Porsche 959 Prototype + Ford Escort Twin Cam + Plymouth Hemi Superbird - Auction Action 421

By: Mark Higgins

Date: 11.01.2019

Recent auction highlights from around the globe...

1985 Porsche 959 Prototype

Sold: $1.38M
RM Sothebys

Most are destroyed after use, so acquiring any prototype is rare – but finding one of 12 prototype Porsche 959s made, one of two in Ruby Red and one of three survivors is like winning a lotto jackpot. The 959 reaffirmed Porsche as a supercar leader and this one retains most of its prototype features, differentiating it from production versions.

| Read next: 1988 Porsche 959 John Bowe drive

1972 Ford Escort GT1600 Twin Cam

Sold: $50,000
Shannons

A rally and race track winner, Ford’s Mark 1 Escorts are now in great demand globally. The Escort proved a world-beater, dominating the London-Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970. Developed by Ford’s Competition Department the Twin Cam was launched in January 1968 and became an instant legend. Purchased in partially restored condition, the owner completed the rebuild of this Australian-assembled Escort, installing a reconditioned twin cam engine running dual Weber carbs and upgrades including a bigger radiator and Minilite-style alloy rims. Showing 30,610 miles on the clock it has been driven sparingly on club runs.

1980 Holden WB Statesman

Sold: $15,500
Shannons

A business exec express when new, the big Iron Lion is now on the collector’s radar. Many have been modded, so a truly original one like this Firethorn with buckskin cloth trim is hard to find. Built after Holden had killed the Kingswood, the DeVille and more upmarket Caprice retained front quarter panels, doors, windscreen and bonnet of the deceased HZ. Inside was a new-look interior and under the bonnet a 5-litre V8 and auto trans for effortless cruising. At the sale price it was good buying for a classic Aussie luxo.

1970 Porsche 930 Turbo

Sold: $448,000
Mecum

Imagine sitting your bum on the same pew as an NFL legend. One person has that privilege after buying the 930 Turbo owned by Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. It comes complete with the original personalised registration plates ordered by Paton at purchase. Air cooled Porsches are going through the roof, Turbos more so, but one with this Paton’s signature in the owners manual and photos of him with the car make it all the more special. Payton didn't drive it much with only 9950 miles on the clock. And it's one of 1200 made for the US.

| Read next: 1982 Porsche 930 review

1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird

Sold: $387,000
Mecum

For Mopar-heads the Superbird is muscle car royalty. One of only 135 made, it has a 425 hp Hemi-V8 with matching numbers. For tyre shredding getaways it has a 727 torqueflite transmission. An original and unmolested example with the A36 Performance Axle Package, plus power steering, with front disc brakes, it's finished in Lemon Twist Yellow.

1925 Bentley 3-4 1/2 Litre Open Tourer

Sold: $265,000
Shannons

Back in the 1920s Bentley built LeMans winners and grand tourers. This one began life as a saloon, was converted to an ambulance during WW II before being restored in the '70s.It lobbed here in 1979 and has been through a few hands. Its vendor fitted the 4.5-litre engine, a common vintage Bentley modification. The steering column, gearbox, diff, chassis and rear axle wear their original numbers. It came with a history file and original 3-litre crankcase and block. 

2002 Mazda FD3S RX-7 'Spirit R' Type A

Sold: $73,000
Shannons

You won't see one of these often. Only 1500 Spirit R’s were built as the RX7 swansong and they’ve become hugely sought after. The Type A featured a five-speed manual transmission and lightweight Recaro seats, along with 276 horsepower from its rotary engine. This one, #561, arrived in Australia in 2006 and has travelled just 69,400 kms in total.  Given the astronomical prices that RX2/RX3’s are fetching, it was no surprise bidding was fierce.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight

Sold: $1.4M
RM Sothebys

Global Porsche purveyors descended on Atlanta for a special 70th anniversary auction. The high watermark was the Paris-Dakar winning Porsche 959 that sold for US $8.13 million. Equally desirable was this genuine 911 Carrera RS lightweight; one of 200. It had a number-matching Silumin case engine and its original owner was Swiss racer Eugen Strähl, who came 10th outright at LeMans in 1975.

1969 MGB MKII Roadster

Sold: $35,000
Shannons

Launched at the 1962 London Motor Show, the MGB is one of the most successful sports cars ever made. It delivered an unrivaled driving experience for the bucks, as over 500,000 owners can attest. A monocoque structure, the Mark II was arguably the best. This chrome bumper model was sold to its present owner almost 40 years ago and has undergone a full nut and bolt resto including a new Heritage MG Parts bodyshell.

WHAT'S MOVING AND SHAKING

HSV Grange 1999-2003

The Statesman/Caprice based WH Grange was HSV's flagship. Series 1 ran from 1999-2001 and  Series II 2001-2003. It's a set and forget modern classic, with some current safety features and Swiss watch reliability. Offered with a Supercharged V6 or 5.7-litre LS1-V8. It could get up and boogie with impressive pace and handling. HSV made it go, stop, brake, steer and ride better, with its Sensatrac shocks, slippery diff and improved braking packages. Like the wine it’s named after, the HSV Grange will only grow in stature and value as it ages.

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