Still proudly wearing its original Freestone & Webb fabric coachwork, the Bentley initially was pursued by a number of bidders before its future ownership developed into a telephone slugging duel between two overseas enthusiasts.
The Bentley came from the estate of the late Mosman, Sydney sewing machine importer and avid Bentley enthusiast Alan Mingaye, who found the car lying partially disassembled under a tree in Turramurra, NSW in 1957. It received a full body-off-chassis restoration in 1980, but due to Mingaye’s ill health was not been driven regularly since 1988.
Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said the price realised for the Bentley was a great result for the car, but not entirely unexpected considering its good provenance.
The Bentley’s sale was a highlight of the auction that saw 18 of the 26 vehicle lots sold on the evening for a clearance rate of nearly 70 per cent in front of a large crowd at Shannons St.Leonards, Sydney showroom.
In other highlights, a striking cream and green right hand drive 1929 Buick ‘6 Wheel Equipped’ Roadster sold for an excellent $52,500 after a ferocious duel amongst six phone bidders.
Meanwhile amongst the Australian Muscle Cars, a 1971 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger E38 R/T Coupe finished in trademark Hot Mustard that was restored three years ago sold after the hammer for $75,000 and a 1970 early-build Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 finished in sought-after Yellow Dolly was pursued by four floor and phone bidders before selling comfortably above its estimate for $71,000.
Adding to the Torana’s appeal was its recent bare-metal restoration after 23 years in storage and its low mileage at an indicated 93,600 miles – just 1,500 of them after its restoration.
In another good result, a trophy-winning ’84 HDT Commodore Group 3 sold for $38,450, while a 1977 Holden HX Kingswood Deluxe sedan was popular with bidders, making $10,000.
Other highlights of Shannons May 7 sale included: –
- A red 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster presented in beautiful, restored condition sold for $76,000, a 1989 French Racing Blue Morgan 4/4 four-seater Roadster sold for $45,000 and a right hand drive 1988 Citroen 2CV6 ‘Dolly’ made an excellent $18,500
- A 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300CE Coupe sold for $16,500
- Amongst the ‘no-reserve’ lots, a modified 1971 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 Saloon brought $16,500, while a rare 1989 Nissan Pao coupe sold for $5,750.
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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