- Shannons Timed Online auction closes today with 75 per cent of all 222 lots 'now on the market'
- More than $11 million bid so far
- $920,00 offered for 1971 Falcon GT-HO Phase III leads bidding
A highly-collectible 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III originally driven by the late Ford muscle car boss Al Turner before being consigned to Allan Moffat Racing, has finally entered the battle for top selling lot at Shannons current '40th Anniversary' Timed Online Auction that closes tonight.
Expected to sell for more than $1 million, the fully-restored GT-HO – one of just 300 built by Turner's secretive Ford Competition Department and fitted with a rebuilt Mick Webb engine – only entered the Auction's bidding fray this morning at $775,000 but is yet to meet is reserve at its current top bid of $930,000.
It has already attracted the highest bid of the 222 lots in the auction, trumping the $889,388 offered for the New South Wales Heritage number plate '96'. Held in the one family for more than 100 years, the plates originally was fitted to a 30HP Daimler purchased from the NSW Railways and to many exotic cars since.
Two other 'Bathurst' cars have also drawn considerable interest from enthusiasts.
A Flamenco Red 1977 Holden LX Torana SS 9X Hatchback – one of just 100 two-door models made with the model's unique floor pan– is currently sitting on a bid of $300,000, while a lovely 1977 LX Torana A9X sedan is now 'on the market' after a top bid of $290,000.
Out-valuing them both is the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa coupe given to Sir Elton John as a 40th birthday present. Offered in immaculate condition, it is now on the market after a high bid of $320,000.
Other high-value cars in the auction include a 2002 Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nür coupe – number 993 of the 1003 Nürs built – which is now 'on the market' at $330,000.
Falcon GTs have also caught the eyes of enthusiasts, with two 1973 XA GT models – a two-door Hardtop and a sedan – both 'on the market' after bids of $145,950 and $145,000 respectively.
Meanwhile the last Holden Monaro CV8 Coupe built in 2005 is not yet 'on the market' despite a top bid of $170,000.
Other outstanding bids to date include $123,500 for a 1970 Falcon XW GT sedan; $130,000 for a 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 coupe; $92,500 has been offered for a rare 1990 Porsche 928GT 'Manual' coupe and $82,500 for a 1956 Holden FJ Panelvan.
At the other end of the market, $35,500 has been bid for a 1950 Land-Rover Series` SWB, $35,000 for a 1981 Leyland Mini Moke Californian and $32,000 for a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 'Oval Window' sedan'.
Shannons '40th Anniversary' Timed Online Auction closes progressively from 7.00pm AEST this evening.
To view the progress of all auction bidding, visit www.shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member, call the 13 46 46, Option 6 (Auctions).