The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1971 Ford XY Falcon GT-HO Replica
Sold: $120,000
Grays
We’ve covered how Aussie muscle car tributes pull big bucks and here’s another. Painted Silver Fox with orange GT stripe, and black interior it sports the rim-horn steering wheel, glovebox panel (signed by Allan Moffat), and GT dash. It has a 36-gallon fuel tank, and rolls on 15-inch Bathurst Globes. The rebuilt 351 has a 780CFM Holley carby and it has finned GT-HO rear brake drums.
2016 BMW I8
Sold: $115,000
Collecting Cars
Let’s be honest, in 2016 hybrid choices were daggy looking and slow. Then BMW unleashed this on the world. A plug-in hybrid sportscar you’d want to own. This one-owner car is powered by a 228hp turbocharged 1.5-lt, three-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, plus a 129 hp electric motor that powers the front axle. It can be driven as a front, rear or all-wheel drive. Clever. This example in crystal white with frozen blue accents has travelled just 42,630km.
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Sold: $78,000
Grays (Plus buyer’s premium)
Here’s another desirable Henry muscle car, that began life as a Mustang Mach 1 with a 351ci that now sports a 460ci big block, paired with a C6 auto. Many claim the ’69 was the zenith of Mustangs and there’s no doubt this one will turn heads. The gearbox was rebuilt in 2016, and the engine in 2021. Since its rebuild it has journeyed a mere 250km. So, if you wanted a new/old pony car with plenty of show-and-go, this was it.
Auction watch – what’s movin’ & shakin’
Mercedes Benz W126
The pride of the German fleet arriving here in late 1980 was the W126 Mercedes that won Wheels mag COTY stating, “Say what you will, but the W126 S-Class’ outstanding build quality, refinement and engineering made it the luxury sedan benchmark for the 1980s.” Many consider the W126 to be the pinnacle of Benz builds and the last with bank vault solidity. Editor Guido can attest to that. Look around and you can still snaffle one for 15k while a good one will set you back double that. Powered by a range of six and V8 engines, they aren’t plagued with fancy electrics and are usually bullet-proof but have a Benz expert check it out.
I reckon as they grow in scarcity they’ll grow in stature and value.
From Unique Cars #479, June 2023