On Saturday 13th November Bonhams Australia will hold their first collectors’ motor car auction as a wholly owned subsidiary of the international company. Early entries for the sale indicate that a mouth watering array of cars will go under the hammer not least of which is the aforementioned Jaguar.

This rare car is the 17th Jaguar XK120 made and is one of only 58 right hand drive alloy-bodied roadsters produced. Chassis number ’660017? was sold new in Australia and carries extensive local race history including a number of appearances at the world famous Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst, NSW. Having passed through a number of local owner/racers the car was purchased by world famous Lotus collector/historic racer and rally ace John Dawson-Damer in the late 1970s. Having been fully restored by Dawson-Damer in the mid-late 1990s the car has seen little use since and is offered for sale on the open market for the first time in over three decades. It is estimated to fetch at least AUD $140,000.

Robert Glover head of collectors’ motor cars at Bonhams Australia comments “Having overseen the successful sale of John’s exceptional collection of Lotus racing cars in late 2008, we feel both privileged and honoured that Bonhams have been entrusted with the sale of further motor cars from one of the most highly regarded collections in Australia and indeed the world.”

Also offered for sale from the same collection will be a 1979 Lotus Esprit JPS Edition. Purchased new from the factory by John Dawson-Damer, this single owner from new car is offered for sale without reserve. It will give collectors’ an affordable opportunity to purchase a part of the Dawson-Damer Lotus legacy not to mention a rare example of Lotus’s first true super car.

The Late Honourable John Dawson-Damer was an expatriate Englishman who spent most of his life in Australia. During his life John became heavily involved in motorsport mainly through rallying but also became famous throughout the worldwide motoring enthusiast group by amassing the most significant collection of Lotus Single-Seater racing cars in the world outside of that owned by the family of Lotus founder Colin Chapman. John, a much loved and highly revered historic motor racer and enthusiast did a huge amount for the motor racing movement both in Australia and Europe. Tragically he was killed whilst competing in England in one of his beloved Lotus Formula 1 car in 2000. Since then his family have continued to maintain some of his superb collection. In 2008 6 of the 7 Lotus racing cars from the collection were sold in Sydney. His children retain and race a significant Formula 1 Lotus racing car in memory of their late father.

www.bonhams.com/carssydney

In 1982, five famous Australians, the artist John Olsen, writers Dame Mary Durack and Geoffrey Dutton, the conservationist Vincent Serventy and the art dealer and collector Alex Bortignon, set out on a 10 week journey to visit Aboriginal and other isolated communities and to study the land forms of the area.

The fruits of their adventure are celebrated in the 1984 book, ‘The Land Beyond Time’, but Alex Bortingnon and John Olsen also collaborated on a diary. Written after the event, it was transcribed by Olsen from Bortignon’s notes and recollections and is illustrated by 133 photographs and 42 original sketches by Olsen including some pasted into the manuscript from a sketchbook used on the journey. The diary is a vivid account of their observations as they criss-crossed several thousand miles of terrain on land and by air.

The dairy is accompanied by a copy of, ‘The Land Beyond Time’, signed by Bortignon and Olsen, with two original sketches by Olsen, and a collection of source material, newspaper cuttings, etc relating to the journey. It is estimated between £30,000 – 40,000.

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/travel

Over 80 vehicles will go under the hammer including three unreserved vehicles. A huge range will be on hand including, sedans, hatches, 4WD’s and light commercial vehicles.

In addition to the great bargains buyers will secure, every car sold includes a three month/5,000km statutory warranty and Free Roadside Assist for twelve months. A discounted five year warranty for the price of three will also be available.

Brands that will feature in the Auction include:

-BMW
-Toyota
-Holden
-Ford
-Mitsubishi
-Honda
-Mazda
-Nissan
-Subaru and more

Eddie Abounader, National Account Manager from Pickles Auctions explains. “A variety of quality vehicles with low kilometres will feature at the Certified Fleet Vehicle Auction. Three unreserved vehicles will also be on show and buyers will save thousands.

“Finance packages, trade ins and extended warranty will be available on the day, which means that buyers not only save thousands on quality used cars, but they also receive all of the add-ons and assurances usually associated with purchasing a new vehicle.” Eddie continues “We have scheduled this auction to run on a weekend to allow buyers who can’t make it to our regular mid week auctions to attend.”
The Certified Fleet Vehicle Auction is on Saturday 31 July at 2:00pm at Pickles Auctions, 54 Kingsgrove Rd, Belmore.

Viewing times will be held on Thursday 29 July from 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 30 July from 9:00am-4:30pm and from 9:00am on the day of sale.
All the vehicles can also be viewed prior to auction at www.pickles.com.au. Buyers can view the vehicle listing, photographs and find out how to register to participate in the auction.

For bidders unable to attend the auction, Pickles also offer ‘Pickles Live’ online bidding. It enables bids to be placed in real time using the internet.

For more information, please contact (02) 9704 6769.

This is a one-off event with over 80 vehicles available for sale prior to auction. Along with three month/5,000km statutory warranty, buyers will also receive Free Roadside Assist and the chance to purchase discounted five year warranties.

Brands that will feature in the Auction include:

-Mercedes
-Toyota
-Ford
-Holden
-Mitsubishi
-Mazda
-Subaru
-Nissan and more!

Robert Webster, Branch Manager at Pickles Auctions Geebung explains, “The two day Fixed Price Clearance will be ideal for those unfamiliar with the auction process. With vehicles listed for sale under retail pricing, buyers will be able to purchase before the auction without any pressure.”

The Fixed Price 2 Day Sale is on Friday 23 July from 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 24 July from 9am- 3:00pm at Pickles Auctions, 280 Bilsen Road, Geebung.

Viewing times will be held between 9:00am-4:00pm on Thursday 22 July.
All the vehicles can also be viewed prior to auction at www.pickles.com.au. Buyers can view the vehicle listing, photographs and find out how to register to participate in the auction.

For bidders unable to attend the auction, Pickles also offer ‘Pickles Live’ online bidding. It enables bids to be placed in real time using the internet.

For more information, please contact Robert Webster on (07) 3632 9400.

Leading the charge is a delightful 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer, which carries original coachwork by Vanden Plas. “This Australian delivered matching numbers example is in wonderfully correct and original condition even retaining most of its original upholstery. It is one of the finest examples of its type I have ever seen,” enthuses Bonhams’ motoring specialist Robert Glover. “Speed Model 3 Litre Bentleys in any form are highly sought after in the current market. Obtaining a matching numbers car that retains its original and desirable Vanden Plas coachwork is becoming increasingly challenging and thus we expect to receive interest in the car from both Australian and international collectors of the marque.” The motor car is estimated at AU$290,000-340,000.

Continuing with the vintage theme, the Bonhams team have also consigned an extremely original and very rare 1928 Sunbeam 20/70HP ‘Light Tourer’. It is thought that as few as three examples of 12/70 HP Sunbeams survive anywhere in the world. To this end the car is sure to receive plenty of interest from the vintage motoring cognoscenti who will appreciate the quality of the Sunbeam workmanship from the era. It is expected to achieve upwards of AU$50,000.

For those who prefer enjoy their garage time another interesting lot will be the 1926 Bugatti Type 38 restoration project that was unearthed from a barn in Queensland Australia earlier in the year. A great ‘entry level’ into the magical cars from Molsheim, the project is estimated to achieve between AU$15,000 – $25,000 and will be offered for sale without reserve.

James Knight, International Director of Bonhams’ Motoring division comments, “I was extremely interested in the collections I saw and collectors I met during my recent visit to Australia. The early consignments to our sale are very encouraging and clearly demonstrate why Bonhams feel it so important to re-establish our brand in Australia and continue servicing the market for the long-term.”

www.bonhams.com/australia

The ultimate enthusiasts’ Holden – a totally original and undisturbed Torana A9X Hatch ‘homologation special’ – is a standout vehicle of the Custom and Collectible Vehicle Auction presented by Shannons at Sydney’s Meguiar’s MotorEx on July 25.

The Palais White A9X, serial number J590981, was the very first of just 100 two-door Hatch and 305 four-door Torana A9X sedans built for sale to the public between August and December 1977.

It was initially one of two GM-H press and promotional vehicles before being acquired by leading Sydney Holden Dealer and racing driver Ron Hodgson and has covered just 16,000km since new in the hands of a series of careful collector/owners.

Created as an improvement of the previous L34 racing Toranas, the A9X was actually a ‘Performance Equipment Package’ available on a range of LX models fitted with the 5.0 litre, 308-cid engine.
It was introduced in August 1977 to ensure its eligibility for that year’s Bathurst 1000 race and was priced at a now-bargain $10,600 for the four-door Sedan and $10,800 for the Hatch. Yet surprisingly the A9X was actually a slow seller at the time, leading GM-H to broaden the model’s colour palette to clear stocks.
While race versions were equipped with the L34 engine, T10 gearbox, roll cage, wide wheels and long-range fuel tanks, new Australian Design Rules and Emission laws dictated that all A9X Toranas rolled off the assembly line in the same, more basic specification, fitted with Holden’s stock L31 5.0-litre V8.
Significantly, the A9X was the first Holden ever to be fitted standard with rear discs and its Salisbury differential also meant the extra tall 2.60:1 final drive ratio could be used to advantage on Bathurst’s long Conrod straight. The cars were also clearly identified by their new rear facing, bonnet-mounted carburettor induction scoop, one of the 100 or so differences that set the A9X apart from standard LX Toranas.
The rest is history. Although failing to spoil Ford’s Moffat Dealer Team 1-2 party at Bathurst that year, the A9X went on to become the most successful Australian Touring Car ever built by Holden.
A9X Toranas won both the Sandown and Bathurst races and the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1978 and 1979.
This included the most crushing of all Bathurst victories in the pre-safety car era, when Brock and co-driver Jim Richards took a six-lap victory at Bathurst in 1978, ahead of a freight train of a further seven A9X models, with Brock famously thumbing it to Ford by claiming a new lap record on the final lap.
The A9X Hatch being auctioned by Shannons at MotorEx comes with its original logbooks, delivery documents and paperwork, making it a unique opportunity to purchase a special part of Australian motoring and motorsport history.
Because of its exceptional provenance, originality and historic significance, Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $270,000-$290,000.
Meguiar’s MotorEx is the largest and most prestigious motoring event of its kind in Australia and is being staged over the weekend of July 24-25 at the Sydney Showground.
Show times are: Saturday from 10am – 7pm, Sunday from 10am – 6pm.
The Shannons auction starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, July 25.
All details of all MotorEx auction lots visit www.shannons.com.au
For media information/images, contact: Michael Browning 0418 324 328. For further auction information, contact: Ian (02) 8019 4180 or Christophe 0413 567 308

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Bonhams is relaunching its business in Australia with the Owston Collection sale on June 25 and 26, to be followed by its first sale of Collectors Cars in the Spring. With the appointment of Dalia Stanley the company shows that its commitment to growing its Australian business with leading specialists continues apace.

Dalia has enjoyed over thirty years in the fine art auction industry, beginning in 1980 when she left the academic life of Sydney University to join the auction house Geoff K Gray to pursue and develop her deep interest in fine art.

She was manager of the Fine Art Department for over ten years and was responsible for a number of ground breaking auctions including the sale of Luna Park’s memorabilia and the Benedictine Abbey Australian Colonial Collection in 1888.

In 1990 she established her premier boutique fine art auction house, Stanley & Co Pty Ltd, which specialized in the sale of private collections and on site auctions. The company conducted such historic sales as the contents of The Regent Theatre, Purrumbette, (the Victorian country house of the late Rene Rivkin), The Holdsworth Galleries, The Melbourne Doll Museum, the Estates of Maximillian Feuerring and Leo Steiner.

Over 15 years the company set numerous Australian auction record prices for Art Deco figures, Australian pottery and rare antique toys and dolls.

Dalia Stanley joined Bonhams and Goodman in 2005 following their purchase of the goodwill of Stanley and Co. Over the last five years she worked with that company, now Sotheby’s Australia, as Senior Specialist developing the departments of Fine and Decorative arts, Jewellery, and Collectables.

Dalia Stanley says: “With Bonhams I will be able to continue what I believe in, offering great service to clients, helping them to carry the load at what can often be a stressful time. The Bonhams brand stands for delivering a great experience with the best result. I am so looking forward to working with Robert Brooks, James Hendy and the Bonhams team.”

Commenting on this appointment, Robert Brooks, Bonhams chairman, said: “We are hugely fortunate to have Dalia join our new team. Her name is synonymous with academic excellence and a deep knowledge of Fine and Decorative Arts. Her reputation and integrity will be of great significance in growing our business in Australia. I am personally delighted to welcome her to the team.”

www.bonhams.com/australia

Bonhams have been a key player in the classic car auction scene in Australia for many years but the integration of Bonhams’ Australia into their worldwide group will improve the overall standard of service offered to their clients and customers – particularly in the motoring sector. By linking directly into the Bonhams worldwide motoring database, which enjoys huge international traffic, clients will experience the best and most exciting Bonhams services and benefits. The inaugural auction is scheduled to take place in Sydney this September with a full calendar of sales for 2011 to be announced shortly.

Robert Glover who was a specialist in the Bonhams Motoring department in Britain for a number of years before transferring to Australia in 2007 to work with Bonhams & Goodman, now heads Bonhams Australia’s Car Department. A hugely knowledgeable motoring enthusiast, Robert says of the first Bonhams Australia car auction: “We have received a great deal of interest in the first sale where we will operate as a fully integrated member of the Bonhams international motoring department.

Early indications are that our clients are very receptive to the news of our renewed presence and the Australian market is reassured to have Bonhams as a committed and consistent player in the region.”

Joining Robert Glover in the Bonhams Australian motoring team will be Damien Duigan. Damien is again an extremely knowledgeable motoring enthusiast with a particular penchant for all things Italian. Damien has had years of experience in the Auction industry with local firm Shannons and more recently experienced the very top end of the US market working for a well-known classic Ferrari dealer in California, USA. Robert Glover comments ‘We are delighted Damien has come on board. He brings an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and will be a huge asset to Bonhams’ clients both in Australia and indeed globally.’

James Knight, International Managing Director Collectors Motor Cars at Bonhams, comments: “Australia is a market we strongly believe in and have had a presence in for many years.” He adds: “Robert Brooks, our Chairman, Doug Nye our senior historical consultant and Malcolm Barber our CEO in the USA have all had extensive experience of the Australian classic car market and have been involved with many of the country’s best known collections and events over many years. I can promise our clients a complete commitment to service the Australian classic car market to the very best of our abilities. Indeed our commitment to Australia has never wavered. We are here for the long haul.”

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“The e.CO auction exceeded all of my expectations, underscoring the level of excitement around the launch of .CO,” said Juan Diego Calle, CEO of .CO Internet S.A.S. “B52 Media and Bookmarks.com now have the rare opportunity to own one of the most valuable pieces of Internet real estate ever to come available on the market.”

e.CO is one of the shortest, most meaningful domain names in the world, making it one of the most rare and highly valuable domain names on the market. To learn more about .CO and the e.CO auction, please visit: www.e.co.

About .CO

.CO Internet S.A.S. is the Registry Operator for the .CO top-level domain. .CO Internet was formed by a strategic venture between Arcelandia S.A. and Neustar, Inc. The .CO domain offers individuals and businesses a truly global, recognizable and credible option in branding their online presence. Thanks to leading-edge technology, enhanced security and unprecedented rights protections for trademark owners, the .CO domain is poised to become the world’s next premier web address. For additional information, please visit www.COinternet.co.

About Sedo

Sedo, an acronym for “Search Engine for Domain Offers,” is the leading domain marketplace and monetization provider. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Sedo has assembled the world’s largest database of domain names for sale, with more than 16 million listings. The success of Sedo’s model has attracted a global membership base of more than 1 million domain professionals. Sedo is owned by Sedo Holding AG (ISIN DE0005490155 / German WKN: 549015), which is part of the German United Internet AG (ISIN DE0005089031/ WKN 508903). Sedo offers regional versions of its site for the UK (Sedo.co.uk), France (Sedo.fr), Germany (Sedo.de), and Spain (Sedo.com). For additional information, please visit them online at www.Sedo.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Sedo and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Sedo