1930's Classic Speedsters Four Coin Set

About the Design

The 1930s were the most remarkable and tumultuous decades in the saga of the automobile. This is especially so for sporting cars which took on a quite different appearance from the scant-bodied roadsters of the 1910s. The Classic sports cars of the 30s were speedsters and were an extra ance reserved for playboys, celebrities and those unique individuals who enjoyed a fast car and an open road in their youth and still wanted more.

In celebration of this classic era in speedster automobiles the New Zealand Mint limited has produced a series of four of the most beautiful classic sports cars of their time. Exquisitely illustrated in full colour renditions on 1oz Silver uncirculated coins this series showcases the best of the best in Sports cars of its time.

Obverse

The obverse of the coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sovereign of the Commonwealth and Cook Islands the year - 2006 - and the denomination of NZ$2.00.

Reverse

The reverse of each coin bears a full colour image of the featured car. It has the inscriptions "1930's Classic Speedsters", "$2", "1 oz 999 silver" and the car type.

1935 Auburn 851 Speedster 

Designer Gordon Buehrig and engine designer Augie Duesenberg were tasked with creating a new design for 1935. A V-12 Speedster was used as a starting point. The front-end, cowl, and bonnet were completely reworked. It was given a convertible body-style that was low and complimented its small side windows. The masculine look of the Auburn 851 was due in part to its teardrop headlamps, chrome exhaust pipes, pontoon fenders, and newly styled grille and hood.

1935 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Speedster

Considered by many to be the most beautiful pre-war car, the Atlantic body Type 57S featured flowing coupe lines with a pronounced dorsal seam running front to back. It was based on the "Aerolithe" concept car of 1935. Like the Type 59 Grand Prix car, the Aerolithe used Elektron (magnesium) or Duralumin (aluminium) for its body panels, a combustible material. Therefore, the body panels were riveted externally, creating the signature seam.

1930 Packard 734 Boattail Speedster

Packard made a line of extremely unusual cars - the 734 Speedster. It was designed to be a factory hot rod, with higher performance, higher top speed, lower weight, and lithe, light looking bodies There are only 26 surviving examples in all body styles, of estimated production of only 113 to 118 cars.

1936 Duesenberg SSJ Speedster

This 1936 Duesenberg SSJ Bobtailed Speedster was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable. One of only two Duesenberg Speedsters built on a shorter 125 wheelbase, the supercharged Speedster was assembled by factory workers who fashioned a Duesenberg body to fit a Cord wheelbase.

Limited Mintage

There are four 2006 dated 1930's Classic Speedsters coins struck from 1oz of pure silver. No more than 6,000 of each coin will be issued by the New Zealand Mint. The coins are legal tender of the Cook Islands.

Packaging

The set is presented in an attractive wooden case with printed panels. Each 1930's Classic Speedsters box set comes with a four-page full colour Certificate of Authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint.

Please note that due to the dimensions and weight of this product's packaging, shipping charges will be marginally higher than what is usually charged.