'Dukes of Earl' at Shannons Sept 17 Melbourne Spring Sale
• Stunning ’57 Series 62 Cadillac Convertible
• Wild and wonderful Buick Le Sabre Convertible
• Last of the great muscle car Chargers
The ghost of legendary General Motors design guru Harley Earl will hover over Shannons’ upcoming Melbourne Spring Auction, with two of his most famous designs crossing the auction block on September 17.
One of his most revered designs can be seen in two of the auction’s feature lots – a stunning, right hand drive 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible and a very rare and extravagantly-styled 1959 Buick LeSabre Convertible.
Three early 1970s American Classics – a rare 1973 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum Coupe, a restored 1972 Ford Mustang 'Mach 1' 351 V8 Fastback and a lovely 1964 Ford Falcon 260 V8 Futura Coupe, make the auction a ‘must do’ for American Muscle car collectors and enthusiasts.
The 1957-1958 Cadillac Series 62 designed by Harley Earl, and was available in two-door hardtop, two-door Eldorado Seville hardtop, four-door hardtop, two-door Eldorado Biarritz convertible and, as auctioned, as a two-door convertible.
Previously owned by renowned car collector Ralph Plarre, this gorgeous machine with its deep dark blue metallic paint, offset by a beautiful leather and brocade cloth interior, white convertible roof and fat whitewall tyres, was built with no expense spared.
Because of its Harley Earl design and resulting collectibility, the Caddy is expected to sell in the $75,000-$90,000 range.
Also designed by Earl and equally revered by Buick enthusiasts for its exuberant style and road ‘presence’, is a 1959 Le Sabre Convertible.
Purchased from its original California family owners in 2000, the rare, winged and wonderful LeSabre has had a ‘frame off’ restoration, with all its original fixtures and fittings present.
Offered for sale by a well-known Victorian car collector, the Buick comes complete with an excellent history and documentation and is expected to sell in the $50,000 - $65,000 range.
Mopar enthusiasts have a very rare in Australia left hand drive 1973 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum Coupe to cheer for.
This last of the true muscle car Chargers comes from a small local Mopar collection, which it joined after arriving in Australia around seven years ago.
Presented in eye-catching metallic blue paintwork, the Charger is fitted with an array of factory options including power steering, power brakes, air-conditioning, sports hood, dual mirrors and bucket seats – all in good condition – while under its bonnet is a legendary Magnum 440-cid V8.
The vendor reports trouble-free ownership and is only selling because of lack of space, with Shannons predicting a guiding range of $45,000 - $55,000
Ford enthusiasts have two well-muscled left hand drive models to choose from: a fabulous left hand drive 1972 Mustang 'Mach 1' 351 V8 Fastback offered with ‘no reserve’ ($35,000 - $45,000) and a lovely 1964 Falcon 260 V8 Futura Coupe presented in good driveable condition ($25,000 - $30,000).
The period yellow with black and white vinyl interior Mach 1 represents a special opportunity for Mustang enthusiasts, as it comes fresh from a recent $100,000-plus restoration, supported with receipts.
Offered at ‘no reserve’, it is expected to be in demand at its guiding range of $35,000-$45,000.
Arriving in Australia approximately two years ago, the Falcon Futura Coupe is offered in ready to enjoy condition, but with all its original fixtures and fittings intact, there is still room for further improvement at its guiding range of $25,000 - $30,000.
View all Shannons September 17 Melbourne 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.
