Australian Classic Car

MOTOR SHOW BREAKS RECORDS IN MELBOURNE

This once neglected four-door A9X sedan set an Australian auction record for an LX Torana when it sold for $192,000 at Shannons Melbourne Motor Show Auction.

American cars from the 1950s and 1960s were in high demand at the auction, with this 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner with its unique retractable hardtop selling above expectations for $82,000.

A 1977 Holden Torana A9X sedan, after 12 years of neglect behind a block of flats in Melbourne, sold for $192,000 at Shannons Melbourne Motor Show Auction on 10 March. The 4-door sedan is now in perfect condition painted Jasmine Yellow after a 9-year restoration, and easily outdid its estimate of $140-$180,000. Over 1,000 bidders and lookers crowded into Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, and 65 per cent of all lots sold.Other lots also attracted more than expected. Another Torana was a restored white 1977 LX Torana SS 5.0 Hatchback earning $53,500 against $25-$40,000, a black 1966 Mustang notchback coupe at $51,000 (range $36,000-$42,000) and red 1962 Volvo P1800 coupe bringing, $31,500 from $24-$30,000.

But a vintage surprise was a restored RHD 1935 Ford V8 Coupe unreserved selling for $47,000 to a WA enthusiast, above its $25-$35,000 range. An optioned up, matching numbers ‘72 Summer Gold Falcon XA GT Coupe made $92,000 and an appreciative buyer paid $180,000 for a low-km red 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT coupe.Top priced among a popular group of big, classic-era RHD Americans was a massive RHD red-and-white 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner with an eye-catching retractable hardtop at $82,000. An even longer, near-perfect RHD1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville in the same colours went for $73,000, and both a ‘56 Thunderbird and turquoise-and-white ‘55 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Coupe made $65,000.British and European classics remained valued investments, such as a top condition 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet ($67,000) and an award winning red 1962 Volvo P1800 Coupe - another possible record at $31,500. From England, a mostly original 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk1 went for $23,000 and a restored 1971 Triumph GT6 MkIII coupe brought $21,500. Other vintage winners were a 1927 Studebaker Erskine sedan with matching trailer, bringing $23,000, while a 1927 Chevrolet Capitol AA Roadster brought $22,000 and a 1922 Citroen 5CV Roadster went for $15,000. Contact: Christophe or Greg on 03 8543 2288 or 0413 567 308.To view all auction lots visit www.shannons.com.au

VINTAGE SUCCESS AT COMO HOUSE

1922 Lorraine Dietrich Type B3/6
Sports Tourer also sold, for $85,000

Bonhams and Goodmans’ first sale of 2008 at Como House, South Yarra on 13 March was fairly quiet but successful lots sold well. The standout was the 1930 Invicta 4½-LitreType A Tourer. With one owner since 1960, it sold for $203,400 against an estimate of $80,000-$120,000. In 1969, the engine was rebuilt using the original cylinder head, rockers, valves and other serviceable parts but the car had few other modifications. It competed extensively throughout the 1970s, including the Australian and New Zealand International Rallies and numerous VSCC events, and won several trophies, including the VSCC's premier award, the Vickery Trophy.


A 1923 Vauxhall Type OD 23/60hp Malvern Tourer sold for $79,100 from the estimated $45,000-60,000. This car has had various owners, including a stint with a farmer, and has been road registered for the last 10 years. The engine and running gear have been trouble free but the brakes were extensively refurbished. A 1922 Lorraine Dietrich Type B3/6 Sports Tourer also sold, for $85,000. This little-known marque achieved notable victories in the Le Mans 24-hour race. The excellent example offered could match a 3-litre Bentley for performance and looks, for much better value. The current owner purchased it as a completed restoration. Originally a 4-seater tourer, it now features the Le Mans-style boat tail coachwork.More modern lots were two Ford Mustang ‘Shelby’ clones. Though fully restored to original Shelby specification and ready to go, neither of these cars sold. One was a 1967 GT350 Fastback Coupe 'Clone' estimated at $200,000-$240,000, and the other a 1965 GT350 Fastback Coupe 'Clone' rated $55,000-$62,000. Contact Robert Glover 0417 661012 robert.glover@bonhams.com