The auction world is full of surprises, with big numbers and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1974 De Tomaso Pantera
Sold: $120,000
Mecum
Beautiful Italian styling with a big dose of American grunt in its rear. What a weapon the De Tomaso was, with its 351ci Ford Cleveland V8 bolted to a five-speed ZF manual transaxle. Built in December 1973 it is one of 225 examples in yellow for the 1974 model year. It was refurbished 5196 miles ago and resprayed in its original hue. Inside is black vinyl trim. It sold with the owner’s manual, factory tool kit and period literature.
1970 Jense Interceptor II
Sold: $81,865
Silverstone
This is the best car name in the world, though the Italian-designed, American engined and British-built car doesn’t quite live up to that tag. However, these Interceptor IIs are quick, boasting a 383ci Chrysler V8, are sometimes reliable, achingly beautiful and with just a two-year production run, very collectable. It was restored in 2015 and today looks immaculate. It changed hands with a large history file.
1998 Volvo V90 “Volvette”
Sold: $85,616
RM Sotherby’s
This seems like an absurd amount to pay for a Volvo wagon, but it was once owned by Paul Newman and is powered by a Chev LS2 with a four-speed auto. It was a gift to Newman from his race team. Seems Mr Newman liked stock-looking Volvo wagons with muscle car powertrains and this was his third and last. Unfortunately, he passed not long after the car was completed, and it sold with its original Volvo engine.
1969 Ford Falcon XW GT Sedan
Back in the late 1960s production car racing was king and Bathurst was a must-watch event. It led to the creation of cars like the Falcon GT. The XW Falcon was the first to have a 351ci V8 and this one being a late build in the XW run has a Cleveland, not a Windsor engine. It is finished in the hero colour, Vermillion Fire with black vinyl trim, with an under-dash air-con an 8-track stereo, and 12 slotters, it shows 95,000 miles and has a three-speed auto. In overall good condition, it looks the goods.
1977 Holden HZ GTS
Sold: $80,000
Seven 82 motors
Here’s a genuine survivor HZ GTS with its original paintwork, matching numbers 5.0lt V8 and four-speed M21 manual. It also boasts power steering, factory aircon, genuine restored GTS wheels and red wall-stripe tyres. The buyer also received its original logbook, owner’s manual and broadcast sheet. The second to last owner is said to have bought it from the original owner, a Holden salesman who put it on blocks for 20 years. The vendor stored in a climate-controlled garage, and it has only travelled 93,604 km from new.