Bull Market for Plates and Aussie classics, at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction
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Bull Market for Plates and Aussie classics, at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction

By Shannons - 21 February 2018

• Japanese and Australian Classics the ‘hot buttons’ for enthusiasts

• Strong results for classic Americans

• Excellent 96.2 percent clearance

Black and white numerical number plates were the ‘new gold’ for enthusiasts and investors at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction on February 19.

Most of the 14 black and white numerical number plates on offer sold comfortably above their pre-auction estimates, with the top price of the auction being $268,000 paid for the early Victorian-issued plate ‘124’.

Other standout number plate prices were the $206,000 paid for ‘225’, $135,000 for ‘840’, $119,000 for ‘452’, $113,000 for ‘743’ and $73,000 for ‘2.225’.

Some number plates more than doubled their estimates, with ‘7.555’ bringing $61,000, ’22.444’ selling for $32,000, ‘2.255’ making $73,000 and ‘6.661’ selling for $58,000.

This Brysons-delivered 1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 2 Coupe displaying just 65,500 miles on its odometer, was the top selling vehicle at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction on February 19, bringing $174,000.

The top vehicle price of the auction was $174,000 paid for a lovely, deep red, Brysons-delivered 1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 2 Coupe displaying just 65,500 miles on its odometer.

Another classic sporting coupe – a professionally-restored and converted Guards Red 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo that arrived from the USA in 2004 – sold on estimate for $119,000, while an uber-rare the left-hand-drive 1987 BMW M3 Coupe made $65,000.

Pre-War cars were also in demand amongst enthusiasts, with a pair of stately, Vintage Rolls-Royce models – a magnificent 1927 New Phantom Limousine and a striking black and yellow 1929 20/25HP saloon, both with distinctive coachwork – selling for $95,000 and $84,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, a fabulous right-hand-drive 1935 Auburn 653 Phaeton that had been in the same Adelaide family since new and had appeared on ‘Getaway and Channel Nine’s “Backyard Blitz”, sold for $92,000.

This exceptionally low mileage 1951 Holden 48-215 FX Sedan with numerous NASCO features originally intended for the cancelled 1952 Royal Tour, sold for $47,500.

Classic Australian vehicles performed very strongly, with a standout being the $47,500 paid for an exceptionally low mileage 1951 Holden 48-215 FX Sedan with numerous NASCO features originally intended for the cancelled 1952 Royal Tour.

This stunning 1974 Holden HQ GTS 308 Monaro Coupe sold for an auction-record $94,000.

Meanwhile, two ‘no reserve’ 1970s Holdens both posted auction records, with a 1974 Holden HQ GTS 308 Monaro Coupe selling for a $94,000, while a 1978 Holden HZ Premier 4.2 V8 sedan brought $35,000.

Another notable result for an ‘Aussie Icons’ was the $77,000 paid for an expertly-restored 1972 Chrysler VH 770 Charger 318 V8 Coupe.

Two ‘no reserve’ Falcon GTs both brought good money, with a 1973 Falcon XA GT showing some patina commanding $66,000 and an Icon Gold 1969 Ford XT Falcon GT Sedan selling for $62,000.

The four Japanese Classics in the auction all performed above expectations, in line with International interest from collectors.

Japanese sporting classics are in demand these days, with this very low kilometre 1992 Toyota MR2 ‘Targa’ Coupe more than doubling its pre-auction high estimate to sell for $23,500/

A very low kilometre 1992 Toyota MR2 ‘Targa’ Coupe presented in factory original condition, excited a number of phone and internet bidders before selling for $23,500 – more than double its pre-auction high estimate.

A 1996 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan that has spent most of its life in storage and was believed to have covered just 23,657km from new, brought $30,000, while a mechanically-modified and turbocharged 1969 Datsun Fairlady Coupe brought $45,000 and a cute 1988 Suzuki ‘Mighty Boy’ micro utility sold for $5,600 – close to its original new purchase price.

This striking 1957 Chevrolet Belair ‘Pillarless’ Sedan was one of a number of American classics go do well at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction on February 19, selling for $67,000.

Classic Americans cars of the 1950s and 1960s brought good money, with a fabulous, low mileage 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster presented in wonderful, preserved condition selling for $89,000, an ultra-rare and collectible left-hand drive 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Convertible bringing $68,000, a lovely, right hand drive  1957 Chevrolet Belair 'Pillarless' Sedan selling for $67,000 and a believed two-owner 1963 327-V8 engined Chevrolet Impala Convertible in great unmolested condition going with ‘no reserve’ for $56,000.

View all Shannons February 19 Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction Results

For more information on the auction contact the Melbourne Auction Team on (03) 8588 0809 or email auctions@shannons.com.au.

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