'World Class' Bentley Brings $462,000 at Shannons Sydney Sale
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SYDNEY – May 8, 2012: A majestic 1930 Bentley 4 ½ Litre saloon that had spent most of its life in New South Wales is heading overseas after selling for $462,000 at Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction on Monday (May 7) – more than $100,000 above its pre-sale high estimate.
Still proudly wearing its original Freestone & Webb fabric coachwork, the Bentley initially was pursued by a number of bidders before its future ownership developed into a telephone slugging duel between two overseas enthusiasts.
The Bentley came from the estate of the late Mosman, Sydney sewing machine importer and avid Bentley enthusiast Alan Mingaye, who found the car lying partially disassembled under a tree in Turramurra, NSW in 1957. It received a full body-off-chassis restoration in 1980, but due to Mingaye’s ill health was not been driven regularly since 1988.
Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said the price realised for the Bentley was a great result for the car, but not entirely unexpected considering its good provenance.
The Bentley’s sale was a highlight of the auction that saw 18 of the 26 vehicle lots sold on the evening for a clearance rate of nearly 70 per cent in front of a large crowd at Shannons St.Leonards, Sydney showroom.
In other highlights, a striking cream and green right hand drive 1929 Buick '6 Wheel Equipped' Roadster sold for an excellent $52,500 after a ferocious duel amongst six phone bidders.
Meanwhile amongst the Australian Muscle Cars, a 1971 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger E38 R/T Coupe finished in trademark Hot Mustard that was restored three years ago sold after the hammer for $75,000 and a 1970 early-build Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 finished in sought-after Yellow Dolly was pursued by four floor and phone bidders before selling comfortably above its estimate for $71,000.
Adding to the Torana’s appeal was its recent bare-metal restoration after 23 years in storage and its low mileage at an indicated 93,600 miles – just 1,500 of them after its restoration.
In another good result, a trophy-winning ’84 HDT Commodore Group 3 sold for $38,450, while a 1977 Holden HX Kingswood Deluxe sedan was popular with bidders, making $10,000.
Other highlights of Shannons May 7 sale included:
