SPEEDSTER STARS AT BONHAMS SYDNEY AUCTION

The appeal of the Porsche, which sold for $225,000, lay partly in its concours-standard condition, but arguably more in the fact that it was an Australian-delivered, right hand drive unit from new. Fitted options included an mph speedo, US-spec bumpers, tarpaulin and coupe seats with split-bench rear. Acquired by the vendor in the early 1980s, the 356A (meaning a 1.6lt, 60bhp flat four) was subjected to a thorough nut and bolt restoration, starting in 2002. Eight years later, the restoration was completed. The result couldn't be faulted, but the eye-watering cost of $366,000 (yes, three hundred and sixty six thousand!) means the new owner got himself a concours winner at a relative bargain price.

Next best seller was a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE cabriolet. One of only 2729 cabriolets largely hand-built by Mercedes over a four-year period, the 220SE presented well in its bold red paint and biscuit interior. Factory right hand drive and billed as being in good condition throughout, thanks to refurbishment and a repaint sometime in its past, the 220SE went for $48,300. Curiously, the vehicle featured US-spec headlights, which may have been a later alteration. A pair of earlier classic Benzes, in the form of a 1958 190 sedan and 1960 220SE 'Ponton' coupe, were both passed in. A 1967 250S also failed to reach its pre-sale estimate, while a 1975 250/8 sedan was withdrawn prior to the auction.

British sports machines experienced similar mixed results, with an Australian-delivered Lotus Esprit GT3 S attracting $44,850, while a MkI MGA and Australian-built Mini Cooper S failed to find buyers. The Lotus, one of the last of the turbocharged GT3 cars, was a striking example in its bright yellow livery. With less than 200 built, the GT3 is much rarer than the 3.5lt V8 Esprits built during the same period, but its 2.0-lt turbo four was still a potent performer, capable of 0-100 kph times of five seconds and a top speed of over 260kph. An older British classic sportscar, in the form of a 1952 MG TD, sold well at $32,775. A class winner at the 2010 MG Car Club of Sydney concours, the example on offer was in top condition in its cream paint and contrasting green interior and grille fill. The lot also included a full tool roll, tonneau, side curtains and hood.

Amongst the other British classics on offer, a 1948 Jaguar MkIV, 1949 MG YT Tourer and 1964 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller were all passed in. A very neat example of the retro-inspired, Aussie-built 'TD 2000' roadster also failed to find a buyer.

Arguably the biggest disappointment was the failure of the classic luxury marques to find buyers, with a clutch of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley saloons all failing to meet pre-sale estimates. These included a 1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Tourer, 1925 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom I saloon, 1961 Bentley Continental S2 DHC, and 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental. The latter lot was advertised as the ex-1955 Geneva Motor Show car, in the same ownership for 40 years and was expected to reach $530-600,000. Originally with Velvet Green paintwork and grey interior, the HJ Mulliner-bodied R-Type is believed to have come to Australia from Switzerland in the 1970s, where it was repainted in its current grey with the interior re-upholstered in blue leather. The 1923 Rolls Silver Ghost was a Barker-bodied example, well known in enthusiast circles, having been featured in Ian Irwin's "Silver Ghosts of Australia and New Zealand" and Tom Clarke and David Neely's "Rolls-Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country". Originally delivered in South Australia, the Silver Ghost went to NSW before World War II, where it has remained. A standout in its white paint and recently-fitted disc wheels, the Silver Ghost was a fine example, but failed to sell. The 1925 Phantom was one of the earliest delivered to Australia, and is believed to be one of the oldest Phantom Is still in existence.

Smaller units that did sell well included a 1964 BMW 700A and 1988 Citroen 2CV. The former is a rarely seen example of BMW's post-War offerings, and 1964 marked the last year these compact sedans were built. The lot on offer was a factory RHD example, originally delivered to the UK before turning up in Australia in the 1980s. Since then it had passed through a few owners, one of whom treated it to an upgrade of the brakes and electrics. A multiple concours award-winner, the 700A sold for $9775. The Citroen was one of the later examples of the classic "Deux Chevaux", and had been fitted with a reconditioned engine, overhauled carburettor and new chassis. Finished in "Beachcomber" livery (one of the many limited edition models that were offered over the 2CV's life), the lot on offer presented very well and sold for $7475.

The star lot and 'cover car' of the catalogue from Bonhams Sydney auction was the 1916 Stutz 4C Bearcat. A rare vehicle indeed, the Bearcat bucket seat roadster was believed to have been sold in Australia either prior to or during World War I. Purchased by the vendor in the 1950s, the Stutz was a runner, but in dilapidated condition with no bodywork. In 1996, the car was stripped and restored to as near to original specification as possible, using information and parts from Bearcat owners around the world. Completed in 1998, the Bearcat won concours awards, and was exhibited at many events, including 2010's inaugural 'Motorclassica' concours in Melbourne. Despite its rarity - only around 25 bucket-seat Bearcat roadsters are believed to be in existence - the lot failed to meet its expected $400-475,000 estimate.

A Veteran that did sell was the intriguing 1902 Baker Electric Runabout. Early electric cars are increasing in popularity of late, and the Baker continued the trend, selling for $36,800. One of the more prodigious electric car manufacturers that were around at the dawn of the twentieth century, Baker could boast the likes of Thomas Edison among their clientele, and claimed at one stage to be America's best-selling electric car. The example on offer was consigned with little of its early history known, but had been in Australia for several decades, had been restored, and had competed in the Bay to Birdwood and other South Australian veteran rallies.

While the clearance rate for the cars was poor, the automobilia on offer at Sydney sold better, with a healthy percentage of the books, trophies, enamel signs, spare parts, framed photos, adverts and other memorabilia finding buyers.