Enthusiasts splurge at Shannons last 2014 Sydney auction

This rare 1989 Porsche 911 'Wide Body' Speedster was the top selling vehicle of Shannons Late Spring Classic Sydney Auction, going for well over its high estimate for $175,000.

Enthusiasts spent up big on rare and world-class classic cars and motorcycles at Shannons Late Spring Classic Sydney Auction on November 17, with many of the 26 vehicle and 22 memorabilia lots selling at or above their high pre-sale estimates.

The most popular sale of the night was of the humblest car - a 1984 Citroen 2CV6 'Charleston' nicknamed 'Tootsie' owned by former Australian Touring Car Champion Dick Johnson.

Bidding for the rag-topped maroon and black 2CV was brisk, with the gavel falling at $24,500 - above its $20,000 high estimate.

However the loudest cheer from the large crowd that packed Shannons St.Leonards' showroom went to the successful floor bidder who won a lengthy battle for a very collectible 1989 Porsche 911 'Wide Body' Speedster in need of some TLC.

Opening at $80,000, bidding rose in $5,000 increments, surging passing the Porsche's $105,000 high estimate, to eventually stop at $175,000, reflecting the International value of these now rare and sought-after models.

This 'barn find' 1975 Holden LH Torana SL/R 5000 coming out of long-term storage was keenly chased by enthusiasts before selling for $33,000

Another car to punch well above its expected sale price was a low-mileage 1982 Australian-delivered Mercedes-Benz 380SL that sold for $45,500, reflecting not only the car's provenance, but also the increasing value of these previously under-valued sports convertibles.

A right hand drive 1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible brought $59,000; a sensitively-upgraded and beautifully-presented 1963 Jaguar 3.8 Mk II manual with overdrive saloon sold for $67,000; a stunning 1954 Austin Healey BN1 four cylinder roadster updated mechanically with a four-speed BN2 gearbox and a 'Le Mans' engine kit made $72,000, while a 1958 Jaguar XK150 Roadster that had covered limited miles since its ground-up restoration in the 1980s sold on expectation for $109,000.

1984 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston.

Lower in the price spectrum, a beautifully-restored right hand drive 1939 Buick Special Business Coupe went for $38,000 after keen floor and telephone bidding; a 1949 MGTC Roadster in wonderful, restored condition went for $37,500 and a stunning 1972 MGB MkII Roadster comprehensively restored in Sydney during 2003-2004 at a documented cost of around $50,000 sold for $28,000.

Classic Holdens also performed well, topped by a rare 1976 four wheel drive HJ Overlander 'Sandman' Panel Van that brought $36,000, while a surviving 'barn-find' 1975 Holden LH Torana SL/R 5000 coming out of long-term storage was keenly chased before selling for $33,000 and a desirable 1977 Torana LX Hatchback in substantially original condition went for $25,500.

1975 Holden Overlander

The 16 classic American, British and Italian motorcycles in the auction were also in high demand, topped by a circa 1937 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead V-Twin presented in 'turn key and ride' fully-restored condition at $73,000.

Another American bike, a one-family-owned from new circa 1922 Indian Scout 600cc delivered and sold new in Mudgee NSW, made $27,000.

Amongst the 'no reserve' Italian motorcycles on offer, the best result was $15,000 for a circa 1954 Gilera Saturno Sport 500cc in good, running condition, while a circa-1976 MV Agusta 350cc S Ipotesi maintained to original condition with factory upgrades sold for $11,000 and a now-collectible circa-1951 Lambretta Model C 125cc Motorscooter sold above expectation for $10,000.

Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead.

However the two-wheeler that attracted the keenest bidding and brought the loudest applause on he night was a early 1950s Cyclops Scooter in lovely 'well ridden' condition that was hotly pursued by several floor and phone bidders before selling with 'no reserve' for $1,400, while a Cyclops pedal car of similar vintage and condition did even better at $1,600.