Jag tops Shannons Melbourne Spring Auction

Finished in off white with green leather interior, this 1.5-litre saloon was well-presented, with the exceptional state of the exterior arguably appealing more to buyers than the very original interior. The sunroof, centre-lock wire wheels, high-quality walnut-trimmed dash and detailed engine bay were also factors in this vehicle achieving $44,500 at Melbourne.

Also amongst the top sellers from this auction were a pair of Italians in the form of a 1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider and a 1974 Fiat 130 Coupe. Of the pair, the latter is rarely seen in this country, with less than 5,000 built over a six year production run. What made this V6-engined example additionally rare was the fact it was factory right hand drive.

The Shannons-auctioned 130 wkould have to be one of the best of the limited numbers in this country. Subject of a 30-month restoration, the Fiat exceeded its $24K pre-auction maximum estimate to sell for $32,500. The Alfa Romeo was very much in 'The Graduate' style, right down to the red paint, and was the subject of enthusiastic phone and floor bidding before finally selling for $38,000.

Other 'Euro' models that exceeded expectations included a stunning, bright red 1925 Citroen 5CV Roadster, which made $23,500, while a modified 1954 oval window VW Beetle, with its original 1192cc power plant replaced by a stroked 140kW 2400cc motor, sold on estimate for $25,500.

Finally, a pair of neat No Reserve offerings also found new buyers at Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction. A well-maintained 1988 BMW 635CSi 'Shadowline' coupe sold for $13,000, while a rare and distinctive 1974 Tatra 603 V8 Sedan made $10,000.

Amongst the lots that didn't sell at the August 27 auction were a MkII 3.8 Jaguar, LWB Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Triumph TR3, E-Type Jaguar Series III V12 and an '88 Ferrari Testarossa.

For full results and further details from this auction, go to shannons.com.au.