New Online Bidding expands Shannons Auction audience

• Online Bidding attracts extra ‘viewers’ to Shannons Melbourne Autumn Auction

• 72 per cent of vehicles sold – nine to online bidders

• Many classics fought over in lengthy bidding duels

Online Bidding is now a reality at Shannons Classic Vehicle Auctions, with nearly 30 per cent of the vehicles sold at Monday’s May 5 Melbourne Autumn sale purchased by online bidders.

An estimated 200 people around Australia and overseas watched the auction live on their computers, with the large number of online bidders out-spending floor and telephone bidders for nine of the lots on the night.

Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said enthusiasts had been quick to embrace Shannons Online Bidding.

“We are delighted with the take-up so far,” he said.  “We are using feedback to further refine the online bidding experience and expect even more people to participate in our first online Sydney Classic Auction on May 26.”

Standout sales of the Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction were:

- A stunning 1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Coupe finished in black with a cream leather interior that brought $83,000

This stunning 1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Coupe was the top-selling vehicle at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction.

- A believed three-owner 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Sedan offered in outstanding, restored condition made $50,000

This prized, three-owner 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Sedan offered in outstanding, restored condition made $50,000.

- A stately 1952 Bentley Mk VI saloon that had in excess of $50,000 lavished on it by its current owner of 33 years sold for $45,000

This stately 1952 Bentley Mk VI saloon that had some $50,000 lavished on it by its long-term owner sold for $45,000.

- A modified 1955 Ford Victoria Coupe went for $42,000 after being pursued by several enthusiasts

This modified 1955 Ford Victoria Coupe went for $42,000 after being pursued by several enthusiasts at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on May 5.

- A beautiful 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300B sedan sold for $41,000.

However the bidding duel of the night was for a stunning, restored black 1973 Citroen D Super 5 saloon that was expected to sell in the $15,000-$20,000 range, but ultimately sold for $34,500.

This beautiful, black and  fully-restored 1973 Citroen D Super 5 was pursued by two Citroen enthusiasts before eventually bringing the gavel down at $34,500

Other notable sales at the May 5 auction were the $18,000 paid for a restored 1964 MGB Mk I, $19,000 for a very desirable 1967 Holden HR Premier, while a 1972 Holden HQ 'Modified' 402-cid V8 Utility sold for $19,500.

Amongst the 30 garagenalia and automobilia items on offer, the Victorian black and white heritage number plate ‘98’ brought $195,000, while the top-selling three digit plate was ‘371’ ($60,000) and the best price of a four-digit plate was $25,000 paid for ‘8.998’.

Amongst the garagenalia, period petrol pumps continued to be in demand with collectors, with a circa 1920s Hammond Computer Gravity pump in Shell livery with a reproduction globe selling for $5,600.