Take pieces of history home as Holden Museum holds rare, once-in-a-lifetime auction

The National Holden Motor Museum, which closed on April 14, 2024, was a treasure trove of Australia's motoring heritage. It showcased a collection that spanned decades of Holden's production.

However, with every closure, new opportunities open—especially for automotive enthusiasts who want to take home a piece of Australia's finest.


Auctioneers from Burns & Co. will bring the museum's diverse vehicles and memorabilia to the public.

The auction, which will take place on-site at the museum's former location at Echuca, promises to be a landmark occasion for collectors and Holden fans.


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The National Holden Motor Museum will put their collection up for auction this coming weekend. Image Credit: National Holden Motor Museum


The two-day auction will kick off on Saturday, May 18, from 8 am, with Lots 1 to 600 featuring an eclectic mix of items.

Prospective buyers can expect to find original dealership and workshop signage, vintage fittings, engines, gearboxes, and more.

These pieces offer a glimpse into the storied past of Holden's dealership experience and the mechanical heart of its vehicles.


On Sunday, May 19, starting at 9 am, the auction will continue with Lots 601 to 731.

These lots comprise the crown jewels of the collection: the cars themselves.

Among the vehicles up for grabs are highly sought-after models such as the HQ Sandman, the GTS 350 Coupe, and the 48-215---the first Holden car ever produced.

Highlighting the auction are rarities like one of only three HJ Statesman Coupes ever built and an HSV SV90 Statesman.

These vehicles are pieces of Holden's storied lineage, each with a tale to tell.

Burns & Co. also stated they would not attempt to start any vehicles during the auction.

However, many of these automotive gems are being offered without reserve, presenting a rare chance for enthusiasts to acquire them, potentially at a bargain.


Burns & Co. published an online catalogue of items for those interested or seeking more information about the auction.

You may also take a peek at the auction’s offerings here:


Source: Burns & Co Auctions/YouTube

The National Holden Motor Museum opened in Bayswater, Victoria, in 1984 and relocated to Echuca in 1993.

It claimed the title of the longest continuously running single-make museum in Australia.

The decision to close the museum and auction its contents came after owners Tony and Mark Galea found the demands of running the museum taxing their personal lives.

With no buyer to carry on the museum's legacy, the Galea brothers decided to part with their collection.

This auction is more than just a sale; it's a farewell to a significant chapter in Australia's motoring history and a final salute to the Holden brand that has meant so much to many.

The auction may be your last chance to own a tangible piece of the Holden story.

Whether you're a former Holden owner, a dedicated collector, or simply someone who appreciates the rich tapestry of Australian automotive culture, this auction is worth attending this weekend.
Key Takeaways

  • The National Holden Motor Museum closed its doors last month, with its entire collection heading to auction.
  • A vast assortment of vehicles and memorabilia, including iconic Holdens and original dealership items, will be auctioned by Burns & Co.
  • Collectable cars such as the HQ Sandman, GTS 350 Coupe, and a rare HJ Statesman Coupe are up for grabs.
  • The National Holden Motor Museum owners decided to sell due to personal commitments and opted to put the collection up for auction.
Did you own a Holden that you cherished? Do you have stories of adventures in these iconic vehicles? We invite you to share your Holden memories with us in the comments below.
 
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Australia selling off its history once again. So, I truly believe the Australia Government should have bought this museum to keep this collection together for all Australians. Once sold another part of Australian history will slowly be lost forever.
 
I don’t think many, if any, of SDC regulars could even afford the prices that this memorabilia will go for. It is a shame to see it split up.
 
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