Gosford Museum brings American cars into biggest Aussie auto auction

INTERNATIONAL interest in this weekend’s Gosford Classic Car Museum Auction has prompted the owner to bring home seven high value cars situated in the US to Australian soil.

With the massive amount of interest pouring in from Australian bidders, owner of the iconic Gosford Classic Car Museum has decided to bring home seven of his US-located prized possessions.

“It’s a very exciting moment for Australian bidders with further opportunity to own one of these dream classic cars,” Lloyds Auctions Chief Operations Officer Lee Hames said.

“Not only is this an important indication that the classic car market is extremely strong here in Australia but it means we are also seeing a shift in the popularity rising in American and especially European classics,” he said. 

Australian Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones, who is helping to promote the auction said,  “I’m very excited to know that the owner has brought these very special cars from overseas back to Australia. What an opportunity for car enthusiasts to see some extremely rare cars and have the chance to bid and potentially own one of these magnificent vehicles.

“Some feature cars include extremely rare Ford Mustangs, Ferraris and even a Rolls Royce,” Mr Jones said.

The newly added cars include a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350H Rent-A-Racer, 1965 Ford GT40 RCR MK1 Tribute, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE, 1959 Ferrari 250TR tribute, 1924 Rolls Royce Springfield Ghost, 1950 Alvis TB14 Roadster and a 1954 Swallow Doretti.

“There will be thousands of people showing up this weekend so we encourage everyone to jump online to get their free tickets with opportunity for upgrades for those who want the full experience,” Lloyds Mr Hames said.

The collection of over 200 cars, bikes and memorabilia located in a converted Bunning’s warehouse is described by many as a flawless collection. With the museum doors now closed, this auction represents the last chance for many car enthusiasts to see or own a part of this magnificent display.

With such a wide range of vehicles including luxury European, Eastern European, Australian, American and even classic motorcycles, Lloyds Auctions have been flooded with enquiries and inspections since the auction was published over a month ago.

There will be an online Gosford Memorabilia Auction on Saturday April 6 which will consist of over 100 rare and unique lots that have been on display in the museum alongside the immaculate vehicle collection. This memorabilia auction will be the preview to the main auction event of the vehicles and motorcycles going to auction on the Sunday.

F1 GRAND PRIX INTEREST

The Gosford Classic Car Museum auction attracted a surge in bidding following the recent Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where it was widely promoted.

“We were flooded with inspection bookings for these rare and pristine vehicles just after the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend on March 17, which confirms to us that there is very strong interest in these cars from people overseas,” Mr Hames said.

“The amount of registered bidders we have had from the United States and more particularly the United Kingdom has been incredible. We have seen hundreds of enquiries pour in over recent days.”

For motoring enthusiast and F1 world champion Alan Jones, the international interest from motor racing fans is not unexpected.

“It doesn’t surprise me that there is so much interest in these cars pouring in from overseas,” Mr Jones said.

 “Europeans in particular scour the globe for quality un-weathered cars and these vehicles are not only in immaculate condition but are unaffected by snow, salt and rust like in Europe,” he said.

Mr Hames said, “International bidders have been flying in to inspect these cars for purchase, so it will be an interesting auction to see where all of the cars ultimately end up.”

Multiple cars are expected to achieve seven-figures with enthusiasts anticipating the total collection could sell for in excess of $30 million. Many cars are already sitting at strong six-figure amounts.

A ticketing system has had to be implemented by Lloyds Auctions to ensure bidders and people who wish to take part in this once in a lifetime event are able to attend.

“The demand has been unprecedented from bidders and fans of the collection, with free ticket sales spiking as soon as we opened the system on our website and VIP ticket sales not far behind,” Mr Hames said.

“This impressive collection of classics is highly important to motoring enthusiasts and collectors and because there is such a wide range of cars from European, Australian and American classics we are expecting thousands of people to show up even more than the Brock Collection Auction we ran in October last year.”

Cars within the collection include an extensive range of classic and vintage cars and motorcycles such as European, Australian and American classic cars, featuring Ferraris, Aston Martins, Porsches, Fords and Holdens. 

“This collection is one to never be forgotten, it is extremely special and admired by many collectors and enthusiasts out there including myself and I for one am very excited to be a part of this collections journey and passing on these cars to the next custodians,” Alan Jones  said, admitting he has a great passion for European classics and has been one of the museum’s biggest fans for many years.

The collection is open for bidding online and will go up for auction in a simulcast live and online event on the weekend of April 6-7.

www.lloydsauctions.com.au

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