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Mossgreen Sells 98% of Clem Smith OAM Collection at Mallala


 

20 August 2017 - Clem Smith amassed a superb array of sporting cars throughout his interesting life as a principal figure in motorsport in South Australia. He was a much admired and revered businessman in car retailing since he started a Chrysler dealership in Adelaide in 1948 as well as being the stalwart behind the Mallala Motor Sport Park saving the circuit from demise in the 1970s.

Mossgreen's sale of Clem’s collection captured the imagination of the car enthusiasts and devoted admirers across the nation bringing an astounding result of 98% sold by lot and 120% sold by value in front of 600 attendees. The important provenance and the intrinsic connection to this important South Australian figure, his machines and his much-loved circuit created a warm and auspicious atmosphere within Clem’s large purpose-built garage at Mallala, which has housed the collection since 2009, marking a fitting culmination to an important era in South Australian motoring history.

This doyen of motorsport created a simply fascinating collection of muscle cars and tourers. From veterans to moderns, Clem Smith’s understanding of the car manufacturing and racing industry was genuinely appreciated with spirited bidding by both enthusiasts and friends wanting to retain a part of the warmly remembered man’s history.

The collection included 3 Chrysler Chargers with Clem’s highly prized Sports Sedan selling for $65,800 and a genuine Charger R/T E38 selling for $141,000. The VH Charger “Clone” of the Beechey/McKeown 1971 Bathurst contender sold for an astonishing $88,125 well over its estimated sale price.

The stable of 36 cars housed at Mallala included 9 glorious Hudsons which were Clem’s absolute passion. Determined bidding achieved excellent results yesterday with the legendary 1952 Fabulous Hudson Hornet selling for $56,400 and Clem’s treasured 1934 Hudson Terraplane 6C Roadster achieving $27,025 and the delightful buttercup yellow 1936 Hudson Terraplane selling for $33,500.

A well identified 1968 Mini Cooper S with provenance to both rally driver, Ed Ordinski and familial motoring figure, Alan Dale Marks sold for $47,000. The bidding was ebullient for a fully restored 1967 Fiat 500 Bambino reaching $28,787 which is believed to be a new auction record for the much-loved model.

The fantastic price of $48,175 was achieved for the 19641/2 Mustang 2-door hard-top often driven by Clem to and from the circuit over many years. This car as well Clem’s favourite 1934 Hudson Terraplane were acquired by businessman and racing driver Mr. Sam Shahin who has recently become the new custodian of Mallala Motorsport Park and who desired to retain a part of the collection as a tribute to the legacy Clem leaves behind.

The Late Clem Smith OAM was the owner and promotor of Mallala Motorsport Park since the late 1970s. His services to Motorsport were recognised with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and the Australian Sports Medal.