Euro classics thrill bidders

This 1966 Mercedes 230SL roadster fetched A$81,000.

Old Mercs bring in the big money at Sydney auction.

Classic sporting cars from Britain and Europe were the big sellers at Shannons Sydney Spring Classic auction this week.

The highest price went to a left-hand drive 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A cabriolet, at A$88,000 (NZ$110,000).

The now-rare two-door W187 model was one of just 1278 built and has led a sheltered life since its recent restoration.

Another classic Mercedes, a 1966 230SL "Pagoda roof" roadster that had covered a documented 34,000 miles, made A$81,000 after being pursued by floor and phone bidders.

A 1988 300SL convertible also fitted with hard and soft tops, which was imported from Hong Kong by the vendor in 2004, sold for A$17,500.

Among the British sporting cars, the top seller - at A$50,000 - was a V8-engined Sunbeam Tiger Mk I convertible which was the subject of a full rebuild in 2003, while from Italy, a four-seater 1974 Lamborghini Espada Series III coupe brought in A$52,000 for the seller.

A restored and upgraded 1963 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 manual sedan in lovely condition sold for A$29,000, a little-used and very original 1952 MG TD roadster that has been in the hands of the same owner for the past 35 years sold for A$25,500, a 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo made A$20,000 and a fully restored 1969 MG Midget Mk III roadster went for A$15,000.

Meanwhile, from the USA, a left-hand drive 1960 Chevrolet Impala convertible offered with no reserve brought the hammer down at A$29,500 after being pursued by several enthusiasts.

Aussie cars also made an impact, with the standout sale a 1972 Monaro HQ LS 350 coupe in "project" condition going for A$35,000, while the unique Scarab/Triumph 650 Group L Historic racing car built in 1958 by automotive engineer Henry Nehrybecki sold for A$18,000.

From the heritage number plates on offer, the rare NSW motorcycle plate "50" brought A$45,000, while the best-selling NSW car plate was the black and white "284", which made $75,000.