If you’re sick of high fuel prices fleecing you at the bowser then this story may not be for you. At the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Classic Auctions, on July 21, three classic pumps—a manual model from the 1930s and two electric pumps from the 1950s and 60s—will be offered with no reserve. Prices of up to $5,000 are expected, and perhaps beyond.
The rising pump prices are being driven by a combination of demand from collectors, the shrinking availability of good original pumps and the increasingly high quality of restorations, according to Shannons National Auction Manager, Christophe Boribon.
“We have seen a noticeable increase in interest in classic bowsers over the last 2-3 years,” said Boribon. “Like all our memorabilia lots, we offer them for sale unreserved because we know there will be high demand, keen bidding and they will always sell for the right price.”