lloyds Auctions, May 24).
Two more auctions are active now. Chicane Auctions has a May online classic and collector car sale running until 28 May, with the full catalogue currently open for inspection (Chicane Auctions, May 21). Donington Auctions is accepting consignments for its next Classic & Collector Car Auction until 31 May, giving vendors a short window to enter the Melbourne-based sale (Donington Auctions, May 26).
Buyers should watch the close of Chicane’s timed auction on 28 May for an early read on mid-tier bidding sentiment heading into June.
Last updated: 26 May 2026
Rod’s Tips
Numbers matching matters and buyers know it. A Holden Monaro or Falcon GTHO with matching numbers and documentation is worth multiples of a comparable rebodied or re-engined example. Verify before you bid, not after.
Patina beats a bad restoration every time. An original, unrestored car with honest wear is increasingly valued over a car that’s been heavily worked. Know which you’re looking at.
Japanese classics are the sleeper market right now. Early Skylines, Supras, and SA22/FC RX-7s are appreciating quickly. If you’re watching this space, act before the market prices you out.
National / Online
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National Classic Cars & Motoring Collectibles Online Auction
More detail
Pickles is running this online sale across multiple locations, closing on June 16. It is a strong mix of full-size classics and quirky recreational machines. The car list kicks off with a 1960 Vauxhall Wyvern, a 1970 Ford Falcon, and a 1969 Ford Capri, alongside a 1980 Chrysler Valiant. For European fans, there is a 1990 BMW 318i and a 2019 Abarth 595 Competizione. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is the modern performance standout, while the 2016 Ducati Diavel adds two-wheeled muscle.
The mini bikes deserve a close look. The lot includes a GRAND PRIX model, plus a DECKSON DAREDEVIL and a DECKSON DASHER. These are a niche collectible category that often draws strong bidding. With 12 lots on offer, buyers should inspect the condition reports closely. Bidding is online only, so register early.
Victoria
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The Classic & Vintage Motorcycle & Parts Auction
More detail
This is a dedicated sale for anyone who lives for old iron and petrol fumes. Donington Auctions, known for their classic car and performance vehicle events, is putting up a solid selection of vintage and classic motorcycles. The catalogue spans complete, rideable bikes through to project machines and a serious cache of spare parts.
Buyers should look for standout European marques, with the auction house’s usual focus on quality collector-grade stock. If you are restoring a classic or chasing a rare model, this is a targeted event rather than a general clearance. The close date is 31 May 2026, so there is time to inspect and research. Given Donington’s reputation, expect thorough condition notes in the listings. Keep an eye on the lot list as it populates for specific brands and models.
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Fine Italian Performance Machines – Featuring Sports Cars & Motorcycles
More detail
Donington Auctions is putting up a curated selection of Italian performance vehicles in Melbourne. The lineup spans modern supercars and vintage motorcycles, with a focus on brands known for their engineering and design. Buyers can expect to find everything from pristine classic coupes to high-mileage project bikes, depending on the lot list.
Standout lots likely include limited-edition Ferrari models, Ducati superbikes, and possibly rare Lamborghini variants. The auction also covers classic cars and collectables, so there should be something for both serious collectors and weekend tinkerers. Given Donington’s specialty in European marques, condition reports and provenance will matter more than usual.
If you are chasing a slice of Italian automotive history, this is worth a close look. Register early, inspect the lots in person if possible, and set your maximum bid before the hammer drops on June 1.
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The Mixed Marque Model Auction
More detail
Donington Auctions is putting up a mixed selection that should appeal to anyone chasing an entry-level classic or a serious investment piece. Expect a strong showing from European marques, with the usual mix of British roadsters and Italian exotica, balanced by home-grown muscle from the Falcon and Monaro stables. Motorcycle enthusiasts are also covered, with several vintage and modern classic bikes crossing the block.
Buyers should check each lot carefully for condition and provenance. Some cars will be in show-ready shape, while others are clearly projects needing work. The auction closes on 27 May 2026, so there is time to inspect in person at the Melbourne depot. If you are after a specific model, register early and set your limit, because bidding on popular lots can run hot.
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June Classic & Collector Car Auction
More detail
This auction leans hard into enthusiast metal. The catalogue mixes restored icons with project-grade barn finds, so there is something for every budget. Standout lots include a numbers-matching 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and a rare 1970 Holden Monaro GTS 350. European buyers should look for a 1985 BMW 635CSi and a 1972 Porsche 911T.
Motorcycle fans are well served too, with a 1974 Ducati 750 GT and a 1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans on offer. The collection also features a handful of vintage scooters and Japanese four-cylinder classics. Donington Auctions runs this sale from their Melbourne facility. Inspection is available before the close date, so get down there early to check panel gaps and engine numbers. Online bidding is open now.
Looking for a specific model? Use our Auction Search.
AuctionFinder curates upcoming auctions from established Australian auctioneers. We do not conduct the auctions ourselves and are not affiliated with sellers unless stated. Auction details can change! Please be sure to always confirm dates, terms and conditions directly with the auctioneer.









