Key Facts:
- Over 100 vintage arcade machines from Australia's largest retro arcade to be auctioned with no reserve prices by Donington Auctions on 5 October
- Collection includes rare 'Shooting Zone' game (one of less than 12 worldwide) and popular titles like Mortal Kombat and Daytona USA
- Machines come from 'Arcade Garage' in Thornbury, Melbourne, which is closing down, and have been regularly maintained
- Auction includes 193 lots, featuring arcade machines, circuit boards and spare parts
- Potential buyers can test machines at 'Arcade Garage' or inspect them at Donington's headquarters before the auction
Rare and exotic amusement machines from Australia's largest 'retro' games arcade are set to go under the hammer with No Reserve prices, with Donington Auctions early next month.
More than 100 working and regularly maintained 'vintage' amusement games are to be offered in the on-line auction, which takes place on Sunday 5 October.
Donington Auctions is a premium, European-style auction house, and is one of Australia's largest auctioneers of classic and collectable items of all types, including memorabilia and ephemera.
"Like a step back into our childhood and the 'Timezone' arcades of the '90s, this collection of retro amusement machines is truly amazing, and will bring back many memories," Robbie Richards from Donington Auctions said.
"Significantly, all these machines are being sold without a reserve price, so this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a piece of your childhood at potentially a bargain price."
One of the highlights of this Donington retro amusement machine auction will be the sale of the 'Shooting Zone' game (Lot 104) which runs the master system cartridges, and is one of less than a dozen known to exist in the world. The last one sold is believed to have changed hands for $10,000.
Other notable Lots include examples of the Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, Daytona USA and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games.
All of these vintage amusement machines are come from the popular 'Arcade Garage' licensed venue in Thornbury (Melbourne) – the largest of its type in Australia – now closing its doors due to the owner's change of circumstance.
As a key part of the broader 'Welcome to Thornbury' entertainment precinct, the 'Arcade Garage' retro amusement game parlor saw these machines used daily and service regularly.
Included in the Donington auction too are various hard-to-find circuit boards and other parts crucial to the maintenance and repair of these vintage amusement games.
A total of 193 lots are going under the Donington Auctions' hammer on Sunday 5 October.
Prior to the auction, buyers are even offered the opportunity to try the games out at 'Arcade Garage' or inspect the machines at Donington Auctions' headquarters in Dingley (Melbourne). Details are on the website: www.doningtonauctions.com.au
