The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1975 BMW 3.0 CSL
Sold: $905,137
RM Sothebys
Holy snapping bratwurst, almost a million Aussie pesos for a Bimmer Batmobile! This is the last of 57 second-series 3.0 CSL Batmobiles built. Launched in 1972, the 3.0 CSL was built as a homologation special so BMW could go racing. In 1973 an upgrade saw an engine increase to 3.2lt and a wild aero package added, earning it the nickname ‘Batmobile’. Finished in Chamonix White over a black interior, it was as-new and spent most of its life as a display.
1982 HDT VH SS Group 3
Sold: $123,625
Seven82Motors
In a sea of tributes every now and then the genuine article pops up. This top spec VH Brockmobile with a worked 5.0lt V8 tied to an M21 four slotter is one of just 322 built by HDT. It recently underwent a bare metal respray back to its original Maranello Red with the interior also getting a total refurb. Even the Irmscher wheels are like new. Naturally, it has the full Monty body kit and retains its HDT Momo steering wheel. The odo showed a mere 93,456 km.
2017 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo
Sold: $300,000
Collecting Cars
The R35 was the last Nissan GT-R, originally made famous here by Jimmy Richards and Mark Skaife in the R32 over 30 years ago. This is a one-owner car and travelled 5625km. Built May 2017, the all-wheel drive, six-speed DSG, 441kW 3.8lt twin-turbo monster is one of just 46 to be imported here with the Nismo model having a carbon-fibre boot and aero kit, Brembo brakes 20-inch alloys and inside Recaro pews and loads of tech.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
Sold: $43,800
Mecum
Not sure who at Oldsmobile thought fitting a V8 into a large coupe and then making it front-wheel drive was a wise move, but here you have it. With sleek looks and a 385 horsepower V8 in its snout, the torque steer must have been biblical. Perhaps the three-speed auto diluted a lot of the grunt. This red-on-red example also had tilt and telescopic steering and a fresh coat of paint.
On the block:
1953 Land Rover Series 1
Silverstone Auctions
February 2023
Fancy owning the Landie that once cruised the grounds of Balmoral Castle? This 1953 Series I, the 11th example from that year and registered NXN 1 was supplied to the Royal Family for use by Their Majesties Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother with HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duke of Rothesay (now King Charles) until 1966 when it was purchased and re-registered LXC 894D by the vendor.
Can’t think of any other Landie with more famous drivers in history. Guide price is $180,000-$272,000
From Unique Cars #474, Jan 2023