Plates and prestige at Shannons Sydney Auction

• 10 NSW Heritage B&W numerical plates, headlined by ‘42’

• Superb 1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Open Tourer

• Two collectible early 1960s Mercedes-Benz sporting models

If you can’t put a classic Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz in your driveway, put a Heritage number plate on something else for the same ‘street cred’– or do both at Shannons Late Autumn Sydney Auction.

This super-rare double-digit NSW numerical number plate originally owned by the Horden family, is expected to sell for $700,000-$900,000.

Ten New South Wales Black and White numerical number plates will be going under the hammer on Monday (May 20), headlined by ‘42’, which is expected to attract bids in the $700,000-$900,000 range.

Records show that the plate was first issued to prominent Sydney businessman Anthony Hordern in 1911 and could have been fitted to his Veteran Rolls-Royce at the time, although by 1915 the plate was still in his name on a Fiat. Interestingly the Hordern family owned a number of two-digit plates in the period, including consecutive plates ranging from ‘40’ to ‘44’.

Three, 3-digit NSW Heritage plates may be a little more affordable – ‘257’ and ‘273’ ($170,000-$200,000) and ‘954’ ($120,000 - $150,000). Alternatively there are the 4-digit ‘4454’ and ‘1915’ ($70,000-$100,000) or ‘7900’ ($60,000-$90,000).

The three 5-digit plates could be even more appealing, with ’10.196’, ’24.442’ and ’33.133’ all slated to sell in the $30,000-$40,000 range.

But why not make the night even more memorable by purchasing something suitable to wear them?

This early Australian delivery 1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Open Tourer in good working order is expected to sell for $60,000-$80,000.

Perhaps a nicely-restored early Australian delivery 1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Open Tourer in good working order ($60,000-$80,000).

This extensively-restored 1961 220SEb W111 Coupe in the lovely condition is expected to sell for $60,000-$70,000.

Prefer a Classic Mercedes-Benz. Then bid for either of two desirable factory right-hand-drive early 1960s sports models – an extensively-restored 1961 220SEb W111 Coupe in the lovely colour combination of Pewter with Red leather interior, or a glamorous, Australian-delivered Red with Black leather interior 1963,190SL sports roadster with a good local Double Bay history.

With examples of these sought-after Mercedes-Benz models currently bringing high prices on the International market, the 220SEb is expected to sell for $60,000-$70,000 and the 190SL for $150,000-$170,000.

Strike a pose in this fabulous right hand drive 1953 Buick Special V8 Convertible that is expected to sell with ’no reserve’ for $30,000 - $40,000.

Or perhaps go cruising and bolt the plates to a fabulous Black with Red leather interior, right-hand-drive 1953 Buick Special V8 Convertible that is thought to be unique in Australia (‘no reserve’, $30,000 - $40,000).

All 54 vehicles, plates and memorabilia lots in Monday’s auction will be on view throughout this weekend at Shannons showroom, 65 Reserve Road, St.Leonards, from 9am-4pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday, with Monday’s auction commencing at 7pm.

View all Shannons May 20 Late Autumn Classic Auction Lots

For more information on the auction contact Stuart Roberts (02) 8019 4179, or Damien Duigan (02) 8019 4180, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.

Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.