The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1974 Ford Falcon XB GT hardtop
Sold: $172,500
Seven82Motors
Built in Broadmeadows and shipped off to its first owner in WA, this Ford GT came with a very desirable list of specs, including a 4V 351 V8, four-speed manual, wind-back sunroof, air-conditioning, power glass and radio/cassette. At some stage in its life the top loader trans was swapped out for a C4 auto. It’s been restored across the years and has been in regular use.
1971 Holden HQ Monaro GTS tribute
Sold: $106,425
Seven82Motors
This HQ started life as a more humble variant and was apparently in poor shape before the job of restoring it was farmed out to a host of pro shops around Brisbane. It’s now wearing all the GTS gear, including a set of five wheels. The powerplant is a 308 V8 which was given the full resto treatment, along with the M21 four-speed manual. Basically a turn-key seventies coupe in great nick.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 saloon
Sold: $131,000
Shannons. Lot 174
At the time the Mercedes-Benz 600 “Grosser’ was considered the best car in the world, blending fashion, elegance, high performance and luxury. Produced between 1963 and 1981 only 2190 were built. Powered by a 6.3lt V8 it rides on pneumatic/air suspension and has every conceivable luxury feature. This one had a no-expense-spared repaint approximately 20 years ago and arrived here in 2012. Part of a collection, it shows 94,672 miles on the odometer.
2014 FPV FG GT-F MKII
Sold: $130,000
Shannons. Lot 240
Here was a chance to snaffle a very sought-after FPV that went under the hammer with no reserve. Originally sold by Bayford Motors it sports a supercharged five-litre V8 making 351kW, linked to a six-speed auto and wears big Brembo brakes. Finished in Octane with black leather trim and grey alloys it sold with loads of factory paraphernalia: An FPV folder with model brochure, FPV wallet, FPV pen, a full set of books, service invoices, a spare set of keys, and the adaptor for the locking wheel nuts.
Market watch: What’s movin’ and shakin’
Mazda 323 BD/Ford Laser KA-KB
In 1979 Ford took a 25 per cent stake in Mazda and when these two hit the streets in the early 1980s, they took the small car game a fair way forward. Powered by a mild-mannered 1.3lt or 1.5lt four with a manual or auto box, the twin carb versions had more oomph and are the ones to seek out. Many were thrashed and crashed in the Laser racing series that showed they could be continually tortured and come back for more. Corrosion has taken its toll on many, but these tiddlers have a strong following.