LESKI AUCTIONS PTY. LTD.
13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East 3123, Victoria, Australia
Telephone:
Facsimile:
61-3-9864-9999
61-3-9822-2788
Email: contact@leski.com.au
A.B.N.13 081 928 921
Media Release
October
14th, 2008
AUSTIN MINI COOPER REVEALS ITS ITALIAN CONNECTION
It made is name with the 1969 film classic ‘The Italian Job’, but the Austin Mini Cooper had a starring role
well before its screen debut. The marque was originally created as a fuel saver following the Suez Crisis in
1956. It would have remained an unremarkable contribution to motoring if not for the gutsy design by one
of Europe’s innovators in Formula 1, John Cooper.
The ‘Mini’ has become a timeless classic and one of its best examples is being offered for sale by Leski
Auctions in association with Brooklands Classic Cars in Melbourne on Sunday, October 19th at 2.30pm.
The 1965 Austin Mini Cooper is the same model used in the Michael Caine film, and not the version which
was sold in Australia. It has a pre-sale estimate of $18,000 - $22,000.
In all there are 224 lots in the Classic Cars and Motor Memorabilia auction.
“Classic and collectible cars are traditionally a great investment, and never moreso during uncertain economic
times,” says Charles Leski. “If we look back to the events of 1987, we can see that cars purchased then have
increased their value considerably and there is every reason to suggest that the same will apply in 2008.”
About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973 and is one of Australia’s leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia,
Australiana, Collectibles and World Philately.
Leski Auctions is a recognised leader in the area of early photography, art, wine, cameras, books, autographs,
entertainment memorabilia, medals, coins, stamps, aerophilately, cigarette and trade cards, maps, railway
memorabilia, advertising artwork and posters, and the Olympics, football and cricket..
It was the first auction house in Australia to introduce an on-line, real-time bidding system ‘Live Bid Online’™,
which allows participation from anywhere in the world. It currently runs 22 auctions per year.
Leski Auctions has previously sold many significant collections, including those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke,
Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton. It has sold more ‘baggy green’ caps than any other
auction house in the world, and is one of the largest auctioneers of cricket memorabilia by value and volume.
Leski Auctions recently sold the newly-discovered Phar Lap horse tonic recipe book.
Managing Director Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Cultural Gifts Program through the Department of
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports
Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.
The company is located at 13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East 3123 Australia. Telephone +61-3-864 9999 and
Issued by:
Charles Leski, Leski Auctions
Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting
Tel: 61-3-9864 9999
Tel: 0403 135 880
charles@leski.com.au
michaelkrape@krape.com.au
NEWS 
