Big British Collection to be auctioned by Bennetts

Bennett's Classic Auctions will hold two major auctions of collectable British sports cars this November and December. In total, more than 20 cars will be available, with some high-quality MGs and other desirable classics amongst the consignments. The auctions, scheduled for 9 November and 14 December, will be held at Bennett’s main auction room in Regency Park, South Australia.

The consignments are made up mostly of MGs, with some other British classics and a couple of Volkswagens, too. All come from a South Australian vendor, who acquired most of his collection in the 1970s and ’80s. Many of the cars were purchased from MG Sales & Service, the well-regarded specialist business run for decades by Bob Bassica in Brompton, SA, that’s now an online parts store under new ownership.

Virtually all of the cars in the auction are fully restored and in running order, with some on either full SA or non-transferable club registration. The restorations were overseen by the vendor, who did much of the work himself, entrusting specialist jobs to businesses in and around the Mount Gambier area.

Highlights include a fully-restored 1960 MGA roadster and a beautiful 1959 MGA coupe, as well as a restored 1949 MG TC. Additionally, there’s a 1976 MGB MkII and a 1979 MGB LE (Limited Edition) roadster. One of 420 built, the LE was never sold in Australia when new, with the vendor acquiring his example from the USA via MG Sales & Service. Converted to RHD and repainted white, the vendor also replaced the LE’s ‘rubber nose’ bumper with a conventional grille and fitted a Sebring-style front valance.

Newer fare includes a 1994 MG RV8 in excellent condition, while Volkswagens from the vendor’s collection include a 1974 Beetle Sportomatic and an early split-window Kombi.

Approximately ten cars will feature in the 9 November auction, with the remainder in the 14 December auction. Some lots are being offered with No Reserve, with related spares and collectables possibly included in the auction, too.

The full consignment list for the two auctions was still being finalised at time of writing, so go to: bennettsclassicauctions.com.au for updates and further details.