More than 50 fine, rare and collectible cars estimated to bring in excess of $3.5 million will go under the auctioneer’s hammer at Donington Auction’s live simulcast Summer Car & Number Plate Auction this Sunday, 25 February.
 
And a further 18 lots of automobilia, garagenalia, and ephemera are expected to take that auction tally to more than $4 million.
 
An undoubted star of the live, simulcast Donington auction will be the globally significant 1926 Bugatti Type 37, which was campaigned in six successive Australian Grands Prix and is out of 60 years of continuous ownership. It is estimated to bring almost $1 million.
 
Headlining an incredible ten collectible Mercedes-Benz models being offered will be a highly desirable 1960 190SL convertible. A ‘Champion of Champions’ Concours winner, this stunning roadster is valued at more than $320,000.
 
A quirky highlight of Sunday’s auction is bound to be the 1969 Cadillac Eldorado Custom Sport Wagon, built for singer, actor and entertainer Dean Martin by legendary Hollywood car customiser George Barris.
 
The only one made, this ‘Rat Pack’ custom wagon has generated interest worldwide, and in its unrestored state, it is unreserved with an estimated $25,000 plus price tag.
 
Back at the top end of town, a restored to concours condition 1981 Porsche 911SC is expected to bring $220,000 plus under the Donington hammer, while two Jaguars are also anticipated to do well, with the superb Le Mans spec D-Type replica racer wearing a $170,000 plus price tag and a desirable early 1962 E-Type 3.8 coupe earmarked at $120,000 plus.
 
By contrast, the more affordable lots going to auction on Sunday include a 1946 Packard Clipper salon and a 1936 Morris 8/40 Roadster, both estimated at $10,000 plus.
 
Among the automobilia on offer are eight heritage number plates highlighted by South Australian ‘980’ at $120,000 plus and Victorian ‘888-888’ at more than $100,000.
 
Perhaps the most unusual items are a woman’s handbag made from a pair of Mercedes-Benz hubcaps, at $150 plus, and a splendid trophy in the form of an inkwell from the 1933 Australian Grand Prix 200 Mile Road Race, expected to bring $1,800 or more.
 
Australian cars also feature in Sunday’s ‘Summer Classic Car & Number Plate Auction’, headlined by a 1971 Chrysler VH Valiant Charger 770 E37 6-Pack with special provenance. Dressed as an R/T model and owned by Chrysler’s competition manager in the 1970s when these cars raced, it should bring more than $80,000.
 
Also on offer are two Holdens, a 1975 HJ Kingswood Vacationer II sedan out of single-family ownership at $22,000 plus, and a two-owner 1976 HX Monaro GTS sedan with a $55,000 plus price tag.
 
There are also four MGs, including an Australian Grand Prix winner, two Volkswagens from completely different eras, a BSA three-wheeler, a 1951 Healey Silverstone Replica, three storied historic Australian racing specials, and more.
 
Donington Auctions is a premium, European-style auction house, and Australia’s largest auctioneer of fine automobilia.
 
Boasting 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.
 
Donington Auction’s team of principal and consultant specialists offer real-world advice to customers and consigners, having extensive experience across all collecting categories, which includes work with top-tier dealers and global auction houses such as Christie’s, Bonhams and Sotheby’s.
 
Operating nationally, Donington Auctions has recently expanded its automotive auction offering, opening its first-ever Sydney operation and adding key staff from the now defunct market leader to its already highly-experienced team.
 
 
Pre-bidding for Donington Auction’s live simulcast ‘Summer Classic Car & Number Plate Auction’ is open.
 
 
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 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 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 0408 805 518