Record price for Jag

The XK140 Jaguar SE roadster was the subject of a spirited bidding war at auction recently.

The XK140 Jaguar SE roadster that recently appeared in Superwheels was sold at a classic car auction in Australia for a record A$105,000 ($115,076). The price was A$30,000 ($32,879) more than auction house Shannons' price guide.

The bidding began quietly before two enthusiasts turned it into a spirited contest around the A$90,000 ($98,652) mark, competing with A$1000 ($1096) bids until the hammer fell.

A similar bidding war erupted for a 1931 Bentley roadster replica built in Australia on an Austin Sheerline chassis. It sold for A$60,000 ($65,763).

The 1956 XK140 is one of 3353 roadsters built between 1954 and 1957. But the limited-edition SE model was factory-fitted with racing C-type cylinder head and larger twin 2-in SU carburetors, boosting power of the classic 3.4-litre double overhead camshaft engine from 190bhp at 5000rpm to 210bhp at 5700rpm.

It was originally a left-hand-drive model delivered to America but was converted to right-hand drive while being restored in 1999.

At the auction, classic 1960s Mercedes-Benz coupe, sedan and convertible models continued to prove themselves excellent property, with an original low mileage 1966 250SE Coupe bringing A$25,000 ($27,395) and a former Concours-winning 1969 300SEL 6.3 saloon with 161,000 documented miles (260,000km) selling for A$34,500 ($37,811).

In contrast, an original, rust-free 1967 Valiant VC Wayfarer Ute sold for A$8500 ($9314), while a 1977 Triumph Stag convertible brought A$12,000 ($13,149), reaffirming the popularity of this classic sports cabriolet.

Two high-profile Holden Toranas fared differently. A 1977 LX Torana SL/R 5000 with just 69,999km on the clock brought A$26,000 ($28,490).

But the 1977 Torana A9X originally raced by Australian Bob Morris was passed in at A$105,000 ($115,054).

Classic sporting cars fared well, with a metallic blue 1972 BMW 3.0CSL selling for A$27,000 ($29,588) and a white 1975 Alfa Romeo Montreal bringing A$27,500 ($30,130).

At the other end of the scale, a 1959 Lloyd Alexander TS sedan in need of total restoration became someone's lifetime project for A$325 ($356), while a rare 1937 Opel Olympia two-door convertible in excellent condition brought A$6000 ($6573).