Global vehicle brokers Hyman Ltd is selling a six-pack of significant vehicles from the William Lyon Collection.
According to USA military history, Major General William Lyon was a distinguished and accomplished general, serving in the Air Force. His appreciation for history and mechanical ingenuity led to the accumulation of a significant car and historic aircraft collection, which were housed at Orange County in the Lyon Air Museum, he established.
All bar one, the cars are from the 1930s including a 1931 Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Special Phaeton, with chassis 2189, acquired by Lyons in 2006 and with an estimate of A$3.55 million. Over the years it has been restored and painstakingly maintained by several renowned collectors. It’s finished in metallic champagne and burgundy, with cream leather trim and finished third in the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Built the same year was the Lyon’s-owned 1931 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Dual-Cowl Phaeton, one of 10 known survivors. This one boasts Pebble Beach Best in Show honours (1979), a rich concours history, and long-term care in the Lyon Collection. Finished, with original features and preserved restoration, it’s considered a standout example of the stunning CG Imperial legacy.
Also up for grabs is a pair of Cadillacs, one a 1930 452 V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood and the other a 1939 V-16 Formal Town Car Phaeton. At the New York Auto Salon in 1930, Cadillac rocked the establishment, debuting an all-new sixteen-cylinder engine. Both these Caddys boast this monstrous engine, taking pride of place in the four-door Sport Phaeton and the Town Car, which is one of five built on the final generation V-16 chassis.
Packard was popular back then and the collection has a 1934 Eight 1101 Coupe Roadster that Lyon acquired in 1970 and has benefitted from an older resto. The body is finished in two shades of olive, with the interior trimmed in brown. The straight-eight delivers smooth, unhurried power, the gearbox operates with reassuring mechanical feel, and the chassis moves with the substantial composure that defined the marque. It is not presented as a concours showpiece, but rather as a well-sorted and usable Classic Era automobile.
The year 1934 is recognised as one of the most desirable among Packard enthusiasts, when design and engineering were in perfect alignment, resulting in both technical excellence and timeless style.
Last on the sales runway is a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D, flagship of the fleet and known as the “Adenauer” after Chancellor Konrad Adenauer,. Acquired by The Lyon Collection, it’s in exceptional, original condition, in black over red leather and retains its original engine, gearbox, matching luggage, Becker Mexico radio, and tool kit.
Estimates for the six cars totals A$5.91 million.
Visit hymanltd.com for more information.
