Triple Treat for Heritage Plate Buyers

MELBOURNE – March 1, 2010: There’s a rare triple treat for Victorian Heritage number plate collectors at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on Monday March 15.

The very desirable black and white numeric plates ‘171’, ‘172’ and ‘173’ are going under the hammer in consecutive lots – the first time three consecutive numeric plates have gone to auction in Victoria since 1998.

At the Shannons Melbourne Motor Show Auction in 1998 the numbers 14, 15 and 16 sold on average for $75,000 apiece.

Today, just 12 years later, they could be expected to bring $400,000-$500,000 if again offered for sale.

Shannons expect 171, 172 and 173 to sell in the range of $95,000-$110,000 each.

However as the numerically less-attractive New South Wales Heritage plate ‘241’ brought $101,000 at Shannons recent Sydney Summer Auction, that estimate could be conservative.

Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said he would not be surprised if the same buyer bought all three plates.

“What a great opportunity to have the status of three consecutive numbers on cars in the one family or business,” he said. “I know many people are thinking along these lines and it would be fantastic to keep this family together.

“This is a rare opportunity. These plates are never going to be re-issued. Of all the cars registered in Victoria, only three have the right to display these plates and as their intellectual property can’t be stolen, they are a very secure investment.”

The three Heritage plates are amongst 53 vehicle and 22 automobilia lots in the March 15 sale, which rivals Shannons traditional Melbourne Motor Show auction normally held at this time of the year for the number and quality of lots on offer.

Apart from the three number pates, other highlights of the auction include a large private collection of exotic American cars from the late 1950s and early 1960s and 16 desirable motorcycles dating from 1923 – all offered with no reserve.

With the Melbourne Motor Show deferred until 2011, the annual Shannons March Melbourne sale will take place at Shannons Cheltenham showrooms at 321 Warrigal Road.