Lemon Fresh Leyland In Shannons Sydney Sale

SYDNEY – April 12, 2011: A pristine, freshly restored Leyland P76 shares the spotlight with a rally-prepared Ferrari Dino and a quirky Citroen 2CV in Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on Monday May 2.

Despite being chosen WHEELS Car of Year for 1973, the P76 was labelled a ‘lemon’ by the Australian popular press after sales failed to meet expectations, with production ceasing at Leyland’s Zetland Sydney plant in October 1974.

Cheekily finished in the brightest citrus shade from Leyland’s original palette – ‘Bold as Brass’ – the 1974 Executive being auctioned is equipped with the model’s premium 4.4-litre V8 engine/three-speed automatic transmission power train combination.

The P76 was previously owned by the Secretary of the Leyland P76 Classic Car Club of NSW before being purchased by the current owner in March 2008.

A full back-to-metal restoration to as near original specification as possible was commenced in June 2008.

During the restoration many NOS parts were used. These included all rubbers and seals, the rare cream cloth interior trim, lights, hubcaps and windscreen.

With matching engine and chassis numbers, an original specification and with original log books and owners’ manual, Shannons expect the P76 to appeal to P76 collectors at its guiding range of $8,000-$12,000.

The P76 is one of 27 vehicles and 21 items of memorabilia currently listed for the May 2 Sydney sale.

Twelve of the vehicles, including the restored 1985 Citroen 2CV, three Mercedes-Benz sedans, an MGB GT Coupe and five classic Holdens, including a desirable 1975 HJ Monaro 253-cid V8 coupe, are being offered with no reserve price.

The sale also includes four sought-after NSW black and white enamel numberplates, headed by ‘109’ ($155,000-$175,000) and ‘241’($110,000-$125,000).