More recent auction highlights from around the globe...
1959 Volkswagen Kombi 23-window
Sold: $252,000
Mecum
Kombis have gone nuts and not just in Australia. This 1959 23-window bus sold for a whopping US$181,500. Rare for the states, this is a right hooker that was delivered to South Africa before heading for Trump Island. Mind you it has had a two-year rotisserie restoration with receipts. To provide a bit of grunt it has a 160hp motor in its bum and disc brakes.
| Read next: 1976 VW Kombi review
1936 Hudson Terraplane
Passed in:
Shannons
Guido fell in love with this art-deco delight, his heart racing with the thought of taking it home. This stunning Hudson Terraplane Business Coupe had a frame-off resto in the US costing $68,000. The two-tone blue paint and tan leather trim are in excellent order and this very rare car, still in LH-drive, goes as good as it looks. With suicide doors, a genuine wooden dashboard, whitewall tyres, it’s powered by a 212ci six hooked to a three-speed manual transmission. You’re unlikely to park next to another one unless at a club day.
1971 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV Coupe
Sold: $36,000
Shannons
Yes please. I adore these Alfas which I reckon is close to their best work of all time. This 1971 model has a two-litre GTV engine and rides on genuine Momo Vega wheels. The driving experience matches its looks and this one has been with the one owner for the past decade. A bit of fettling has gone on over the years and it has been repainted. Prices for these Alfas have increased as enthusiasts recognise what delights they are.
| Read next: 1968-75 Alfa Romeo 1750/2000 GTV buyer’s guide
1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster
Sold: $251,500
Mecum
Angular Saint A’gata special. Before the Lambo pen twirlers discovered flowing lines again after the delicious Miura, they penned the Diablo. Drawn with a straight edge. But it has a lusty 5.7-litre V12 behind the driver’s head and this one with a five-speed manual. To keep you as cool as the Diablo, air-con is fitted along with a CD player. Cue Miami Vice soundtrack
One to watch:
Suzuki Swift GTI
Future classics like the Suzie needn’t cost a bomb. Late 80s hot hatches are increasingly popular. The 1989 Swift GTI was bigger and better built than its predecessor and its 74kW 1.3-litre unit with 5-speed manual loved to rev. The interior was sparse and don’t expect ABS or airbags. Ride quality was not plush but it scooted through bends like a go kart thanks in part to its short wheelbase. Avoid the many that have been raced or rallied. Find an unmodded one and enjoy plenty of cheap thrills. Prices start as low as $2500 and can only go one way from here.