The auction world is full of surprises, with big sales and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1971 Ford Falcon XY GT ‘manual’
Sold: $295,000
Shannons
One family-owned and completely original, this unrestored XY GT Falcon sold way above its estimate. Sporting a vinyl roof option over the electric blue paintwork it has the signature 351 under the bonnet tied to a four-speed manual and a mere 80,000 miles on the clock. It rides on option 52 wheels. It still has several of the factory ‘OK’ stickers in the engine bay and sold with original books showing Bob Rollington Ford of South Yarra as the selling dealer. It has been kept in a clean dry factory and protected by blankets but hasn’t been driven for around 15 years.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti
Sold: $31.75M
RM Sotherbys
If you’d just copped a massive inheritance and wanted a set of wheels, this was the car. This Fezza was the most expensive car auctioned at the annual classic car gathering at Pebble Beach. It’s one of two Ferrari “big block” sports racers with a 4.9-litre V12. Over its life, it was raced by Fangio, Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Masten Gregory, Richie Ginther and Jo Bonnier to name a few. It is in original condition with matching engine, body and chassis numbers.
1972 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 308
Sold: $85,700
Shannons
The HQ was a completely different beast from its predecessor and no more evident than with the Monaro. Making this Lime Green metallic example very special, its owner came up with the name Monaro. Noel Bedford was on holiday in 1967 and saw a sign “Monaro County Council” in Cooma (NSW). Bedford returned to work at GMH and suggested “Monaro” for the upcoming HK-model coupe. The Board loved it, and the rest is history.
1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
Sold: $99,750
Collecting Cars
As they grow older Porsches tend to escalate in value, and if you can buy in the dip, hats off to you. Here we have a silver cabriolet with blue leather that has been with the vendor for a decade, garaged when not used and has a service history from August 1998 to May 2022. While it’s showing 178,901km on the clock its 3.6lt VarioRam flat-six engine was rebuilt at 150,000km. Tied to it is a six-speed manual and drive is to all four wheels.
On the block:
1978 Pontiac Trans Am
Mecum Chicago Auction
October 13-15
Platinum with a blue interior, this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is one of the most popular year models, being around the time of the hit movie Smokey And The Bandit. This is one with the lot. A 400ci V8 tied to a Hurst four-slot manual, disc brakes and a positraction rear end. It comes with a copy of the original build sheet. Inside are power windows and aircon, and a titling Formula steering wheel. The electrics have been given a makeover and the exhaust recently replaced. A good clean representation of a late 70s American coupe.
From Unique Cars #470, Sep/Oct 2022