'Cars & Coffee' classics at Shannons Melbourne Late Spring Auction
• Two stunning Morgans – modern and classic
• Time-warp 1957, 11-Window VW Kombi
• Restored ‘Department of Supply’ 1954 Holden FJ Ute
There are Classics that draw a crowd because they are uber-cool and Shannons have a great variety of these crossing the block at its Late Spring Auction in Melbourne on Monday (November 26).
The king of cool is a fully-optioned 2015 Morgan 3-Wheeler Roadster that was built in limited numbers by the eccentric Cotswolds car maker from 2012 as a tribute to the compact half-motorcycle, half-car that first put the British sports car maker on the map more than 100 years ago.
Offering the authentic wind-in-the-hair, bugs-in-the-teeth experience of its predecessors, along with some modern creature comforts, the latter-day 3-Wheeler is powered by a 1.9 litre V-twin cylinder engine driving its single rear wheel through a Mazda-sourced five-speed transmission.
As it weighs just 550kg, the compact two-seater delivers lively performance and – was a key attraction of its predecessors – can be registered in some markets as a motorcycle.
The British Racing Green 3-Wheeler with its quilted tan leather example being auctioned has covered just 1,798km from delivery and presents as brand new according to Shannons, who expect it to sell well below its original retail price in the $85,000 - $95,000 range.
As an interesting alternative to own a product of what is arguably the oldest independent automobile company still in existence, there is also a rare flat-nose four-wheel 1948 Morgan 4/4 Series 1 Roadster that was purchased by the vendor in 2009, who traded in a Rolls-Royce to buy it.
Fully restored in 2007 with a new timber frame and sensibly upgraded for modern use, this classic British Racing Green Morgan with black leather trim has done only around 1,500km since its 2007 rebuild. The Morgan comes to auction as a museum exhibit from a small private collection and is expected to appeal to collectors at its guiding range of $40,000 - $50,000.
Another sure-fire way to draw a crowd at any Cars & Coffee gathering is to arrive in the 11-Window 1957 Volkswagen Kombi Van that is also going under the hammer on Monday – this time offered with ‘no reserve’.
This time-warp Kombi gem was owned by the same family from new when it was purchased at Atherton in Far North Queensland until 2011 and has never been largely restored.
The Kombi was taken off the road in 1969 and sat unused until purchased and brought to Melbourne, where it has undergone a gentle $25,000 refurbishment with the aim being its preservation and originality, where possible, including a comprehensive mechanical overhaul.
With values of early Volkswagen commercial vehicles spiralling around the world, this ‘freeze-frame’ Kombi is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $55,000 - $65,000 range.
Another way to draw a crowd would be to arrive in a 1954 Holden FJ- 2106 Utility like the restored former ‘Department of Supply’ example in Monday’s auction.
This special-order vehicle finished in the Government-only colour combination of Smokey Red with Walnut Brown vinyl upholstery and Dusky Beige steering wheel, was decommissioned and sold at public auction in 1959.
It was purchased in need of restoration in 2009 by the vendor, who commenced a laborious restoration, which was finished only a year ago.
Because of their workhorse roles – let alone those employed in ‘Government business’ where many suffered badly under careless custodians – few early Holden commercial vehicles survive today, making this striking and authentically-presented FJ a standout in any crowd.
It is offered with ‘no reserve’ on Monday, with Shannons expecting it to sell in the $25,000 - $30,000 range.
In other ways to stand out, Shannons have five motorcycles, two classic Vespa scooters (from 1959 and 1968) and a quirky 1961 Lambretta APE 3-Wheeler in the auction – all offered with ‘no reserve’.
Meanwhile for number plate collectors there are 14 black and white Heritage numerical plates (four with ‘no reserve’), starting at number ‘325’.
View all Shannons November 26 Melbourne Late Spring Classic Auction Lots
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, 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.
