Jamboree Of Jaguars For Shannons Motor Show Auction

MELBOURNE – June 27, 2011: A number of very special ‘Jaguar’ cars spanning more than half a century are going under the hammer at the Australian International Motor Show Auction at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Sunday, July 10.

The oldest cat in the jamboree is as rare and smartly presented 1934 SS1 Tourer that has travelled only nominal miles in the hands of its current owner of the past 11 years.

The SS (Swallow Sidecar Company) represented Jaguar before the company changed its name to Jaguar Cars in 1945 to avoid the unsavoury association with the SS squads of Nazi Germany.

Introduced in 1932 and powered by a 2.5 litre six-cylinder engine, the SS1 was the company’s first complete car and set the style for successive SS and Jaguar cars up to the late 1940s.

The Indigo Blue car being auctioned by Shannons is believed to have been delivered new to Australia and was the subject of as ground-up restoration in 1980, during which it was re-engined and fitted with a 5-speed gearbox for greater driveability. A further body restoration was completed in 2000 by Melbourne specialist Peter Todd at a cost of neatly $30,000.

Because of its rarity and condition, Shannons expect the SS1 to sell in the $120,000-$150,000 range.

From 1950 and nearly as rare comes a graceful and former concours-winning 1950 model Jaguar MkV 3.5 Drophead Coupe.

Just 395 of the 3.5 litre six cylinder MkV Dropheads were produced in right hand drive and the example being auctioned is one of only 115 sold new in Australia.

It was the subject of a high-standard restoration in the hands of its previous owner that brought it numerous awards and even comes with its original tool kit. Shannons are projecting a guiding range of $85,000-$100,000 for this stunning example of an early Post-War Jaguar.

From 1958 Shannons are offering a superb and very rare Indigo Blue with Red leather Jaguar XK150S 3.4 Roadster that was the subject of a fastidious restoration by The Toy Shop in Sydney over 15 years ago.

As the last of the legendary XK line, the XK150S Roadster with its 250HP (186kW) triple carburettor DOHC six-cylinder engine and four speed manual gearbox with overdrive is regarded by many enthusiasts as the epitome of the series, with good examples always keenly sought-after.

This car with its original driveline and excellent condition is expected to attract bids in the $100,000-$120,000 range.

From 1970 there is a beautifully presented 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 2+2 Coupe that was previously part of as major Australian collection of European cars.

The E-Type has been fitted with a German 5-speed manual Getrag gearbox for more relaxed cruising and it underwent a cosmetic restoration about three years ago in the hands of the current owner. It goes to auction with a guiding range of $46,000-$52,000.

Finally, for the Jaguar fancier wanting to own the ultimate expression of the marque’s famous grace and pace, Shannons are offering a one-owner Australian-built D-Type Replica.

Built in 1982 by Melbourne enthusiast and businessman Tom Luxton, the Luxton D-Type utilised a similar construction to the original Le Mans-winning D-Type sports racing cars of the mid-1950s and featured a space frame with aluminium bodywork.

Fitted with a 350HP (261kW) 3.8-litre engine and weighing just 680kg, the example being auctioned delves stunning performance, while its authentic period-perfect presentation is topped off with a set of originals Dunlop 15-inch alloy wheels.

As the answer to may Jaguar enthusiasts’ dreams, Shannons expect this superb D-Type Replica to sell in the $85,000-$1000,000 range.