Top budget buys from Shannons' Winter Auction

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 08.07.2017

Best picks for smallest outlay

Shannons’ Melbourne Winter Classic Auction has got us talking in the office about what we’d pick if we were operating on a tight budget.

Here’s what we reckon is your best bet for bargain-basement motoring nirvana:

1973 Volkswagen Beetle S

Here’s a sweet looking Beetle in absolutely remarkable, original condition. According to Shannons, this particular Beetle has been owned by the same lady owner for over 40-plus years and is completely unmodified, with a mere 59,000 miles on the clock from new. In addition, the vehicle has recently received new shock absorbers and tyres and the brakes have also been completely overhauled. It’s unreserved and Shannons reckons it’ll go for $12,000 - $15,000.

1981 Mercedes-Benz 280E

First delivered to Adelaide’s BEA Motors, this gorgeous looking 280E saloon came as standard with a fair few luxury appointments such as electric windows, cruise control, central locking, air conditioning and self-levelling rear suspension. The Benz has spent the majority of its life in Melbourne, and, according to Shannons, has previously been owned by two prominent doctors. Shannons adds that vehicle has recently had some work done to it including a new radiator, NOS speedo, replaced rear suspension spheres and new brake pads. The 280E is unreserved and Shannons is ball parking it around $6000 - $8000.

1989 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign

Priced at well over $100,000 bucks when new, this XJ6 Sovereign in original Solent Blue looks like a great entry point to proper, old-school British luxury. The Jag has a low 182,576 kilometres on the clock from new and, according to Shannons, has been well maintained and comes with accompanying log books. Features that came standard on these Jags include electric seats, central locking and sumptuous leather upholstery. The XJ6 is going unreserved at Shannons estimates $7000 - $10,000.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9

Here’s our pick of the bunch, and quite a rarity. What you’re looking at is an Australian delivered 450 SEL 6.9 that was first sold through Lanes Motors of South Melbourne in 1979. You’ve probably already guessed what the ‘6.9’ in the cars title denotes, but those who haven’t, this Benz is packing a whopping 6.9lt V8! What’s more is that, according to Shannons, the Merc’ has a mere 66,700 kilometres on the clock from new and it appears to be in remarkably original condition for its age. The colossal 6.9 is up for grabs unreserved and Shannons has quoted an estimate of $8000 - $12,000. 

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