VW Samba tops Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction
Overall sales from the May 18 'Sydney Late Autumn Auction' were $1.1 million, with strong numbers for British and European classics, as well as later model performance cars, hot rods and collectables.
The top-seller at this auction didn't reach the stratospheric heights of the 1960 VW Type 2 '23 Window' Samba which sold for over $200K in Melbourne this past February, but $126,000 for the 1966 model was still impressive.
The right hand drive 1966 Volkswagen De Luxe '21 Window' Samba Microbus had been cosmetically upgraded to show standard and featured mechanical upgrades including a dual-port 1641cc engine, disc brake front end, independent rear suspension, and rack and pinion steering. Making it even more collectable, the Microbus was fitted with the rare factory Sliding Door option.
Given the Melbourne auction result, the Microbus was expected to bring big money in Sydney, with Shannons quoting a guiding range of $100,000-$130,000. This proved to be right on the money, with the Microbus eventually selling for $126,000 after a protracted duel between floor, phone and internet bidders.
The other Kombi of interest from this auction, a 1962 panel van, was passed in. Liek the Samba, this Cream over grey 'windowless'panel van was restored and presented well, but failed to meet its reserve on the night.
Behind the top-selling VW Samba, a restored 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II roadster offered with 'no reserve' was the next-most anticipated vehicle in the auction. Bidding for the beautifully-presented Imperial Maroon with Biscuit leather interior RHD ex-Californian car began at $60,000 and rose in $5,000 increments from five phone and a number of floor bidders before closing above its high estimate at $96,000.
Six lots earlier, a lovely Pastel Blue 1954 Jaguar XK120 drophead coupe that had been the subject of a recently completed ground-up restoration sold for $97,000.
An Australian-delivered and well-maintained 1975 Porsche 911S 2.7-litre coupe was chased relentlessly by floor, phone and online bidders before two determined enthusiasts raised its price to $72,000 - around double its pre-auction estimate. This world-class result underscored the rapidly increasing value of all earlier 911 Porsche models on the international market, particularly the more sporting 'S' models.
A pair of stunning early 1930s Ford hot rods - both fitted with 302ci Windsor V8s - also staged a duel for bragging rights in the auction after being offered in consecutive lots.
After the floor bidders and phones fell silent, it was a bright yellow 1934 'Three-Window' coupe built in 2008 on a strengthened 1934 frame that claimed the honours at $64,000, just edging out a 'no expense spared' '32 Ford 'Five-Window' coupe that went for $60,500 - both going to floor bidders.
Another 'World Market' car to attract international interest was a beautifully-restored and rare 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6 two-seater roadster, which is now making its way back to England after selling to a British phone bidder for $54,000.
Meanwhile a rare, surviving right hand drive 1934 Fiat 508S Balilla Sport, originally delivered new to Jakarta and restored comprehensively in the 1980s after arriving in Australia, found a new home post-auction when it sold for $95,000.
Other standout results of the Sydney Auction included $33,500 paid for a beautiful and stately 1928 Chrysler Royal 72, 6-wheel-equipped sedan, $31,000 (sold after auction) for a restored, black MG TF 1250 roadster, a circa-1934 Riley-Wolseley 'Special' race car built in Sydney in the early 1990s that brought $29,500, and a now-rare 1955 Austin Champ 4x4 military vehicle that sold for $18,500.
To view all results from Shannons May 18 Sydney Late Autumn Auction, visit: www.shannons.com.au
Images: courtesy of Shannons
