The Last of the Last: Ford Australia’s Final Saleable FGX XR6 Turbo Ute Heads to Auction

When Ford Australia ceased local manufacturing in 2016, it marked the end of one of the most iconic chapters in Australian motoring history.

Now, one of the vehicles that symbolised that historic moment is set to go under the hammer with Burns & Co Auctions.

This 2016 Ford FGX XR6 Turbo Ute is accompanied by a Ford Australia Certificate of Authenticity, recognising it as:

“The final saleable standard specification FGX Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute built by Ford Australia.”

The certificate is signed by Graeme Whickman, then President and CEO of Ford Motor Company Australia and records the vehicle’s production date as 29 July 2016.

Finished in Smoke Metallic with black trim, the ute is powered by Ford’s legendary turbocharged six-cylinder engine and paired with the highly desirable factory six-speed manual transmission. With just 3,340 kilometres showing, it represents a remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the final chapters in Australia’s automotive manufacturing story.

An exclusive farewell to Australian manufacturing

The current vendor, John, purchased the ute directly from Ford in 2016.

John recalls attending what he describes as an invitation-only auction for Ford dealers, held at Avalon Airport following the closure of Ford Australia’s Broadmeadows manufacturing plant.

According to John, only a handful of historically significant vehicles were offered.

“They had about six different vehicles at the auction,” he recalled, “it was a Ford dealer invitation-only auction.”

What John remembers most, however, wasn’t just the vehicles -it was the people.

Ford invited many of the employees who had built the final vehicles to attend the event, creating a fitting farewell to decades of Australian manufacturing.

“They invited the employees who actually built the cars. The engine builders, the body builders and the people who worked on the production line for that final build were all there.”

According to John, Ford made the occasion a celebration, bringing together employees and dealers to recognise the people behind the Blue Oval’s Australian legacy.

“It was quite a significant day for Ford Motor Company. It was the last of the last of the last.”

Preserved for a decade

John understood the significance of the ute from the day he bought it and has treated it as a collector’s vehicle ever since.

He has never personally driven it.

The majority of the kilometres were accumulated while the vehicle remained with Ford, including use by one of Ford’s engineers before it was offered for sale.

John believes the vehicle’s specification makes it even more desirable.

“Instead of just building a ute, they built a turbo manual ute, which is pretty rare. That made it pretty significant in a lot of ways.”

Since acquiring it, the ute has been carefully preserved as part of John’s private collection.

It is offered with its Ford Australia Certificate of Authenticity, original owner’s manual and supporting documentation, with the owner’s manual also recording Ford Motor Company as the original owner.

Passing it on

After ten years of ownership, John’s decision to sell has nothing to do with the vehicle itself.

Having sold the warehouse where his collection was stored, he has begun downsizing.

“Otherwise, I’d keep it,” he said. “I’ve had my enjoyment out of owning it, and now somebody else can enjoy it.”

John hopes the vehicle finds a home with someone who appreciates its place in Australian motoring history.

“It’s a very significant part of Australian motoring history. It’s pretty damn special.”

Coming to auction

The 2016 Ford FGX XR6 Turbo Ute will be offered as one of the headline vehicles in Burns & Co’s August/September Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction, closing across:

Monday 31 August, Tuesday 1 September & Wednesday 2 September 2026.

Whether you’re a lifelong Blue Oval enthusiast or a serious collector of Australian-built performance vehicles, opportunities to own a vehicle of this significance are exceptionally rare.

View the full vehicle listing:

https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/portfolio/the-last-2016-ford-fgx-xr6-turbo-ute-6-cyl-manual/

The auction catalogue is continuing to grow, and entries are still being accepted.

Thinking about selling? Submit your vehicle for consideration here:

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

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.

“Everything You Said You Were Going To Do, You Did.”

When Brendan decided it was time to sell his stunning 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake, he didn’t just contact one auction house.

He spoke with several.

One left him feeling, in his words, “very underwhelmed on the telephone.”

Another, based in Queensland, didn’t return his enquiry for two and a half weeks.

“By the time they got back to me, I’d already spoken to Anton and the car was with Burns & Co.”

Instead, Brendan chose Burns & Co – and says he couldn’t be happier with the decision.

His ultra-rare Shelby Super Snake sold for $126,200 including Buyer’s Premium in our July Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction.

For Brendan, it wasn’t just the result that stood out. It was the experience from start to finish.

“Anton and the team, especially Anton because he was my main contact, made everything so seamless.”

“It was professional.”

“Everything you said you were going to do, you did.”

“They were informative. They kept in contact the whole time and I couldn’t say better things about them.”

Although Brendan wasn’t able to watch the auction unfold live, he was kept informed throughout the evening while out for dinner with friends.

Reflecting on the experience afterwards, he didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d recommend Burns & Co.

“100%. I would.”

In fact, Brendan has already decided where he’ll sell his next cars.

“I’ve actually got a couple of other cars I’ll be looking at selling over the next six to twelve months, and I’ll definitely be using you guys again.”

Thank you, Brendan, for trusting Burns & Co with the sale of your Shelby Super Snake. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to assisting you again in the future.

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

Selling a cherished classic car is never an easy decision.

For Gary, the choice to part with his genuine two-owner 1974 Holden HQ Kingswood Sedan – a car he’d owned since 1976 – came with plenty of emotion and uncertainty.

The Salamanca Red HQ was offered UNRESERVED in our July Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction, eventually selling for $46,433 including Buyer’s Premium.

Like many vendors, Gary admits he was nervous about selling without a reserve.

“I actually balked at it at the time Ashley suggested it… I had to make a quick decision and I trusted him.”

That trust was tested in the days leading up auction night.

Watching the early bidding, Gary became concerned that his HQ wasn’t going to reach the figure he hoped for.

He called Burns & Co Director Ashley Burns during the auction.

The advice was simple.

“He said, ‘Stop looking at it… it can change so quickly.'”

Gary took that advice, stopped watching and let the auction do what it does best.

By the end of the night, the market had spoken.

Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Gary couldn’t speak highly enough of the Burns & Co team.

“Wonderful. I couldn’t fault it.”

“Everything you said was right.”

What impressed Gary most wasn’t simply the final price, but the way the team worked throughout the process.

“The team takes it right to the very limit to get the best result. They’re not just knocking it down when they feel like it – they just get the best out of everything.”

He also praised the professionalism of everyone involved.

“When I came in to look at the cars before the auction, all the boys were fantastic. You couldn’t have a nicer group of people.”

“Very, very professional.”

Perhaps the greatest compliment came when Gary explained he was already recommending Burns & Co to others.

“I’m already telling people about it… If I need you again, I’ll definitely bring my car there. I’ve still got a couple more yet.”

Thank you, Gary, for trusting Burns & Co with the sale of your HQ Kingswood. We genuinely appreciate your kind words and look forward to helping you again when the time comes.

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

Another successful Burns & Co Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction has concluded, delivering a clearance rate exceeding 92% across three exciting auction nights and once again demonstrating the strength of genuine competition in a live auction environment.

With more than 2,500 bidder logins recorded throughout the three-night event, buyers participated from every Australian state, creating strong competition across the exceptional catalogue.

Combined with active online bidding, phone bidding, absentee bidding and a packed auction floor in Bayswater, vendors benefited from multiple bidding avenues competing simultaneously to achieve outstanding results.

A Proven Formula for Strong Results

Every Burns & Co vehicle benefits from:

• Professional presentation and marketing
• A live auctioneer driving competitive bidding
• Floor, online, phone and absentee bidding
• A nationwide buying audience
• Specialist marketing to enthusiast buyers
• Dedicated teams operating from both Victoria and New South Wales

This combination continues to deliver the competitive environment Burns & Co has become known for when selling muscle cars, classics, motorcycles and automotive collectables.

In our July auction alone, with another packed Burns & Co Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction that created genuine competition under the hammer, top 15 cars all sold above $95,000, with the top 5 all selling above the $200,000 mark.

View results across all 3 nights here: https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/july-muscle-classics-motoring-auction/

And, when we look at the 2026 year to date, Burns & Co is proud to have delivered exceptional results for vendors with the top 10 cars all over $225,000.

THE BEST CARS KEEP COMING TO BURNS & CO!

*All prices mentioned include Buyer’s Premium.

Now Accepting Entries for August/September

Following another successful event, Burns & Co is now accepting entries for the August/September Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction.

Whether you’re selling a single vehicle, downsizing a collection or dispersing a lifetime’s passion, our experienced team can provide a free, no-obligation appraisal and discuss the best strategy to maximise your result.

We’re currently seeking:

• Muscle Cars
• Classic Cars
• Modern Performance Vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Project Vehicles
• Collections & Memorabilia

Thinking of Selling?

Contact one of our specialists today:

Ashley Burns – 0408 618 294

Anton Cooper – 0427 383 531

Jason Todd – 0400 321 919

Phil Shaw (NSW / QLD) – 0437 637 644

Or submit your vehicle online:

burnsandcoauctions.com.au/submit-your-vehicle

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

We’re Hiring | Administration Manager

Burns & Co Auctions continues to grow, and we’re excited to announce that we’re looking for an experienced Administration Manager to join our management team at our Bayswater headquarters.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of one of Australia’s leading auction companies specialising in Classic, Collectable & Muscle Cars, Motorcycles and Memorabilia.

Working closely with Director Ashley Burns, the successful applicant will play a key role in overseeing the administration and planning functions that keep our business running efficiently. From payroll and staff planning through to company compliance, accounts administration and supporting our growing team, this is a varied and rewarding position suited to an experienced administrator who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.

With auction facilities in Melbourne and Newcastle, Burns & Co has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years and is continuing to build an exceptional team dedicated to delivering outstanding service for our vendors and buyers across Australia.

If you’re highly organised, enjoy leading people, have excellent attention to detail and are looking for a long-term career with a unique Australian business, we’d love to hear from you.

Position: Administration Manager
Location: Bayswater, Victoria
Hours: Full Time | Monday to Friday | 8:00am–4:00pm

Applications close Monday 20th July 2026.

👉 View the full position description and apply via SEEK:
https://au.seek.com/job/93068525?tracking=SHR-IOS-SharedJob-anz-1

Alternatively, confidential enquiries can be directed to Ashley Burns on 0408 618 294 or via ashley@burnsandco.com.au.

The question always arises here at Burns & Co as to how we are able to create the best environment for achieving record breaking prices and the secret lies with our passion, performance and auction process!

Our Next Level Collectors Auction last night came to an awesome conclusion, with the final lot of the night, a Superb Original Neptune Double Sided Pole Sign selling for an Australian Record price for a light box of $51,260!

These prices aren’t always easily achievable, but here at Burns & Co we have an army of a team that puts in the hard yards to make sure every item that comes through our doors gets the best opportunity to earn the best price it can.

So how exactly do we create the right environment to sell for every lot?

The first key thing is to obtain the item, which is something we thrive on as we are nation wide travelling business. It doesn’t matter how rural you are, we’ll come and collect!

Presentation is the next key step to success here. The Neptune Double Sided Light Box that sold for a record price likely wouldn’t have reached the price it did based on how it initially presented as the lenses were detached from the pole, Our team went to the effort to clean and bring the item back into it’s original state.

Once the item is at our auction house in Bayswater and prepared accordingly, it’s time to find the right auction to suit it. Between the Classic Car Auctions, Livestream Auctions & Timed Online Auctions, we’ve got a lot of suitability for any given item that comes through our doors!

Finally, once the catalogue is finalised and the auction is live, our marketing team presents the catalogue to the nation, and with over 125,000 followers across our socials, each item in every catalogue is capable of finding the right buyer.

Here about the process from our Principal & Head Auctioneer Ashley Burns himself in the video below!

Thinking of Selling?

We’re always in the process of setting up another one of our premier collectors auctions, so why not join the fun?

Whether you have a handful of rare tins, signs, bottles or more, you’re not going to find a better place to sell than Burns & Co.

If you’re keen to enquire, call…

Ashley Burns
📞 0499 075 441

Price includes a 16.5% buyer’s premium.