One of the world’s first sports cars up for sale in Sydney

Auctions
 | 17 Jul 2013

An example of the glorious Vauxhall 30-98 – the car usually credited with being the first proper sports car (see C&SC August) – is coming up for sale at Shannons on 21 July.

Carrying an estimate of $220-260,000, the 1920 example features a replica Velox polished aluminium body with contrasting blue wings.

The car was subject to a restoration that started in 1971 and finished 20 years later using components collected by two of its owners.  

The Frawley family bought the Vauxhall in 1948, when it was known as ‘the honeymoon car’ thanks to its Australian-built two-seater body.

The E-type was allocated chassis number E319/318 on the basis of its back axle (E317) and the existence of engine E318.

The 30-98 was the first British car capable of 100mph and was so called thanks to its ability to produce 30hp at 1000rpm and 98hp at 3000rpm.

During a 14-year production period 584 examples were built, around a third are thought to exist today.

This year, the model celebrates 100 years since it smashed the course record at Shelsley Walsh.

Shannons also offers a period rival for the 30-98, although for a change it’s the Rolls-Royce that is the more frugal option.

Valued at $55-70,000, the Phantom 1 Tourer was ordered on 30 January 1928.

Around two months later, the car was delivered to Weymann Motor Bodies of Addlestone, Surrey to be fitted with a seven-passenger saloon body, before being dispatched to Australia.

The current owner purchased the car more than 45 years ago as a drivable chassis from a well-known character in the Northern Territory known as Crocodile Jack.

The vendor undertook a partial restoration to the tourer’s current state, but work still needed includes completion of the interior, recommissioning of the mechanicals and replacing the fold-away hood.

Although the Phantom has come out of long-term storage, the engine has been started and runs, showing good oil pressure, with no abnormal noises.

It comes complete with period fitted luggage, which still resides in the boot.

The vintage Brits join a pair of sought-after Bathurst racers, plus a volley of Australian supersaloons including a 1976 Holden LX Torano SL/R 5000 replica ($25-30,000) and a 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327 Coupé ($90-100,000).

View the full lot list on the auction house’s website.