Vintage Brits consigned for Shannons Spring Auction
A mix of rare and familiar British vintage and classic cars have been consigned for Shannons’ Spring Timed Online Auction this 11 to 18 November, 2020.
From a 1932 Frazer Nash to a 1946 MG TC, and a 1950 Riley RMA 1.5 to a 1965 Morris Minor ‘woodie’ Traveller, there’s plenty of variety in the 175 lots on offer, which includes automobilia and collectable motorcycles, with consignments in both Sydney and Melbourne.
C1932 Frazer Nash Ulster
A rare sight in Australia, this particular 1932 Frazer Nash was supplied new to an Aussie – Douglas Fraser Shepherd – in the UK and delivered in bare chassis form, as was the convention of the time.
Believed to been supplied with a supercharged Anzani engine from the factory, the Frazer Nash was campaigned by Shepherd in numerous events for the next few years, including an entry, but not a start, in the 1933 Australian Grand Prix, before he sold it in 1936.
Sold again soon after, the next owner installed a Ford Model T four-cylinder engine with a Frontenac head and supercharger. The next owner further transformed the car, adding a Vauxhall 30-98 gearbox and back end from a Hudson. Known as the ‘Innes Special’ in this form, the Frazer Nash retained that mechanical combination when it came into the vendor’s possession in 2001. Worse the wear after decades of use, the car was completely restored, including fitting an all-new body in the ‘Ulster’ style that it wore back in 1933.
The Anzani engine was reunited with the car in 2006 and issues with it addressed by specialists in New Zealand in 2013, after which the car was driven both on the road and in historic competition.
As well as one of the rarest cars in the upcoming auction, the Frazer Nash is also expected to be one of the top sellers, with a guiding range of $150,000 - $180,000.
1933 Sunbeam Speed 20
Another rare unit, but not in the league of the Frazer Nash, is a 1933 Sunbeam Speed 20 ‘pillarless’ saloon that spent more than 40 years with its first owner.
Soon after purchase in 1976, the second owner subjected the Sunbeam to a thorough seven-year restoration, after which it was sold and became part of the Patrick Collection from 1986 to 1992.
Powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine initially, the Sunbeam received a newer Jaguar 3.4-litre six during custodianship with a New Zealand owner. Some internal timberwork has been replaced more recently, but most of the interior is unchanged from the 1970s-80s restoration, so reflects appropriate patina.
While it could do with some cosmetic refurbishment, the car is strong mechanically, reflected by it completing a six-day rally in the Victorian High Country.
Previously on Victorian club registration, the car comes to auction unregistered, with an extensive history file and the original Sunbeam 3.0-litre engine included.
One of what’s believed to be just five survivors of its type, Shannons have attached a $50,000 - $60,000 guiding range to the Sunbeam.
1946 MG TC 1250
A more recent – and more familiar - British sports machine, this ’46 MG TC is an Australian delivered unit that’s been enjoyed by marque enthusiasts for much of its life.
Running the stock 1250cc four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual with synchro on second, third and fourth gear, this TC also features the factory option finned drum brakes, luggage rack and aero screens in addition to the conventional fold-flat windscreen, while the addition of indicators ensures safe operation in modern traffic.
Restored several years ago, the MG has been in the current owner’s possession for the past two and a half years. Used regularly, it remains in very good condition throughout, despite some wear and minor damage.
Wet weather gear and a rear tonneau – both in excellent condition - are included with the car, which comes to auction with an affordable guiding range of $34,000 - $40,000. The abundance of available spare parts, specialty services and a large club network for T Series MGs would make this car ideal for a newcomer to classic car ownership.
Other British classics and pre-war American cars consigned for the 11-18 November Timed Online Auction include the following:
1929 Rugby D40 tourer - $12,000 - $16,000
1932 Ford De Luxe ‘enhanced’ Fordor V8 sedan - $50,000 - $55,000
1936 Ford V8 Phaeton tourer - $45,000 - $55,000
1950 Riley RMA 1.5-litre saloon - $10,000 - $15,000
1951 Bentley Mark V 4.5-litre saloon - $20,000 - $30,000
1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 roadster - $35,000 - $45,000
1957 Bentley S1 saloon - $25,000 - $30,000
1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-litre saloon - $40,000 - $50,000
1965 Morris Minor Traveller - $28,000 - $34,000
The Shannons Spring Timed Online Auction runs from 11 to 18 November, 2020. Sydney-based consignments are available for viewing at selected times under COVID-safe conditions. Contact Shannons to confirm availability of access to the Melbourne showroom.
For more details on selected lots, arranging a pre-auction viewing and information on how to bid, call 13 46 46 (option 6), email: [email protected] or go to: shannons.com.au
