• Magnificent Cadillac V16 Convertible
• Two ‘no reserve’ classic Cadillacs
• Rare Mercedes-Benz ‘Adenauer’ limousine
Shannons is ‘putting on the Ritz’ at its May 22 Sydney Autumn Auction, with two stately classics from each side of the Atlantic going under the hammer.
From America comes a superb left hand drive 1938 Cadillac V16 Series 38-90 Convertible Coupe – one of only a handful of these extraordinary American luxury cars ever to reach Australia.
Although factory records indicate it started life with a coupe body, the Cadillac has been in convertible coupe guise for many years now.
Shannons understand that the bodywork was inspected by several American experts who confirmed it is an original Fleetwood design, suggesting it must have been re-bodied at some stage.
Although an older high quality Canadian restoration, the Cadillac remains in very good condition throughout, with its maroon paintwork’s deep finish matched by the car’s dazzling chrome and rich leather upholstery.
Formerly in the noted AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the car was sold to a collector in Texas in 2006 before the current Australian owner – a Cadillac collector and enthusiast - purchased it at auction in the United States in 2010.
The Cadillac has won several awards and trophies at various car shows over the years and has always been garaged in the owner’s private collection.
Because of its rarity, provenance and unrivalled status, Shannons expect the Cadillac to sell in the $215,000 - $240,000 range.
From Germany, there is a stately and exceptionally low mileage Mercedes-Benz 300B ‘Adenauer’ limousine that was first owned by the Victa Lawnmower family.
One of very few Mercedes-Benz 300 limousines delivered new in Australia, this ‘Medium Red’ 1954 model was the updated ‘B’ version specially ordered by Mervyn Victor Richardson, who famously developed the Victa Rotary lawn mower in 1952.
The later history of the car is not well documented, but ultimately it came to rest in a shed on the Southern Highlands estate ‘Invergowrie’ in Exeter that was originally built for BHP industrialist Sir Cecil Hoskins.
It was discovered there during an open gardens day by the current owners in 1996, who subsequently negotiated with the family to purchase this magnificent but by then somewhat neglected German luxury car.
The 300B has since been refurbished, with new paintwork, leather, carpets and headlining, while a full rubber kit was purchased direct from Mercedes-Benz in Germany. The engine, gearbox, clutch and brakes have all been overhauled, along with a new exhaust system.
The Mercedes-Benz has just 32,838 miles currently showing on its odometer – believed genuine as it aligns with the service sticker on its windscreen.
This superb German limousine is being offered for sale with ‘no reserve’, with Shannons expecting it to sell in the $40,000 - $46,000 range.
As alternative to these stately classics, Shannons also have two other Cadillacs and a Mercedes-Benz S Class saloon crossing the block on May 22 – all offered with ‘no reserve’.
For Cadillac enthusiasts, there is a fabulous black with red leather, right hand drive 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible that has benefited from considerable cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment since it was purchased from a Queensland enthusiast by the current owner approximately two years ago.
With power windows, an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and an electric hood mechanism – all working correctly – and riding on lowered suspension and a set of Kelsey Hayes style wire-spoked wheels with classic white wall tyres, the Cadillac would make a fabulous cruiser with a small amount of recommissioning.
It is expected to sell in the $40,000 - $50,000 range.
The other Cadillac in the auction is a white 1984 right hand drive 'Arnold Palmer Gold Key Limited Edition' Eldorado Biarritz Convertible that boasts a host of options including a full digital display instrument cluster, cruise control, central locking, six-way power-assisted front seats, power mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, the Guidematic headlamp control, a premium station-seeking AM/FM stereo and Citizen’s Band receiver.
Surviving in remarkably original condition, still with its signature gold keys and delivery audio cassette, the Cadillac was sold to Australia and converted to right-hand drive in 2000. The current owner, a long-time Cadillac enthusiast and collector, acquired the Eldorado in October 2007 with only 6,000 kilometres showing on its odometer and the car has done very little mileage since.
It stunning, highly-optioned and low mileage classic Cadillac is expected to sell for $34,000 - $38,000.
Finally, for Mercedes-Benz buyers there is an extensively refurbished and Australian-delivered 1974 Mercedes-Benz 350SE Sedan showing just 155,000km at the time of cataloguing that is expected to sell with ’no reserve’ for $15,000 - $20,000.
View all May 22 Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction Lots
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