'Little French Mistress' seeks new master at Shannons
A delightful and rare 1926 Chenard Senechal ‘Torpille’, lovingly named ‘My Little French Mistress’ by its elderly Australian owner, who first met her when he was just 17, is seeking a new ‘master ‘ at Shannons Melbourne Classic Auction on Monday, May 5.
The little roadster, with its cheeky Australian-built two-seater boat-tail body, is one of three superb Vintage cars crossing the block at the May auction, with its companions being an American 1930 Ford ‘Improved’ Model A Tourer and a 1924 British Crossley 12/14hp Tourer.
The Chenard is believed to be one of only 30 surviving 1500cc Senechal models worldwide and the only one in Australia.
The vendor fell in love with this little French miss when he was just 17, but after purchasing and restoring her mechanically, he sold her 18 months later.
Later, after realising her rarity, he regretted the decision and bought her back while in his late 30s.
He has since completed a full restoration and has updated her mechanically with 12-volt electrics. Combined with her four-wheel brakes and four-speed crash gearbox, she is today a distinctive and very usable Vintage vehicle and – appropriately for a scantily-clad French beauty –featured in the 2010 RACV calendar.
Because of her rarity, provenance and condition, Shannons expect the Chenard Senechal to represent great buying in the $18,000-$22,000 range. The owner’s period driving gloves, helmet and goggles are included in the sale.
The ‘Improved’ Ford Model A with its uncomplicated three-speed gearbox and mechanical brakes is a sought-after Vintage tourer and the example being auctioned has the added value of having received a full body-off restoration in the 1970s.
Coming out of long-term ownership, the Ford was a Victorian Drivers’ Club Trophy winner in the early 1980s and presents in good usable condition today.
It has been used regularly as a wedding vehicle for the vendor’s family and friends and because of the model’s popularity as a good useable and easy-to-maintain classic, is expected to sell in the $22,000-$28,000 range.
Even more desirable is a 1924 model 12/14HP Crossley Tourer presented in lovely condition following a full restoration in the late 1980s and sparing use since.
One of the features of the Crossley’s red and black coachwork is its American-sourced Pierce rear windscreen that protects rear seat occupants from wind buffeting, making it a delightful car for top-down touring.
Offered with its original engine and in mechanically sound condition according to the vendor, it is expected to attract bids in the $28,000-$34,000 range.
