- Record $1.11 million paid for Victorian Heritage number plate '26'
- Classic Holdens bring top prices ahead of brand's demise
- Over $4 million in total sales
The Victorian Heritage black and white number plate '26' produced the outstanding single result of Shannons March 2, Melbourne Autumn Auction, selling well above its home State's median home price for an auction record $1.11 million.
The result comfortably eclipsed the $535,000 paid at last year's Shannon Melbourne Autumn Auction for the similar early-issue Victorian number plate '59'. The best price paid for a three-digit Heritage plate at this year's auction was $165,000 for '817', while auction records prices were paid for both the four-digit numerical plates '8.228' ($132,000) and the five-digit 'lucky' plate '80.888' that sold for a remarkable $104,000.
However, it was the prices achieved by the three classic Holdens in the auction that told another story.
The trio – a beautiful three-owner 1954 FJ Special Sedan with just 79,443 miles on its odometer; a well-presented 1972 Holden HQ Monaro 202 Coupe and a nicely-optioned 1978 Holden HZ Premier 308 Sedan – all comfortably exceeded their pre-auction estimates, with their prices driven up by strong floor, phone and internet bidding by enthusiasts.
Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said the prices achieved by the Holdens reflected the Australians feel for the soon-to-be-gone iconic brand and showed the potential for quality examples to appreciate in years to come.
The FJ auctioned, which was the beneficiary of a complete body-off nut and bolt restoration, was sold together with its matching 1956 Sports Minor teardrop caravan and was fitted with an original radio, wheel spats and a sunshield amongst desirable period options.
It sold for $51,000; the HQ Monaro made $67,000 and the HZ Premier brought $55,000 – all comfortably above their pre-auction high estimates.
A restored and very desirable 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 that had been in the hands of the same local enthusiast for the last 20 years, sold with a 347ci Stroker kit, a T5 five-speed manual gearbox and other performance enhancements for $165,000 to deliver the best vehicle result of the auction.
Another good result was the $125,000 paid for a left hand drive 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that had travelled just 400 miles since its restoration. It was presented in lovely condition throughout, fitted with a mid-mounted Ford 351ci Cleveland V8.
Meanwhile a rare Vintage sporting car from an earlier era – a very collectible 1928 Delage DMS Sports Tourer that was in the hands of its late owner for more than 50 years – sold for $90,000 after vigorous bidding, while a wonderful 1929 Chrysler 75 Doctors Coupe sold for an excellent $46,000.
Other standout vehicle results included $33,000 paid for a cool 'Cal-look' 1964 'Twin Port' Volkswagen 1200 'Beetle' sedan offered with 'no reserve', with its period accessories including a silver mesh windscreen sun visor, a luggage rack, an enlarged 1600cc engine and a set of adjustable coil-over spring/shock absorbers.
A well-presented 1986 BMW M535i manual saloon sold for $33,500; a restored 1960 Austin-Healey 'Bug-Eye' Sprite brought $32,000 and the best result amongst the six motorcycles on offer was $23,500 paid for a restored 1962 Velocette Viper Clubman 350cc.
For results of Shannons March 2, 2020 Melbourne Summer Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
For information on specific lots, contact: Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 6).
For media information and publication-quality photos, please contact: Michael Browning 0418 324 328
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