1936 McLaughlin-Buick 80C Phaeton: who, where, when?

[allcars]

Wondering if any correspondents from Australia or that region of the world might be able to identify the couple riding in this RHD Buick, and/or know when/where the photo was taken. (I've also posted it to "What is It" forum).

Thanks.

[1939_Buick]

Flag are Austalian. As the photo shows tram rails it could be Melbourne. But Sydney also had trams.

There is one 1936 80C listed in the Aust Buick club list owned by a Buick owner who lives near Melbourne. Will send him this link.

[50jetback]

The car carries the Royal Crown ( no registration plates, just the crown ) and a standard, so it will be members of the Royal family or their representative ( Governor General, state Governor ) but looking at the large flag waving crowd and the mounted Police escort it would be visiting royalty.

If it is Melbourne the attached photo could be the car. Photoraphed at the recent Victorian GM day and the first time the car has been seen on the road for many years.

[allcars]

Stuart...

Based on your comments and those of others, I've done some additional web research and now believe that the couple in the car are HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and wife...Prince Henry was the Governor General of Australia during 1945-47. The photo may have been taken at a welcoming celebration parade, or perhaps a WWII Victory parade? I've added this information and a few more comments regarding the car to the discussion of this topic over in the "What Is It" form, and also put a link to your '36 photo there.

Thank you for posting the photo of the "survivor" '36 80C Phaeton...great photo of a great car. There is considerable probability that it is the same car.

[1939_Buick]

There is a photo on page 104 of Norm Darwin's book "100 years of GM in Australia" of the 1936 80C in March 1936 at Preston Motors (the main GM Dealer). Shows the Crown in the center of the bumper.

[1939_Buick]

Had an email from the current owner

==

The current owner purchased the car about 12 years back it from a catholic priest who had owned it for over 20 years. At that time it was fully registered. It was that way for about 5 years and then the rego run out. Only been driven about 20 miles in that time.

Is roadworthy and driveable and now may be put on restricted use club plates in 2008. When purchased it was the intention to fully restore it, but now may be left alone and returned it to the road as it is now.