Major Interest In Mini Vehicles At Shannons Sale

MELBOURNE – February 24, 2011: There has been major interest from enthusiasts around Australia in the smallest vehicles in Shannons March 7 Classic Auction in Melbourne.

Two unusual Minis, a brace of beautifully-restored Morris Minors, a 1948 Ford Prefect, a pair of Fiat 500 Bambinos, three sought-after Vespas, and a child’s pedal car replica of a 1929 Alvis – all offered with no reserve prices – are expected to be the big movers of the sale.

The two Morris Minors are attracting particular interest because of their very original, restored condition.

The 1951 Morris Minor Convertible is a sought-after early split-window, carry-over model. Fitted with the desirable 'salt & pepper' hood, it has been the subject of a fastidious restoration and is in excellent running condition today.

It has been converted to run on a 12-volt electrical system and all books and period brochures. Because of its exceptional condition, Shannons are expecting it to sell in the $10,000-$15,000 range.

The final of the 42 vehicle lots in the auction is a 1961 Morris Minor Traveller Station Wagon that has been in the hands of the current owner for the past 25 years and still shines from a restoration to a very high standard that was carried out some years ago.

Shannons are expecting it to sell in the $12,000-$18,000 range.

British small car enthusiasts also have the choice of two unusual Minis – a cut-and-shut ‘Shorty based on a 1965 locally-delivered 998cc Mini created as a promotional vehicle for Tiny Town Motors ($4,500-$6,500) and a rare 1988 Rover Mini Mk V.

Originally delivered in Japan, the right-hand-drive Rover is in good condition and is an attractive proposition for collectors at its expected $7,000-$9,000 selling range.

From Italy there are two Fiat 500 Bambinos in similar restored condition, with the rare, black with red trim 1960 ‘suicide door’ 500 Nuova and the red with black trim 1969 500F both expected to sell in the $8,000-$12,000 range.

Downsizing further, there’s a pair of early Vespa 150cc scooters – both with the sought-after factory 10-inch wheels – a red 1961 model ‘project’ in need of restoration ($1,500-$3,000) and a restored silver 1959-60 GS model ($5,000-$8,000).

And if you’d prefer something different, there’s a rare restored circa-1960 model Vespa Ape three-wheeler that’s expected to sell in the $6,000-$10,000 range.

Finally, for Veteran enthusiasts, there’s a tiny tiller-steered 1901 steam-powered two-cylinder American Locomobile that is expected to sell in for $40,000-$55,000.

However if you want to register a protest vote and make a really big statement, the striking right hand drive 1975 Burgundy-on-Burgundy Pontiac Grand Ville convertible is the way to go.

There’s nothing ‘mini’ about the Grandville, which owes its place in history to being the last in the line of full-size Pontiac convertibles and it comes with every conceivable mid-1970s option to make it an effortless cruiser.

For its estimated price of $26,000-$32,000 you could probably get two Morris Minors. Choices, choices!

All lots are available for viewing with a sausage sizzle from 9am-5pm Saturday March 5 and 10am-4pm Sunday March 6 at Shannons showroom, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, or on-line at www.shannons.com.au