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Best of British - inc. two XKs with 'no reserve' - at Shannons Sydney Auction

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Auctions

By Shannons - 09 January 2017

• Two classic XK Jaguars at ‘no reserve’

• Rare MGA Twin Cam in lovely condition

• Sought-after Ford Escort Mk I Twin Cam

Two highly collectible ‘XK’ Jaguars with long Australian histories will be offered with ‘no reserve’ at Shannons upcoming first 2017 Auction in Sydney on February 6.

Both cars come from a large collection of Classic-era Jaguars.

For early XK collectors, there is an Australian-delivered, 1951 XK120 roadster, appealingly presented in weathered, but driveable ‘barnfind’ condition.

Meanwhile from the same deceased estate comes a 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 coupe ready to enjoy or restore.

The two ‘no reserve’ Jaguars have already attracted considerable interest from collectors in Australia and overseas who have seen their potential in this rapidly rising market for classic British sporting cars.

This Australian-delivered 1951 Jaguar XK120 roadster equipped with the drivetrain of a later XK150 is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $60,000-$80,000 range.

The XK120 is presented in attractive period dark grey paintwork with a nicely patinated tan leather interior. With a de rigeur leather strap securing its long, shapely bonnet, it replicates the Jaguars that in the hands of enthusiastic amateur drivers such as the late Frank Gardner and the Bib Stillwell dominated many branches of Australian motorsport in the early 1950s.

The roadster was originally Australian-delivered, but was discovered by its late owner in a wrecking yard in the Wollongong area in 1974 with its original drivetrain and front mudguards missing.

To recommission it, he installed the drivetrain and brakes from a crashed XK150 he owned, fitted new font mudguards and then proceeded to enjoy the Jaguar for many years.

While it presents in ‘barnfind’, weathered condition, it remains a going concern, with the vendor driving it over two hours to Sydney for the auction.

With some recommissioning work and a little bit of cosmetic attention, Shannons believe it would be an excellent event or club Jaguar and accordingly expect it to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $60,000 to $80,000 range.

This UK-delivered 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 coupe that has spent most of its life in Australia is expected conservatively to bring $80,000-$100,000 when it is offered with ‘no reserve’.

Equally attractive to Jaguar enthusiasts is the bright red 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 coupe also offered with ‘no reserve’ from the same collection.

The UK-delivered coupe arrived in Australia very early in its life in the mid ‘60s and was purchased by the vendor’s late father in the early 1970s.

Its engine block and cylinder head numbers correspond with its ID tag, while the red interior has seen some restoration work with new seat backs and a bit of tidying before being brought to Shannons.

The E-Type’s red enamel paintwork is believed to date from the early 1970s and is still in fair condition considering its age, but could do with a thorough paint correction.

The Jaguar reportedly drives quite nicely, but as it has been in storage for many years, the successful purchaser should allow for light recommissioning before giving it regular use.

Representing a special opportunity to enter the ranks of E-Type ownership at a time when these very stylish British Grand Tourers are bringing record prices world-wide, Shannons conservatively expect the car to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $80,000 to $100,000 range.

This 1959 MGA Twin Cam offered in lovely condition, ready to show or drive, is expected to sell in the $55,000-$65,000 range.

In contrast to the two XKs, the restored 1959 MGA Twin Cam in the auction is offered in lovely condition, ready to show or drive.

The MG was first sold by Shannons 2013 at the Sydney Motorex auction back in 2013 and the vendor has kept it in great condition since, along with some upgrades and necessary maintenance.

The Twin Cam comes with a heritage trust certificate showing the chassis number was an original right hand drive export car, factory-finished in late May 1959 in Old English White with Red interior and Black roof.

Because if its condition, collectability and rarity, Shannons expect the MGA Twin Cam to sell in the $55,000-$65,000 range.

This Australian-built 1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam coming from long-term ownership is expected to bring $42,000-$48,000

Other great British sporting Classics in the auction include a red, Australian-built 1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam coming from long-term ownership and presented in good, original condition ($42,000-$48,000); a restored, red, very tidy 1959 Australian-delivered ‘Bug-Eye’ Austin Healey Sprite ($30,000-$35,000) and a previously restored and nicely-presented, red 1950 MG TD offered with no reserve ($20,000 - $25,000).