Cream of convertibles at Shannons Late Spring sale

• Uber-rare Porsche Speedster alternative

• Multi-award winning Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet

• ‘No-reserve’ modern Mercedes classic convertible

If there’s sunshine in your summer, Shannons have the classics to enjoy it at the upcoming Melbourne Late Spring auction on November 26.

The highlights of the auction are three wonderful German convertibles from the late 1950s and early 1960s – all world-class collectibles presented in stunning, restored condition.

This uber-rare 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D that has been treated to a recent restoration is expected to sell in the $300,000-$350,000 range.

Heading the trio is a left-hand-drive 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D – one of just 1,331 built between August 1958 and September 1959, with fewer than half known to survive around the world today.

The Karosseirewerke Drauz-built convertible is considered one of the most desirable 356 models for serious Porsche collectors , as it was more comfortable and practical than the earlier Speedster because of its wind-up windows, higher windscreen and taller roofline and is rarer than the 356B Roadsters that succeeded it in 1960.

Owned by the same South Australian enthusiast since it arrived from America in  1992, the ‘D’ has been treated to a recent restoration by Porsche 356 Werkes including a bare-metal respray in its original bright red, with re-chromed brightwork, while it has also benefited from  a mechanical overhaul, a new folding roof and its interior has been fully re-trimmed.

With surviving examples rarely coming to auction, Shannons expect the Porsche to have world-market appeal at its projected guiding range of $300,000-$350,000.

This superb and rare and collectible right-hand-drive 1960, 220SE 'Ponton’ Cabriolet is expected to sell in the $220,000 - $260,000 range.

Built in August 1960, this stunning example is number 28 of only 36 RHD models manufactured and was fitted with all of the last updates incorporated in late-series models.

Arriving in Australia from the UK in 1974, the ‘Ponton’ was subsequently sold at the very first Shannons auction in 1981. After being restored in NSW sometime in the late 1980s, the Cabriolet spent most of the next 20 years in Queensland before returning to Melbourne, where it has been restored again to a very high standard over the past eight years.

Following its restoration the car has won many awards at the MBCV Concours d’Elegance, including the ‘Coupes and Cabriolets class’ in 2017, ‘Best Paint’ in 2017 and ‘The Most Elegant Car on Display’ three times.

According to the MBIG (Germany) ‘Ponton Coupe and Cabriolet Register’ the Cabriolet is one of only 10 right hand drive examples currently accounted for, making it significant on the global collector market.

As a resuIt of this and its condition, it is expected to sell in the $220,000 - $260,000 range.

This rare, factory four-speed manual 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible that underwent a full restoration  in the early ‘90s is expected to bring $140,000 - $160,000.

Also very desirable for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts is a rare, factory four-speed manual 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible that underwent a full nut and bolt restoration over three years in the early ‘90s and has had little use since.

Finished in classic white with a cherry red interior, the 230SL presents beautifully with its as-new soft-top and its factory Pagoda-roof hard-top that comes with its own stand and cover.

Always garaged and covered since its restoration and never driven in the rain, the 230SL is expected to sell in the $140,000 - $160,000 range.

This very useable Australian-delivered 1982 380SL Convertible offered with ‘no reserve’ is expected to sell in the  $32,000-$40,000 

range.

For Mercedes-Benz ‘sports’ enthusiasts looking for a usable classic, there is also a 1982 380SL Convertible offered with ‘no reserve’.

Finished in Signal Red paintwork with contrasting Beige MBtex upholstery, this York Star Motors-delivered 380SL is expected to sell in the $32,000-$40,000 range, given the appreciating value of these 107-series SL Benz convertibles and the condition of the example being auctioned.

Finally, for enthusiasts looking to unlock a bit of British sunshine, there are two MGB Roadsters in the auction, both offered with ‘no reserve’ – a 1979 late-series ‘Rubber-nose’ model that has been in the hands of its current owner for the past 24 years ($10,000-$14,000) and a fully-restored circa-1971 model built to MkII spec and offered in lovely condition ($15,000-$25,000).

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.

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