Tops Off at Shannons

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – August 12, 2009: Shannons are taking the tops off a range of classic cars in time for spring at their August 31 Melbourne auction.

A total of 11 vehicles, from a 1924 Citroen 5CV to a 2005 Ford Mustang GT Convertible will offer purchasers a mega-dose of Vitamin D.

And if you include the snappy red and white 1963 Vespa 150cc scooter with matching sidecar, another red 1963 Vespa solo scooter and the unique 1999 Secma Fun Tech 50cc three-wheel Roadster – all three offered unreserved –that makes 14 ways to feel the wind on your cheek.

As always, British and European models are the ones most likely to be seen topless at the auction.

Porsche enthusiasts have the choice of two identical-looking white 911 Targa-roof 5-speed manual coupes – a 1977 Carrera 3.0 and a 1978 911 SC – with guiding price ranges of $36,000-$42,000 and $28,000-$32,000 respectively.

Also from Germany and very desirable are two Mercedes-Benz SL convertibles– a beautiful pale blue 1970 280SL ($75,000-$85,000) and a turquoise 1987 560SL ($22,000-$26,000).

Italian sports car enthusiasts have the choice of a striking, black 1968 Alfa Romeo 2000 ‘Graduate’ Spyder ($13,000-$17,000) and a silver 1980 Fiat 2.0 litre Spyder ($12,000-$15,000).

From Britain there’s a 1998 MGF Abingdon ‘Limited Edition’ roadster ($10,000-$15,000), while Australia is represented by a low-kilometre and stunning blue 2007 Elfin MS8 Clubman, complete with 5.7-litre LS1 Chevrolet V8 ($70,000-$80,000).

But it is the Americans that are making the biggest topless statement of all, with two well-endowed Ford convertibles separated by 35 years.

Stunning, is the right hand drive, bright red 1962 Ford Thunderbird convertible with its white electric folding top and contrasting red leather interior ($70,000-$78,000).

Meanwhile, there’s a menacing-looking ‘black-on-black’ right hand drive 2005 Ford Mustang GT convertible that Shannons expect to sell for $75,000-$85,000.