Live auctions are slowly coming back in some parts of the world. Meanwhile the scene continues to roll along online. Here are some of the highlights
1950 Hudson Commodore Eight Brougham
Sold: A$25,720
RM Sothebys
Commodore, Brougham and a Hudson not a Holden. This was the rarest (425 made) and most expensive model in the Hudson range in 1950 with a price of A$3717 and the epitome of US car styling post WWII. It’s known as a step down Hudson as the design placed the floor pan on the bottom of the frame rather than the top, making one literally step down to enter a Hudson.
Powered by a straight eight, it was hampered by being sold in Europe and is worth three times that in the USA.
1967 Toyota Corona 1600 GT5 coupe
Sold: $38,000
Shannons
You’ve heard about being as rare as rocking horse poo, well, this is Toyota’s equivalent and what a good looking little ‘un this Bellatrix Yellow Corona coupe is. Power comes from a tricked up 1600cc twin-cam, itself a spinoff from the Toyota 2000GT. A five speed manual and disc / drum brakes and beefed up suspension complete the mechanicals. Inside are black vinyl dressed bucket seats and a woodgrain steering wheel.Only 2222 RT55 Coronas were produced and few survive.
1974 BMW 2002 turbo
Sold: A$248,500
Bring A Trailer
This 1974 2002 turbo is one of just 614 in Polaris metallic built during a two-year production run and has a 188hp, 2.0-litre four paired with a four-speed manualand limited-slip differential. It features a turbo-specific body kit and Motorsport stripe package, 13-inch Alpina wheels, a 70-liter touring fuel tank, bolstered sport seats and a certificate of authenticity.
1968 Fiat 124 AC sports coupe
Sold: $22,850
Shannons
The 124 coupe is one of Fiat’s finest. Fun to drive with a twin cam four and slick five speed manual. Alan Grice made his Bathurst debut in a 124 alongside the late Bill Tuckey. This example with 95,177 miles on it is part of a private collection and been instorage for the past four years. It’s the more favoured AC version with the twin round headlights and it is ready for a resto. Affordable Italian classic motoring awaits.
On the block:
1972 Jaguar E-type Series 3 V12
Donington Aust
June 20, 2021
Estimate: $150,000-170,000
The ultimate graduation present? Maybe. The story goes that Melbourne resident Dr Bermingham offered his son Ross a new car if he graduated with honours from his medical course at Cambridge. It’s possible this cost the good doctor more than he bargained for! The car was subsequently bought by its current owner, well-known motorsport identity Bryan Thomson, in 1977, He has owned it ever since. It was initially used as a daily-driver, before an XJS took over that role. Apparently it’s led the life of a semi-retired classic ever since, getting the occasional drive and service. It’s presented as being in original shape and should spark plenty of interest.
From Unique Cars #453, May 2021