Japanese classics to star at auction

Japanese sporting classics will feature at Shannons Spring Timed Online auction from 31 August-7 September.

The top-fancied entrant is an Australian-delivered Nissan GT-R R32 – No 17 of just 100 built for this market – which is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $80,000 – $100,000 range.

Showing an indicated 169,676 km at the time of cataloguing, the metallic silver GT-R has been in the same family ownership for the past 21 years. While unrestored, Shannons said it has always had quality mechanical maintenance, as verified by its books and history.

There is also a 2002 Mazda RX-7 ‘Spirit R’ Type A Coupe – number 315 of just 1500 built.

Finished in the model’s signature Titanium Grey paint combined with red Recaro seats, the car was imported into Australia in 2018, and has been kept mostly in dry storage its Sydney Japanese car collector owner.

With its odometer reading 36,523km at the time of cataloguing and in great mechanical condition, the Spirit R is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $80,000-$90,000.

Particularly attractive to rally enthusiasts, or Japanese car collectors, is a one-owner 2000 Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition ­– one of only 100 Australian-delivered cars.

Build #61/103 and supplied with a full TMR inspection, the Evo VI is one of 23 Satellite Silver cars officially imported into the country by Ralliart Australia. It is fitted with ABS brakes, a Yaw Control Differential, Sports Seats and a 10-speaker sound system.

Presented in immaculate condition and showing an indicated 114,500km on its odometer, belying its 20 years on the road, the Evo is a car for serious collectors that is expected to sell in the $75,000-$90,000 range.

Mazda RX-7 enthusiasts will find an excellent, recently restored 1984 Mazda RX-7 Series 3 that was saved from a modifier, mid-project.

Showing an indicated 109,040km at the time of cataloguing, Shannons said the RX-7 has undergone a two-year cosmetic and mechanical restoration to return it to standard trim using correct parts.

With its owner ready to move onto the next project, it is expected to sell in the $30,000-$40,000 range.

Similar money could buy a one-owner 1998 Subaru WRX STI Sedan that has had one mature owner from new, covering 75,288km.

Driven on a daily basis until 2002 and used as a weekend fun car afterwards, the STI has never had any of the mechanical modifications or upgrades often done to these cars. Presented as an original, honest car with a patina commensurate with its age, it is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $35,000-$45,000.

Appealing alternatives are a low mileage, original ‘first year’ Mitsubishi Starion Coupe with optional leather upholstery, expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $20,000-$30,000 and a manual Nissan 300ZX in factory black with low kilometres and books (‘no reserve’, $20,000-$25,000).

There is also a 1992 Autozam AZ-1 Gullwing Kei class coupe – believed to be unique in Australia.

Powered by a 657cc turbocharged three-cylinder Suzuki engine and showing an indicated 90,883km at the time of cataloguing, the AZ-1 presents in good, original condition throughout and is factory fitted with options including air-conditioning, extra gauges, a CD with additional woofer, passenger footrest and unique AZ-1 carpet mats. It is expected to find a new owner for a ‘no reserve’ estimated price of $16,000-$22,000.