The auction world is full of surprises, with big sales and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights.
2002 BMW Z8
Sold: A$490,000
Bring A Trailer
Just 12,000 miles have been driven in this 2002 BMW Z8. 2002 BMW Z8. A rare model with aluminium body panels over an aluminium spaceframe, just 319 produced in Topaz Blue, this example sports cream Nappa leather interior. Under the long bonnet lies a double VANOS 4.9-litre V8 from the E39 M5, paired to a six-speed box and naturally rear-wheel drive. Slow it isn’t. Due to their rareness not to mention a starring role in the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough, most were bought by BMW enthusiasts or as weekend toys. This one sold with a colour matched hardtop and a black soft top.
1988 HSV VL Commodore Group A SS
Sold: $261,500
Grays
Tom Walkinshaw’s fledgling Holden Special Vehicles first car was the VL Commodore-based homologation special Group A SS, so it could compete in Group A touring car racing. The wild-looking Walky has grown in stature and value to the prices we are seeing today. This is build number 198 with matching numbers and is original and unmodified. It sold with the original logbooks and service history and is showing just 103,493kms.
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Sold: $331,111
Collecting Cars
A Grand Tourer or track tearaway, the 599 GTB Fiorano is a dab hand at both. This Rosso Corso with Nero leather interior has travelled a mere 32,724km from new. It rides on its original 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels and has carbon-ceramic brakes and was ordered with carbon-fibre racing seats with red Daytona inserts, leather-trimmed roof pillars and headlining, and leather parcel shelf. It sold with service history, a seat cover and Ferrari car cover.
1959 Cadillac Ecto 1 replica
Sold: $312,000
Mecum
It was 1984 when Ghostbusters hit the silver screen. The Ghostbusters drove a 1959 Cadillac ambulance and this tribute, offered with no reserve, achieved an unearthly price. It’s decked out in Ghostbuster livery and props including the protective sewer worker outfit, hard hat, lighted sides, Code 3 public safety equipment, proton packs, traps and particle throwers and more.
From Unique Cars #466, May 2022