Motorclassica 2014 Auction Preview

Last year's auction, also conducted by Theodore Bruce, Australia's oldest auction house, saw sales of more than $2 million and world record prices achieved for a prototype 48-215 Holden and Lamborghini Miura P400.

This year's auction, to take place on the evening of Saturday, 25 October, has already attracted a strong contingent of classics, including some rare and desirable BMW, headlined by a 1937 327 convertible which Theodore Bruce estimates will bring in excess of $180,000.

The 327 ragtop will be joined by a very rare right-hand-drive 1954 BMW 503 Cabriolet with a $200,000+ estimate. Fellow German marque Porsche is also represented with a 1956 Speedster due to go under the hammer at north of $250,000.

More excitement will be generated by the sale of select memorabilia from the world-famous collection of West Australian Peter Briggs.

"Our Auction is an important part of what makes Motorclassica the most important event on the Australian collector car calendar," said Motorclassica Event Director Paul Mathers.

"Limiting the consignments to approximately 30 significant and desirable cars is a deliberate policy to ensure the Auction reflects the significance of the overall event and attracts global interest."

Theodore Bruce automotive specialist, James Nicholls, believes their specialty in classic, collectable and valuable items makes them ideal hosts for the Motorclassica auction. In business for 136 years, Theodore Bruce is Australia's oldest auction house.

"We are a business that specialises in the auction of all things classic, collectible and valuable, so the Motorclassica event is the right fit for us," Nicholls says.

"Last year's Auction delivered several world record prices and, gauging from the interest we've had this year already and the strong state of the global collector car market, we are very optimistic about the success of this year's Auction."

Auction bidders can register on line at www.motorclassica.com.au or www.theodorebruceauctions.com.au.

The Theodore Bruce auction is just one attraction at Motorclassica. Inside Melbourne's historic Royal Exhibition Building, there will be more than 150 cars on show, along with trade stands of all types, special memorabilia displays and more.

The 50th Anniversary of Donald Campbell's Land and Water Speed records will be acknowledged with a display of rare memorabilia, while the centenary of Maserati and 50th birthday for Ford's Mustang will also be celebrated with special vehicle displays.

Outside, more than 200 cars will be displayed in the adjacent Lorbek 'Club Sandwich' car club showcase.

Additional information on the Motorclassica 2014, to be held at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building from October 24-26, is available at www.motorclassica.com.au.