A bespoke private collection of British classic cars projected to bring more than $2.5 million will headline Donington Auctions’ next auction event on 19 May.

Owned by an established Queensland enthusiast, the seven-car strong collection includes an ultra-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 very first Jaguar XJ13 replica built spent many years hidden away in a private European collection before arriving here in 2017.

Australia’s largest auctioneer of classic automotive items, Donington Auctions is a premium European-style auction house with more than 100 years combined market expertise.

The 19 May ‘Collector Cars & Number Plate Auction’ will be live and simulcast, and is set to feature this amazing Queensland collection alongside more than 50 additional lots of classic and collectable cars and number plates.

“The consignment of this significant Queensland collection, from a lifelong enthusiast who needs to downsize, is reflective of Donington’s recognised expertise with single owner collections,” Donington Auctions’ Cameron Sabine said.

“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 very rare and desirable cars.”

Famous Italian styling house Zagato has a strong connection with three exotics to go under the hammer next month.

Keen 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 is in need of a full restoration.

Zagato is also famous for producing a gorgeous, lightweight version of the 1958 Aston Martin DB4 and building just 19 of these 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 which was originally the AM factory demonstrator here in Australia.

Underlining this Australian automotive ingenuity, also 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 19 May live-simulcast Donington Auction will include three more Jaguars from the Queensland collection, a 1958 XK150 ‘S’ Roadster and two E-Types, from1965 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 in wonderful, original condition.

Donington Auctions is Australia’s leading specialist in vintage, veteran, classic and collectible cars and motorcycles, Single Owner Collections, and automotive memorabilia and ephemera.

Its ‘Collector Cars & Number Plate Auction’ will be live-simulcast on 19 May 2024.

Pre-bidding for the live-simulcast ‘Collectors Cars & Number Plate Auction’ opens on Monday 6th May, 2024.

Donington Auctions Melbourne: open viewing 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday & Saturday 19th May at: 100A Talinga Road, Cheltenham, Victoria. (03) 9882 1433

Donington Auctions (Sydney): open viewing 10am to 4pm Saturday 19th May at: Amaroo Park Unit, 7/233 Annangrove Road, Annangrove, NSW.