A private collection of British classic cars projected to bring more than $2.5 million will headline Donington Auctions’ next auction event on May 19.
Owned by a Queensland enthusiast, the seven-car collection includes a rare Proteus-built Jaguar XJ13 replica, famous for its appearance on the British Top Gear television program.
Unseen since its 1993 television test in the hands of presenter Tiff Needell, this Jaguar XJ13 replica spent many years hidden away in a private European collection before arriving here in 2017.
Donington Auctions says it is a European-style auction house with more than 100 years of combined market expertise.
The Collector Cars and Number Plate Auction on May 19 will be live and simulcast and is set to feature the Queensland collection alongside more than 50 additional lots of classic and collectable cars and number plates.
“The consignment of this Queensland collection, from an enthusiast who needs to downsize, reflects our expertise with single-owner collections,” says Donington Auction spokesperson Cameron Sabine.
“Star of the show will undoubtedly be the only Jaguar XJ13 replica in Australia, one of very few in the world, but there is extraordinary depth to the auction entry for May, with some scarce and desirable cars,” Sabine says.
Italian styling house Zagato has a strong connection with three exotics to go under the hammer next month.
Lancia enthusiasts will be excited by the superb, fully restored Zagato-built 1968 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato and the potential of the even rarer 1965 Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato, which needs a complete restoration.
Zagato is also famous for producing a gorgeous, lightweight version of the 1958 Aston Martin DB4 and building just 19 DB4GTs, making them hugely sought-after today.
That prompted an Australian enthusiast to produce a hand-crafted tribute in that Aston Martin Zagato style called the Aston Martin DBSZ, and the very first built to date is being offered at auction by Donington.
In addition, a locally delivered 1960 DB4 coupe will be offered, initially the AM factory demonstrator here in Australia.
Underlining this Australian automotive ingenuity in the May catalogue is a very unusual 1974 Kalita ‘kit car’, a cross between a Beach Buggy and a sports car, which utilises Volkswagen mechanicals.
There’s also a 1960 JWF Italia Pronta with interesting racing provenance and a ‘brand new’ Tachyon sports racing car, built in 1973, which in 50 years has yet to turn a wheel in competition.
Less esoteric offerings set for the live-simulcast Donington Auction will include three more Jaguars from the Queensland collection, a 1958 XK150 ‘S’ Roadster and two E-Types from 1965 and 1968, plus a 1957 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a 1955 Austin Healey BN2, and a 1960 MGA 1600.
From Italy, there’s another Lancia, a 1957 Aurelia B20 GT, a lovely 1967 Alfa Romeo GT Veloce, and a super-rare partly-restored 1951 Alfa Romeo 6C-2500 Sport Berlina GT that needs reassembly.
Another gem is a one-owner 1972 Chrysler VH Valiant Charger 770, which is in excellent, original condition.
Pre-bidding for the live-simulcast ‘Collectors Cars & Number Plate Auction’ opens on May 6, 2024.
Donington Auctions Melbourne: open viewing 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and Saturday, May 19, at 100A Talinga Road, Cheltenham, Victoria. (03) 9882 1433
Donington Auctions (Sydney): open viewing from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, May 19, at Amaroo Park Unit, 7/233 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW.
