News

There are some superb veteran cars in Shannons Timed Online Autumn Auction from May 17-24. Dominating the line-up is a  right hand drive 1924 Packard Single Eight Model 136 Sports Tourer.

Packard straight eights are among the most coveted of all American classics, exhibiting superb engineering, imposing styling and high build quality.

That Packard were able to survive the Great Depression and managed to sell relatively large numbers abroad is further proof of the inherent quality of their cars.

The imposing Model 136 offered in Shannons Autumn auction is an unrestored 1924 Straight Eight, with desirable Sports Tourer bodywork.

One of the best-preserved pre-war American cars left in Australia, this 1924 Packard is a fabulous survivor from the Roaring Twenties, with a provenance of long-term Australian family ownership.

The car was one of a handful delivered by Sydney dealers, Ira L & A C Berk.

Its first owned reported it as being too big and fast for his wife to handle and in 1927 it passed to the owner of Cooma Station, around 50 kilometres from Moree.

In 1928 it was purchased by John ‘Ironman’ Burton; a record-setter who held the fastest times for the Perth to Sydney run in a Studebaker (in 1915 and 1924), a Hupmobile (in 1918) and a Vauxhall (in 1923). However, when the Depression intervened he couldn’t attempt to reclaim the record in the Packard.

After falling in love with the car, he ultimately kept it for 32 years, eventually selling it to renowned Sydney Packard enthusiast and local identity Sam Irwin, in 1960. it has been maintained in almost exactly the same condition over the past 62 years, having been kept by the family since Irwin’s passing.

Repainted many years ago in Dust Proof Grey with black mudguards and bright red wheels, the Packard has a black leather hood and Spanish leather upholstery, plus nickel-finish  brightwork.

The new owner could give it a full nut-and-bolt restoration, or the Packard could equally be sensitively preserved with its present patina.

The Packard is expected to attract international interest and sell in the A$70,000-A$90,000 range.

Other great early vehicles in the upcoming Shannons Timed Online Autumn Auction include: a restored 1926 Sunbeam 14/40 Sports Tourer upgraded with a four-speed gearbox and in good running condition ($40,000-$50,000); a 1934 Buick Series 40 Roadster with a right-hand-drive body by Holden ($40,000 – $50,000); a 1924 Buick Master Six 24/45 Tourer with previous restoration (‘no reserve’, $22,000 – $30,000); a1931 Chevrolet Sportline Roadster replica ‘Project’ (‘no reserve’$15,000 – $25,000) and a 1930 Ford Model A Fordor Sedan (LHD) project, presented as a New York taxi cab that was used in the filming of ‘The Great Gatsby’ (‘no reserve’ $10,000 – $15,000).

To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au, or talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, on 1300 078 500.

• BACK TO NEWS