ASTON DBS TOPS SHANNONS MELBOURNE AUTUMN AUCTION

Of the total lots sold on the evening of May 5, 30-percent were purchased by online bidders, which Shannons National Auction Manager, Christophe Boribon says is an encouraging start.

"We are delighted with the take-up so far," he said. "We are using feedback to further refine the online bidding experience and expect even more people to participate in our first online Sydney Classic Auction on May 26."

Of the cars on offer in Melbourne, the top seller was a 1971 Aston Martin DBS. Finished in striking black, a colour rarely-seen on Astons from this era, this DBS was a V8 version, with the 5.3-litre all-alloy engine and 3-speed Torqueflite auto transmission.

Only 402 DBS V8s (a 6-cylinder DBS preceded the introduction of the V8 in 1970) were built before the DBS designation was dropped, the model henceforth being known as the Aston Martin V8. Thus, the DBS V8 is a relatively rare unit in Aston terms. As such, it was expected to do well and didn't disappoint. At $83,000, the DBS sold bang in the middle of its pre-auction estimate.

Other good results from this auction included the impressive $50,000 achieved by a stunning 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Sedan. A rare, Australian-assembled RHD unit, the Dodge was in good overall condition, with good paint, chrome and interior, as well as a tidy engine bay.

A 1955 Ford Victoria 2-door hardtop was keenly sought after by several enthusiasts before selling for $42,000 - at the top of its pre-auction estimate. A 1952 Bentley Mk VI Saloon achieved $45,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $30-$38K, while a contemporary 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300B sedan made $41,000.

Of the more modern offerings, a '76 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 sold for $35,000, while a 302 V8 and 4-speed manual-equipped 2002 DRB Cobra roadster made $44,000. In stunning condition, the bold red DRB Cobra replica also featured disc brakes, side-exit exhausts, chunky chrome wheels, and leather upholstery. The $44K sale price was at the top end of its pre-auction estimate.

There were mixed results for the Mustangs that were a talking point ahead of the auction, with a '66 GT convertible selling for $54,000, but the '68 Shelby GT 500 KR failed to meet its reserve and was passed in.

Similarly, the '74 LH Torana SL/R 5000 was passed in, but an '85 VK Commodore HDT replica made $8,250, a very tidy '67 HR Premier sold for $19,000, and a '71 HQ Monaro LS coupe made $25,000.

Shannons reported that the lot of the night was the 1973 Citroen D Super 5 saloon. Despite being from the tail end of the 'DS' era (the last were built in 1975), the restored '73 model proved to be a must-have for a pair of enthusiasts, who soon took the bidding well past its $20,000 pre-sale high estimate to sell for a very impressive $34,500.

Shannons next auction is their Sydney Late Autumn Classic Auction, which is scheduled for May 26. For advance details on this auction, and full results from the Melbourne auction, go to: www.shannons.com.au

Images: courtesy of Shannons