Ballarat’s Nagle family to sell 1923 Chevrolet Superior tourer

A Ballarat family is selling dozens of automotive treasures this weekend. But it’s their Chev that holds a special auto distinction.

Marcel Marceau, Henry Kissinger and the Nagle family’s Chevrolet Superior all rolled off the production line in 1923.

But while the French mime extraordinaire and the US diplomat supremo are no longer motoring, there’s still plenty of road left for Bernadette and Kevin Nagle’s Chev - particularly when you consider how few clicks it has on the clock.

“It’s only done 10,000 miles (about 16,000 kilometres). That’s pretty incredible when you consider it’s 101 years old,” Mrs Nagle said.

“It was originally owned by an Albury solider who was killed in World War II. His sisters took over ownership but didn’t drive it — it was kept on blocks for decades.

“A car collector from Ballarat bought it in the ‘60s, then we purchased it. Given its low mileage, it still runs well. There’s only three or four left in the country, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of interest from car enthusiasts.”

Ballarat’s Bernadette and Kevin Nagle with their 1923 Chevrolet ahead of the October auction. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The 1923 Chev is one of dozens of automotive-related memorabilia up for sale at an auction this weekend, with an onsite viewing opportunity this Friday between 11am and 1pm at 18 Martin Drive, Delacombe.

Hosted online by Martin Evans Auctions this Saturday and Sunday, a vast array of petrol bowsers, hub caps, steering wheels, tractor seats and other vintage gizmos will be on offer.

Mr and Mrs Nagle operated a bus company for four decades, so all things automotive are a multi-generational passion.

“We’ve collected many bits and bobs over the years — people are surprised with just how many things are on offer,” Mrs Nagle said.

Originally published as Ballarat’s Nagle family to sell 1923 Chevrolet Superior tourer