Euro Classics Top Shannons Spring Sale

SYDNEY – Oct 24, 2012: Classic sporting cars from Britain and Europe were the top selling vehicles at Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction on October 22.

The top-selling vehicle of the sale was a left hand drive 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet, which sold for $88,000.

The now-rare two-door W187 model was one of just 1,278 examples built and had led a sheltered life since its recent restoration.

Another classic Mercedes, a beautiful 1966 230SL ‘Pagoda roof’ roadster that had covered a documented 34,000 mile since it was delivered new in the UK, made $81,000 after being pursued by both floor and phone bidders.

A more recent 1988 model 300SL Convertible also fitted with both hard and soft tops that was imported from Hong Kong by the vendor in 2004, sold for $17,500.

Amongst the British sporting cars, the top seller for $50,000 was a V8-engined Sunbeam Tiger Mk I convertible that was the subject of a full rebuild in 2003, while from Italy, a four-seater 1974 Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe brought $52,000

A restored and upgraded 1963 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 Manual saloon in lovely condition sold for $29,000, a little-used and very original 1952 MG TD Roadster that has been in the hands of the same owner for the past 35 years sold for $25,500, a 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo made $20,000 and a fully-restored 1969 MG Midget Mk III Roadster went for $15,000.

Meanwhile from the USA, a left hand drive 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible offered with no reserve brought the hammer down at $29,500 after being pursued by several enthusiasts.

Amongst the Australian cars, the standout sale was a 1972 Monaro HQ LS 350 coupe in ‘project’ condition that went for $35,000, while the unique Scarab/Triumph 650 Group L Historic racing car built in 1958 by noted automotive engineer, Henry Nehrybecki sold for $18,000.

From the heritage number plates on offer, the rare NSW motorcycle plate 50’ brought $45,000, while the best-selling NSW car plate was the black and white three-digit ‘284’ that made $75,000.