• Top number plate bid to date of $261,500 for Victoria '247'
  • Porsche 911T 'project' early favourite with air-cooled enthusiasts
  • Lamborghini Countach attracting strong early bidding
  • 39 bids already for 'no reserve' 1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R

Motoring enthusiasts and investors have rushed Shannons Spring online auction on its opening days, with more than half of the 184 lots already on the market.

A big demand has been recorded for black and white numerical numberplates, with the top price bid so far being $261,500 for the Victorian three-digit Heritage plate '247'. The top bid for a four-digit plate at the time of writing was $120,500 for NSW '1.890', while the commanding five-digit plate bid so far was $60,500 for the VIC plate '20.888'.

Strong interest and demand for Japanese cars with six days of bidding remaining has been led by a 'no reserve' 1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R that has attracted 40 bids so far, topped by $75,500.

Meanwhile, a rare 1992 Japanese Autozam AZ-1 'Gullwing' coupe has already attracted 37 bids, led by $21,000.

At the other end of the bidding, a spectacular red 1989 Lamborghini Countach '25th Anniversary' Coupe that is expected to sell in the $490,000-$550,000 range is currently being pursued by five enthusiasts, with a top bid so far of $429,000.

One of the most sought-after lots to date has been a desirable 1969 Porsche 911T 2.0 'Sportomatic' coupe offered in 'project' condition, which has already met its reserve and is now on the market at $99,000, with more potentially to come for this rare Australian-delivered early 911 variant.

A bid of $60,000 has also been received for a four-cylinder 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe, while a beautiful 1971 Porsche 911E 2.2 Sportomatic Coupe has already attracted $150,000, with a lot more expected over the auction's next six days.

A very desirable 1968 Holden HK  Monaro GTS 327 expected to sell for $180,000-$240,000, but offered with 'no reserve', is already 'on the market' after 'playful' early bidding of $81,300, while a 1974 Falcon XB GT sedan is yet to meet its reserve despite a top bid so far of $61,500.

Many of the 22 classic motorcycles in the auction are already performing well only one day in, led by a rare Honda CB750 K0 (Sandcast) model, currently siting at $36,000 and $31,000 bid for a super rare, one-owner 1953 BMW R68.
In other great progress bidding:

  • a 1970 XW Falcon GT-HO Phase II expected to sell in the $350,000-$450,000 range has so far attracted a top bid of $325.000;
  • a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Convertible expected to sell with 'no reserve' for $40,000-$50,000 has already attracted a top offer of $63,500 after 20 bids;
  • a 1984 Range-Rover 5-speed station wagon offered with 'no reserve' is also on the market after a top bid of $35,500;
  • an iconic Queensland-built 1969 Meyers/Manx beach buggy has already exceeded its high 'no reserve' pre-auction estimate with a leading bid of $33,000.

Amongst the 11 classic Japanese cars in the auction, a 1983 Mitsubishi Starion Turbo coupe has already met its reserve with a top bid of $20,000, while a 1990 Nissan 300ZX 'Targa' offered with 'no reserve' is on the market at $22,100, as is a 'no reserve '1998 Subaru WRX STi at $25,000 after 32 bids.

Shannons timed, online auction closes progressively from 7pm on Tuesday September 7.

To view all auction lots, or register as a bidder, visit www.shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member, call the 13 46 46, Option 6 (Auctions).