Vauxhall stars at Shannons MotorEx auction

While classic and modified Aussie muscle, including an ex-John Goss & Kevin Bartlett Bathurst XB GT hardtop, restored HK Monaro GTS 327 and '71 VH Charger R/T E38 were the most talked about lots before the auction, the top sellers actually came from the UK in the form of a pre-war Vauxhall tourer and stunning 1958 Jaguar XK150.

The top-selling Vauxhall was a circa 1921 30/98 E-Type Velox Tourer, the first production British sports car capable of 100 miles per hour (160 kph), making it faster and more nimble than the contemporary Bentley.
The 30/98 auctioned had been in the hands of the same Australian owner for 45 years and was painstakingly rebuilt from a chassis frame and back axle upwards over a 20-year period to its present outstanding condition.

At the MotorEx auction, the 30/98 sold for $220,000; the overseas enthusiast buyer taking advantage of the sliding Australian dollar. While short of its pre-auction estimate of $250-$290K, this was still an impressive price, with the only downside being the car leaving this country.

The Jaguar, a 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drop Head Coupe, was a former trophy-winner, and was immaculately finished in 'Clotted Cream' paint with red leather upholstery. The 85th right hand drive example of the total of 663 built, the XK150 exceeded its $75K - $90K estimate to sell for $100,000.

Another English veteran to sell well at MotorEx was a 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer offered in 'project' condition that sold after the hammer for $60,000.

Other Brits to achieve good prices included a restored 1959 MGA Twin Cam roadster that sold above its $48K high estimate for $53,000, and a striking 1955 Morris Minor 1000 Sedan modified at a cost of around $30,000 that sold with no reserve for $15,000, well over its pre-sale estimate.

The two English Daimlers in the auction also sold well, with a 1993 Double Six V12 Saloon offered with no reserve selling above its high estimate for $20,500 after strong floor bidding, while a beautifully-presented black with chrome wire wheels 1963 2.5-litre V8 Saloon sold for $17,000.

While the much talked-about XB GT Group C Bathurst racer, Mazda RX3 racer (also with Bathurst history), VH Valiant Charger R/T and HK Monaro GTS were all passed in, Aussie cars that did sell included: a 1972 LJ Torana GTR XU1 'Bathurst' sedan, which made $44,000; 1976 Holden LX Torana SL/R 5000 replica sedan that sold for $41,000; an original, unrestored 1962 EK Holden ute, which sold for $13,750; and a 1965 Valiant AP6 Regal sedan that made $9,500.

Other lots of interest included a striking 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL convertible that fetched an impressive $64,000; a beautiful 1959 Borgward Isabella coupe that made $26,000; a '71 Ford Capri GT V6 which made $15,000; and a 2002-built 'De Joux' Maserati Special in need of work to be eligible for Australian registration that brought $55,000.

Full results and further details are viewable at www.shannons.com.au Shannons' next auction is scheduled for September 23 in Melbourne.