American Dreams come true at Shannons July 13 Auction
• Four American Beauties from GM
• Style statement Cadillac Eldorado convertible
• Stunning ’61 Corvette FI convertible with hardtop
They are big, brash and to many enthusiasts, beautiful. There’s no doubt that the vast convertibles that graced US roads from the mid-1950s were an automotive statement.
To pre-empt the end of winter, Shannons has assembled a hit list of grand American convertible ‘dream cars’ from the General Motors stable for its upcoming Melbourne Winter Auction on July 13.
The style-leader of the pack is a fabulous and beautifully preserved 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.
Discovered after long-term storage, the pale blue American beauty was originally a New York car that was stored in a garage there for around 30 years before being discovered and shipped to Australia by the previous owner.
This highly desirable Series 62 convertible then underwent a mechanical recommissioning, with receipts totalling $51,000 on file.
During this, the engine and drive train were overhauled, the suspension rebuilt and a new convertible hood fitted in 2014.
Fortunately the owner took the wise decision to retain the original pale blue and cream upholstery, preserving the car’s lovely patina.
Shannons expect this American dream car to sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range on July 13.
Similarly desirable for Chevrolet lovers is a beautiful, 1957 Bel Air Convertible ($50,000-$60,000).
Stunning in red, with a white body flash, a white convertible top, the restored left hand drive example being auctioned has also been upgraded with new matching and red and white vinyl trim and carpets.
Also from General Motors is a vast, white 1965 Pontiac Catalina convertible that is expected to sell in the $30,000-$40,000 range.
This very stylish, but more conservatively presented example is trimmed in black and has a black electric folding convertible top, however its 389-cid V8 has been optioned with triple downdraft carburettors.
However the GM jewel in the crown in the July 13 auction for many enthusiasts will be a beautiful, restored 1961 Corvette Fuel Injected convertible. In 1961 this model with its 315HP 283-cid V8 fitted with Rochester fuel injection was the most powerful Corvette you could buy.
Stunning in black, with a silver scallop, white wall tyres and contrasting red vinyl interior, the Corvette appealingly comes with a rare removable factory hard top in matching black, making it a head-turning classic in any crowd.
This very desirable and collectible American classic is conservatively ranged to sell for $70,000-$80,000 on July 13, but given its status as the pinnacle performance model of the first Corvette series, Shannons predict it could easily bring more.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
