It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which means everyone is Irish (by blood or honorary). It only makes sense that our Pick of the Day has an Irish connection, and we found one on ClassicCars.com that is about as Irish as Guinness and red hair. This 1960 Shamrock convertible is listed for sale by a dealership in Lebanon, Missouri.
For a country that’s considered part of the British Isles, Ireland certainly has plenty of distinction from its British masters. From music and dance to literature and libations, Ireland has made its mark on the world despite the struggle of being in the monarchy’s shadow. Not bad for a bunch of peasants!
Back in the 1950s, an American businessman by the name of James Conway went on a family vacation to Ireland. Amid the high unemployment and poverty at the time, he had the bright idea of helping the Irish economy by building a car and exporting it to the United States. He partnered with another American, William Curtis, establishing the company and a factory in Castleblaney in the County of Moneghan.
They commissioned another guy who’s not from Ireland — Alvin “Spike” Rhiando, an ex-Formula 3 Canadian racer — to pen the new car. Looking like a vehicle from Courageous Cat & Minute Mouse, the car was christened the Shamrock and was posed as a personal luxury convertible similar to the Ford Thunderbird. The design featured fiberglass body panels on a ladder frame with a 98-inch wheelbase; coil springs were on all four corners with an independent suspension up front. Power came from a 55-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a four-speed manual, both borrowed from the Austin A55. Compare those specs with the T-bird’s 113-inch wheelbase and big-block power up to 350 horses!
Admittedly, the Shamrock was projected to cost $1000 less than the four-seater Ford, but it also was more roadster than convertible as there were no side curtains. Additionally, the design was such that the rear axle needed to be lowered to change the rear tires.
A projected 3,000 cars a year manifested to an estimated 10 production vehicles before the venture was discontinued — clearly there was no four-leaf clover involved.
Several reside in the United States, including this 1960 Shamrock convertible bearing serial number SH121. Once part of the Harrah’s National Automotive Museum in Reno, this Shamrock then joined a collection in Kansas City before heading to Seattle. The current owner bought it in 2014 and has driven it sparingly, maintaining it in climate-controlled storage. Currently, this Shamrock shows just over 10,000 miles since new. “The white paint on the vehicle still presents well and the limited brightwork on the vehicle is in excellent condition,” says the seller. “Both the car’s interior and convertible top appear to be in very good condition.”
Since everyone is Irish today, having pride in Irish culture is something we all share. For $84,900 (OBO), let’s drink to that.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
