Record $352k for Porsche 356B at Shannons Melbourne Sale
• International battle for Porsche 356 Roadster
• Strong demand for B&W numerical number plates continues
• Modified cars no barrier for buyers
An enthusiast celebrated Porsche’s 70th Anniversary in style at Shannons Melbourne Auction Winter sale, purchasing a rare 1962 Porsche 356B T6 'Twin Grille' Roadster for an Australian auction record $352,000.
The local bidder outlasted several equally determined overseas and local enthusiasts to claim the restored Porsche, together driving its price more than $100,000 above its pre-auction high estimate.
The price confirms the world-market desirability of early Porsche models, with the rarity of the award-winning Roadster as one of just 248 built, enhancing its desirability.
In another strong Porsche sale, a 1998 McRae ‘Porsche 550 Spyder replica’ fitted with Porsche 914 mechanical components sold well above estimate for $90,000 after a bidding duel between floor and phone bidders.
Black and white Victorian numerical number plates remain in high demand, with the top price of the auction being $240,000 paid for ‘153’.
The Porsche model connection drove prices of some other plates up, with the hallowed ‘918’ selling for well above its high estimate for $160,000, while ’99.993’ and ‘9.944’ performed similarly, bringing $37,000 and $59,900 respectively. Meanwhile, the Ferrari model-related plate ‘5.599’ sold for $66,000.
The Porsche and number plate results were among a number of highlights of Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction, which delivered nearly $3.5 million in sales and recorded a very good clearance rate of 90 per cent.
In a unique event, a trio of in-demand Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 coupes crossed the block in the same auction, with a silver example that was the 22nd of the 100 delivered in 1991 achieving the highest individual price at $87,000.
Investors’ fascination with early Japanese performance cars extended to a left-hand-drive 1973 Mazda RX2 rotary coupe, which sold on estimate for $37,000.
Another highlight of the auction was the sale of two early 1960s Cooper Climax T53 ‘Lowline’ single seaters from a local collection. One T53, originally owned by three-time World Champion Sir Jack Brabham and raced in Australia by four-time Australian Grand Prix winner, Lex Davison, sold for $120,000.
Other vehicles that attracted good prices on the night included a partially-restored 1971 Chrysler VH Charger E38 R/T ‘Big Tank’ coupe with a replacement engine that sold for $132,000, a 1994 Dodge Viper R/T10 Roadster that brought $83,000, a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Convertible in stunning condition that went for $80,000 and a 1939 Hudson Terraplane 76 Coupe that went for $30,000.
Buyers were undaunted by professionally-modified cars, with a striking bright yellow Ford XL Falcon fitted with modern 302ci Ford V8 and C10 automatic transmission selling for $39,000 and a 1964 EH Holden Ute re-engined equipped with a later 202-cid six cylinder engine mated to a five-speed gearbox bringing $28,000.
‘No reserve’ classics again performed well, with a beautiful, red 1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe selling for $85,000, a very well maintained 1993 Bentley Brooklands Saloon selling for $36,000, a nicely-presented 1974 Citroen D Special selling for $33,000, while a restored 1970 MGB Mk II Roadster that was formerly a Casino door prize went for $18,000.
Two-wheelers also brought good prices at the auction, with a pristine limited edition 1998 Ducati 916 ‘Senna’ motorcycle (No 69/300) selling for $31,000, a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA V-Twin 750cc in great period condition going for $22,000 and a 1967 Vespa 150 scooter in lovely condition bringing $8,750.
View all Shannons July 16 Melbourne Winter Classic Auction Results
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.
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