Recent auction highlights from around the globe...
1989 Toyota Supra Targa Turbo
Sold: $27,000
Shannons
With interest in the new Toyota Supra sky high, older ones like this A-70 are sure getting a lot more attention than years gone past. Powering this targa is an inter-cooled, turbocharged 3.0 litre inline 6-cylinder with a four-speed self-shifter in true GT-style. This one looks to be super clean and in unmolested condition and shows just 60,356km. The silver paintwork looks fresh and the interior shows very little sign of wear. It was sold with loads of paraphernalia including brochures, servicing receipts, owner’s manual and warranty books in a period dealer wallet, plus a tool for lifting off the targa roof and a spare set of keys. Its seems like it is ready to just fuel up and hit the road.
1970 Holden LC Torana SL
Sold: $20,000
Burns & co
With a 2250cc engine under the long bonnet and a three speed on the tree, the SL was advertised as the ‘family’ Torana even though its cramped interior remained the same as the two-door. This example – built in December 1970 – shows 49,773 miles on the clock and is finished in seventies brown with a tan interior. According to the ad it runs superbly and has been lovingly restored. One thing for sure, they are hard to find, especially with all the hard work done. This one was sold with books and seems like good buying.
1961 Volkswagen 1200CC Beetle
Sold: $16,000
Shannons
The VW Beetle changed the way of life for Europeans like the Model T did for Yanks and just about every Aussie above 35 years has a Volksy story to tell.
They were assembled all over the world including Australia, like this 1961 cream-on-cream number from the Clayton plant that in following years saw Datsuns, Volvos and HSV vehicles roll out of the same site. This looks like a pretty decent example, has been with the one family since new and travelled just 41,176 miles, according to the odo. Inside is its original radio and outside its original steel wheels and hubcaps.
1979 Holden Commodore SL/E
Sold: $28,000
Graysonline
This is a one-of-one car, won by West Indian cricketer Viv Richards at the 1980 Benson & Hedges World Series. Richards didn’t take the car home and it was bought by a Holden dealer for his mother who owned it until recently. Under the bonnet was the baby 253ci V8. It shows 102, 218 kms on the clock and naturally has full service history.
1958 Edsel Citation Convertible
Sold: $89,265
RM Sotheby’s
Named after Edsel Ford, this is the car that nearly killed the company and almost put the kibosh on the Mustang – the blue oval was strapped for cash and it couldn’t risk another catastrophic failure. The V8 auto Citation convertible was the top of the Edsel range and one of 930 built in 1958. Perhaps infamy has made this car a classic.
1962 Studebaker GT Hawk
Sold: $40,500
RM Sotheby’s
What a weapon the Studebaker GT Hawk was. A punchy 225hp from its 289 engine, a posi-traction rear end and between, a four-speed automatic tranny. The sleek looker underwent a resto and to make driving easier it is fitted with power steering and brakes and for enjoyable motoring, an AM radio. It is one of 9335 built and sits neatly on whitewall tyres.
1973 Datsun 180B SSS coupe
Sold: $18,000
Shannons
Following the much-loved Datto 1600, the 180B had big shoes to fill. Datsun carried over the independent rear trailing arm suspension and drivetrain layout of the 1600 and added a coupe body with SSS badge. This Australian delivered car has a five-speed manual gearbox. The engine has been upgraded and it looks the part in period correct Aunger five-spoke mags and rear window louvre. It’s ripe for a resto.
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