Shannons Sydney Classic Autumn Auction 2009

A rare early 1990s V12-engined Mercedes-Benz SL600 roadster sold comfortably above its pre-auction estimate of $25-35k realising $46,000, proving that the buyers are still around for special, rare or exceptional vehicles. Built in June 1993 and delivered new by Lanes Motors of Melbourne, this original right hand drive car is finished in silver with a dark blue leather interior and is in beautiful condition, having covered just 130,000km. At the other end of the classic vehicle spectrum, a 1956 Ferret Scout Car Mark 2 complete with Rolls-Royce engine, armoured observation and gun turret and go just-about-anywhere-it-wants-to capability sold on its top estimate for $18,000.

Three classic Mercedes-Benz coupes from the 1960s and 1970s made attractive buying when they went under the hammer unreserved. The pick of the trio was an attractive original right hand drive 1967 250SE coupe finished in the classic Double Bay décor of white with tan leather trim that sold for $9,500, while a white with blue interior 1984-model 280CE sold for $7,000 and a silver 1974-model 450SLC coupe went for $4,750. Other interesting vehicle sales were a rare 'Oval Window' 1957-model Volkswagen Beetle that was lightly customised with a larger 1500cc engine, metallic paint and mag wheels that sold unreserved for $5,000 and a well-presented and mainly original 1948 Ford Anglia Coupe that sold on estimate for $7,000. Original black and white number plates again proved their investment strength in difficult times, with the three New South Wales plates on offer all fetching incredible prices - up to $38,000!