An incredible collection of vintage vehicles will go under the hammer this weekend featuring a massive range of antique cars.
Some are ready to drive (including a fully restored 1927 Lancia Lambda 7th series and a 1956 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT, a 1934 Triumph Gloria and a 1962 Jaguar) and others are an ongoing project for car enthusiasts.
The timed online auction of Kim Brownbill’s extraordinary collection will undoubtedly capture the hearts of Lancia aficionados and connoisseurs of automotive history alike.
Kim’s passion for automobiles began 66 years ago when he was given the family Hupmobile at the age of 18 (the Hupmobile had comfortably transported the family of five plus their dog Rusty on holidays with plenty of room left for all).
Kim expanded his collection over the years to include a Bristol, Alfa Romeos, Subarus and Lancias, however, it was the Lancias that brought Kim the most joy.
According to his sister Margaret, when the siblings were living in Melbourne Kim would disappear after dinner to be with another Lancia owner, Jack Craig, who had a workshop nearby.
“They spent hours working on and discussing Lancias including the 1927 Lambda, which is in this sale,” Margaret said.
“His knowledge of Lancias was remarkable.”
Kim bought a property in northeast Victoria with a large shed that gradually filled up. When that shed was bursting at the seams, Kim purchased a factory in the heart of Maldon that had formerly been used for slipper and shoe manufacturing.
He quickly got to work filling his new factory with even more cars, and it is this factory that holds his collection today.
Kim’s passion for Lancias also extended to buying and selling Lancia parts on behalf of other enthusiasts. He would travel to Italy and the United Kingdom buying parts that Australian Lancia owners ordered.
Margaret recalls receiving a telephone call from The Lodge asking for Kim.
“When Kim took the call, he was advised Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser wanted him to source a particular part for his Lancia!” Margaret said.
“This was a testament to his reputation for being the ‘go-to’ guy for all things Lancia.”
Kim’s friend Ray Nicholls was an incredible panel beater who worked almost full-time on Kim’s collection for many years.
Kim only trusted Ray to work on his cars as they both had a similar passion, and high standards when it came to restoring and maintaining classic and vintage cars.
“The 1927 Lamba holds special memories for me,” Margaret said.
“While Kim had Ray paint it dark blue, I remember when it was then bright red and had a career of its own.
“Once a jazz band sat playing as it drove around Melbourne advertising cigars and several wedding parties used it for their grand arrival at the ceremony venue.
“It was also a major attraction at various parades, including in Maldon,” Margaret said.
Kim’s car collection was his pride and joy, and he dedicated many years of his life to maintaining, researching, and admiring the cars he had procured. Now it is time for his collection to be shared with the next generation of car lovers and he would be glad to see them continue to be appreciated and cared for by their new owners.
“Sadly, Kim is now in care and is unable to complete all the projects he began,” Margaret said.
“The family is hoping that other enthusiasts will be inspired by the progress he made and complete the work he started to put more Lambdas back on the road.”
Bidding closes in a staggered manner at one-minute intervals on Sunday August 6, with Lot One at 12.34pm and the last lot concluding at 8pm.
Viewing will be onsite in Maldon on Saturday August 5 from 10-5pm. For all enquires call Donington Auctions on 9882 1433 or at mail@doningtonauctions.com.au. Visit doningtonauctions.com.au to view the items for sale.
