The auction world is full of surprises, with big sales and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1993 Jaguar XJ 220
Sold: A$790,000
RM Sothebys Lot 135
This one-owner XJ220, is the 72nd of the 281 built by JaguarSport, a joint-venture between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR empire.
Powered by a twin turbo V6 it has travelled a mere 295 miles since new. Finished in Le Mans blue it was bought by an historic car specialist firm who then sold it in 1994 to Ferrari’s Singapore agent, Hong Seh Motors who sold six of them to the Brunei Royal Family. However this isn’t one of them. Prior to auction it had been in storage since 2017.
1976 Holden LX Torana SL/R 5000
Sold: $179,100
Grays
An LX Torana SL/R 5000 in Tuxedo Black with silver garnish and chamois trim is what you’d call rare. Adding to its appeal is its matching numbers that have been verified by Holden Historical Services. The L31 engine block has the factory stamp, it has a T-10 Borg Warner box and 2.78 Banjo LSD. Built June 1976 it was first sold by Peter Robinson Motors, Lilydale and is now showing 172,419 kms on the clock. It appears to be in excellent original condition.
1990 HSV VN S Group A
Sold: $200,00
Grays
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The VN SS Group A has rocketed in value recently as this result shows. Built in December 1990 HSV plate #497 it was sold by Suttons Motors, March 1992. It was sold with 40,000km to a WA buyer and a few years ago the third and current, Tasmanian owner bought it. While 500 were planned, only 302 were made, and the irony not lost on Ford fans. This one, with 107,332km showing has good paperwork.
2005 Mazda RX-8
Sold: $7400
Collecting Cars
We’ve seen the Series 1, 2 and 3 Mazda RX-7s scream up the price chart in recent years and I reckon the next rotary ready to soar is the RX-8. A former Wheels mag COTY winner with its suicide-doors, 13B rotary engine, six-speed manual and full leather interior offers prestige and a performance for under 10 grand. This one, that’s ready to be enjoyed, has done 145,245 klicks and comes with a full set of books.
On the block:
1950 Gordini Type 18S
Retromobile 2022
Paris Expo Porte De Versailles
2-6 February 2022
Estimates: A$1.25-$2.51 million
The Salon Retromobile is back on in 2022 and Artcurial Motorcars is auctioning a 1950 Gordini Type 18S that was once driven by the Maestro, Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950 Le Mans 24 hour race. Chassis #020S is one of two made and the only survivor in such condition. Its aero body was made of duralumin and the upholstery is the original that Fangio sat on. It’s powered by the only Gordini compressor engine still in existence.
From Unique Cars #460, Dec 2021