Lot 62:  1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 OTS

This is a nice looking 3.8 E-Type, with a guiding price of $185,000-$210,000.   It is a nice example and they will probably get it.   E-Types have shot up incredibly in the last few years.  While higher values mean they get saved, it also means many are now in the hands of speculators rather than enthusiasts.

Lot 59:  1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

At first some may run away scared with around 450,000 on the clock.   However, with all the work done this car may be good buying.   It is a really period colour (Silver Green) which is not to everyone’s taste, but is in great condition.   The asking price of $28,000-$35,000 is not unreasonable, but the odometer may put some off.

Lot 50: 1998 BMW 840Ci Coupe

The 8 series doesn’t have the same fan base of the earlier 6er, but to me is the most striking BMW to come out of the 90s.   Potentially the E39 M5 may be a better car to live with, but the 8 series has the looks and the V8 is reportedly less problematic than the V12.   The car is estimated at $25,000-$30,000

Lot 52: 1960 Jaguar XK150 FHC

The XK’s used to be similar money to the E-Type, but not anymore.    This nice 3.8 had a guiding range of $85,000-$95,000.   Personally, I prefer the XK140, but the 150 has the advantage of the 3.8 engine and is probably a more usable car.   British Racing Green is probably the best colour for these.   Lighter colours can make them look like a jellybean.

Lot 67:  1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II

The guiding range of $35,000-$50,000 may attract some to what is an extremely desirable pre-war Rolls Royce.   Having sat there since at least the 80s, I suspect the cost to just mechanically recommission this car would be astronomical.   After that you’re still stuck with a fairly dowdy re-body from the 60s.  Apparently there is a photo in the Phantom II book of the original and more attractive body.

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During a recent visit to the UK, I was able to tour the British Motor Museum.   The Jaguar Heritage Collection is housed in the same building as the overflow collection.

The collection has a good representation of Jaguar vehicles from swallow sidecars to the current models.   Key models include the SS1, SS100, the first and last E-Types etc.   They also have a number of concept cars from the 90s to the present day which are quite interesting.

The best exhibits for me were:

• 77RW, the first production E-Type OTS
• The very last S3 E-Type
• Early SS cars, including SS1, SS100 etc.
• A range of cars previously owned by the Queen Mother, including a DS420, XJ12
• Good examples of their famous models like the XK120, XK140, XK150, MK1, MK2, S-Type, 420
• XJ13, C-Type and D-type racing cars
• The four cylinder XK engine

Some of the collection is housed in the main museum, which will be covered in a separate posting.    I really enjoyed seeing the cars, although I think it would be nice to see a purpose built display for them.   For example, they have all four ‘Utah’ cars (the MK1, MK2, S-Type and 420), a display showing the evolution would a nice touch.   They have something like that at the BMW museum for the 3-Series.

Jaguar were probably at their peak in the period between the late 50s and late 60s when they introduced some of their most famous models.   After a period in the doldrums in the 90s and 2000’s where they focused too much on retro models, they seem to have their mojo back again.   In my view, they are taking their history seriously, but not trying to rest upon it.   You would have to think that William Lyons would be impressed with the newfound success of his company.

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Even though nothing really grabbed my at this auction it is always well worth going and taking a look around.    Much of the stock were muscle cars, some Aussie some American.

The cars that did interest me the most were:

 1934 Hudson Straight 8

I know little about these cars but it has loads of character and looks like it is in nice condition.    They expect $40-$50,000.

1950 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley Sports Sedan

I know little about these either and it looks more stately than sporty, but it caught my eye.

1958 Jaguar XK150 FHC

I like XK jaguar FHCs but this one didn’t really catch my eye.   While I prefer the 140, 150s can be striking too, but I don’t think cream suits the car at all.   I also didn’t particularly like the extra console in the dash.    The $75-$90,000 price seems right though.

1960 Mercedes 190SL

190SL values have gone stratospheric in the  last couple of years and they have attracted a whole new set of buyers, generally younger than the normal classic car buyer.   They a stunning car to look at, but I still feel they are overpriced and will always be in the shadow of the 300SL.

This car is in quite nice condition, although the white paint behind the Mercedes star looks very odd.   The interior is worn, but in a good way.   Generally the car is in nice condition and while I think they are overpriced it will probably go for what they suggest $140-$150k.

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Lot 4: 1951 AUSTIN A90 ATLANTIC 2 DOOR COUPE

This is not a car I know much about, but it has oodles of character and a price guide of $18,000-$24,000.   The paint work is not in great shape, but it looks like a nice car nevertheless and it has loads of cool period details.

Lot 7: 1975 CITROEN D SUPER 5 SEDAN

This is a car that caught my eye at first, but on closer inspection I am not so sure.   A D Super 5 is popular model – basically a DS21 engine and 5 speed transmission in the D Super body with its simpler hydraulics and less trim.   The D Super 5 is also a model we never got here in Australia, so are not common as all are private imports.

However, on closer inspection, the VIN listed on the Shannons website shows that the car started as a 1975 D Special and has been modified to become a D Super 5.   Nothing wrong with that, but it should be disclosed.   Secondly, for a near new paint job, there is already bubbling below one of the headlights, and it looks like they were masked off and not removed.   They list the price guide as $24,000-$28,000 which I think is a tad high given it is not an original car.

 Lot 14: 1934 STUDEBAKER DICTATOR ‘6-WHEEL EQUIPPED’ SEDAN (RHD)

Unfortunately the photo I took didn’t come out but this car was rather interesting.   It is called a six wheel because it has two spares, not because it is a tank.   Since it has not been used since 1995, there is probably a reasonable amount of work needed, but this car is striking and has great period styling features.   Being a flat head six it is probably fairly reliable.    And it’s called a Dictator.

I wonder sometimes what will happen with cars like this.   As you could imagine, this car is being sold by an older gentleman and I’m not sure that cars like this appeal as much to the generation of car enthusiasts who are born in the 60s and 70s rather than those born in the 30s and 40s they are replacing.     Price guide: $18,000-$22,000

Lot 18: 1967 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 SERIES 1 COUPE

I include this car because I think it was the worst buy there.    In my view, you either buy a car that is at least a 6/10, or buy a 2 or 3/10.    Cars that are 4 or 5 out of 10 need a full restore anyway, so might as well start with something that is compete but not pay a premium for something that is very tatty and will always be that way without a restore.     To me, this car is a 5/10.  It needs EVERYTHING.   for example, every piece of rubber is crumbling away, the body is covered in dents and the inspection report is not promising.

Lot 20: 1954 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/4 BN1 ROADSTER

This was one of my favorite cars on display.   Less money (and arguably better looks) than a 3000, this little beauty was offered for sale with a price guide of $52,000-$58,000.

Lot 22: 1958 JAGUAR XK150 ROADSTER

A lovely XK150 roadster.   It needs to loose the silly racing harness, but other than that, this car looked great.   Price guide $105-$120,000.   Based on other XK sales, this does not seem out of line.

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