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Shannons held its Sydney Winter Auction on 18 July at their
St Leonards showroom. Some exclusive, even rare European classics
from the 1950s and ‘60s were the focus of attention,
and achieved good prices. Two rare sports cars competed for
top honours. A beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC Convertible,
originally a local family’s wedding present to their
son, and a sleek 1953 Jaguar XK120 fixed-head coupe, star
of the 1954 Sydney Motor Show, each sold for $55,000.
The Alfa was one of just 292 GTCs built in 1966, of which
a very limited number were made with right-hand drive. Almost
as rare, the Jaguar was one of 2,680 fixed-head coupes sold
between 1951 and 1953, of which just 195 were built with right-hand
drive. Also significant in this category was the $47,500 paid
for a silver 1960 Mercedes-Benz with matching factory hardtop
that was offered with no reserve.
Further down the price scale, more affordable European sporting
cars came close in price as well. A mid-engined 1972 Porsche
914 Targa coupe in excellent condition brought $21,500, just
edging out a classic 1959 MGA Mk I roadster at $20,000 and
a well presented 1961 VW Karmann Ghia coupe, $17,500. Among
the older vehicles on offer, the top result was $15,000 paid
for a fully restored 1926 Buick Master 6 Tourer.
Two very collectable three-wheeler micro vehicles from the
1950s and 1960s were equally popular with the crowd of about
600. A fully restored, bright red 1960 model BMW Isetta 300cc
out-performed many of the more conventional four-wheel offerings,
selling for $17,500 after solid bidding, and an immaculate
1956 Vespa APE three wheeler pick-up sold for $7,000.
By comparison, the Isetta, with front-opening door, chrome
luggage rack and folding sunroof, sold for nearly three times
as much as a 1956 Jaguar Mk VIII saloon at $6,250, and almost
double the $9,250 paid for a rare 1987 Citroen CX25 GTi Turbo
2 sedan. A 1955 Holden FJ Panel Van sold with no reserve for
$7,500, only $500 more than the little Vespa.
Notable memorabilia sales included $1,300 and $1,350 respectively
for a pair of unreserved 1939 Gilbarco ‘COR’ and
‘Golden Fleece’ petrol bowsers. A four digit NSW
black and white enamel number plate ‘2.557’ sold
for $26,000 – 4th best price of the auction and ahead
of a 1987 RHD convertible Cadillac Allante at $22,500
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