Historic Bonhams & Goodman Administrator’s
Auction 13 June Announced Today
$12 Million of new MG Rover Motor Cars to be Sold

The Australian Distributor of MG/ Rover motor cars now in Voluntary Administration has appointed Bonhams & Goodman to liquidate 185 mostly brand new vehicles at an unprecedented national public auction to be conducted in five cities simultaneously on 13th June 2005.

In the wake of centenary celebrations the last of the great British car manufacturers, MG Rover closed its doors last month. Soon after, the local distributor, Motor Group Australia appointed Peter Marsden and David Kerr from RSM Bird Cameron Partners as Voluntary Administrators of the company. A major Australian bank has an interest in the motor vehicles.

Motor Group Australia (MGA) acquired the MG Rover business from Trivett’s, a large player in the Sydney car market, in August 2002. MGA operated from its Rushcutter’s Bay showrooms which were today listed for 28 June auction through Chesterton and McGees.

Although reports are sketchy it is believed that shareholders of MGA have given some undertakings.

Mostly located in Sydney and Melbourne the complete range of current MG and Rover models is also scattered throughout Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Whilst the central auction will be based out of Fox Studios in Sydney, interstate bidders will be invited to view cars and attend the premises on auction night at locations in their nearest capital city including Bruce’s Auctions in Adelaide and Leonard Joel in Melbourne and at other locations to be announced.

Buyers will be able to bid live in real time from their various locations at the central auction in Sydney. Customers will also be able to bid live on the internet or by telephone.

Bonhams & Goodman Chief Executive Officer, Tim D Goodman stated “We believe this is the first time a simulcast auction will be conducted nationally in this manner. We understand that warranties, national parts and service will all be available to all buyers at the auction.”

The inventory will include the iconic MG TF Convertible sports cars, the Rover 75 Connoisseur and the amazing MG ZT 260 V8 saloon and all other current models. When asked what to expect at the auction Goodman said, “This is an unprecedented event so it is hard to say. Many of these cars will become collector’s items but undoubtedly there are going to be some great opportunities on the night as the cars have to be sold”.