The Victorian Heritage black and white numberplate ‘878’ – one of 10 entrusted to Shannons by VicRoads – was the top selling lot of the auction, commanding a near-record $92,000 for a three-digit combination.
It was one of 14 number plates in the auction that sold for a combined total just short of $500,000,emphasising the continuing strength of the collector market.
Other notable number plate sales were ‘285’ and ‘306’, which each sold for $74,000, while ‘482’ made $50,000. The top four-digit result was $29,000 for ‘7755’, while ‘23.000’ topped the five-digit results at $20,000.
There was also a surprise result amongst the 35 classic vehicles on offer, where wood triumphed over steel.
A spectacular award-winning custom 1934 Ford ‘Woody’ Station Wagon and its matching ‘Teardrop’ camper complete with home comforts including a record player was the top selling classic vehicle, selling on estimate at $75,000. It comfortable outdistanced the $65,000 paid for a 1985 Holden VK Commodore Group A SS sedan described by Shannons as being ‘a very good driver’.
Other notable vehicle sales included $32,000 paid for a well-presented dark blue 1965 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupe, $28,000 for a red, right hand drive 1965 Ford Mustang coupe and $18,000 for a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Convertible.
The three quirky Citroen models offered for sale unreserved all did well, with the 1973 DS23 Safari Wagon making an excellent $16,000, just pipping the 1924 5CV Boat Tail Roadster ($14,000), while the 1956 Light 15 sedan made $5,500.
Other unreserved lots to do particularly well at the auction included a very original, one-owner 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250C Coupe that sold for $12,500, a 1954 Holden FJ Special sedan that brought $10,500, a 1970 Dodge Phoenix 400 ‘Pillarless’ Sedan ($8,500) and a 1962 Holden EK Utility ($6,000).
Classic scooters again proved their market strength, with an eye-catching red and white 1963 Vespa 150cc with matching sidecar selling for $9,250, while a red solo Vespa 150cc of the same vintage made an equally impressive $6,750.
Amongst the garagenalia, classic petrol pumps continued to be strong sellers, with a 1920s Gilbert & Barker 6 Gallon manual pump in Texaco livery topping the sales at $6,750.
