Photo Gallery & Report: The Clem Smith Auction in Mallala
Images thanks to Warren Edwards
The Clem Smith Auction was held in Mallala on Sunday the 20th of August. It saw the sale of the Clem Smith car collection, after his passing earlier this year.
A well-known motorsport personality in Australia who got his start in speedway racing in the ’50s, Smith had a large collection of race and road cars. The auction of his collection saw 51 lots up for sale, including 36 cars and memorabilia. Read on for our report and a photo gallery from the event.
Images & report thanks to Warren Edwards. Catch him on Facebook for more of his work.
The Clem Smith Auction. Mallala, 20/08/2017
Sunday August 20 saw the auction of the late Clem Smith car collection. Clem, a well-known and respected motorsport personality passed away in February this year just after his 90th birthday.
Clem started racing speedway at Rowley Park in the 1950’s. He also drove an Austin Healey in the 1955 Australian Grand Prix held at the Port Wakefield circuit. The race was won by Jack Brabham.
Clem was a Chrysler dealer for many years and raced a Charger based Sports Sedan in the 1970’s. This car was one of the star cars at the sale. The auction, held by auction house Mossgreen, was held at the Mallala circuit, 45 minutes north of Adelaide. Clem bought the track in 1977 essentially saving it.
Clem was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and this was followed up with the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List in 2013.
There were 51 lots consisting of 36 cars and as well as memorabilia. Though there were only 2 dedicated race cars for sale, the Charger Sports Sedan and a Formula Ford, Clem used almost all of his cars in various events including running them up the at Colingrove hill climb and in events such as the Climb to the Eagle.
Other standout vehicles included a 1972 E38 Charger which sold for $141k including buyer’s premium, a 1967 Fiat 500 sold for just under $29k and a Mini Cooper S which Clem bought from another well-known Adelaide motorsport personality, the late Alan Marks, sold for $47k. Add in cars made by Hudson, Terraplane, Austin Healey 100/4, Jaguar XK120, Formula Ford and even a Model T Ford and there was something there for everyone on the day and the sale raised over $1.2m.
Only one lot failed to sell on the day, a 1927 Stearns-Knight G8 series sedan failed to make reserve. One of only 2 of this type of vehicle known to exist, it’s nice to think this might stay in Adelaide.
And the quote of the day (from a bidder standing next to me): “What’s a kidney worth?”
Enjoy the photos.
