Shannons Roll Out Classics for Summer

CHELTENHAM, AUSTRALIA – November 5, 2009: Shannons are rolling out a great range of pre-1950s Classics for their Melbourne Summer Auction on Monday November 23.

The standout pre-War vehicle is a 1934 Nash 120 Sedan that was owned by a minister in Chadstone, Melbourne for many years, but has since been fastidiously-restored by the present owner over a nine-year period.

The project involved removing every nut and bolt, taking the car back to a bare chassis before going through every component and either replacing or renewing them as necessary.

The owner has receipts totalling $58,000 - not counting his own many hours of labour – and Shannons are expecting a sale in the $24,000-$30,000 range.

Other great pre-War Classics include a lovely Chocolate and Cream 1930 Essex Super 6 Sedan ($12-$18,000), a well-presented 1924 Dodge Tourer that has been in the same family for 20 years ($10-$14,000) and a very original 1934 Hillman ‘Ruskin’ Sedan ($8-$11,000).

The pick of the post-War Classics is a rare and imposing right hand drive 1948 Packard Series 22 Sedan whose heavily curved and streamlined shape was awarded 'Fashion Car of the Year' by the New York Fashion Academy on its release.

Featuring a powerful 160HP 365-cid straight eight cylinder engine, four wheel hydraulic brakes and coil spring independent front suspension, the Packard was also very advanced mechanically for an American car of its day.

The Packard being auctioned by Shannons has been owned by a noted Melbourne collector and has been used sparingly in recent years, mainly for weekend runs. Shannons expect it to sell in the $22-$28,000 range.

Released just one year later and also reflecting new rounded post-War styling, is a very attractive 1949 Morris Minor ‘Low-Light’ Sedan ($8-$11,000), while an alternative for British car enthusiasts is a beautifully-restored 1950 Ford Prefect Sedan that was originally sold new through Melford Motors in Melbourne and features locally-made sedan bodywork.

Shannons believe this Prefect to be one of the best examples of this model in the country and are quoting a similar guiding range of $8,000-$11,000.