National Holden Motor Museum auction a big success
The one-off auction of cars and contents from the National Holden Motor Museum in Echuca has been declared a resounding success. Burns & Co. Auctions conducted the sale, which saw more than 1,200 lots offered, all of which sold. A 100 per cent clearance rate from any auction is a rarity these days, but it reflects the passion of both Holden enthusiasts and devotees of Australian motoring history generally.
As reported by JUST CARS ahead of the auction, the sale was conducted over two days, with engineering items, engines, parts, memorabilia and collectables, as well as the general museum contents auctioned on Saturday, 18 May, while the cars in the museum’s collection, plus those brought along by others, were offered on Sunday, 19 May.
A late addition to the sale was a timed online auction of brochures, posters and other promotional material, which added more than 400 lots to the 779 catalogued earlier.
The one-off nature of this event saw 470,000 views for the Burns & Co auction catalogue, just under 100,000 views of the walkaround video and more than 365,000 views of the Burns & Co Facebook post in the final week leading up to the auction.
Museum content included unique items, like design studies and engineering display models from GM-H, blueprints, fibreglass models, display engines and transmissions, signage and workshop fittings, manuals, brochures, flyers and other literature, plus posters, model cars and more.
However, the “big ticket” items in the auction were the cars. These included 48-215 (FX) and FJ models, an EH Premier wagon, EK and EH utes, an HK Monaro GTS 327, HG Monaro GTS, HQ and HJ Sandmans, an HB Torana, HR Special sedan, HQ Monaro GTS 350 coupe, HG Brougham, an HSV VXII Clubsport, HSV Statesman SV90, a super rare HJ Statesman coupe and more.
A variety of classic and collectable motorcycles also went across the blocks, including a 1928 Indian Scout, 1953 Vincent Comet and 1993 Suzuki GSX-R1100.
With the majority of the cars and motorcycles being offered without reserve, there were potentially some bargains to be had.
Of the motorcycles, all sold, with the top price of $67,781 (including buyers’ premium) achieved by the Indian Scout. Amongst the cars, the mix of models, vehicle condition (some were projects) and usability saw prices vary. So, while the likes of a Morris Minor and VX wagon sold for less than $5,000, others made much, much more.
Top seller amongst the cars was a genuine 1972 HQ Monaro GTS 350 coupe that sold for $346,185, while an HK Monaro GTS 327 made $274,750 and an HG Monaro GTS achieved $135,451. The 1-of-3 HJ Statesman coupe sold for $162,102 - a relative bargain, given its rarity - while an HJ Sandman went for $89,109 (all prices include buyer's premium).
Other highlights included a 1955 FJ sedan, very low mileage and unrestored, that sold for $112,098, which is believed to be a record price for a factory-spec FJ. Similarly, the $127,484 achieved by an HG Brougham is believed to be a record for the model. A 48-215 ute sold for an impressive $91,217, an EK Holden ute made $57,422, while an EH Premier wagon achieved $67,588 and an EH ute went for a very strong $57,148 (prices include buyer's premium).
Despite online, phone and absentee bidding eliminating the need to be there in person, there was a strong turn-out at the museum on both days, with more than 250 in attendance on the Sunday.
For the full results and impressive stats from this auction, go to: burnsandcoauctions.com.au
