Monsters, Ghosts and Cyclecars at major Australian auction

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Australia, with its dry climate and tradition of throwing nothing away, once again proves to be fertile ground for discoveries. From a modest French cyclecar with just 900 cc from the 1920s to a 27-litre flame-spitting monster from the Edwardian era – our friends at Donington Auctions are once more bringing an exceptionally varied selection of pre-war cars under the hammer at their Collector & Competition Car Auction. Many of the cars on offer were discovered on remote farms: some lovingly restored, others still in “barn find” condition.

Star of the sale, and certainly the most striking lot, is the imposing chain-driven 1908 M.A.B. fitted with a 27-litre Liberty V12 aircraft engine. Expected to fetch between AUD$320,000 and 360,000, the car was built around the remains of an Edwardian chassis from French maker Malicet et Blin (founded in 1890 in Aubervilliers). The car was re-created by the late Dr. Stuart Saunders, founder of the Binalong Motor Museum. Inspired by his discovery of M.A.B. components in the Riverina, Saunders built this spectacular machine with a 1918 Packard-Liberty V12. Proven in events such as the 1988 Bicentennial World Rally and Targa Tasmania, the M.A.B. is also eligible for the S.F. Edge Trophy at the Goodwood Revival.

From the same collection, but of a very different calibre, comes a c.1924 Amilcar Type CC. Saunders began its restoration, with the chassis and drivetrain professionally renewed in South Australia around eight years ago. What stands out immediately, however, is the remarkably attractive body: a beautiful wicker two-seater with a rounded tail. The car remains unfinished and is offered without reserve, estimated at AUD$15,000–20,000 – which seems worth it for the bodywork alone!

The sale also features two showpieces of British and American origin. First, a 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 hp, built on an Alpine Eagle chassis and locally bodied by Jackson, Jones & Collins for Sydney motor enthusiast Charles Bennett. The car, chassis 56NE, once underwent a concours restoration and is considered one of the finest Silver Ghosts in Australia. Expected to realise AUD$220,000–260,000.

Then there is a 1929 Packard Model 626 to Speedster specification, fully restored by David Ford (Stanthorpe). This factory “hot rod” combines a 384.4 cu.in. engine with high-lift camshaft, high-compression head, vacuum pump and cut-out. Good for 130 hp and a 100 mph top speed. The car has a known history dating back to the 1950s with Fred Thompson of Mount Tambourine, QLD, and was saved by the current owner in the 1980s. Never before publicly shown let alone offered, it is now estimated at AUD$200,000–250,000.

From the barns of a farm in western NSW come two restoration projects. A 1915 King Model D (AUD$25,000–35,000) – a rare survivor from the Detroit manufacturer with the slogan “The Car of No Regrets”. King was a pioneer in V8 passenger engines (260 cu.in., 40/50 hp). This example was discovered in the 1970s on the farm of original owner William Keen. The chassis, engine and transmission have already been rebuilt, with rare parts included.

Alongside it is a 1923 Stutz Speedway Four Bearcat (AUD$20,000–30,000). This Model K-DH with 361 cu.in. dual-ignition engine and transaxle originally carried the sporty Bearcat configuration. With its 120-inch wheelbase and numerous parts, it is an ideal candidate for full restoration.

The auction runs from today until 19 October 2025. The Australian dollar is currently trading favorably against major currencies: €0.56 / 1 AUD, $0.66 / 1 AUD, £0.48 / 1 AUD. The Donington Auctions team can assist with worldwide shipping – so seize the opportunity!
All listings can be found here.

Text by Laurens Klein

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