Unique Classics in Shannons Sydney Winter Auction
• Prize-winning 1949 Holden
• Glam Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
• Stunning 1959 VW Transporter ‘Splitie’ pickup
• Rare 1951 Cooper Climax F2
Along with a great selection of early Model T and Model A Fords, the original (Brock) HDT Commodore prototype, a superb 1925 Rolls-Royce, an Australian-delivered Ferrari 246 GT Coupe and a selection of superb Classic motorcycles, there are also some unique and fascinating Classics in Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on Monday (August 10).
Pride of place for early Holden enthusiasts goes to a stunning, prize-winning and fully-restored 1949 Holden 48-215 ‘FX’ sedan presented in Convoy Grey and coming from long-term ownership by a noted collector. Because of its exceptional condition, Shannons expect it to sell in the $40,000-$48,000 range.
The same age, but from Italy is a charming 1949 Fiat 500C ‘Topolino’ Cabriolet with less than 1,000 miles covered since its restoration. It is being offered with ‘no reserve’ and would make an ideal club or promotional car at its expected selling range of $10,000-$15,000.
At the opposite end of the size spectrum there is a vast, right hand drive 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible – one of just 1,800 examples built that year – that is believed to have had just four owners from new, including a member of the Australian Cadillac club for most of its life.
Shannons believe this ‘hamburger with the lot’ to be one of finest Cadillacs in Australia and expect it to sell in the $100,000-$125,000 range.
From Germany, the oddball in Monday’s auction is a well-restored left hand drive 1959 Volkswagen Transporter ‘’Splitie’ pickup.
This stunning two-owner single cab ‘Split-Window’ utility was built for export to the USA and has been the subject of a recent comprehensive restoration in Colorado that has included a number of carefully integrated upgrades to make it a more useable and attractive Classic.
These include a 1974 DP 1600 engine, American Oak slats in its load bed and the 'cyclops' lamp, taken from a 1939 Oldsmobile, brazed onto the roof.
Because of its unique style and restored condition, Shannons expect the once- utilitarian VW to sell in the $30,000-$38,000 range.
British Ford fans have the rare opportunity to purchase an exceptional, award-winning 1968 Cortina MkII 1600E Saloon that has covered a believed 98,872 miles since new in the hands of just two owners.
Presented in immaculate condition following a no-expense-spared restoration, it is expected to bring $25,000-$30,000.
Also from Britain is a rare 1964 Vanden Plas 4-Litre R Saloon that was originally delivered to South Australia in 1964.
This now rarely-seen ‘mini-Rolls-Royce’ has been well-maintained by its three owners since new and presents in lovely condition according to Shannons, who say it has already attracted a lot of interest at its anticipated ‘no reserve’ selling range of $10,000-$15,000.
Shannons also have three unique road and racing cars in Monday’s auction – each offered with ‘no reserve’.
One is a circa-1928 Canadian-built 1928 Model A Ford ‘hot rod’ featuring stripped-down roadster bodywork and a Miller-Schofield overhead valve engine conversion of its original four cylinder engine.
Coming from an eclectic private collection, it is expected to bring $26,000-$32,000 because of its unique period style and condition.
From the same era and collector there is a circa-1928 Meteor-bodied Austin Seven that is believed to have been used in competition for most of its life and is offered for sale with ‘no reserve’ in nicely-rebuilt and well maintained condition, with Shannons quoting its guiding range as $20,000-$25,000.
Finally from Britain there is a rare Cooper Climax Mk V 1100cc F2 racing car that was delivered new in Australia in 1951 through then-Cooper agent John Crouch and has a well-documented local history.
Although little used in recent years, the Cooper has a well-documented history and in the right hands today would make a very competitive Group L Historic car. Shannons expect it to appeal to Historic Racing enthusiasts at its $50,000-$65,000 guiding range.
All lots in Monday’s Sydney auction can be viewed at Shannons showroom at 65 Reserve Road, St.Leonards over the weekend, from 9am-4pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday.
View all August 10 Auction lots online
