ŒManor Born Rolls tops Shannons Melbourne Auction

MELBOURNE – July 3, 2013: Nostalgia loosened purse strings at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction on July 1, with classic British and American vehicles and ‘garagenalia’ lots in high demand.

Amongst the ‘Great Britons’ in demand, a 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 identical to the vehicle featured in the popular television series ‘To the Manor Born’ sold for $45,000 after enthusiastic bidding.

The nicely patinated vehicle with its stylish H.J.Mulliner Sports Saloon aluminium coachwork and original tan leather seats, was in the hands of its previous owner for more than 50 years before being acquired by the vendor.

Even more keenly sought-after was a rare hand-built and Chrysler V8-engined 1968 Bristol 410 two door Sports Saloon that was pursued by a number of floor and phone bidders before finally being knocked down for $32,250 - above its predicted $18,000-$26,000 guiding range.

This was considered an excellent result considering that the aristocratic Bristol still required some finishing off after emerging from 10 years of long-term storage.

Other British vehicles to sell strongly included a multiple concours-winning 1954 MG TF 1250 Roadster that had covered just 300 miles in the last five years ($37,000) and a 1968 Daimler 250 V8 Saloon offered with no reserve that sold for $17,000.

Right hand drive Ford Mustangs were also in demand, with a 1969 red with white hood, 302-cid V8 Convertible in good condition selling above estimate for $39,000, while a believed low-mileage 1965 Ford Mustang 'A Code' Coupe that had been in the same ownership for the past 12 years and enjoyed a recent repaint four years ago selling for $29,000.

No reserve ‘Garagenalia’ lots were keenly sought-after by collectors, with many lots selling well above prediction under the pressure of multiple bidders.

Highlights included a parking meter, that brought $1,050 after keen bidding against its estimate of $250-$400; a Michelin man porcelain statue ($850); a collection of assorted car lamps and horns ($600); a pair of drive-in theatre speakers ($900) and an Ampol enamel sign that doubled its estimate to sell for $2,600.

The auction also represented good buying for a number of enthusiasts, with a lovely dark green 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible believed to have made a fleeting appearance in the 1998 movie 'Rush Hour' starring Jackie Chan selling with no reserve for $13,750.

Other great buys offered with no reserve included a well-presented 1972 right hand drive Porsche 914 ‘Targa’ Coupe that sold for $11,500, a striking red 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe that brought $10,500, a 1971 MGB MkII Roadster requiring some TLC which made $5,000 and a 1974 Beetle Superbug L Sedan, presented in striking Mellow Yellow that brought the hammer down at $4,250.