- Early strong demand for early black & white number plates;
- Unique aero-engined 1922 Delage currently most valued lot at $476,000;
- Motorcycle enthusiasts pursue 1981 Ducati 900 MHR (Mike Hailwood Replica) offered in 'project' condition.
Enthusiasts and collectors have been quick to stake a claim on most of the 231 lots in Shannons Timed Online Summer Auctioned that opened on February 22 and closes progressively from 7pm next Tuesday, March 1.
Three quarters of the 231 auction lots are already 'on the market', after either being offered with 'no reserve', or with bids already meeting their reserve prices, with the strongest interest so far being in the 42 black and white numerical number plates.
The most sought-after plate to date is the Victorian three-digit '244', which has received 24 bids topped by $360,000, while the most in-demand NSW plate is '362' with 41 bidders topped by $253,000.
Four digit 'lucky plates' have also been sought after keenly, with $225,000 offered so far for Vic '8.855', while one enthusiast has already bid $150,000 for the NSW plate '8868'.
The top vehicle bid of the timed auction so far is the $476,000 offered for a magnificent 1922 Delage CO2 Hispano-Suiza Aero engined special that ultimately is expected to bring $530,000 - $580,000.
Amongst the more modern machinery, the hottest lot is a beautiful 1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Coupe that has already attracted $185,000, but is expected to sell ultimately for up to $55,000 more, followed by the $121,500 bid for a rare and beautifully-presented 2002 Mazda RX7 Spirit R 'Type A' coupe that has a guiding range of $150,000-$170,000.
Other notable progress results include the $110,000 bid for a striking orange 1971 Holden HQ Monaro GTS '350 Enhanced' Coupe and the $76,000 offered for a two-owner 'barn find' 1974 Ford XB Fairmont GS Coupe which came to auction after a no expense spared restoration.
Classic motorcycles have also attracted strong early bids, with 36 bids topped by $26,000 posted for a fully-restored a circa-1974 Ducati 750 Sport, while a limited edition 2019 MV Agusta Brutale 800RR 'Lewis Hamilton Edition' motorcycle offered with 'no reserve' – build number 004 of just 144, with just 99km showing on its odometer from new – has received 19 bids headed by one of $35,000.
Meanwhile, a sought-after 1981 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica in 'project' condition currently sits at $15,000 after 17 bids.
Shannons Timed Online auction continues until March 1, with considerable bidding activity expected over this coming weekend.
To view or bid on all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, call the 1300 078 500.