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Melbourne, Monday March 8: The engines were silent, but the battle for an
unreserved 1977 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 at today’s Shannons Melbourne Motor Show
auction was every bit as fierce as for podium places in Sunday’s Foster’s
Australian Grand Prix.
Three phone and eight floor bidders out of a crowd more than 600 in the
Melbourne Exhibition Centre concourse area, duelled for the red, 2+2 seater
coupe with its mid-mounted 250HP V8 engine, with ‘pole position’ ultimately
going to a Tasmanian enthusiast who paid $35,000 – the price of a new Ford
Falcon.
Brendan Manion, an insurance broker from Launceston, had not expected to
become a Ferrari owner when he arrived in Melbourne last week with his family to
watch the Grand Prix.
“I saw the car on Friday night and I was hooked,” he said. Although we’re
Ferrari followers, I didn’t really want then to win, because what wins on Sunday
usually sells for more on Monday!”
The Dino 308 GT4 is the Brendan Manion’s first Ferrari, but it will have some
classy neighbours in the family garage, including a Ford GT40 replica.
With four seats, it’s also an ideal family car for Brendan, his wife
Jennifer, son Ben 18 and daughter Claire 14, although Ben – a devout Ferrari
enthusiast - has different ideas.
“I’m a bit big for the back seat, but I fit nicely behind the wheel!” he said
wishfully.
Buyers at the auction were in the mood for bargains, with a stately 1956
Bentley S1 saloon selling unreserved for $22,000 and a superbly presented 1967
Rolls-Royce two door Mulliner Park Ward coupe bringing $40,000.
An immaculate 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta Coupe was a superb classic buy at
$5250, while for those who missed out on the Ferrari Dino, a magnificent black
1986 model Ferrari 412i coupe made excellent buying at $68,000.
Number plates were also in high demand, with the original black and white
enamel plate 140.299 selling for $4,300 after spirited bidding from up to 10
prospective purchasers.
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