American Stunners in Shannons Summer Sale

MELBOURNE – Nov 23, 2012: Shannons has a number of rare and spectacular American classics going under the hammer at its Melbourne Summer Classic auction on Monday (November 26).

The traffic-stopper of the selection is a stunning red with beige leather 1929 Cadillac LaSalle six-wheel roadster whose odometer is showing just 57,114 miles - believed genuine.

Coming from a private collection, this very desirable ‘Open Touring’ model has spent most of its life in prominent car collections. It is believed to have been re-bodied at some stage in the 1980s and has seen little use since.

The LaSalle is powered by a 328cu V-8 that has an electric fuel pump and later-type carburettor fitted to increase its drivability. Because of its condition and desirability it is expected to sell in the $100,000-$120,000 range.

From the same era there is a rare 1927 Pierce Arrow Model 80 7-Seater Limousine that remains in good condition following an older restoration.

Seen as perhaps the premium American auto brand in the lead-up to World War 1, Pierce Arrow struggled to maintain pace with the updated offerings from Cadillac and Packard in the early 1920s and the smaller Series 80 introduced in late 1924 was designed to appeal a wider market.

Built on a 130-inch wheelbase, it was initially offered in seven body styles, expanding to 12 before production ceased in 1927

The late model right hand drive Series 80 being auctioned is powered by an L-head, 4-7 litre six-cylinder engine and has a three-speed manual transmission. It was restored in 1985 and purchased by the vendor shortly afterwards. Being rare in Australia, Shannons expect it to sell in the $42,000-$48,000 range.

Built just 11 years later in 1938, the naturally aspirated 90HP Graham 96 and its supercharged 97 sister model are best known today as the ‘Sharknose’ Grahams because of their jutting bonnet nose and under-bite grille.

Just 24 Grahams made it to Australia that year – half of them 96 models – making them a very rare sight on our roads even when new.

The well cared-for right hand drive model 96 being auctioned was originally used as a mail run car in Victoria’s Western District and received a period restoration by its long-term owner approximately 15 years ago.

Because of its rarity and good useable condition it is expected to sell in the $30,000-$35,000 range.

The equally stylish and striking 1947 Packard ‘Eight’ Clipper Coupe offered in Monday’s auction is believed to have been delivered new to South Africa, but was later brought to Australia by a retiring sea captain.

The original right hand drive car with its straight eight engine producing 125HP was purchased from the captain's family in 2003 by the vendor, who had Melbourne specialist Darren Owen undertake a full body and mechanical restoration.

Because of is provenance, style and high quality restoration, Shannons expect the Packard Clipper to sell in the $42,000-$52,000 range.