Shannons to auction classic Jaguars

A desirable collection of Jaguars will go under the auctioneer's mallet in Melbourne on November 27.

Among the 11 classic Jags up for sale at Shannons' premises in Melbourne are E-Types of all sorts, plus five 'saloons'. According to the auction house, Jaguar fans from around the world will be watching the results carefully.

Of the 11 vehicles, eight are from the estate of Jaguar fancier, the late Ian Cummins. A D-Type 're-creation' from his collection was built by Classic Autocraft and features some competition parts from the factory. Shannons believes this will be the major drawcard for international bidders, with the car anticipated to go for somewhere between $750,000 to $850,000.

In a similar vein, the C-Type replica from the Cummins collection is estimated by Shannons to be worth between $180,000 and $200,000. According to the auction house, it is based on the style of an original 1953 model and features 'period' parts and an alloy body. Jaguar specialist Graeme Lord has rebuilt the engine.

Other Jaguars at the auction include two E-Types from the Cummins collection – a six-cylinder Series I coupe and an original Australian-delivered Series II Roadster – valued between $170,000 and $190,000 for the coupe and $150,000 to $180,000 for the Roadster. The remaining E-Type, a 1972 V12-engined Series III 2+2 Coupe with auto transmission, is valued between $64,000 and $72,000. This third E-Type is not from the Cummins estate, but was built by the factory in right-hand drive and is "coming out of long-term ownership," according to Shannons.

If buyers prefer something older, but still sporty, there are two XK150 models up for auction. One from the Cummins collection was delivered in 1960 by Melbourne's Bryson Industries, and is a 3.8-litre XK150 S coupe with a Webasto sunroof and louvred bonnet. Shannons value this car in a range from $100,000 to $120,000.

The other is a factory right-hand drive Drophead Coupe purchased new by a UK buyer in 1959. Powered by the 3.4-litre version of the XK engine, this XK150 comes with a refurbished soft-top roof and tonneau cover. The estimated guiding price ranges from $110,000 to $130,000.

Another Jaguar delivered locally by the distributor of the time, Bryson Industries, is a 1958 Mk 1 'Special Equipment Saloon' with 3.4-litre six and manual box with overdrive. Shannons estimates this car will sell for between $40,000 and $48,000.

Also locally-delivered, the 1962 Mk 2 from the Cummins collection features the very desirable combination of 3.8-litre engine, a manual gearbox with overdrive and chrome wire wheels. The guiding price range is $60,000 to $68,000.

Priced more affordably, the second Mk 2 is being offered without reserve. Described by Shannons as 'unmolested', the 2.4-litre model comes with original documents (including service manual) and tool kit. Prospective buyers should expect to pay between $15,000 and $20,000 for this one.

One pre-XK era Jaguar to appear at the auction is a 1948 Mk IV model with 3.5-litre engine. This car has been restored and Shannons estimates it will fetch between $54,000 and $62,000 at auction.

There will be one (relatively) modern Jaguar also going to auction on the night – a 1994 XJ-R with 4.0-litre supercharged engine. This vehicle, built during the era of Ford ownership, was one of the remaining inline six-cylinder models before the company migrated to V6 and V8 power. Shannons advises that this particular vehicle, which is "presented in excellent condition" and has travelled just 81,000km from new, is being sold without reserve and is expected to go for between $15,000 and $20,000.