Vintage collection to be auctioned in Melbourne

The vehicles consigned by Hider-Smith include four early 1920s chain-drive GN 'specials' (two in 'project' condition), a rare and very desirable 1929 Riley 9 'Brooklands' Sports, a 1937 'Flatnose' Morgan 4/4 roadster, and an 'as new' 1984 Triking 'Morgan Replica' 3-wheel roadster.

One of the two GN Morris specials is Hider-Smith's famous hillclimb vehicle, which features a unique twin carburettor conversion to a Morris Cowley engine, chain drive for the rear wheels via a bevel box, a Ford front axle with a transverse spring and Ford front brakes and wheels.

The other GN hillclimb special also features a four-cylinder Morris engine, but has a three-speed Morris gearbox and chain drive. The remaining two GNs are both 'projects', one fitted with a Morris engine and the other with an early V-twin.

While these are interesting, the star in Hider-Smith's collection, at least for fans of motor racing history, is undoubtedly his Anzani-engined, chain-driven Frazer Nash (green car in images above) that took part in the first Australian Grand Prix meeting at Phillip Island in 1928.

Driven by Ed Cooper, the car was forced to retire during official practice when its rear axle moved, causing its rear-only brakes to become inoperative.

Another of Ted Hider-Smith's cars certain to attract lively International bidding is his 1929 Riley 9 'Brooklands' Sports (red car in images above). With just 100 Riley Brooklands produced from 1928-1932, the model quickly established itself as one of the most successful racing vehicles of its time, making surviving examples sought-after by collectors and Vintage enthusiasts worldwide.

The Triking three wheeler is a modern (Circa 1984) replica of the classic, 1930s-era Morgan three-wheeler, and is powered by a Moto Guzzi transverse v-twin motorcycle engine of 850cc capacity.

One of only three imported new to Australia in the 80s, the Triking couldn't be registered due to an anomaly in Victoria's Motor Car Regulations, that refused registration to roadgoing cars without a reverse gear. This vehicle has only delivery miles recorded and is in every way a 'new car'.

A genuine Morgan has also been consigned, in the form of a 'flat-rad' Morgan 4/4 roadster. The '4/4' moniker referred to the Morgan's four-wheel, four-seater configuration, a notable shift for the company that had made their name and fame with a series of lightweight, economical - and increasingly sporting - three-wheel models.

Also consigned for April's auction, but not from the Hider-Smith Collection, is a 1921 French T.H. Schneider 4.5-litre six-cylinder Tourer, still fresh from an older restoration.

All vehicles in the Hider-Smith collection can be viewed in the lead up to the auction at Shannons Melbourne Showrooms, 321 Warragul Road, Cheltenham. The auction will take place on Monday, April 29, from 7:00PM at the same location.

Images: Shannons