The result for Shannons and sellers was better than expected with 500 new bidders registering for the event, in addition to views from most of the company’s 8000 existing members.

Shannons’ national auctions manager Christophe Boribon told GoAutoNews Premium that  the event received about 3000 bids which compared favourably with the live auctions that the company held regularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

“I see online vehicle auctions as now being an integral part of our business for the future,” he said.

“I can’t see it taking over from live auctions but it will be an important alternative.”

The online auction sold 97 of the 101 lots of memorabilia, number plates, motorcycles and cars shown.

Mr Boribon said there was great bidding activity across all items although the three project cars sold for strong prices. These were a 1936 SS Jaguar that sold for $18,500; a 1958 MGA for $27,500; and a 1955 MG TF for $40,500.

A heritage number plate NSW 280 fetched $220,000 while two Victorian heritage plates, 736 and 474, found new owners at $113,500 and $145,500 respectively.

Muscle cars like the 1971 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger R/T fetched $99,000 while a 1972 Plymouth Barracuda 340 V8 went for $53,351 and a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327 350hp convertible sold for $92,000.

Mr Boribon said motorcycles also fetched high prices with a 1969 Velocette Sportsman solo 500cc at $39,500 and a 1960 Harley-Davidson Duo Glide finding a buyer at $38,500. Both were well above their guiding range of $18,000-$22,000 and $20,000-$24,000 respectively.

The next online vehicle auction is set for August 19-26.

By Neil Dowling