Red Beauty: Series III V12 E-Type Roadster

A magnificent ‘ex-works’ Sunbeam Alpine MK III rally car originally prepared for leading female driver Sheila Van Damm will be one of the standout cars of the Melbourne International Motor Show Auction presented by Shannons on February 19.

The Alpine – originally registered RHP-702 – was one of six identical cars prepared by the Rootes Competition Department for the 1955 Alpine Rally. A sister car, ‘RHP-704’, was assigned to Van Damm’s teammate Stirling Moss.

However the tragic accident at the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hour race that claimed the lives of 81 spectators resulted in the rally being cancelled and the cars were not used.

The Alpine will be amongst around 50 cars, 10 motorcycles and 40 special items of memorabilia featured in the Shannons Motor Show Auction. All lots will be on display free to the public in the Melbourne Exhibition Centre’s Concourse area throughout the Motor Show, from February 9-19.

Other outstanding vehicles in the auction include a thundering 1921 American La France Speedster, based on a former New York fire engine.

Stunning: 1955 Sunbeam Alpine

This imposing 14.5 litre chain driven vehicle was originally constructed in Britain, but came to Australia in 1994, where it was rebuilt at a cost of around $120,000. Fitted with its high-speed sprocket, the bright yellow American is capable of a top speed of around 120km/h if the driver is brave enough!

Highlights for bargain hunters at the auction will be the 1969 and 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow saloons – both offered without a reserve price.

Another fascinating VIP vehicle being sold with no reserve is the 1958 Land Rover Ceremonial Vehicle, believed to have been built to carry the Pope.

There’s also a magnificent 1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn with a fascinating local history and a popular 1923 20HP Tourer fitted with distinctive coachwork by Waring Brothers.

Jaguar loves will have the choice of two beautiful red E-type Series III V12 Roadsters – one with a manual gearbox and the other with automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz SL fanciers will be able to choose from a 1962 190SL, a 1967 ‘Pagoda Roof’ 250SL, a 1975 450SL (being sold with no reserve) and a beautiful Australian-delivered 1986 560SL equipped with both hard and soft tops. But even more stunning is a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 coupe,

Highlight: 1921 American La France Speedster

Meanwhile, those looking for a very different but very useable classic will find the very well presented Australian-delivered 1970 Volvo 1800ES interesting, while Shannons are also offering an absolutely pristine 1948 MGTC and a very tidy 1953 MGTF roadster.

Other auction lots include a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, a very clean 1985 BMW 635 CSi coupe that will be offered with no reserve and a beautiful 1961 Borgward Isabella coupe that was the subject of an older restoration.

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