Shannons Sydney Summer Auction 2009

Strong, period colours were obviously popular with the enthusiastic auction crowd of more than 400, with two collectible Australian muscle cars comfortably exceeding their estimates. A one owner 'March the 17th green' 1972 Holden LJ Torana GT-R XU-1 sedan sold after strong bidding for $70,000 - well above its $45,000-$55,000 guiding range. The distinctive 'Bathurst' sedan in very original, unmolested condition was sold with a complete history, including its original new car documents supplied by John Muir Motors of Ashfield. Similar enthusiastic bidding saw a rare 'Magenta' three speed manual 1971 Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E37 coupe sell for $62,000 compared with its $45,000-$55,000 pre-auction estimate. One of only 20 E37 optioned Chargers built in this striking colour, the Charger was initially used as a demonstrator by the Glenn Innes, NSW Chrysler dealer. The car's Magenta paintwork was refreshed in the late 1980s and after spending most of the 1990s in storage, its straight-six engine was rebuilt to near E38 'Bathurst' specification.

A desirable left hand drive 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible recently repainted in the correct period colours of teal and white with matching upholstery sold strongly on estimate for $51,000. Another outstanding result at the auction was the $24,000 achieved by an immaculate, fully restored 1964 MGB finished in 'buttermilk' with matching trim. The locally built three bearing car was No 984 off the BMC production line in Sydney and had completed just 7,000 miles since its total nut and bolt rebuild. A well preserved bright red 1936 Dennis Fire Truck also sold well, bringing $14,000 at the auction, while a locally built 1926 Ford Model T Tourer in generally tidy condition, but in need of some mechanical work, was the best of the vintage cars, selling for $11,000.

There were also some excellent sales amongst the unreserved lots in the auction, with a 1969 Rover 3500 V8 sedan making $2,500; a 1987 Daimler Double Six 5.3 litre V12 saloon in excellent condition bringing $3,500, a 1974 Daimler Sovereign Series 2 saloon making $4,250, a 1974 Holden HJ Monaro GTS 4.2 sedan selling for $4,750, a one-owner 'shed find' 1969 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 sedan in need of some mechanical work made $8,750 and a very tidy 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider selling after strong floor and telephone bidding for $13,000.