Exceptional classic cars race to Bonhams' first-ever Australia sale

A 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer and 1928 Sunbeam Tourer are among the star lots

The date for Bonhams first motoring auction in Australia has now been set - Sunday October 3 in Sydney - and the early entries are sure to help shake off the Australian winter blues.

Leading the charge is this 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," enthused Bonhams' motoring specialist Robert Glover. 

The 1928 Sunbeam Tourer

"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," he said.

The historic motor car is estimated at AU$290,000-340,000 (US$254,176-298,000).

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 (US$43,824).

The 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer (photograph by James Flood)

For those who 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 AU$15,000-25,000 (US$13,147-21,912) 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."

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Images: Bonhams