- Remarkable 1936 Barker-bodied Bentley
- Unique Australian-built Mercedes-Benz 300SE 6.3 Coupe
- Stunning 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
When it comes to classic cars, cream always rises to the top.
This is certainly true at Shannons upcoming 2021 Summer Timed Online Auction from February 16-23, where three exceptional ready-to-enjoy vehicles – a 1936 Bentley 4¼ Litre 'Barker' Saloon, a unique 1966 Mercedes-Benz 300SE 6.3 Coupe and a fabulous show quality 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, are on offer.
Pre-War Bentley enthusiasts are already fascinated by the 1936 Barker-bodied Bentley 4 ¼ litre that it being offered with an interesting history in remarkable original condition.
One of just 1,234 made, this sporty Bentley with its 'suicide doors' and sunroof, was delivered with some special bespoke features, such as a very early American Bosch car radio, a clock built into the interior rear-view mirror and a speedometer reading in both mph and km/h.
Presented in fine original condition, its black duco is lustrous with just a few age blemishes, while inside the luxurious burgundy leather trim and carpets are in great shape.
Its 4¼ litre six-cylinder engine – also shared by the Rolls Royce 20/25 of the day – has been modified to run on unleaded fuel and there's a thick wad of receipts detailing its extensive maintenance over the years.
As presented, his lovely Bentley is ready to use and enjoy, with Shannons anticipating a sale in the $90,000 - $110,000 range.
Equally attractive to Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts is a very rare factory RHD 300SE coupe upgraded by marque specialist to 6.3 running gear and finished to an exceptional standard.
Restored from the ground up as a stunning tribute to the one-off 6.3-litre prototype W111 test driven by legendary Mercedes-Benz engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the car was commissioned by a director of the Linfox company in Victoria and was built by marque specialists Reinhard Klavers and Associates to exacting standards, with technical assistance and encouragement from Mercedes-Benz's own Classic Division in Stuttgart.
Based on a rare factory right-hand drive 300SE coupe in good solid condition, a pair of 300SEL 6.3 sedans (plus an additional complete 6.3 drivetrain and interior package) and only the best original or OEM components were sourced to build this unique car. Ag the same time, the chosen 6.3-litre V8 was completely rebuilt and blueprinted to deliver a substantial power increase over the original 3-litre 6-cylinder engine.
Forming part of two significant NSW-based collections in recent years, the Mercedes-Benz has been maintained in outstanding condition and has done very little mileage since it was built, with its odometer reading just 2,296 miles.
The award-winning car comes to auction in outstanding condition and is expected sell to a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast or collector for $200,000 to $240,000 – well below its no-cost-spared build cost.
Finally, for American luxury car buyers, there is a fabulous show-quality left-hand-drive 1950 Series 62 Cadillac Convertible.
Fresh from a ground-up restoration by an award winning restoration specialist in Beaudesert for a prominent collector of American cars at a cost well into six figures, the Cadillac was also completely rebuilt mechanically, with a custom leather interior installed, as well as discreet technical upgrades.
Painted in stunning Jet Black with contrasting red leather upholstery, fresh carpets and trim and showing 91,978 miles on its odometer, the Cadillac is expected to sell in the $150,000 - $200,000 range, with nothing left to do but enjoy the ride.
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
For more details, contact the Melbourne or Sydney auction teams on 13 4646, or by email on auctions@shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons team member, call Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number), or Christophe (03) 7025 4974; 'Tiny' Rodney (03) 7025 4977; Ryan (03) 7025 4984; or Lisa (03) 70 254971).
Or in Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number), Damien (02) 7911 6012; Stuart (02) 7911 6009, or John (02) 7911 6005.