2018 Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Preview

I stopped by the upcoming 2018 Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic auction today to check out the cars on offer.    A big part of this auction is numeric plates.   These have proven to be a good investment for many of the last few years.  Personally I regard them a bit like Bitcoin, the latest fad without fundamentals.  It’s not like you can enjoy driving your #37 number plate even if it loses value.  Lots of people have made money though!   Looking at the cars, some of the more interesting lots were:

Lot 62:  1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 OTS

This is a nice looking 3.8 E-Type, with a guiding price of $185,000-$210,000.   It is a nice example and they will probably get it.   E-Types have shot up incredibly in the last few years.  While higher values mean they get saved, it also means many are now in the hands of speculators rather than enthusiasts.

Lot 59:  1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

At first some may run away scared with around 450,000 on the clock.   However, with all the work done this car may be good buying.   It is a really period colour (Silver Green) which is not to everyone’s taste, but is in great condition.   The asking price of $28,000-$35,000 is not unreasonable, but the odometer may put some off.

Lot 50: 1998 BMW 840Ci Coupe

The 8 series doesn’t have the same fan base of the earlier 6er, but to me is the most striking BMW to come out of the 90s.   Potentially the E39 M5 may be a better car to live with, but the 8 series has the looks and the V8 is reportedly less problematic than the V12.   The car is estimated at $25,000-$30,000

Lot 52: 1960 Jaguar XK150 FHC

The XK’s used to be similar money to the E-Type, but not anymore.    This nice 3.8 had a guiding range of $85,000-$95,000.   Personally, I prefer the XK140, but the 150 has the advantage of the 3.8 engine and is probably a more usable car.   British Racing Green is probably the best colour for these.   Lighter colours can make them look like a jellybean.

Lot 67:  1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II

The guiding range of $35,000-$50,000 may attract some to what is an extremely desirable pre-war Rolls Royce.   Having sat there since at least the 80s, I suspect the cost to just mechanically recommission this car would be astronomical.   After that you’re still stuck with a fairly dowdy re-body from the 60s.  Apparently there is a photo in the Phantom II book of the original and more attractive body.