The auction world is ever-changing as values fluctuate. In these interesting and challenging times here are some of the highlights we identified for Issue 511 of Unique Cars Magazine – in the Auction Action section, proudly sponsored by Donington Auctions.
1965 Ford Mustang K-Code Coupe
SOLD: A$72,058 Mecum (USA)
This is believed to be one of the first 1965 Mustang coupes built on day one of K-code production. Finished in Rangoon Red with red vinyl interior, it has a four-speed manual paired to a 289ci V8. The engine features a raft of special components, including solid lifters, a dual-point distributor, Autolite 600 CFM carby, and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. The chassis is fitted with the Special Handling Package, comprising heavy-duty springs, special shocks, larger-diameter anti-roll bars, a quick-ratio steering box, and a 3.89:1 rear end. All part of the K-Code formula.
1989 Ford GT40 GT Developments
SOLD: $158,000 Chicane Auctions (AUS)
Ford’s GT40 would easily be one of the world’s most iconic race cars and building a road going version is any car enthusiast’s dream. This particular vehicle is built by the highly regarded GT Developments in the UK. Featuring a dimensionally correct Mk I body and interior, it’s mounted to a tubular steel chassis and is constructed with the original design in mind. Powered by a
302 cubic-inch Windsor, its breathing through a quartet of Weber 48 IDA downdraft carburettors. BRM replica alloys with period Hoosier tyres complete the look to the era. What a great looking machine and a lucky new owner!
1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S
SOLD: A$3.017M Mecum (USA)
If you want to play out your Italian Job fantasies, here’s the car. Ferruccio Lamborghini’s vision for grand-touring excellence resulted in the Miura. With race-derived mechanicals and stunning looks, the Miura P400 is powered by a mid-mounted 3.9lt V12 engine developing 350 neddies, giving it a top speed of 170mph. It’s mated to a five-speed manual. Benefiting from a three-year, concours-level restoration, the blue-upholstered interior is complemented by its Verde Miura/Pistachio exterior.
1957 VW 13 WINDOW SPLIT SCREEN KOMBI
SOLD: $76,000 + BP, Seven 82 Motors (AUS)
If only they went like this back then. Powering this white over champagne right hooker splitty is a 2.4lt performance donk from the USA. It’s paired with a four-speed manual and there are disc brakes up front. It has pop-out safari windows all-round and inside are nine seats finished in cream trim, with the rear rows in club-style layout. Keeping your tribe entertained is an aftermarket stereo. To complete the look, the bus rolls lower than factory on 14-inch white painted steelies, with hubcaps wrapped in white wall tyres.
1954 Whatmore-Jaguar
SOLD: $28,000 Donington Auctions (AUS)
The Whatmore Jag competed in two Australian Grands Prix over three seasons: 1954, 1955 and 1956. Created by Brisbanite, Charlie Whatmore, it used a Standard 14 chassis with a self- designed body and the engine from a Jaguar Mk7. By the end of 1956, it was ditched for a Lotus Eleven. After several owners it was acquired by well-known historic racing car owner Dick Willis of Coffs Harbour (NSW) in May 1999, who brought it back to life with an extensive restoration. The vendor bought it in 2019 and had one drive of it. It was sold with a Motorsport Australian Certificate of Description (COD), Historic Logbook and an extensive history file.
1983 Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback
SOLD: $4,000 Trading Garage (AUS)
This 1970 Fastback is largely original and an Australian-assembled (at VW’s Clayton, Vic plant) example. It’s painted Clementine over a black interior. The current owner has had the car for nine years, during which it has travelled just 4000km. It’s believed to have had only three owners from new. It drives well and the engine is described as strong and dependable, however, some electrical attention is required. A fabulous and rare rolling project.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
SOLD: A$636,340 RM Sothebys (USA)
Occasionally, something even more extreme is built by AMG, like the SL 65 Black Series of which 350 were produced. Finished in Iridium Silver with black interior, up front is a twin-turbo, 6lt, V12 with 661hp and 738 lb-ft of torque delivering a top speed electronically limited to 320km/h. This one has been piloted a mere 5655 miles by its two owners. The chassis was reengineered and the body fitted with a new front bumper, wider guards and a fixed roof, all in carbon fibre.
1953 The Golden Sahara II
SOLD: A$1.26M Mecum (USA)
fancy a car like no other? The Golden Sahara II was famously derived from a 1953 Lincoln Capri Hardtop owned by George Barris and was customised by the man himself into the first iteration of The Golden Sahara. Featuring futuristic concept technologies, it was built by Delphos Machine & Tool shop out of Dayton, Ohio. Sold by Mecum auctions back in 2018 for USD$395K as a resto project, the vehicle is now ready for the show scene yet again.
1973 Chevrolet Corvette
SOLD: $45,000 Chicane Auctions (AUS)
The 1973 Corvette was a one-year wonder, blending the C3 chrome-era styling as well as being the first model with a body-colour front bumper. It’s powered by a 350ci V8 paired with a Hydramatic 350 auto, and this Targa has the convenience of a right-hand-drive conversion. Presented in black on black enhanced with a stainless-steel luggage rack, it has an extensive service history and its current turnkey condition means the next owner can enjoy it straight away.
1934 Ford 5-Window V8 Coupe
SOLD: $155,000 + BP, Chicane Auctions (AUS)
fancy THE days when hot rods ruled the roads? This Five-Window Coupe was built by respected hot rodder Phil Pavicich as a tribute to 1960s style. Powered by a Chrysler 392ci Hemi V8, and also fitted with a GMC 6/71 supercharger and twin four-barrel Holley 600 Blower carburettors, the attention to detail on this build is truly remarkable. With a custom red-leather interior, equipped with Moon instruments it’s ready to rumble.
2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe
SOLD: A$38,700 Iconic Auctioneers (UK)
Sure it’s 16 years old with 49,000 miles on the clock, but for the price of a basic hatchback. Painted Granite Grey with a Beluga main and secondary hide interior, it has unmarked paintwork, wheels and interior. Powered by a 6-litre twin-turbo W12 with over 600bhp, it delivers immense torque and composure through all four wheels. A true high-speed GT cruiser with hand-finished craftsmanship throughout.
1960 Ford Sunliner Convertible
SOLD: A$47,790 Hemmings (USA)
owned BY one family since new, this once factory black Sunliner is powered by the desirable 352FE backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission with 68,400 original miles. Fitted with dual deck antennas, continental kit and fender skirts, there is no shortage of bling, and with some engine detailing you would have a fine summer cruiser. Your biggest ownership issue is finding a parking space that fits.
1984 Lotus Etna
SOLD: A$341,335 Broad Arrow Auctions (USA)
Want to own a concept prototype? The Lotus Etna is a one-off concept styled by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro and his team at Italdesign. Named after the most active volcano in the world, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, the Etna’s performance is equally explosive being powered by a prototype 4.0-litre V8 paired with a five-speed manual. The Etna was displayed at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed and is the brand’s vision of supercar performance and cutting-edge technology derived from Lotus’s Formula One cars.
1964 Holden EH Special Station Wagon
SOLD: $55,000 + BP, Seven 82 Motors
How good is this! An EH Special wagon, finished in Fowlers Ivory over Gibson Beige with Aztec Gold and Jamboree Brown interior. It underwent a full resto in 2019, and with the car goes a comprehensive folder of receipts, along with owner’s manual, Nasco accessories catalogue and warranty swing tag. The brightwork has been replaced or refinished. There’s a solid metal sun visor, a period style roof rack, while up front is the 179ci
six and three-on-the-tree. It also has power brakes.
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