A complete, Australian-delivered, but badly neglected 1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet that spent its last 25 years rusting beneath a Newmarket, Brisbane church sold for $230,000 at Shannons Summer Timed Auction that closed last night – February 23.

The now Sydney-based 'barnfind' Porsche, which was delivered with some rare factory options, attracted 61 bids and almost doubled its pre-auction high estimate after an online duel between two determined bidders that drove its price up $75,000 in the auction's final hour.

Experts estimate that to restore the elderly Porsche professionally to its original glory could take a further $150,00-$200,000, but some have suggested refurbishing it mechanically and preserving its rusty patina with clear-coat, might be a 'cool' and cheaper alternative.

The week-long Shannons online auction saw 172 vehicle and memorabilia lots, plus 47 numerical number plates go under the hammer, with total sales of $10,777,212 and an excellent 97 per cent sale rate.

Footnote: The early Porsche 356's selling price is almost the same as that of a new Porsche 911 Carrera coupe, its 2021 equivalent.

The 356 can be viewed in Shannons new Sydney Showroom at 22 Lambs Road, Artarmon, contact Damien Duigan (02) 8019 4180 or 449 128 392.

To view all auction results and progressive bidding, visit www.shannons.com.au

To talk to a Shannons team member, call Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number), or Christophe (03) 7025 4974; David (03) 7025 4983; Kim (03) 7025 4979; Ryan (03) 7025 4984; or Lisa (03) 70 254971).

Or in Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number), Damien (02) 7911 6012; Stuart (02) 7911 6009, or John (02) 7911 6005.