Rolls-Royce, rare Ford features at Shannons Melbourne auction

Best result on the night was achieved by a 1965 Porsche 356C cabriolet in Bali Blue with a tan leather interior and matching fabric roof. Delivered new in Germany, but professionally converted to RHD some time later, this lovely example of the final production year for the 356 was fitted with the optional rear-mounted luggage rack and a pair of classic flip-down Porsche rear seats.

With an owner’s manual and service book included, the car was expected to sell in the $230,000 - $260,000 range. That assessment was spot on, as the car sold for $236,000.

Another big money unit was a 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith with a Gurney Nutting sedanca coupe body: one of just three Wraiths so fitted. With burgundy and basket weave paint outside, and fine timber and beige leather trim inside, the Wraith was a vision of art deco elegance, with opera lamps further enhancing the style.

Sold new in the UK before being purchased by Australian businessman Robert Holmes a’ Court for his car collection, the Wraith had been in the consignor’s possession for the past 27 years and came to auction with a $140,000 - $160,000 estimate, which it exceeded to sell for $190,000.

Of the Aussie muscle on offer, a 1973 Chrysler VH Charger XL 245 made $39,000, a 1969 Holden HT Monaro fitted with an updated 253ci V8 brought $57,000 and a 2006 HSV GTO VZ showing just 4,915km sold for $79,000.

While it wasn’t the top seller, one of the more interesting lots on offer was a 1932 Ford Model B. Finished in the rare sedan delivery body style and retaining the four-cylinder engine when most upgraded to the Model 32 flathead V8, what made this unit even rarer was its Cragar-Miller overhead valve conversion.

Purchased from the estate of California hot rodder Harold Johansen and thought to be the only example of a ‘high roof’ steel-bodied sedan delivery in Australia, this rare vehicle sold for $46,000 against a $35,000 high estimate.

For full results and further details from this auction, go to https://www.shannons.com.au/