Hail-damaged bargains going to auction

Pickles is holding an auction of hail-damaged cars nominally worth up to $17 million in its Tullamarine premises this weekend.

It's an opportunity for a buyer to step into a newer car at relatively little cost – provided the pockmarked panels don't make the new owner a social outcast. Alternatively, it's an outstanding money-making opportunity for panel beaters.

The vehicles were damaged during a dramatic downpour in Melbourne just before Christmas. They're owned by insurance companies, but haven't been consigned to the Written Off Vehicle Register, and they're all being sold without reserve. Some of the unlikely cars deemed too badly damaged to repair economically include a Mercedes-Benz S 500, a Porsche Cayenne and a BMW Alpina B3 – all 2017 models.

"All vehicles up for grabs are in excellent condition. This is the very first time we are hosting a hail-affected auction with such quality stock on behalf of major insurance companies," says Will Morgan, Director at Pickles Salvage.

"With all vehicles being sold with an unreserved price, this means consumers can get their hands on a late model, near new vehicle at a great price. We are expecting a great attendance."

It's shaping up to be a busy weekend for Pickles, with the company's Sunshine premises hosting a luxury car auction on Monday night next week – February 19. Headlining that auction is a Ferrari California T, one of nearly 70 collectible cars in the one place.

The California T from 2015 has travelled just 18,670 kilometres and is finished in eye-catching Nero Daytona (black) with beige leather upholstery inside. It's actually one of two Ferraris in the auction, the other being a 1988 328 GTS. That car has racked up 140,000km and is also black in colour, but with matching leather upholstery.

Pickles also plans to auction 15 Audis, eight BMWs, seven Land Rovers, eight Lexus, 18 Mercedes-Benz, two Porsches, one Renault and one Volkswagen at the luxury car auction. Also up for grabs there are two Fords (a replica Falcon XY GTHO and a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang), two HSVs (a 2015 ClubSport R8 and a 2017 GTS), a Lamborghini Murcielago from 2007, a 2011 Nissan GT-R and a two-year old 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser Sahara.

Viewing is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 17, between 10am and 4pm at 41-45 McIntyre Road, Sunshine North. The auction itself kicks off at 6pm on Monday, at the same location. Bidders are welcome to place bids online.

Vehicles lotted for the hail-damaged auction can be viewed at 130 Link Road Tullamarine on Friday, February 16 between midday and 7pm, with the auction taking place at 89 Garden Drive, Tullamarine on Saturday, February 17 from 9:30am.