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Laurie O'Neil with Sterling Moss behind the wheel of a 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Grand Prix race car.
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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.
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Laurie O'Neil, 1964, London to Brighton rally, picturing NSW Plate 12
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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.
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Plate 12: London to Brighton race in 1903 Oldsmobile
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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.
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Plate 567: 1957 Jaguar XKSS (only 16 built)
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Plate 315: 1928 4.5 litre Bentley
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Plate 315: 1963 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato (only 19 made)
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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”.
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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
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Left: Plate 315: 1958 Porsche 356 1600 Super in Mount Kosciusko Right: Lot 2. NSW Heritage Number Plate '315'
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Left: Plate 567: Rare 1975 SM Citroen Right: Lot 3. NSW Heritage Number Plate '567'
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Left: Plate 838: 1956 Ford Thunderbird Right: Lot 4. NSW Heritage Number Plate '838'
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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.
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Auction closing 2 April, 6:30pm.
Discover the collection & bid online now.
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