Peerless GT added to Shannons Melbourne Auction

Unlike most other offerings from this period, what became known as the 'Peerless GT' was built to a more road-friendly specification, making it comfortable and practical for road use as well as on the track. Originally built as the 'Warwick' with aluminium body panels and Triumph TR running gear, the Byrnes and Rodger creation evolved into the fibreglass-bodied 'Peerless GT' in 1957, the name coming from the former Peerless Motors Jaguar dealership where these cars were manufactured.

In 1960, Peerless GT production ground to a halt following a dispute with John Gordon, one of the early consultants on the project, who had become involved at board level. Gordon would go on to produce the similarly short-lived Gordon Keeble GT, while Peerless production sputtered on under the Warwick name, but didn't continue beyond 1960.

Only around 325 of these vehicles are thought to have been built, so they're exceedingly rare today. The lot consigned for auction with Shannons is believed to have been one of three specially imported in approximately 1959 for display at the Melbourne Motor Show.

Restored in 1994-95, this Peerless GT features Triumph TR3 running gear, but the chassis was strengthened and fuel tank relocated as part of the resto. It presents quite well today, but as it's an older restoration, the Peerless would require recommissioning of certain components, like the brakes, in order to make it a practical and safe driver. Shannons have set a guiding range for the C1959 Peerless GT, which is to be sold unregistered, at $16,000 - $22,000.

The Peerless will join more than 70 other lots at the Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction, which is set to take place at Shannons' Melbourne auction rooms (321 Warrigal Rd. Cheltenham) on Monday, March 5, with the first lot going across the blocks at 7:00pm.

For further details, go to www.shannons.com.au.