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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.
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