German marque Mercedes Benz dominates the line-up of classic cars set to be auctioned in Donington’s live simulcast ‘Summer Car & Number Plate Auction’ on the 25th of February.

Four near-concours quality cars from the same Melbourne collector – well known in the Mercedes Benz classic car community – are set to be offered at Donington Auction’s first live auction event for 2024, together with a further six timeless cars from the Stuttgart manufacturer.

Star of the Mercedes Benz auction roll call for the 51-car February auction in 10 days’ time will be a highly desirable 1960 190SL convertible.

Being crowned ‘Champion of Champions’ is as good as it gets in the world of Mercedes Benz concours, and the 190SL being offered by Donington’s achieved that very accolade, after a fastidious three-year restoration.

Now presented in Light Metallic Blue with a navy-blue soft top and matching navy-blue leather interior, it is a superb example that is estimated to bring over $320,000 at auction.

By contrast, arguably the most evocative British sports racer of the 1950s is the Jaguar D-Type. With only 75 originals built and ‘real’ ones now going for millions, recreations such as Donington’s example by the highly regarded Tempero in New Zealand, are equally prized.

Built in 1984, the Jaguar D-Type Recreation is as close as most of us are likely to get to the real thing, is beautifully made, boasts just two long-term owners, and is expected to attract more than $170,000.

Closer to home, Donington Auctions is also offering an Australian-made Chrysler VH 770 Charger E37 “6” Pack with significant local history.

It was owned by John Ellis, who, at just 28 years old, headed up Chrysler’s factory Pacer and Charger racing programs in the 1970s. Ellis purchased this R/T ‘look-alike’ 770 Charger in 1999 and, with Chrysler’s lead racing driver in the period, Leo Geoghegan, contested several Classic Adelaide events. Both have signed the Charger under the bonnet.

Expected to bring more than $80,000, this special Charger will cross the block with another five of Ellis’s cars, the most significant of which is the 1948 MG TC, which won the 1951 Australian Grand Prix.

Known as the ‘Tillett MG TC Special’, chassis number 4893 was driven to third outright in the Grand Prix at Narrogin (WA) by Steve Tillett, who was then declared the winner on handicap, in the last year that the event was decided using the handicap system.

One of three MG TCs being brought to auction, it is valued at $50,000 plus.

Numbers tell the story, too, with the eight heritage number plates up for grabs at Donington’s February auction.

Sold with the ‘rights to display’, the three-digit South Australian ‘980’ plate is expected to bring more than $120,000, while the Victorian ‘888-888’ is predicted to cost a lucky buyer at least $100,000.

Included in the 72 lots in Donington’s February ‘Summer Classic Car & Number Plate Auction’ is also an array of automobilia, rare toys and enamel petrol signs.

Highlights include a genuine, original 1933 Australian Grand Prix Trophy, which takes the form of an inkwell, plus two rare Rolls-Royce items: a showroom-size Spirit of Ecstasy metal figurine on a granite base and a period walking stick topped with a silver Spirit of Ecstasy statuette.

The award for the most unusual item, though, goes to a 3D mixed-media hanging artwork by artist Terrie Lawrie which depicts a Jaguar D-Type racing at Le Mans, watched on by the crowd, valued at more than $400.

Donington Auctions is a premium, European-style auction house, and Australia’s largest auctioneer of fine automobilia.

Encompassing more than 100 years of combined market expertise, Donington specialises in vintage, veteran, classic and collectible cars, motorcycles and heritage number plates, along with single owner collections and automotive memorabilia and ephemera.

Pre-bidding for Donington Auction’s live simulcast ‘Summer Classic Car & Number Plate Auction’ opens on 18 February 2024.

Donington Auctions Melbourne: open viewing 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday & Saturday, 24 February at 5 Wandarri Court, Cheltenham, Victoria. (03) 9882 1433

Donington Auctions (Sydney): open viewing from 10am to 4pm Saturday, 17 & 24 February. At: Amaroo Park Unit, 7/233 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW.

Donington Auctions (Adelaide): Lots 1-9 open viewing Saturday, February 17th & Saturday, February 24th, between 10am – 4pm, St. Peters, South Australia. To arrange, contact Tony Parkinson on 0408 805 518

Barossa Valley (Lots 10-13): Friday, February 16th, and Friday, February 23rd, between 10am – 4pm, Tanunda, South Australia. To arrange, contact Tony Parkinson on 0408 805 518