Quirky Classics in Shannons May 4 Melbourne Auction
Classic vehicle enthusiasts looking for something different have plenty of choice at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Auction on May 4, with a number of quirky’ cars and commercial vehicles going under the hammer – some with ‘no reserve’.
Amongst the cars, the most attention will be focussed on a sound and original 1961 right hand drive Citroen 2CV presented in period condition.
Finished in the correct period shade of Grey, the Citroën was originally delivered in Switzerland, but made its way to Australia at some point in the early 1960s.
It was discovered in NSW around 12 months ago by its current owner, a Melbourne collector, and is believed to have been off the road since the 1970s.
With values of 2CVs climbing steadily, Shannons expect this quality example to sell in the $15,000-$20,000 range.
Nothing at all like the 2CV, but from the same era is a rare factory right hand drive 1956 Nash Metropolitan Coupe, offered with ‘no reserve’.
Originally delivered to New Zealand on October 31st, 1957 this factory right-hand drive Metropolitan carries Nash badges and comes with the larger and more desirable 1489cc engine, mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
In presentable condition throughout and finished in the period two-tone colour scheme of green and white with matching interior, the Nash is showing an indicated 86,568 miles on its odometer.
With just 104,377 examples sold over the lifespan of the model and few of these charming little coupes still on the road in Australia, Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon believes the car being auctioned presents a great opportunity for collectors, or an enthusiast looking for a promotional vehicle at its expected selling price of $10,000-$15,000.
Also from America is a now very rare factory-built 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Convertible, which although overshadowed by the arrival of the Mustang in 1965, has become very collectible today.
This left hand drive Falcon Convertible was previously a California car and retains the 170-cid six under the bonnet, with the optional Ford-O-Matic transmission, but features an upgraded brakes and 12-slot wheels.
It is expected to sell in the $18,000-$24,000 range.
Quirky commercial vehicles are also going under the gavel in Monday’s auction, led by a left hand drive 1966 Volkswagen Spllt Window Van, that with the surging international interest in these early VW commercial vehicles is expected to bring $38,000-$48,000.
Rarer still is a 1955 ex-Army Austin Champ Military Jeep, fresh from a restoration and fitted with many period accessories.
Born out of Alec Issigonis' FV1800 project, the 2.8 litre four-cylinder Austin Champ with its five-speed all-synchromesh transmission was Britain's answer to the Jeep and the British Army's requirement for an off-road light military vehicle.
Most Champs served as personnel transport, although some were used as field ambulances, or equipped with machine guns. The Austin was used in conflicts in the Suez, Cyprus and Africa during the 1950s, while the Australian Army ordered 400 new Champs, plus a similar number of ex-British Army vehicles.
Fresh from a full restoration, the Champ being auctioned comes with a replacement Rolls-Royce engine and gearbox, while its brakes have been rebuilt and a new fuel pump fitted, along with four new tyres.
Equipped with a number of hard to find period correct accessories, including a, rifle rack, spotlight, shovel and jerry can, the Champ is one of just 13,750 built, adding to its collectability.
With interest in military vehicles growing all the time and supported by a strong club scene in Australia, Shannons believe this restored Austin Champ represents a great opportunity for the astute collector and should sell in the $16,000-$22,000 range.
Also collectible are two interesting commercial vehicles in the auction – a 1947 Australian-made Ford Prefect Utility and a 1947 Chevrolet ‘Lend Lease’ Tray Truck.
The Prefect has been owned by one family for most of its life, with the vendor purchasing it from the original owner's family via a dealer in Warrnambool. It features white-wall tyres and comes with some great period touches, various spares, photos and original paperwork, with Shannons expecting it to sell with no reserve’ in the $8,000-$10,000 range.
The equally appealing restored 1947 Chevrolet Tray Truck is expected to bring $16,000-$25,000.
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