A pair of 'celebrity cars' from vastly different backgrounds, a rare Goggomobil TS300 coupe, a classic 1952 caravan and some spectacular finned American cars from the late 1950s and early '60s headline a vast array of vehicles going under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on July 24.
From Europe, via the United States and the UK, the elegant, rare and much-traveled 1956 Bentley Continental Coupe was originally owned by screen legend Gary Cooper.
Cooper had the Claret red right hand drive coupe with its beige leather interior delivered to Paris, when he was making 'Love in the afternoon' with emerging screen siren Audrey Hepburn.
It arrived by air on January 23, 1956 and was used by Cooper during his breaks in filming, before being sent to his home in Los Angeles.
Following Cooper's death from cancer in 1961, the Bentley migrated back to England and then returned to the USA, and now calls Australia home.
While now 50 years old, the stylish Continental is fitted with power steering and air conditioning, making it both practical and enjoyable to drive. Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $125,000-$140,000.
Something completely different is the bright red right hand drive 1964 Buick Electra convertible that featured in the recent Australian film, The Crop.
After being purchased at a Shannons auction in May 2002, the buxom Buick became the movie transport of larrikin nightclub owner, Ronald 'Blade' Gillette (aka Sydney-based actor George Elliot) who in the film diversifies into marijuana production to support his flagging business.
Now, the Buick is for sale again, complete with the distinctive NSW number plate, 'THCROP' with a range of $14,000-$18,000 expected.
For around $10,000, Shannons will give you the chance to drive away with the ultimate classic holiday combo from the '50's.
A lovely period caravan from 1952 will be offered for auction unreserved as will a 1957 Goggomobil, no not the Dart, but a TS300 Coupe.
The blue and white Goggomobil TS300 Coupe was built in 1957 with a fibreglass body and comes with a cream interior.
Purchased eight years ago from a Goggomobil collector in QLD, this original TS300 Coupe has been part of the present owner's collection ever since and used sparingly in that time. The engine was fully rebuilt shortly after purchase, to ensure that it was mechanically reliable, with most parts sourced from Germany.
No, it's not the Dart but the Goggomobil Coupe is cuter, more practical and quite possibly even more of a rarity in Australia and is expected to fall between $4,000-$7,000.
The caravan, constructed by the owner's father in 1952, is one of three that he built.
Beautifully built and maintained, the two-berth blue and white caravan features a large annex with removable sides, electric brakes, gas stove with oven and towing aides. It also has a three way fridge (gas, 12 & 240 volts) and is expected to fetch $3,000-$5,000.
A pool of finned American coupes, sedans and convertibles will also find a new home at the up-coming July 24 Sydney Winter Auction.
Perhaps the most stylish, a beautiful 1960 Chrysler New Yorker 2-door coupe, is currently owned by editor of Australian Muscle Car Magazine and motorsport identity, Mark Oastler.
Finished in Sheffield Silver, the big two-door coupe with its 'up there' dorsal fins and spectacular black and silver brocade upholstery, also features Chrysler's futuristic 'Astrodome Dash', in which all dials are arranged orbitally ahead of the two-spoke steering wheel.
'Some people might wonder what the editor of an Australian muscle car magazine is doing driving a huge American, but there's nothing like the feel of a Big Block car' said Oastler.
Under the hammer due to space reasons, Shannons expect the New Yorker to sell in the $25,000-$35,000 price range given the its excellent condition.
Other American 'finnies' going under the hammer include a pair of popular 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air models.
General Motors tested the market with its first slightly rounded tail fins on the 1956 models, but went all out with much larger and sharper jutting fins the following year.
All three finned Americans remain in their original left hand drive configuration, ensuring their future increasing value on the world market.
Shannons expect the fully-restored '56 Bel Air two door coupe finished in white over turquoise to sell in the $45,000-$55,000 range, while they are quoting a price range of $34,000-$38,000 for the equally-superb four-door 1957 Bel Air sedan.
The full range of auction items, including vehicles and memorabilia can be viewed at Shannons Sydney showroom 65 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW or online at www.shannons.com.au.
All items go under the hammer from 7.00pm on July 24 at the Sydney showroom.
Media information, contact:
Michael Browning (03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324 328
For further auction information, contact:
Christophe Boribon, National Auctions Manager 0413 567 308
Or Ian Clayton on (02) 9438 9337
