20 years after Robert Shannons’ passing, the company carries on the torch

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 05.03.2020

This week marks 20 years since the classic car and historic racing pioneer’s passing

Earlier this week on Monday, March 2, marked Shannons’ first Melbourne classic car auction for the year; but also marked the 20^th anniversary of the passing of the company’s founder, Robert Shannon.

Robert Shannon passed away suddenly on the eve of the Shannons’ 2000 Melbourne Motor Show Auction, and spent much of his life passionately dedicated to supporting Australia’s classic car community through car clubs, historic racing and auctions; and not to mention his range of specialised insurance cover which he pioneered in the 70s for enthusiast and specialty vehicles.

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Indeed, the specialist and enthusiast insurance cover that Shannon forged a company upon has since expanded to cover enthusiast’s everyday vehicles, as well as their motorcycles, home and garage contents.

Robert Shannon was also a passionate historic motorsport fan, and was a founding member of the Phillip Island ‘Classic Festival of Motorsport’. Taking place this long weekend, the event has attracted over 500 entrants from all over the word, and is now acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost historic racing events on the calendar.

Shannons’ Classic Auctions, a classic vehicle staple on local soil, was introduced in 1981 and has since held nearly 300 auctions over the past 39 years.

Executive Manager of Shannons Geoff Keogh stated: "While Shannons has grown significantly and expanded, many of the core principles upon which the company was established remains fundamental to the way we operate today".

You may be covered by them, and you might not be. Regardless, whether you enjoy browsing the auctions, dreaming over the next toy - or enjoy going to classic car shows and historic races on weekend; Australia’s buzzing classic car community wouldn’t be quite what it is today without this man’s passionate efforts.

And for that, we tip our hats and say thanks Robert.

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