The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction has now concluded with all memorabilia, motorcycles and cars finding new homes.
The Major Two Day Auction was one for the record books with thousands eager to add a piece of motoring history to their very own collection, Holden fans travelled from all around Australia and New Zealand for what was an exceptional auction of pieces from Australian Motoring History.
On Saturday 18th May we saw 600+ lots going under the hammer consisting of shop stock, signage, genuine GMH workshop fittings, motors, gearboxes, static displays, prototypes, display cabinets, model cars, car manuals, museum displays, flags and much more. Many of these items were “one-offs” and may never again be available for sale as items had been rescued from the Holden Manufacturing plants and dealerships scattered across the country.
With floor bidders flooding into the museum and thousands watching online, auctioneer Ashley Burns took centre stage alongside Riley Burns and the rest of the Burns & Co team to deliver Day 1 of The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction.
Bidding was strong throughout the whole day up until the last lot with a large variety of floor, online, absentee and phone bidders from all around the country securing a memento from the auction or that long sought after piece. “It’s all about the opportunity” Ashley Burns would repeat. This auction had items never been seen on the open market so truly the opportunity was at its peak for all Holden lovers. One of those items was lot number 570, The Half & Half FJ & VY Commodore (Full Size) on Trolley with Turn Table selling for $27,960 inc. Buyer’s Premium. This very special and unique piece was competitively pursued by bidders and took the number one spot for price achieved on day 1 of The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction.
Sunday 19th May saw Day 2 of The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction which was one that many will not forget as it consisted of Holdens most iconic models including FX, FJ, HK Monaro, HQ Sandman, Torana, HR, HQ GTS 350 Coupe, Brougham, HSV90 Statesman and a super rare HJ Statesman Coupe. Also on offer was an excellent spread of classic and vintage motorcycles as well as some highly desirable collectables and memorabilia.
The excitement grew amongst the bidders as the auction moved towards the later lots with bidders eagerly awaiting the cars and motorbikes to go under the hammer with most of them being unreserved. “It’s hard to walk away” Ashley Burns would mention knowing that these cars were rarely seen and this was a special time and place to acquire a Holden vehicle.
Bidders regularly clapped the result of each lot closing as The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction drew towards its conclusion. An example of this was the stunning 1955 Holden FJ Sedan which made $112,098 including Buyer’s Premium. A record-breaking price for an FJ Holden.
The final two lots would see the auctioning of a super rare 1974 Holden HJ Statesman Caprice Coupe and the gorgeous 1972 HQ GTS Monaro 350 Coupe.
The 1974 Holden HJ Statesman Caprice Coupe was up first, a car that was built for Area Director of GMH Asia Pacific Region Max Wilson. An American with a thirst for Cadillacs but a dislike of the common sedan, and a frequent visitor to Leo Pruneau’s office requesting something special to drive. The result was three Wilson coupes were built across 1974, 1975 & 1976 badged as a Statesman Caprice with HJ Nose cones, wheel covers & boot lids making them very special cars indeed. It’s an understatement to say this car was amazing to see in the flesh. Surviving many years with its owners since being built this car was in very good condition and as we love here at Burns & Co, it had the books! The interior was remarkable along with its overall condition, an absolute time warp, this car was being offered unreserved !! The opportunity to own a GMH rarity of very special significance was up for keeps and it ended up selling at $162,102 including Buyer’s Premium.
That meant that there was one lot left and Burns & Co truly left “the best til last”. The 1972 HQ GTS Monaro 350 Coupe factory manual coupe in the very special Kockum Orange and Antique saddle interior. This car had been owned for many years by its current custodian and was treated to an extensive and thorough full rotisserie restoration over a number of years. It came with the books and had undergone careful planning and a very specific parts & component restoration, and the results speak for themselves. The opportunity here was to buy a flagship HQ GTS Monaro Coupe that was one of Holden’s great creations. If someone was looking to add the best example possible to an important collection, then you were at the right place. It’s not very common to see this calibre of Monaro come up for sale.
The 1972 HQ GTS Monaro 350 Coupe went out with a Bang! As the third and final call was delivered by Ashley Burns, the hammer hit the stand and the car was sold for $346,185 including Buyer’s Premium. The new owner John was not only just happy with his purchase but also with his experience saying he was “very pleased at how Burns & Co operated”.
If you want to view all lots and prices from The Echuca National Holden Motor Museum Auction Results CLICK HERE
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