A very original 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback is the headliner of the first 2006 Shannons Sydney auction on Monday March 6. Its main attraction is that it has remained virtually unused since new and is more or less unrestored. It is still in left hand drive and has its original date code 428 (7.0-litre) V8 engine, four-speed Top Loader gearbox and differential. Even the original red oxide protective paint is still visible under the body. The body is rust-free and was repainted in its original Cherry Red about 15 years ago, but its Saddle tan interior is completely original and in very good condition.
According to its odometer, the Shelby has driven just 46,000 miles since new, the last 200 by its current owner, which matches the records of the meticulous Shelby Registry. But perhaps the car’s most desirable feature is Carol Shelby’s signature on the passenger’s sun visor. The prices of the Shelbys are rapidly rising around the world. In the US, cars with a competition history now sell for over $250,000. Auctions Manager Christophe Boribon expects bids in the range of $110,000-$150,000.
If muscle cars don’t raise your pulse, another lot at the same auction is a rare red 1965 Sunbeam Tiger V8. This factory right hand drive car has been completely rebuilt mechanically for classic rallies and appears to have covered only about 100,000 miles since it was delivered new in Australia. Shannons expects the car to sell for between $60,000 and $70,000.
Also available is a beautiful Light Grey 1956 Holden FJ Utility with a black tonneau cover with one owner for the past 10 years. During this time, it was used mainly as a promotional vehicle. After a full engine rebuild three years ago, it now runs on unleaded fuel, making it an attractive and practical classic. An as-new 2002 TD2000 roadster, again with only 1,000kms on the odometer, selling unreserved, should be another sought- after item. The present owner has had to garage the Egg Blue car since he bought it new, due to unexpected commitments. Price estimates fall in the range of $26,000-$34,000.

Bonhams & Goodman will kick off their gala week of auctions on 26 March at 11am with an auction of Collectors Cars, Motor Cycles and Boats including part of the collection of the late Harold Clisby of Adelaide. The auction will be conducted at Byron Kennedy Hall, Entertainment Quarter at the Old Fox Studios in Moore Park, where Bonhams & Goodman plan to hold their other major 2006 auctions.
Heading the unusual catalogue of cars is the well-known Clisby c1969 Toyota 2000GT. It is expected to fetch between $100,000-$140,000. Also from the Clisby collection is a rare 1933 Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle with a 1937 Steib side-car estimated at $140,000-$180,000 and an extremely rare c1900 Locomobile Runabout steam car designed by the Stanley brothers valued at $40,000-60,000. Born in 1912 in Adelaide, Harold W Clisby was a prolific and versatile inventor and engineer, responsible for the original design, engineering and production of a lathe now made by the US Company, Sherline.
Other important entries include a c1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Saloon by Windover with an expected price of $85,000-125,000, by order of a major Australian trading bank. A beautifully restored c1965 Buick Riviera 455 Grand Sport Coupe should bring $28,000-38,000, a c1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with hardtop previously from the Rene Rivkin collection and estimated at $35,000-50,000 and a c1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, estimate to be determined.
David Bird, Head of the Car Department at Bonhams & Goodman is pleased with how this first auction of 2006 is shaping up. They are in the final stages of negotiation for several other important collections with some noteworthy collectors cars. Bonhams & Goodman is now inviting entries for the June auction.