The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1965 Volvo P1800S
Sold: $84,000
Shannons
We suspect not many people out there remember the The Saint TV series from the 1960s, starring Roger Moore, but somehow it still seems to have some sort of cultural traction, and continues to help underpin the popularity of Volvo’s arguably best-ever styling exercise, the P1800. This example was said to have done a stint as a Targa Tasmania competitor before getting the full barrel-roll restoration treatment. Running a Ruddspeed head and triple Webers, it deserved a good result.
2023 Aston Martin DB12
Sold: $2.39M
Amfar Cannes
Aston martin’s new-gen DB12 will undoubtedly be expensive, but we doubt the ‘normal’ production cars will be at this sort of level. This was car number 1, with a few special touches such as being signed by F1 team drivers Lance Stroll and Fernanado Alsonso. It was auctioned at Cannes in aid of AIDS research. The car runs an AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0lt V8 claiming a hefty 500kW (671hp).
1980 Ford Escort
Sold: $20,000
Shannons
Ford’s Escort captured a broad range of buyers from economy motorists to enthusiasts and in 1975 a heavily revised MkII version with new drivelines and angular styling arrived. Cashing in on the panel van craze Ford brought out the Sundowner and here is a tribute to that car. A 1980 model, it has been extensively refurbished throughout and has period correct Pine Lime yellow paint and two-tone green Sundowner decals.
1974 Holden SL/R 5000 replica
Sold: $55,555
Grays
Some of you might be pleased at the news that you don’t necessarily have to have six figures in the bank before you buy a local muscle car. This LH Torana looked like it was solid buying. It was running a 308 V8 with four-speed manual and hotwire style mags all round. It was reported to be in good condition and we’d suggest you’d struggle to build another for the same money.
On the block:
1956 Ferrari 250 GT
Sotheby’s
17-19 August, 2023
Estimate: $2.5-3.4 million
Monterey, California
This somewhat battered gem is part of a ‘lost then found’ collection of 20 Ferraris that was unearthed after a long slumber. The last time they saw daylight was to be moved from a warehouse in Florida, which was badly damaged in 2004 by hurricane Charley. This GT is said to be one of four examples made that year with the Pinin Farina’s Superamerica bodywork. It was first sold to King Mohammed V of Morocco. What’s that line about being a restorer’s dream?
From Unique Cars #480, Jun/Jul 2023