$50K for 'Kram' Merak at Shannons Melbourne auction

Kram, aka Mark Maher, bought the RHD Maserati some years ago, and used it sparingly, although it did feature in the video his solo single 'Silk Suits,' as well as in a photo shoot for Rolling Stone magazine. Interestingly, the Merak is believed to have been originally used by the Italian Consul in Adelaide.

Fitted with a mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Merak was a contemporary of Ferrari's Dino and Lamborghini's Urraco when new, and was capable of a genuine 240 kph top speed.

Finished in metallic burgundy with cream leather interior, the rarity of the first series Merak (before the introduction of the SS in 1975) saw several enthusiasts in hot pursuit before it sold to a floor bidder for $50,000 - within the upper end of its predicted selling range.

A 1964 Jaguar MkII '4.2 Improved' saloon also exceeded its high estimate to sell for $43,000, while a nicely restored and now-rare 1967 Lotus Elan S3 Roadster brought $35,000.

Other sporting cars to punch above their weight at the auction included a nicely-executed 1975 Ford XB Falcon 'GT Tribute' 351-V8, four-speed manual Coupe that sold after eager floor and phone bidding for $39,000, while a 1975 Ford XB Falcon GT automatic four door sedan finished in the rare colour of Frosted Lime Metallic sold on estimate for $33,000.

Also doing well at the auction was a 1935 Packard Super Eight right hand drive sedan, with an interesting Australian history, that sold for $61,500, while a stylish 1938 Buick 8/40 Sedan brought $27,000.

A 1999 Daimler Super 8 'supercharged' Saloon, powered by a supercharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and capable of 250kph, sold for $31,000 - the upper range of its pre-sale estimate, but a fraction of its original $215,000 cost when it was delivered new in Melbourne 14 years ago.

Full results and further details from this auction can be found at www.shannons.com.au

Images: courtesy of Shannons