Phantom of the 'Opera Singer' centre stage at Shannons Sydney Auction
• Two more magnificent Vintage Rolls-Royces
• ‘No reserve’ 1979 Rolls-Royce V8 saloon
A magnificent and distinctive 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I two-door Sports Saloon that once belonged to renowned Australian opera singer, will take centre stage at Shannons upcoming Sydney Classic Winter Auction on August 10.
Coming hot on the heels of the recent Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction, where a 1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50HP Saloon sold for a world-market $371,000, the Phantom is one of two superb Vintage Rolls-Royces in the Sydney sale.
The Phantom was delivered to its first owner in England fitted with conservative Baker Limousine coachwork, but after arriving in Australia in 1930 it was re-bodied in 1935 as a very stylish two-door Sports Saloon by renowned Melbourne coachbuilder Martin & King for its then-owner R. C. Cleland.
A notable feature incorporated in its new body were the 26 separate warning lights and indicators designed by Mr Cleland.
These included turning hands at the front, arrows at the rear, pilot lights on the near side, courtesy lamps on the running boards, reversing lights, ditch lights designed to illuminate drains on country roads and even red and green passing lights.
The Rolls-Royce with its powerful 7.6 litre in-line six cylinder engine was also equipped for serious long distance touring and featured a purpose-built radio with a 2,000-mile range, folding seats that converted into a bed, plus long-range fuel tanks mounted in the boot.
Later the Phantom belonged to the renowned Australian opera singer Peter Dawson for a period leading up to World War II, then spent some years with long-term owner Harry Beenham in Sydney, before passing into its current ownership in 1997.
According to Shannons, the Phantom drives well and its Burgundy and Black coachwork remains in generally good order. Although most of its novel lights have been disconnected, it is understood they could be re-activated.
For its style and wonderful provenance, Shannons conservatively expect this unique Phantom I to command $100,000-$125,000 on August 10.
As an alternative for collectors, Shannons also have a very desirable 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25HP H.J.Mulliner Saloon with a distinctive and documented history.
Chassis GAF62 was originally delivered with its current saloon bodywork to the High Sherriff of Herefordshire – a serial Rolls-Royce customer, whose purchases included no less than eight 20/25 cars.
A number of the car’s distinctive features included special vent windows on the front doors and a ‘Dover spring steering wheel’, a novelty at the time.
The car found its way to America, as did so many classic cars in the Post-WWII period, before eventually arriving in Australia in the late 1980s and it has been cared for by just three owners here over the past 25 years.
The Rolls has been the subject of considerable mechanical refurbishment since and according to Shannons it now starts on the button first time, runs beautifully and reportedly drives exactly as a well-sorted 20/25 should.
Because of its period originality, mechanical condition and provenance, Shannons expect it to sell in the $58,000-$68,000 range.
As a much more affordable alternative to both Vintage Rolls-Royces, Shannons are also offering a nicely presented 1979 Silver Shadow II V8 Saloon finished in distinctive metallic blue over silver, with a well-maintained Parchment leather and typical burr walnut interior.
This arresting Rolls that would enhance any driveway and make a distinctive business statement, is being offered with ‘no reserve’, with Shannons estimating that it will sell in the $18,000-$22,000 range.
View all August 10 auction lots
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