Victorians shell out massive money for rare plates

RARE number plates continue to command big coin.

At the Shannons Melbourne Spring Sale, the Victorian registration plate '303' sold for a massive $203,000.

Not quite the $2.45 million which eccentric billionaire Peter Tseng paid for the News South Wales '4' plate last month.

Nevertheless, it was one of several plates which commanded more money than many brand new cars.

The plate '812' - a number with special relevance to the latest 6.5-litre V12 Ferrari 812 Superfast - sold for $166,000

Other three-digit number plate results were '682' sold for $144,000; '560' brought $132,000; '447' made $112,000 and '905' went for $103,000.

Four and five-digit black and white Victorian heritage plates also performed above expectation, with '1.166' selling for $61,000 and '22.224' producing the best five-digit result at $33,000.

"These plates continue to give enthusiast a unique opportunity to make their classic or modern-day supercar stand out, while acquiring individuality and a status symbol at the same time,” Shannons auction manager Christophe Boribon said.

In the car sales, a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS sold for $140,000.

This second-year C1 1954 Corvette sold for $116,000 at Shannons September 25 Melbourne Spring Auction on September 25, as did a later 1961 C1 model. Contributed

A pair of classic left-hand-driver first series C1 Chevrolet Corvette Roadsters - a rare, white 1954 model restored to a high standard and a stylish black with white scallops and chrome wire wheels 1961 model - each made $116,000.

Amongst emerging modern classics, a rare 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - one of 399 two-door Version 5 models to come to Australia - sold with 'no reserve' for $54,000.

Event this restored Gilbarco CM petrol pump in Shell Livery went for $7000. — Even this restored Gilbarco CM petrol pump in Shell Livery went for $7000.

In other results, a former left-hand drive 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo coupe sold for $137,000, an Australian favourite 1974 Holden LH Torana SL/R 5000 L34 Sedan went for $100,000, while a superbly-restored left-hook 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sports Coupe fitted with a factory 283-cid V8 sold for $71,000.

This 1924 Buick Master Six that had been restored to an exceptional standard brought $55,000 at the Shannons auction on September 25.

Another Aussie legend, a low-kilometre 1968 Holden HK Premier Sedan, made $50,000.

Amongst the Vintage vehicles, a stunning a 1924 Buick Master Six that had been restored to an exceptional standard brought $55,000 and a striking, restored 1932 Chevrolet B Roadster went for $50,000.

This stunning and ultra-desirable Shelby (Mustang) GT500 fitted with many factory options was passed in, after being expected to sell in the $250,000-$280,000 range.

Meanwhile, a pair of early, unrestored two-owner Toyota LandCruisers - a 1971 FJ40 Short Wheelbase and a 1979 Toyota FJ55 4-Door wagon - sold strongly for $17,500 and $21,000 respectively, indicative of the increasing interest in classic working vehicles.