Topless Tempters at Shannons

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 19.02.2018

Fun in the sun

Shannons’ Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction, which is set to kick off tonight from 7pm, is offering up some mighty fine examples of rare and very desirable automobiles.

What’s more, this auction has a line-up of cars that will appeal to just about every type of petrol head under the sun, whether it be thumping Fords, quirky collectors, European exotics or Aussie muscle cars.

Seeing as its still summer for another week-and-a-half though, we thought we’d single out our favourite convertibles:

1960 Austin-Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite Roadster

According to Shannons, this ace little Bugeye would make a great classic/club car for a first time buyer, and we absolutely agree. The Sprite is packing a punchy 948cc four-pot motor and it’s mated to a four-speed manual transmission. We reckon this would be excellent for spirited Sunday morning drives or, with a bit of preparation, classic Hillclimb events.

1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Convertible

You know what’s better than a topless American muscle car? A topless American muscle car packing a whopping 440ci (7.2lt) V8 under the bonnet, and that’s exactly what you get with this stunning Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Convertible. According to Shannons, this R/T 440 Convertible, which finished in factory original Bright Blue Metallic, is one of just 236 ever produced and it has recently undergone an exacting and highly thorough restoration.

1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible

It might not be the quickest car in this list, but it’s definitely going to be the most comfortable and, let’s face it, almost certainly the most reliable. Shannons say that this lovely 450SL, which comes equipped with 4.5lt V8 and three-speed automatic transmission, is an Australian delivered vehicle and presents well.