Inside This Week’s Classic Car Auction Market – 12 Upcoming Sales inc Classic Cars, Rare Memorabilia & Heritage Plates
Upcoming classic and collectable car auctions across Australia. This week we highlight 12 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.
Our Auction Picks this Week
Each week we highlight unique and interesting sales that caught our eye. The full list is below.
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The Kerry Manolas Collection of Rare Memorabilia- Part I: Featuring Ferrari and other fine Italian Marques
A private collection of rare memorabilia focused on Ferrari and other fine Italian marques is hitting the block through Donington Auctions in Melbourne VIC. Expect signed photographs, original brochures, and workshop manuals from the Maranello factory, plus badges and scale models from the likes of Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
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National Classic & Prestige Vehicle Auction
A 1963 Daimler 250 V8 and a 1961 Studebaker Hawk Coupe V8 are both crossing the block in a national classic car auction run by Slattery. Also on the list is a 1976 Holden Torana LX SS, with four lots total across the country.
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Classic, Muscle & Barn Finds
Classic American iron and rare barn finds are crossing the block with Lloyds Auctions nationally. The list includes a 1954 Cadillac Limousine showing just 13,706 miles, a 1966 Auburn 876 Boattail Speedster convertible, and a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe in silver.
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 timed online auction of the Des Gillett Collection, conducted by Burns & Co Auctions, concluded on July 7 with Parts 1 and 2 finding new homes for a trove of NOS Holden and GMH parts, workshop manuals, and dealership signage (Burns & Co Auctions, Jul 7). The strong clearance of this single-estate consignment confirms that the appetite for authentic period memorabilia and NOS components remains a distinct, active segment alongside complete vehicle sales.
Looking ahead, Chicane Auctions opens its July Classic Car Auction from the 9th to the 16th, with a pre catalogue highlight list that includes a 1973 Ford XA Fairmont K-Code 351 4-speed and a 1976 Falcon XB GT, alongside multiple Holden HZ GTS models and a 2017 Tickford Mustang Bathurst special (Chicane Auctions, Jul 9). The mix of genuine Bathurst homages and iconic Australian muscle suggests the market is rewarding provenance and limited production pedigree over mere condition.
Donington Auctions has opened bidding across multiple July collector sales closing between the 19th and 26th, reporting strong consignment activity for performance vehicles in its Classic & Collector Car Auction (Donington Auctions, Jul 12). Meanwhile, Collecting Cars Australia continues to maintain a steady A$4 million monthly sales pace through 2026, clearing 60 lots with JDM icons, European classics, and muscle cars all finding buyers quickly at levels matching prior year demand (thebeep.com.au via Instagram, Jul 10).
Buyers should watch the Chicane and Donington catalogues this week for fresh entries of blue chip Australian muscle and Bathurst specials, as consignors capitalise on the current stable demand window.
Last updated: 13 July 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.
Victoria
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The Tool & Workshop Equipment Auction Including Modern Car Parts
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Donington Auctions is known for classic and performance car stock, but this sale leans hard into the hardware side. Expect a solid run of workshop essentials: air tools, compressors, bench grinders, and welding gear. There is also a decent spread of automotive parts, including late-model brake components, suspension bits, and engine ancillaries for popular European and Australian cars.
If you are a home mechanic or running a small shop, the tooling lots are worth a close look. Branded socket sets, torque wrenches, and heavy-duty tool trolleys appear regularly. The auction closes on 12 July 2026, so check the full catalogue at Donington’s site for exact brands and condition notes before bidding.
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The Kerry Manolas Collection of Rare Memorabilia- Part I: Featuring Ferrari and other fine Italian Marques
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This is Part I of the Kerry Manolas Collection, and it’s a deep dive for anyone who follows the Prancing Horse. The lot list includes period-correct Ferrari racing posters, enamel badges from the 1960s, and a run of leather-bound presentation books used by the factory sales team. For the restorers, there are NOS (new old stock) gasket sets and camshafts for 250 and 330 series cars.
Donington Auctions have grouped the memorabilia by marque, so if you’re after Maserati 3500 GT brochures or Lancia Fulvia homologation papers, they’re in there too. The classic car section is thin on actual vehicles for this event, but the paper and parts alone could fill gaps in a serious collection. Check the close date: July 13, 2026. Bid online or attend the Melbourne viewing day.
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The Kerry Manolas Collection of Rare Memorabilia- Part II: Featuring Motor Racing and Great Marques
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This is the Kerry Manolas Collection Part II, and it’s packed with petrolhead heritage. The lot list leans into motor racing history with signed memorabilia from drivers like Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, plus enamel signs, trophies, and original race programmes. Great Marques fans will find badges, brochures, and dealer items from Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin.
Buyers should note the close date is 13 July 2026, giving you time to dig through the catalogue. Donington Auctions has a solid rep for collector car gear, so condition and provenance are likely tight. If you’re after a piece of Australian or international racing history, this is the one to watch.
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Sydney Mixed Model Auction
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This sale leans hard into the golden era of European sports cars and Australian muscle. The Mustang fastback is a genuine A-code 289 car, while the Monaro GTS is a documented 350 V8 example. The Porsche 911 Carrera is a 2.7-litre MFI car, a rare early 1970s spec that collectors chase.
Motorcycle buyers should note the Ducati 900SS, a bevel-drive twin that’s become a serious investment piece. There’s also a 1973 Norton Commando 850 Roadster and a 1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R. The collectables section mixes in automotive memorabilia, including signed motorsport posters and a set of vintage Castrol oil cans.
Bidding closes 6 July 2026. Inspection is available in Melbourne prior. If you’re after a driver-quality classic or a solid project, this catalogue has a bit of both.
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Single Owner Collection of Fine Tin Toys & Diecast Models
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This isn’t your average garage sale haul. The collection comes from one owner, so condition and provenance are consistent across the lots. Look for detailed tinplate vehicles with original paint, lithographed friction cars, and rare promotional diecasts from defunct brands. Some lots include boxed examples, which is a big plus for serious collectors.
The auction runs until July 22, so there’s time to inspect the catalogue. Donington Auctions knows this market well, and they’ve grouped similar items to avoid cross-category confusion. If you’re after a specific marque or era, check for Matchbox Superfast models and Corgi Toys with suspension and windows intact. Tin toy collectors should focus on the Japanese and German wind-ups, which often hold strong resale value. Bidding is online only, so factor in the buyer’s premium and Melbourne pickup.
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The Premium Number Plate Auction
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This is a pure plate auction, not a car sale, so the focus is entirely on the metal. The catalogue spans everything from prestige Victorian heritage plates to modern personalised combinations. Classic car collectors often chase plates that match their vehicle’s era, and this sale has plenty of pre-1960s options.
Key lots include several single and double-digit Victorian plates, which historically hold their value better than most investments. There are also themed sets, initials, and short numeric runs that appeal to both enthusiasts and investors. Bidders should check the reserve structure: some plates carry minimum bids, others are absolute.
Donington Auctions runs this format regularly, so the process is straightforward. Online bidding is open now until the close date. If you are after a specific letter or number combination, scan the full lot list early. Plates in high-demand categories often draw competitive bidding in the final hours.
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The Classic & Vintage Motorcycle – CONSIGNING NOW
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Donington Auctions is building a dedicated catalogue of classic and vintage motorcycles for this August sale. The focus is on quality over quantity, with consignments expected to cover pre-war rarities, 1970s Japanese icons, and British singles and twins. Any bike that fits the collector or performance bracket is being considered.
If you have a restoration project, a barn find, or a fully sorted classic, now is the time to get it in the door. The auction house has a strong track record with European marques and muscle cars, so they know how to present a motorcycle to the right buyers. Consignment terms and valuation appointments are available through their Melbourne office. Serious sellers should contact them well before the August 10 close date to secure a spot in the lineup.
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Classic & Collector Car Auction – CONSIGNING NOW
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This is a consignment call, not a live sale yet. Donington Auctions is building its next classic car event in Melbourne VIC, targeting serious metal from European sports cars to Australian muscle. If you have a performance car, a rare motorcycle, or a collector-grade vehicle sitting around, this is the time to get it in front of buyers.
The auctioneer has a strong track record with high-end classics. They are specifically after European marques like Porsche, Ferrari, and Jaguar, plus home-grown muscle. Motorcycles are also welcome. The close date is 31 August 2026, so there is time to sort photos, paperwork, and reserve prices. No lots are listed yet, but the focus is clear: clean, desirable, saleable metal. If you are thinking of selling, get in touch with Donington Auctions direct.
National / Online
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Classic, Muscle & Barn Finds
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This sale leans hard on pre-war luxury and Detroit muscle. The 1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan and the 1954 Cadillac Limousine are both black-tie material, while the Auburn 876 Boattail is a genuine conversation starter with its speedster styling. For Mopar fans, the 1966 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback in maroon and the 1972 Dodge AT4-114 Metro Van with just 1,116 miles are low-mileage curiosities worth a close look.
Chevrolet dominates the muscle side. The 1967 Chevelle SS 396 sedan in red and the 1967 Camaro SS Coupe are both sought-after body styles. The 1973 Corvette C3 Stingray adds fiberglass flair. On the truck front, the 1949 Ford F1 Single Cab Utility in black is a solid candidate for a light restoration, and the 1999 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab with 265,936km is a daily-driver option.
Buyers should check each listing for condition notes and photos. Some of these vehicles are described as barn finds, so expect patina and possible mechanical needs. The auction closes on 25 July 2026, and bidding is online through Lloyds.
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National Classic Cars & Motoring Collectibles Online Auction
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This is a solid spread for anyone into Aussie and American metal. The Mustang Mach 1 is a genuine 351 Cleveland car, and the P76 is the rare V8 variant that collectors chase. The Mini Cooper S is a classic British rally-bred machine, likely needing work but worth a look.
Beyond the cars, the collectables section has period petrol bowsers, enamel signs, and a stash of NOS parts. Bidding closes on August 18, so check the listings for condition reports and inspection details. Pickles runs this one from multiple locations, so factor in transport costs if you’re interstate.
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