TORANA, CHARGER, HDT SELL AT SHANNONS SYDNEY AUCTION

Amongst these, a 1971 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger E38 R/T coupe was the top seller, going for $75,000. Finished in the ever-popular Hot Mustard colour, the Charger had been restored three years ago and presented well inside and out, making the low end of its $75,000 - $85,000 pre-auction estimate.

Fierce bidding from a quartet of enthusiasts saw a 1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 finished in sought-after Yellow Dolly sell comfortably above its estimate at $71,000. Enthusiasm for the Torana was no doubt fuelled by its exceptional condition. Recently treated to a comprehensive bare-metal restoration after a little over 90,000 miles and 23 years in storage, only 1,500 miles had been covered since completion of the resto.

In another good result, a trophy-winning 1984 HDT VK Commodore Group 3 sold for $38,450, while overseas sports and muscle that performed well included a restored 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster, which sold for $76,000. A 1989 French Racing Blue Morgan 4/4 four-seater Roadster sold for $45,000.

A very neatly-presented 1986 BMW 635 CSi coupe made $14,000, while an '86 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC was passed in. While not strictly muscle or sports, a performance-modified Jaguar XJ6 saloon sold for a very reasonable $16,500. With extensive engine mods, upgraded suspension, aftermarket wheels, and race seats and harnesses, the Jag was ideally set up for club level racing or classic tarmac rally action.

Clearance rate across the entire vehicle lots from Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction was 70 percent. Full results and further details on this auction can be found at shannons.com.au