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
