Landmark Classics in Shannons Melbourne Summer Sale
• Trend-setting Anglo-American Jensen Grand Tourer
• Inspirational Vintage Lancia
• Aspirational Brough motorcycle with sidecar
• Stunning GT40 replica
While many enthusiasts will be attracted to Monday’s Shannons Melbourne Summer auction hoping to snap up one of the 21 ‘no reserve’ cars and motorcycles at a bargain price, others around the world will closely be following the fortunes of four landmark classics in the sale.
The C-V8 answered criticism that Jensen’s Austin-powered 541 Series was becoming underpowered compared with its British Aston Martin, Alvis, Bristol ‘Grand Touring’ rivals and the car was redesigned around Chrysler's mighty 5.9-litre V8, with the 541’s parallel-tube frame beefed up to cope with the extra output.
According to Richard Calver's extensive listing of Jensen Cars, chassis '2085' was first registered in the UK, but in recent years following its migration to Australia the C-V8 has undergone considerable restoration work, with new floors, boot and petrol tank, followed by a respray.
One of a handful in Australia, this Jensen is collectible as one of the first Anglo-American sporting cars that led to the creation of such classics as the AC Cobra.
Vincenzo Lancia's Lambda was a landmark car, single-handedly advancing automotive design in several key departments when it was unveiled to the public in 1922.
Combining monocoque construction with sliding pillar independent front suspension endowed the Lambda with superb handling, which combined with its advanced overhead camshaft V4 engine, showed the world that a light, relatively small capacity car could out-perform much bigger, heavier machinery.
The 1927 example being auctioned by Shannons is one of 1,923 Lambdas built that year and, as a Seventh Series car, benefited originally from the more powerful 2370cc engine, along with all the earlier improvements, including a four-speed transmission.
However, when the current owner bought the car in February 2005 the original motor was found to be beyond economic repair and made the decision to substitute a later 2.0-litre Lancia Beta in-line four-cylinder engine in its place, while retaining the Lambda’s other original running gear.
In this form, the Lambda retains most of the model’s major attractions and at its guiding range of $45,000-$60,000 represents a great Club car and an affordable entry to Lambda ownership.
More than 50 years on, Ford's mid-engined, monocoque spaceframe Le Mans-wining GT40 remains one of the most desirable racing cars ever made.
Not surprisingly, it has spawned many replica ‘tributes’ over the years and the stunning DRB GT 40 replica being auctioned by Shannons on Monday is one of the very best.
Featuring stunning build quality and a stonking specification that includes a fully balanced 363-cid (5.9-litre) V8 engine with a forged crankshaft, roller rockers, fuel injection and Motec engine management, mated to a Porsche G50/911 Turbo five-speed box with a limited-slip differential, the DRB GT 40 has the specification to match its appearance.
According to Shannons, the DRB GT 40 has been built to the highest standard and would make an electrifying road car or track-day weapon at its realistic guiding range of $100,000-$120,000 – well below its actual build cost.
One of the most revered and collectible names in motorcycling, Brough Superior was originally established by George Brough in Nottingham in 1921, with its mission to build machines of the highest quality and performance.
The Brough Superior 11-50 Sidecar outfit being auctioned on Monday was a former Australian Police bike and was in the noted Jack Northover Collection from the late 1980s until its acquisition by the present custodian at Shannons Motor Show auction in 2007.
Nicely presented in the correct black and chrome finish, Shannons say this Brough Superior 11-50 provides a rare opportunity to acquire one of these handsome, increasingly collectible and milestone motorcycles at a realistic price.
All lots are available for viewing this weekend at Shannons’ Melbourne showroom, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, with a free sausage sizzle from 9am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
