Number plates drive $2 million-plus result at Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction

• B&W numerical number plates contribute $1.15 million

• Strong demand for early Classics

• Kostya Tszyu’s Bentley top-selling car 

Nearly $1.15 million was invested by enthusiasts and collectors on 24 black and white ‘Heritage’ numeric number plates at Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on Monday, March 2, outperforming the 26 classic vehicles in the sale.

The top-selling lot at Shannons March 2 Sydney Autumn Auction was the three-digit black and white numerical Heritage number plate ‘226’, which brought $105,000.

In a knockout contest that lasted for two and a half hours, the victor was the number plate ‘226’, which sold for $105,000, just edging out the 2001 Bentley Arnage ‘Red Label’ Saloon of Australian boxing champion Kostya Tszyu, which hit the ropes at $100,000.

Of the other five three-digit plates on offer, number ‘209’ sold for $91,000, ‘237’ went for $88,000, ‘364’ made $84,000, '217’ brought $82,000 and ‘219’ sold for $80,000.

The top four-digit numeric number plate was the lucky number ’8898’ which brought $55,000, while the top five digit plate ‘14444’ went for $28,000.  Both of these were amongst 17 of the plates sold with ‘no reserve’.

All but one of the plates was auctioned by Shannons on behalf of the NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

Champion Australian boxer Kostya Tszyu’s low kilometre 2001 Bentley Arnage was the top-selling vehicle at Shannons March 2 Sydney Autumn Auction, commanding $100,000.

Kostya Tszyu’s Bentley, which had covered a believed 43,000km since delivered new to him in Sydney, was initially passed in on the hammer, but sold almost immediately afterwards for $100,000 to the losing floor bidder.

This comprehensively restored, left hand drive early 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster sold for $89,000.

The next best vehicle result was $89,000 paid for a comprehensively restored, left hand drive early 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster ­– one of just 300 of its year made in Pennant Blue – which sold for $89,000.

Bidding was long and fierce amongst floor, phone and Internet bidders for many Classics.

This ‘tarmac rally modified’ 1971 Porsche 911T sold above its pre-sale high range for $71,000.

A 1971 model Porsche 911T 2.2 modified to ‘Tarmac Rally’ specification attracted 20 floor and phone bids before selling for $71,000, while a very desirable and extensively refurbished Charlesworth-bodied 1935 Alvis Speed 20 saloon with a substantial Australian history brought $70,000 after an Australia-wide floor and internet duel lasting 22 bids.

This very desirable and extensively refurbished Charlesworth-bodied 1935 Alvis Speed 20 saloon was pursued by 22 floor and phone bidders before selling for $70,000.

Other 1930s Classics to perform well were a right hand drive 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe that sold for $37,750 after a protracted floor and phone battle, while a very collectible right hand drive Chevrolet Series AD Roadster sold with ‘no reserve’ for $34,000.

This right hand drive 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe sold for $37,750 after a protracted floor and phone battle at Shannons March 2 Sydney Autumn Auction.

Meanwhile, amongst the nine bikes on offer, a collectible circa-1948 Harley-Davison FL Panhead motorcycle in excellent restored condition top sold for $48,000.

This circa 1948 Harley-Davison FL Panhead 1200cc motorcycle sold for $48,000.

In other standout results:

• a left hand drive 1942 Willy Jeep restored to WWII specs sold for $21,000

• a restored 1967 Citroen 2CV AK400 ‘Fourgonnette’ van brought $23,000

• a beautifully presented Australian-delivered and 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 coupe offered with ‘no reserve’ sold above its high estimate for $53,000 after a marathon 28-bid battle that engaged, floor, phone and Internet bidders – the most for any lot in the auction.

View all March 3 auction results

Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.