IT didn't go for more than $1-million, but a lovingly-restored piece of motor racing history still set a record at auction.
Bids for the 1969 Holden HT Monaro closed at $715,000.
It is believed to be the highest price for an Australian Holden classic that can still be registered for use on the roads.
Lloyds Auctions said it was the highest price for a road registerable Australian Holden ever sold at auction.
Chief operations officer Lee Hames said there were seven bidders, which came down to two enthusiasts who fought it out, both with the intention to keep the car in Australia.
The winning bidder wished to remain anonymous.
It comes after the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications warned the Monaro might be an Australian Protected Object.
The vehicle, which was credited with launching the Holden Dealer Team's racing dominance in the 70s and 80s, might not have been allowed to leave Australian soil.
Lloyds Auctions had been recommending General Motors purchase the Monaro and donate it to an Australian museum.
The vehicle had been projected to sell for more than $1m.
Lloyds Auctions said the Monaro was the first factory-built race car to bear a Holden badge.
"The car is a significant piece of Australian motorsport history, not only shaping the success of Holden as a company, but also setting the stage for the domination by Holden and Peter Brock for the following two decades," Lloyds Auctions said.
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
