All Posts By

Admin

We’re Hiring! Join Our Memorabilia & Collectables Team

By What's News

We’re Hiring | Memorabilia Team Member

Burns & Co Auctions are market leaders in the field of both in-house and on-property auctions for Classic and Collectable Cars and Motorcycles, along with Memorabilia and Collectables.

Originating in Mildura, Northwest Victoria in 2015, the business has rapidly grown to now be recognised and respected as a national brand and a leader in its chosen fields.

In 2019, the business commenced its relocation into Bayswater, Victoria, with further expansion occurring in 2025 through the opening of our NSW operation in Beresfield, near Newcastle.

The Burns & Co business consists primarily of three teams – Automotive, Memorabilia & Collectables, and Administration & Marketing – and we’re now looking for a new team member to join our Memorabilia & Collectables team.

Could This Be You?

This position will complement and assist our existing team, and the successful applicant will ideally bring with them a passion for history and our past, a passion for early advertising and marketing, a passion for collecting and an eye for attention to detail.

Or maybe you’ve had the desire to become a leading auctioneer but have never had the opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join an industry-leading brand and company and learn the auction business back to front and from the ground up.

The Role Includes:

  • Collecting, receipting and preparing items for auction
  • Photography and cataloguing lots
  • Conducting auctions, either timed online or simulcast
  • Deliveries, including door pickups, courier consignments and Australia Post

All our auctions are catalogued and conducted through EasyBids, and full training will be provided in all aspects of the position.

Last year, Burns & Co conducted around 120 auctions with a turnover of approximately $40 million, so it’s a busy place with no two days the same!

A Unique Opportunity With Plenty of Upside

This is a full-time position based in Bayswater, Victoria, suited to someone who is well presented, punctual and looking for a unique opportunity with plenty of upside.

There’s opportunity for growth in all aspects of the business, including cataloguing, administration, auctioneering and logistics.

If you’re brimmed full of enthusiasm, physically fit, have a willingness to learn and are a naturally passionate person, we’d love to hear from you.

A current driver’s licence is essential, as is a team-first attitude.

A further plus would be a willingness to undertake the odd road trip, with some interstate travel from time to time, along with the occasional weekend commitment when we conduct on-property auctions.

The opportunity to obtain your HR and forklift licence will also present down the track.

Interested?

Feel free to call Ashley Burns on 0408 618 294 for further information or just an initial chat.

Please submit your application to ashley@burnsandco.com.au and include a covering letter.

Applications close 5.00pm Friday 18th September.

BURNS & CO DELIVERS TRUE LIVE AUCTION COMPETITION

By What's News

The May Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle Auction once again highlighted the strength of the Burns & Co live auction environment, with strong competition from floor bidders, online bidders, phone bidders and pre-bidders all combining to deliver competitive results across the auction.

With a packed auction room, active bidding throughout the night and strong engagement nationally, the auction reinforced what continues to make Burns & Co different – a true live auction environment where every vehicle is professionally presented and actively worked through the auction process by a live auctioneer.

The below video captures just some of the atmosphere and competition from the auction room on the night.

At Burns & Co, every vehicle benefits from:
• a live auctioneer
• real floor bidding
• online, phone and pre-bidding competition
• professional photography and video presentation
• strong national buyer reach
• specialist marketing to enthusiast buyers

Combined with dedicated facilities in both Victoria and New South Wales, Burns & Co continues to attract buyers from across Australia for muscle cars, classics, collectables and enthusiast vehicles.

Recent vendor feedback has also reinforced the importance of presentation, buyer confidence and reaching the right audience when selling special vehicles.

Whether it is a blue-chip collector car, a quality cruiser, a unique survivor or an enthusiast vehicle, Burns & Co continues to generate strong competition and results through a genuine live auction format.

Now accepting entries for the June Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle Auction.

Thinking of selling?

Submit your vehicle today:
https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle/

Walkthrough: The Trevor and Kerry Hargreaves Collection Parts 4 & 5

By What's News

Pre-bidding is now open for Parts 4 and 5 of the Trevor and Kerry Hargreaves Collection, with the final offering from this significant collection to be held across two consecutive Sundays.

Under instructions from Trevor and Kerry Hargreaves, the remaining collection will be offered on a totally unreserved basis by way of timed online auction.

Part 4 will close from 10.00am AEST on Sunday 24th May 2026, covering Lots 1 to 399.

Part 5 will close from 10.00am AEST on Sunday 31st May 2026, covering Lots 400 to 787.

This is what we would call a true “old collection” — put together over many years and featuring a wide-ranging selection of items that are becoming increasingly hard to find for genuine sale.

Ashley Burns recently took a walkthrough of the catalogue at our Bayswater facility, giving bidders a closer look at the variety, scale and significance of the offering.

Across Parts 4 and 5, bidders will find a tremendous mix of rural, industrial, farming, blacksmith, household, automotive and collectable items, including blacksmith tools, anvils, wire strainers, cow and stock bells, vintage tools, animal health items, early Australian stamped tools, boot repair and sewing pieces, shearing gear, axes, axe stands, framed advertising, tins, washing machines, butter churns, farming pieces, militaria and much more.

A standout feature of the collection is the significant selection of cow and stock bells, along with a strong representation of early Australian stamped tools, blacksmithing items and rural working pieces. The catalogue also includes plenty of unusual and hard-to-find items that reflect Trevor and Kerry’s long connection to farming and rural life.

As Ashley notes in the walkthrough, this is not the sort of collection that appears every day. It is broad, interesting and full of items with character — the kind of offering that rewards careful catalogue browsing.

The catalogue is now online and pre-bidding is open.

Auction Details

The Trevor and Kerry Hargreaves Collection Parts 4 & 5

Part 4
Sunday 24th May 2026
Lots 1 to 399
Closing from 10.00am AEST

Part 5
Sunday 31st May 2026
Lots 400 to 787
Closing from 10.00am AEST

Location: 4 Market Drive, Bayswater VIC 3153
Bidding: Online and absentee bidding available
Buyer’s Premium: 16.5% applies to all lots
Terms: Totally unreserved – strictly no sales prior to auction

For enquiries, contact Daniel Saliba on 0409 248 848.

Watch the Walkthrough

Ashley’s video walkthrough provides a closer look at the collection and highlights the variety on offer across both parts.

View Catalogue and Bid

View the catalogue and place your bids here:

https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/the-trevor-and-kerry-hargreaves-collection-part-4-5/

The Walter Jobson Collection on its way to Melbourne – The Next Chapter Begins

By What's News

The Walter Jobson Collection on its way to Melbourne – The Next Chapter Begins

After an incredible week undertaking the major task of retrieving the Walter Jobson Collection from Mullumbimby, NSW, the Burns & Co team is now making its way back to Melbourne.

For 94-year-old Walter Jobson, watching a lifetime’s collection leave his property was always going to be emotional. Yet after spending several days alongside the Burns & Co team, it wasn’t the trucks or the logistics that stood out most to him – it was the care with which every item was handled.

“Things that I would have just chucked in the back of my trailer when I went to Bendigo Swap or went to other swap meets over the years… they just took so much care with things. They packed everything so carefully.”

Walter was particularly impressed watching the team wrap and protect every piece before beginning the 1,700-kilometre journey back to Bayswater.

That care extended to the library lamps – the very first things he and his late wife collected together back in the 1970s, before the collection grew into the extraordinary collection it is today.

Before the trucks departed, Walter made a point of personally thanking every member of the retrieval team.

“I’m impressed with the whole business. I shook the hands of every one of them. What more can I say? It’s just a good organisation, I reckon you’re working for.”

Walter’s daughter Sue was equally complimentary, describing the retrieval as:

“It couldn’t have gone better.”

She added that:

“Ashley did everything that he said he was going to do.”

Walter also reflected on how respectfully the team conducted themselves throughout the retrieval.

Walter explained that his sleep pattern changes from day to day, meaning he never knows whether he’ll wake at 6.00am or 10.00am. Despite the team beginning work early each morning, he was genuinely surprised by how quietly they went about their work.

“I never know what time I’m getting up in the morning… but they were in the house and I didn’t hear a thing. They were so quiet. They went out of their way to help an old guy like me and I quite enjoyed the whole experience.”

With the collection now safely returning to Melbourne, the next chapter begins.

Over the coming weeks, every sign, globe, petrol pump, oil bottle, telephone, motorcycle, toy and piece of automobilia will be individually unpacked, researched, photographed and catalogued before being presented to collectors across Australia.

We’ll be sharing regular behind-the-scenes updates as the cataloguing progresses and revealing some of the remarkable pieces that make up this extraordinary 60-year collection.

Watch the video below of Ashley’s visit with Walter prior to the collection retrieval this week, where together, they walked through the incredible collection of petrol & oil memorabilia, enamel signs, petrol pumps, globes, motorcycles, vintage toys and automobilia, with Walter sharing the stories behind many of his treasured pieces.

Now, Walter has entrusted Burns & Co with the honour of presenting his remarkable lifetime collection to the market.

Watch this space. The journey is only just beginning.

The “Walter Jobson Collection”
Auction date to be announced soon.

G’day Western Australia, Burns & Co are visiting!

By What's News

We’re visiting the great Western State!

G’day to all of our Western Australian followers! We’re excited to say that our head auctioneer Ashley Burns will be paying the great state a visit between Monday the 20th of April and Wednesday the 22nd of April and we’re offering valuations!

Are you based in Western Australia and have been thinking about selling your car, motorcycle or collectables? Have you been wondering what price they might fetch if you were to sell your items at auction?

Then give Ashley Burns a call on 0408 618 294 to organise an appraisal of your items while the we’re in Western Australia!

A Standout 1934 Chevrolet Hot Rod Arrives

By What's News

One of the Standout Builds Heading to Our May Auction

Every now and then a vehicle arrives that immediately sets itself apart – not just for its looks, but for the level of craftsmanship, detail and investment behind it.

Straight out of Queensland and now set to feature in our upcoming May Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle Auction is this exceptional 1934 Chevrolet Hot Rod – a true high-end build that represents the very best of what the custom scene has to offer.

Gleaming in gold ✨, the finish alone gives an indication of the quality throughout. From the bodywork and detailing through to the engineering and driveline, this is a car that has clearly been built without compromise.

At its heart sits a 6.2L LS3 V8, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering modern performance in a classic hot rod package. Fully engineered and built to an incredibly high standard, this is a turn-key example ready for both the show circuit and the open road.

Backed by an extensive build featuring high-end components and detailed craftsmanship throughout, the quality of this example is evident from every angle.

It’s not just the headline specifications that stand out – it’s the sum of the details. The finishing, component selection and overall presentation combine to create a vehicle that demands attention and rewards close inspection.

For collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone looking to secure a premium custom build, opportunities like this don’t come along often.

This one is located at our Beresfield showroom in NSW.

👉 View full listing and details here:
https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/portfolio/1934-chevrolet-hot-rod-ls3-v8-auto-engineered/

Considering selling your vehicle?
Our upcoming May auction is now taking entries.
👉 Submit your vehicle here:
https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle/

1970’s Honda Z50 Mini Trail Bike – Mini Bike, Big Story

By What's News

70’s Survivor with a Rich History

To the naked eye, a motorcycle can just be a motorcycle, but to many the years of ownership can mean a whole lot more!

Featuring in our upcoming May Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle auction is this fantastic 1970’s Honda Z50 Mini Trail Bike with a very unique history.

The story and provenance of this mini bike begins with the recently deceased long term owner, Milos Jan Pelikan. Milos is the father of the current vendor and was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1926.

The father of Milos, a man by the name of Rudolf Pelikan was a General & Surgeon during the first World War and was 1 of 16 contributors that were involved in forming the nation of Czechoslovakia! The first President of the nation of Czechoslovakia, T.G. Masaryk would eventually recruit Rudolf as Military Medical Commander of the nation’s military school after the first World War!

With a family history deeply rooted in the Czechoslovakia, it would be the year 1950 when Milos moves to Australia as a student refugee studying Agriculture. He was one of the many persecuted by the regime at the time.

Upon arriving in Melbourne, Milos worked on Wharves in Port Melbourne for approximately 10 years before earning a job in 1963 with the Australian Government in Papua New Guinea as a Land Surveyor for Dept Lands, Surveys & Mines in Port Moresby.

He worked his way up to the rank of Principal Land Development Officer for Papua New Guinea and in 1972 the country was granted self-government status, leading to Chief Minister Michael Somare asking Milos to stay onboard and assist the nation on it’s road to independence in 1975, an awesome honour during a time were these positions were being transferred to locals of Papua New Guinea.

Michael Somare would eventually become the nations first Prime Minister and Milos would continue working with his Government until eventually leaving the nation in 1976.

It was his time in Papua New Guinea where Milos would purchase the Honda Z50 Mini Trail Bike in Port Moresby. The bike was registered prior to independence of the nation and was eventually brought over to Australia, where the bike resided on his residence in Tweed River, NSW and then eventually Melbourne.

According to the son of Milos, this is an awesome example that has never seen a mechanic, nor been tinkered with meaning it is a completely original example! It also has never been registered in Australia since the move back to here in 1976.

This is one very special example, as it comes with original purchasing, Papua New Guinea registration and Australian transfer documents, highlighting the unique provenance of the bike.

A unbelievable time capsule, preserved in super original condition and with a tremendous story behind it’s ownership. This is exactly the type of opportunity we love to offer here at Burns & Co so stay tuned for our upcoming May Auction catalogue as this will be a very unique standout amongst the catalogue!

Have a unique vehicle you want to sell?

Burns & Co Auctions deliver national reach, competitive bidding and proven results – all with a fully managed process.

Submit your vehicle today or speak with our team.

👉 burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle

Or feel free to get in contact with a member of our team:

Ashley Burns 0408 618 294
Anton Cooper 0427 383 531
Phil Shaw (NSW / QLD) 0437 637 644

Vendor Story: Trust, Presentation And A $291,235 Result For A 1 Of 1 XY GT

By What's News

A standout result was achieved in the Burns & Co May Muscle, Classic & Collectable Car & Motorcycle Auction, with the 1970 Ford XY GT Falcon 351 V8 Automatic Sedan selling for $291,235 including buyer’s premium.

Offered as Lot 42, the Bronze Wine XY GT was an exceptional and highly regarded example. A 1 of 1 build specification, the car was also a GT Falcon Nationals winner, having taken out an award in the original maintained category. With its matching numbers 351 4V V8, original transmission, rare colour combination and extensive documentation, it was always going to be one of the headline vehicles of the May auction.

For seller Jamie, choosing the right auction house was about more than simply listing the car. It was about trusting the people, the presentation and the platform to do justice to a significant collector vehicle.

After being referred to Burns & Co through the GT car club, Jamie said he was immediately impressed by the way the team approached the sale.

“I was stunned with the professionalism and the honesty, and how everyone went about it.”

Selling a significant collector vehicle can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly when the car is rare, well known and tightly held. Jamie said he was “very, very nervous” leading into the auction, but placed his trust in the Burns & Co team, particularly Anton and Ashley, to guide the process.

“Anton sort of just said, ‘look, this is our game now,’ and he sort of gave me really good confidence.”

That confidence was backed by the way the vehicle was presented to market. Jamie praised the setup, organisation and atmosphere of the auction, describing the overall experience as fantastic. He also noted that the team was willing to listen and work with him throughout the process, while still bringing their professional auction expertise to the campaign.

“They’re happy to listen, even though they’re the professionals in that type of field.”

In choosing where to sell the vehicle, Jamie said presentation was a major factor. Having looked closely at how other auction houses presented similar cars, he felt the Burns & Co approach stood apart, particularly in the quality of photography, level of detail and confidence created for buyers.

“It’s nowhere near what Burns & Co do.”

That level of presentation proved important on auction night.

The successful buyer was based in Western Australia and bid with confidence after reviewing the extensive photography and detail provided by Burns & Co. Jamie said the buyer openly acknowledged that he was relying on the photos and the Burns & Co presentation when making his decision.

“The guy who bought ours from WA openly said, ‘I’m going off your photos’… he had confidence in the photos and what was taken.”

For a vehicle of this calibre, that trust is critical. Buyers are not simply making a small purchase – they are making a significant investment, often from interstate and sometimes without physically inspecting the vehicle in person.

Jamie said he was surprised, but also impressed, that a buyer could confidently bid on a car in this price range based on the presentation and photography.

“It’s not like they’re buying a $20,000 car… a two or three hundred thousand dollar car, and he’s got confidence in the photos.”

The auction itself also played an important role in the final result. Jamie highlighted Ashley’s ability to engage the bidders and accurately communicate what made the car special. He said Ashley recognised the significance of the XY GT, including its 1 of 1 status, and used that to help build momentum in the bidding.

“Ashley recognised how special the car was… it’s one of one, it’s a unicorn.”

With strong online interest and national buyer reach, the bidding moved quickly and the car ultimately sold for $291,235 including buyer’s premium.

When asked about the result, Jamie’s response was clear.

“Extremely. The result was amazing.”

He also said he would have no hesitation recommending Burns & Co to others.

“Definitely. 100%.”

Jamie’s experience highlights the importance of trust, presentation and national reach when selling a significant collector vehicle. From the initial recommendation through the GT car club, to the detailed photography, professional auction presentation and live simulcast bidding, the campaign delivered a strong result for a very special car.

It also reinforces the role of Burns & Co’s national platform in connecting quality vehicles with serious buyers across Australia. Whether buyers are in the room, on the phone or bidding online from interstate, the right presentation can give them the confidence to compete.

For Jamie, the experience was professional, honest and ultimately successful.

The car sold.
The result delivered.
The buyer came from interstate with confidence.
And another significant collector vehicle found its next home through Burns & Co.

Thinking of selling?

Submit your vehicle today and let Burns & Co do the hard work.

👉 burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle

Or feel free to get in contact with a member of our team:

Ashley Burns 0408 618 294
Anton Cooper 0427 383 531
Phil Shaw (NSW / QLD) 0437 637 644

From Research to Results: Why One Hot Rod Owner Chose Burns & Co

By What's News

After researching reviews, asking around the automotive industry and trusting the process, Sam says selling his prized Ford Model A Hot Rod through Burns & Co “exceeded expectations.”

Before handing over the keys to his cherished Ford Model A Hot Rod, Sam did exactly what many prospective vendors do.

He researched.

He read Burns & Co’s Facebook reviews, spoke with people in the automotive industry and sought genuine feedback before deciding where to consign his vehicle.

The verdict was overwhelmingly positive.

After experiencing the process himself, Sam says those recommendations were well deserved.

“I researched Burns & Co, read the Facebook reviews and asked around the automotive industry. Everything I heard was true.”

 

A straightforward process from start to finish

From his first conversation with Vehicle Specialist Phil Shaw through to auction night, Sam says what impressed him most wasn’t sales pressure or promises—it was the professionalism of the team.

“Everything was spot on.”

“There was no hard sell. It was all straightforward and honest.”

Sam said the communication throughout the process made selling his vehicle easy, with clear advice and realistic expectations from the outset.

“I’d give Phil 10 stars.”

While reflecting on his experience, Sam was full of praise for the team, particularly Vehicle Specialist Phil Shaw.

“I’d give Phil 10 stars.”

He later contacted Burns & Co again simply to ensure his feedback reached management.

“Phil is a true asset to Burns & Co.”

“He’s so down to earth. It’s hard to find people like that.”

A team focused on doing the right thing

Sam also spoke highly of the auction itself, saying he was impressed with the professionalism shown throughout the campaign and on auction night.

He appreciated that the advice was genuine and that the team focused on achieving the best possible outcome rather than simply trying to secure the consignment.

“The service was excellent.”

“Everything was really well done.”

A result that exceeded expectations

When the hammer fell, Sam couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

His Ford Model A Hot Rod found a new home, delivering a result that exceeded what he had hoped for.

Reflecting on the experience, Sam summed it up simply.

“I’d rate Burns & Co 150% for service and quality.”

“I’ve already recommended Burns & Co to other people.”

Thinking about selling?

Whether you’re selling a single vehicle, a project car, motorcycle or an entire collection, Burns & Co provides obligation-free appraisals and a national buyer audience competing in-room, online and by phone.

If you’re considering selling, we’d love to discuss how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Submit your vehicle today and let Burns & Co do the hard work.

👉 burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle

Or feel free to get in contact with a member of our team:

📞 Ashley Burns – 0408 618 294
📞 Anton Cooper – 0427 383 531
📞 Jason Todd – 0400 321 919
📞 Phil Shaw (NSW / QLD)  – 0437 637 644

Vendor Testimonial: “We trusted the advice and it absolutely worked.”

By What's News

Selling a special vehicle at auction can be daunting, particularly when it’s offered unreserved.

For one recent Burns & Co vendor, that uncertainty quickly turned into confidence after trusting the advice of our team.

Their highly sought after 1972 Ford XA GT Falcon Coupe Project Automatic achieved $111,933 (including Buyer’s Premium) in our June Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction.

Reflecting on the experience, the vendor said the entire process exceeded expectations.

“Honestly, we couldn’t have been happier. Anton made the whole process easy and straightforward from start to finish. It exceeded our expectations.”

Like many vendors, there were understandable questions around selling without a reserve.

“We were naturally a little nervous about selling unreserved, but we trusted the advice and the process, and it absolutely worked.”

From initial appraisal through to transport, marketing and auction day, the vendor praised the professionalism of the Burns & Co team.

“The presentation, advertising and online bidding were excellent. I couldn’t fault the way the auction was run.”

The vehicle received extensive national exposure through Burns & Co’s marketing campaign, attracting competitive bidding from both the auction room and buyers across Australia online.

Perhaps the strongest endorsement came when asked whether they would recommend Burns & Co.

“I’ve already recommended Burns & Co to other people.”

At Burns & Co we understand that every vehicle has a story, and every vendor wants confidence that their pride and joy will be presented to the widest possible buying audience.

Whether you’re selling a blue-chip collector car, a project vehicle, a motorcycle or an entire collection, our experienced team can guide you through the process and help determine the best auction strategy for your vehicle.

Thinking of selling?

If you’ve been considering selling, we’d love to have a conversation.

Submit your vehicle today and let Burns & Co do the hard work.

👉 burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle

Or feel free to get in contact with a member of our team:

📞 Ashley Burns – 0408 618 294
📞 Anton Cooper – 0427 383 531
📞 Jason Todd – 0400 321 919