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.

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

  • Classic, Muscle & Barn Finds

    Classic, Muscle & Barn Finds

    Sat 30 May 2026 • Queensland • 95 lots • Lloyds Auctions

    Classic American iron and rare barn finds are crossing the block May 30. The lineup includes a 1968 Dodge Charger Restomod, a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible, and a 1929 Desoto K Convertible.

  • National Classic Cars & Motoring Collectibles Online Auction

    National Classic Cars & Motoring Collectibles Online Auction

    Tue 16 Jun 2026 • Various Locations, NAT • 53 lots • Pickles

    Classic cars and collectible motorbikes are going under the hammer in a national online auction. Highlights include a 1960 Vauxhall Wyvern, a 1977 Ford Fairmont, and a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, plus a trio of Deckson mini bikes.

    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

  • The Classic & Vintage Motorcycle & Parts Auction

    The Classic & Vintage Motorcycle & Parts Auction

    Sun 31 May 2026 • Melbourne VIC • Donington Auctions

    Classic and vintage motorcycles are going under the hammer in Melbourne, with a stack of parts to match. Expect to see European marques, muscle bikes, and collectable two-wheelers from the specialists at Donington Auctions.

    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.

  • Fine Italian Performance Machines – Featuring Sports Cars & Motorcycles

    Fine Italian Performance Machines – Featuring Sports Cars & Motorcycles

    Mon 1 Jun 2026 • Melbourne VIC • Donington Auctions

    A collection of fine Italian performance machines is hitting the auction block in Melbourne. Expect to see sports cars and motorcycles from marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati, along with classic European models.

    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.

  • The Mixed Marque Model Auction

    The Mixed Marque Model Auction

    Sun 7 Jun 2026 • Melbourne VIC • Donington Auctions

    A wide range of classic and collector vehicles is heading to auction from Donington Auctions in Melbourne. The list includes European sports cars, Australian muscle, and vintage motorcycles.

    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.

  • June Classic & Collector Car Auction

    June Classic & Collector Car Auction

    Mon 8 Jun 2026 • Melbourne VIC • Donington Auctions

    Over 100 classic and collector cars are crossing the block in Melbourne on June 8. Expect European marques, Australian muscle, and a strong selection of motorcycles from Donington Auctions.

    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.

Authored by

Rod L'Huillier

Rodney is the developer of AuctionFinder, with over 30 years experience in the auto trade working with Ford Motor Company, and later in I.T. He is a motor mechanic by trade who greatly enjoys restoring the value in used items and returning them to service. He did this for several years, purchasing used cars from Pickles and Manheim auctions, in both Melbourne and Brisbane, carrying out repairs, and finding new homes for them. In his mid-years, he studied Computer Science at the RMIT, and dabbled in buying bulk lots of computers at auction and sending them out to new homes via local marketplaces.

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