IN a nondescript warehouse on the Sydney Road at Kelso, a $1.6 million car is waiting for its new owner.
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It's a $1.6m car at the moment, at least, but it could go for more when it's auctioned as part of a collection of Peter Brock vehicles on Saturday night.
"It's been incredible," Lloyds Auctions head classic car curator Rian Gaffy said of the interest in the auction.
"We knew it was going to be big, but no one could imagine it was going to be this big."
Lloyds is now expecting a crowd of thousands to pour into the warehouse to have a look at the Brock Collection on Saturday and then to see the collection, put together by HDT (formerly Holden Dealer Team) owner Peter Champion, go under the hammer that night.
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Demand from fans and bidders has convinced Lloyds to start selling VIP tickets that include preferred seating, table service, collectable memorabilia and a meet and greet with past and present racing legends.
As is fitting for an event of this size, the auction will feature big screens and even fireworks, according to Lloyds' Kirstie Minifie.
The collection's standout vehicle is Brock's 1982/83 Bathurst-winning HDT VH Commodore, which has reached $1.61m in online bidding in the lead-up to the auction.
No matter what happens from here, it will set a record for the highest price paid for a Commodore in Australia, Mr Gaffy said.
And why the incredible interest in the collection?
"It has to go down to Peter Brock himself," Mr Gaffy said.
"Even though he has been gone for 12 years, he was just such a big part of motorsport.
"He was not just a great driver, but a great personality, and he had a fan base greater than any driver before or since."
No one could imagine it was going to be this big.
Everyone from 12-year-olds to "guys in their 80s" have been through Lloyds' Kelso warehouse to have a look at the vehicles in the lead-up to the auction, Mr Gaffy said.
And the Brock car that most grabs their attention as they wander around the cavernous space is an indication of when they got interested in motorsport, Mr Gaffy said.
Doors will open to the Brock Collection at 9am on Saturday and the auction will be held from 8pm.
Visit www.lloydsauctions.com.au for more information or to secure tickets, which range from free to the $199 VIP treatment.