A very original two cylinder 1990 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston sedan that had covered just 23,500km since new set an Australian record when it eventually sold after spirited bidding for $40,000 – more than double its guiding range of $12,000-$16,000.
At the other extreme of the technical spectrum, a rare three-headlight 1963 Czechoslovakian Tatra 603 Series saloon powered by a rear-mounted 2.5 litre, air cooled all-aluminium V8 engine brought similar applause from the large crowd at Shannons St.Leonards showroom when it sold to an enthusiast in Germany for $38,000 against its guiding range of $16,000-$22,000.
Both vehicles were pursued vigorously by up to eight phone and numerous floor bidders representing collectors and enthusiasts around Australia.
In another strong result, a very original, painstakingly-restored 1973 Holden LJ Torana XU-1 sedan finished in striking Tangerine sold on estimate for $95,000.
However it was just pipped for the top result of the auction by the New South Wales black and white numerical number plate ‘241’, which sold for $101,000.
Shannons National Auction Manager, Christophe Boribon said the results of the Sydney sale showed that the Australian classic auction market was in good health.
“As this auction showed, there is a strong demand for high quality classics,” he said. “We got our mix of vehicles right and buyers responded enthusiastically, particularly to interesting vehicles offered with no reserve.”
Classic sporting cars also performed well at the Sydney auction, with $28,200 paid for a well-presented 1971 Jensen Interceptor Mk3 coupe and $25,800 spent on a 1955 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster in very good condition, while a 1987 BMW M5 sedan hand-built to special order by BMW Motorsport sold above expectation for an excellent $24,600.
Amongst the motorcycles, a 1982 Ducati 900 Super Sport exceeded its pre-auction estimate to sell with no reserve for $19,800, while a 1959 Triumph Tiger Cub in beautiful, restored condition brought $8,500.
Full auction results can be found at www.shannons.com.au