Classic Bentley And Current Phantom Bookend Shannons Collector Auction

SYDNEY – October 12, 2010: A highly desirable 1934 'Derby' Bentley 3.5 litre Drop Head Coupe and an as-new current model Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon, are amongst the world-class vehicles assembled for Shannons Collectors' Auction at Motorclassica.

The beautiful and very collectible Bentley from the dawn of Rolls-Royce's ownership of the Bentley brand has recently emerged from a careful and detailed restoration. It is expected to attract astute investors in the $180,000-$210,000 range.

At the other end of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley timeline is a current-model Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon presented in 'as-new' condition that has covered just 17,000km since it was delivered new to a prominent Melbourne businessman in 2007.

Powered by a 6.7 litre V12 engine producing 338kW and a stupendous 720Nm of torque, this superb and opulent vehicle is being offered with a guiding range of $600,000-$650,000, potentially representing a substantial saving on the current new price of more than $1 million.

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts have two very special convertible vehicles to choose from - a near-concourse standard 1957 model 190SL, that Shannons regard as one of the best in Australia, and an equally desirable 1959 220S 'Pontoon Cabriolet' - a rare find in Australia in such outstanding condition.

The 190SL is expected to sell in the $90,000-$110,000 range and the 220S is expected to sell for $120,000-$140,000.

Mustang fanciers have four great 'Pony cars' to consider - a genuine low mileage early Shelby GT350, one of only 2,377 1966 models delivered in the classic Shelby racing colours of white with blue Le Mans stripes ($220,000-$260,000), a right hand drive 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback ($190,000-$210,000), a very original 1970 Boss 302 Fastback with impeccable provenance ($85,000-$93,000) and a 2007-model right hand drive 'Parnelli Jones' Saleen Mustang Fastback (one of 10 in Australia - $125,000-$135,000).

But the vehicle from the rival General Motors camp that will have everyone gaping is a multi-award winning 1956 FJ Holden Special that Shannons rate as the best and most comprehensive restoration of this model they have seen.

Starting life as a particularly original Special Sedan with no evidence of rust or repairs, the matching-numbers FJ has been painstakingly restored to its factory-correct condition in every detail, including its six-volt electrical system and original Mist Grey and Gander Grey two-tone paintwork with Canyon Beige and Fall Red upholstery.

The FJ took out the top prize at the state titles at its first outing and has garnered numerous awards since. Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $34,000-$42,000 for what is unquestionably, the ultimate example of 'Australia's Own'.

Seven remarkable motorcycles are also in the Shannons Motorclassica auction, including a highly desirable 1948 BSA A7 500cc ($14,000-$18,000), a 1950 Sunbeam S8 500cc ($12,000-$15,000) and a 1979 Triumph T140 Bonneville 750cc ($9,000-$12,000).

Shannons is also auctioning 50 items of automobilia at Motorclassica, including 29 Victorian Heritage black and white number plates. These include two important double-digit plates, '83' ($180,000-$210,000) and '97' ($210,000-$240,000), and 10 sought-after triple-digit plates, topped by '458' - a perfect match for the new Ferrari 458 Italia, that are expected to sell in the $60,000-$75,000 range.

All auction lots will be on display in the Shannons Showroom, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, before going into the Royal Exhibition Building for Motorclassica from 22-24 October. The auction will be held from 2pm on Sunday, 24 November.