- Two very original Vintage ‘survivors’
- ‘No reserve’ Star Mercury
Two grand 1920s touring vehicles with great Australian histories will be going under the hammer at Shannons upcoming Sydney Spring Auction on November 9.
Of particular interest to Hispano-Suiza collectors is a superb H6B saloon that was originally sold new in Australia, but was previously unknown to both the American and French Hispano clubs before it was listed for auction.
Records show that the 6.5-litre straight six cylinder ‘32CV’ model left the French factory in 1924, the year after the Hispano’s French subsidiary became a semi-autonomous partnership with its Spanish parent company.
It is believed that some years later in the early 1930s, the H6B was fitted with its current stylish Martin & King body, however it then ‘disappeared’ off enthusiasts’ radar until 1953 when its current Australian owner dragged it out of a wheat field in Central NSW.
He brought it home and after fitting new tyres and adding fresh petrol, he fired it up and has been driving it ever since.
Such is its conditions that Shannons believe a new owner could, with some cosmetic refurbishment, have an enjoyable and usable Vintage touring car.
Because of its rarity today as a surviving example of the popular H6B model, Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $70,000-$90,000 for this grand tourer.
Also in Shannons November 9 Sydney Auction is an equally-rare surviving 1924 Star Mercury Tourer.
These now-rare British cars with their powerful in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines were just one step down from the Bentleys of their day, but unfortunately the Great Depression led to their demise.
It is believed that the vehicle’s original purchaser was quite wealthy, as it was brought out to Australia with a factory body and just about every optional extra.
It was purchased in 2000 from the estate of the original owner’s family by its current custodian. Remarkably, all he needed to do to get it running again was fit new tyres.
This is a remarkably original vehicle that Shannons believe could be a worthy winner in Preservation Classes at a Concourse.
Because of its exceptional original condition and potential, Shannons expect this rare survivor to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $25,000-$35,000 range on November 9.
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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