Gosford Classic Car Museum auction results
5000 registered bidders took part in the auction of the largest private collection of classic cars in the southern hemisphere at the weekend at the former Gosford Classic Car Museum.
More than 2000 car enthusiasts have looked on as Gosford Classic Car Museum auctioned off an iconic Aston Martin DB5 for an Australian record of $1.55 million at the weekend.
The British luxury grand tourer made famous in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger was not the only vehicle to set a record price during the everything-must-go auction.
Ten other records for Australian cars were broken for Holden models and others set for American and European luxury models.
Among other the record-breaking highlights were the 1997 Aussie Invader III LSR JET selling for $455,000, and a 1930 Packard 740 which sold for $225,000.
The highly publicised sale is a key step in the closure of the museum after a dispute with the Australian Taxation Office.
Gosford Classic Car Museum general manager Jason Fischer said there were 5000 registered bidders for the auction which has more than “lived up to expectations”.
Mr Fischer said almost 98 per cent of more than 150 vehicles had been sold with the remainder under negotiation.
“It was a massive day — we had more than 2000 people here — people from all over the world and others bidding online,” Mr Fisher said.
“There was very strong interest across the board.”
Mr Fischer said he was not certain where some of the classic cars would end up, but believed the Aussie Invader III would remain in Australia.
Nine hour marathon
Lloyds Auctioneers Chief Operating Officer Lee Hames said the nine hour marathon auction was a rare event which had attracted extremely strong bidding.
“This collection was a one of a kind — the largest private collection of its kind in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Hames said.
“It covered such a large range of vehicles — from Australia, Europe, America — there was something for everyone.”
Celebrity interest
The auction attracted some celebrity names including former Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson and former Formula 1 world Champion Alan Jones.
“It’s incredible the amount of people that showed up to the auction, as well as their dedication to watching the spectacular 9-hour live event,” Mr Thomson said.
“The strong amount of bidding and prices achieved for Australian Muscle cars in particular was of great interest to me. I think it is fantastic that the majority of bidders were Australian, meaning the cars stay here,” he said.
Alan Jones said the auction success was proof that the Australian market was really strong with only two international bidders successfully winning cars.
“It proves that Aussie car collectors value their classic cars and heritage,” Mr Jones said.
“I am not surprised at the prices achieved in this World-class auction over the weekend attracting international attention. The cars got what they deserve, in a fantastic event which served as a true send-off in what was an emotional day of mixed feelings for both Lloyds Auctions and the Gosford Museum,” he said.
What next
Winding up of the museum continues with expressions of interest opened for purchase of the West Gosford Building.
Jason Fischer said the success of the auction was a bitter sweet experience for staff.
“We have people here who will lose their jobs, including me,” he said.
“For me — I’m a car guy — this was a dream job. It will be hard to top.”
Among other positions to go will be four mechanics, six general hands, administrative and marketing staff.
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