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February 2nd 2005
Shannons Insurance Media Release

Stunning Packard Star of Shannons 10th Anniversary Show

It’s been a huge ‘Mo-town’ hit for a decade – the Shannons Melbourne Motor Show auction staged in the glass-fronted foyer of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre each year, greets visitors with an eye-watering collection of rare, special and collectable cars – many challenging their modern equivalents inside for crowd appeal and value..

This year’s Shannons Show is no different, with over 60 rare and interesting vehicles and some 40 unreserved memorabilia lots being auctioned on the final day of the Motor Show, Monday March 14.

However for most Motor Show goers, it’s the chance to browse more than half a kilometre of classics and dream cars that’s the real attraction.

All lots are on display free to the public in the Concourse area from Thursday March 3 until the close of the Motor Show at 6.00pm on Monday 14th, making the Shannons display an ideal hors d’oeuvre to the Motor Show proper.

The first Shannons Motor Show auction staged in 1996 at the MEC attracted huge local and international interest from collectors and enthusiasts, setting a trend for classic car auctions at Australian motor shows that have enjoyed burgeoning interest since.

While Shannons each year is inundated with applications for the 60-70 available auction places, this has allowed them to pick the cream of the crop, ensuring that only the very best vehicles and memorabilia make the cut.

This successful format has produced annual sales totaling up to $2 million, with crowds of 800 and more packing the Concourse area from 2.30pm on the final day of the Show to bid for vehicles or just to experience the auction excitement at no charge.

The Shannons Show always draws some outstanding vehicles from out of their garages and dustcovers. This year’s show-stoppers include a stunning 1934 Packard Super 8 Coupe that has just emerged from a total restoration completed in December last year at a cost of $150,000.

Considered by many enthusiasts as America’s ‘Rolls-Royce’, Packards have a huge international following amongst knowledgeable vehicle enthusiasts and this Super 8 Coupe is one of the most desirable of the 1930s-era models.

As you would expect, it is presented in concours condition, with dark green paintwork and contrasting soft cream leather interior. Shannons expect it to sell in the range from $100,000-$130,000, representing a relative bargain for the lucky purchaser, who will capitalize on effort that has gone into its restoration.

The Packard is just one of the very special cars in this year’s Motor Show auction. Others include a rare 1958 Borgward Isabella TS Coupe (to be offered unreserved), a superb Porsche 356B Coupe, a potent V8-engined Sunbeam Tiger sports car and a 1990 BMW M3 Evo 2 Convertible – believed the only one of its type in Australia – which comes complete with both hard and soft tops.

The 10th Anniversary Shannons Motor Show Auction will also offer more than 40 unreserved items of automotive memorabilia for sale, presenting a unique opportunity for visitors to pick up a bargain.

Just as keenly sought after by many auction attendees will be the range of double and triple digit Victorian black and white enamel number plates, which in many cases command a greater price than the value of the cars they are attached to.

Web: www.shannons.com.au