Shannons Turn Back the Clock for Sydney Sale

SYDNEY – April 13, 2010: Shannons is bringing back the style and elegance of a bygone era to Sydney on Monday May 3, with a great selection of Pre-War British and American vehicles going under the hammer at its upcoming Autumn Auction.

The standout Vintage vehicle is a highly desirable 1913 Sunbeam 25/30hp Tourer –one of only two surviving examples out of 50 vehicles built between 1911 and 1914.

Powered by a 6.1 litre six cylinder featuring two plugs per cylinder, the Sunbeam 25/30 was one of the fastest production cars of its day, setting a record average speed of 92.45 mph (148.78 km/h) over 160km in 1912.

Chassis number ‘5381’ was imported into Australia in 1913 by Brisbane agents McGees, where it was fitted with touring coachwork by Peel Ltd for its original doctor owner. However in the early 1960s its body was removed by a later owner to re-clothe the chassis of a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost he owned.

The ‘naked’ Sunbeam then remained in storage until 2000, when it was reinstated to its former glory with a painstaking eight-year restoration by the current owner.

Now ready to participate in a variety of VCCA events, the Sunbeam is expected to attract bids in the $170,000-$210,000 range.

Equally desirable for Pre War American car enthusiasts is a rare and very original 1933 Chrysler C.T. Royal Eight Coupe.

Fitted with a straight eight cylinder engine and three speed manual gearbox, the vehicle was purchased in 1985 by the Secretary of the Chrysler Restorers Club, who restored it to its current magnificence over a five-year period.

Since the restoration was completed in 1990, the C.T. Coupe has won numerous trophies and fully justifies its anticipated selling price of $105,000-$115,000 according to Shannons.

Also stunning and from the United States is a 1940 Packard 160 Super 8 Coupe – one of only five examples known to exist.

Fitted with a 356cid Straight Eight engine and equipped with twin matching spare wheels, the Packard is being offered for sale with many spares available to the purchaser.

Because of its original condition and impressive restoration, Shannons expected the Packard to sell in the $55,000-$65,000 range on May 3.

Meanwhile MG enthusiasts will be drawn to the 1930 M Type Midget that was imported from New Zealand in 1978 and subsequently rebuilt and raced in Australian historic events from 1982 until 1998.

The Midget was fitted with a new body in 2000 and according to the vendor has covered just 1,000 miles (1,600km) since. It is expected to sell for $26,000-$34,000.

Finally for Willys enthusiasts there is a 1923 model Knight 7-seater Tourer being offered with no reserve.

Owned by the same family since 1986, where it was part of a large collection, the Willys remains in very original condition and retains its original four cylinder sleeve valve engine. It is expected to sell in the $15,000-$20,000 range.