Laurie O'Neil with Sterling Moss behind the wheel of a 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Grand Prix race car.
Laurie O’Neil, a revered figure in Australian motorsport, had a passion for rare and exotic cars - both on the road and the racetrack. His vehicles, ranging from the first road Ferrari in Australia to vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts and a Ford GT40, were always adorned with his cherished number plates.
Laurie O'Neil, 1964, London to Brighton rally, picturing NSW Plate 12
Held in his collection for over 60 years, these plates are now being offered at auction by his family, including the historic NSW Plate 12, first issued in 1910. A true piece of motoring history, this marks the lowest numeric two-digit plate to be sold in NSW in over half a century.
Plate 12: London to Brighton race in 1903 Oldsmobile
His ownership of many famous cars is legendary including the first 300SL gullwing into Australia, various vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts, the first road Ferrari in Australia being a 212 inter coupe. Others include a road registered LM250 Ferrari, Ford GT40, Aston Martin Zagato and a Jaguar XKSS just to name a few.
Plate 567: 1957 Jaguar XKSS (only 16 built)
Plate 315: 1928 4.5 litre Bentley
Plate 315: 1963 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato (only 19 made)
Laurie famously made the front of the Sydney Morning Herald when he purchased a car with plate 12 attached over 60 years ago, with the heading “Man buys Rolls Royce just to get the number plate”.
Top left: Plate 567 in Central Australia: 1950’s Plymouth Bottom Left: Lot 1. NSW Heritage Number Plate '275' Bottom right: Porsche 935, Laurie and Pete Geoghegan at Porsche factory in Germany
Left: Plate 315: 1958 Porsche 356 1600 Super in Mount Kosciusko Right: Lot 2. NSW Heritage Number Plate '315'
Left: Plate 567: Rare 1975 SM Citroen Right: Lot 3. NSW Heritage Number Plate '567'
Left: Plate 838: 1956 Ford Thunderbird Right: Lot 4. NSW Heritage Number Plate '838'
These plates are more than just numbers, they are a testament to a lifetime of passion for motoring excellence. Whether you're a collector, an enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a rare piece of history, this auction presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own an iconic piece of Australian automotive heritage.
Auction closing 2 April, 6:30pm. Discover the collection & bid online now.
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