OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this beautiful, low mileage and incredibly original 1972 De Tomaso Pantera.
This car was built in February 1972 and was sold new through Uptown Motors Inc, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA in May 1973. The Marti report on file confirms that this relatively early, chrome bumper Pantera was delivered new in red with a black interior, which is how it is presented today.
It is understood that the original owner was something of an eccentric recluse who, after driving the car for just a few years and travelling only 9,000 miles, parked the car up in a barn in 1979. It remained there for over 30 years until it was discovered by Gregory Kreiger, a retired race car engineer from Wisconsin, in 2010.
It was in remarkable original condition with no rust or any evidence of any accident damage. Importantly, it had the original Campagnolo wheels fitted, which remain on the car today.
Kreiger subsequently acquired the car and there is a Wisconsin Certificate of Title on file dated the 28th September 2011. The original Wisconsin number plate is still with the car. It was registered as EN6688.
The previous owner acquired the car on the 16th September 2012 and subsequently imported it into Australia. There is an import approval on file dated the 2nd October 2012. The car departed the USA onboard the Kota Wangi on the 17th December 2012 and arrived in Australia on the 6th January 2013.
The car was then treated to a sympathetic restoration, whilst importantly preserving its originality. The car was repainted in its original colour and at that time new door and window rubbers were installed. The chrome was also replated. The car was in excellent mechanical condition, however, the engine had a noisy lifter which prompted a complete strip down and rebuild. When the engine was stripped everything inside was 100% original and consistent with a low mileage car right down to standard bores and original Ford bearing shells. The air conditioning system was also reconditioned. The interior was in very good condition and was not touched.
Once back on the road and registered in Victoria the car was regularly seen at various events throughout Victoria. It was voted Best Car on Display at the Winton Festival of Speed in 2018.
The current owner acquired the car in August 2023 and it joined a diverse collection of Aussie muscle cars and modern supercars.
The car has been sparingly used over the last two and half years and today the odometer reads 17,199 miles. In his ownership the front brake calipers and hand brake have been overhauled.
The current owner has now decided to go in a slightly different direction with his collection and as a result this wonderful Pantera is being reluctantly offered for sale.
Weve always had a soft spot for the De Tomaso Pantera particularly the early chrome bumper cars and when one comes along like this, completely stock with its original interior, factory wheels, ID plates/tags still in place and even the toolkit intact, it truly gets us excited!
This car is one out of the box and walking up to it gets the heart racing . . . it has an incredible presence!
Although the car was repainted some 12 years ago, the finish still retains a rich, even tone and a deep, high gloss finish, presenting to a very high standard. The previous owner used and enjoyed this car as Mr De Tomaso intended and as a result there are a few small, fine stone chips here and there. They are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall presentation of the car.
The external trim is delicate and minimalistic. The trims, small chrome bumpers and badges (which are most likely original) all present really well. The lights and lenses are all in good condition and appear to be original. The side reflectors still have the Ford logo on them. All the glass appears to be original and shows the Sicursiv etching. All the rubbers are as new and present accordingly.
The original De Tomaso branded Campagnolo wheels are a real feature. They are made from a lightweight forged magnesium alloy and as such present with a textured finish. They are not perfectly smooth like an alloy wheel. They have been repainted at some stage but are still in a good condition with no evidence of any kerb rash. The wheels are shod with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres, size 205/60/R15 at the front and 225/70/R15 at the rear. These front tyres are date stamped 0511 (week 5, 2011), the rear tyres are date stamped 1712 (week 17, 2012).
Opening the rear hatch reveals a tray and the original Campagnolo spare wheel. To get to the engine both have to be removed. The engine bay is exceptionally clean and everything looks to be very original.
The interior presents beautifully. We just love its originality and everything is just the way it was when the car left the factory back in 1972. The only exception is the timber steering wheel and whilst its suits the car it is not original. The original steering wheel is of course with the car and that can easily be refurbished (a relatively simple task) and refitted. The seats, which are in excellent condition, are still firm and provide plenty of support. The dashboard, centre console, door cards, carpets and headlining are also in very good condition. The instruments and controls also present really well and on our test drive everything appeared to be in good working order. Even the radio still works!
In the front of the car you will find a very well presented, small storage compartment which contains the original toolkit and jack for the car.
Italian design with American power is a proven formula and it certainly delivered for De Tomaso. We were keen to fire up the Ford 351ci V8 engine and find out if the car sounds as good as it looks. There was only one way to find out and after flipping a coin to see who would get the honour of driving the car first, it was time for our test drive. The starting procedure is simple insert the key into the ignition, turn it to engage power, wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to prime the carburetor and then turn the key fully. The big V8 roared to life almost instantly on the first crank and it quickly settled into a remarkably smooth idle, but with a distinctive baritone rumble. It just sounds so good! There are no rattles, or other mechanical noises, it just sounds like it would have when its first owner picked the car up in 1973.
The gated gear shift is another feature and after notching the lever into first gear, which is a dog leg left and towards you, it is time to go! Any De Tomaso Pantera is a great car to drive but this one is particularly special. It becomes immediately obvious that this is one very well sorted car. The engine revs freely and it just begs to be let loose! The throttle is surprisingly responsive and a firm press on the accelerator pushes you back in your seat. The gear changes are firm and direct and once the gearbox warms up they they become even smoother. The car feels tight and composed on the road, handles beautifully, and the brakes provide confident, straight line stopping power whenever needed.
Whilst we all love the high revving Italian V8s and V12s, there is just something about that deep rumble from the Ford V8 that sits behind you that is highly addictive. Additionally, the Ford V8 offers arguably a more reliable and cost effective power plant to its Italian competitors.
De Tomasos are good news and in recent times we have seen Mangusta and early Pantera values sky rocket. This is also the case in North America, where Panteras are relatively easy to find. That said, it is not often that you will find a car like this!
One thing is for sure, wherever you go, this De Tomaso Pantera will attract plenty of attention. And, yes you will well and truly hear it coming before it actually arrives!
Accompanying the car is a good history file with some American paperwork, including a US title, an owners manual, spare parts catalogue, ZF gearbox manual, Pantera service bulletin, its original toolkit, jack, spare wheel as well as the original steering wheel.
Highlights:
- Desirable early chrome bumper Pantera.
- Incredibly original, unmolested, low mileage example.
- Matching numbers & original colours.
- Sympathetically restored.
- Ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.
Price $229,950
Background
Born on 10th July 1928 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alejandro De Tomaso grew up among a family known to be quite politically influential and very wealthy.
From an early age racing and race cars had been a real passion for De Tomaso. In 1945 he drove his first race in a modified Bugatti Type 35. In 1954 he was offered the opportunity to race for Maserati in the 1,000 km race of Buenos Aires and returned to win that race in 1955 a Maserati A6GCS.
That same year De Tomaso moved to Italy and started working for OSCA in Bologna as a test driver. In the meantime, he kept racing. In 1957 he won the 1,500cc class at the Buenos Aires 1,000 km race driving a new OSCA. In 1958 he drove an OSCA with a 750cc engine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished a very credible 11th overall, averaging over 140km/h.
In 1958 De Tomaso built his first car. It featured the 750cc OSCA engine mounted in front of the rear axle, quite an unusual design for that time. Unfortunately, the car never raced as the Maserati bothers, who owned OSCA, forbid him to use the engine.
In 1959 De Tomaso moved to Modena and built his second car, an F2 race car, again which an OSCA engine which this time he was allowed to use. The car made its debut at Sebring in 1959. The car was called Isis after his wife. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced the car to retire from the race. After many more adventures and attempts to produce various race cars, De Tomaso introduced their first production car in 1965, a two seater coupe named Vallelunga. The car remained in production until 1967 and 59 examples were built including the prototype.
In 1966 De Tomaso opened a new factory which allowed him to follow his dreams and expand production of his cars. In 1967 the De Tomaso Mangusta was introduced. The stunning Mangusta, which was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro whilst working for Ghia, remained in production through until 1971 and 401 examples were produced. In 1967 De Tomaso acquired Carrozzeria Ghia and 1969 he acquired Carrozzeria Vignale. These acquisitions were not financially successful, however, they did provide an introduction to Henry Ford II, which ultimately had a big impact on his future.
The Ford Motor Company subsequently took a controlling stake in De Tomaso as well as Ghia and Vignale.
This relationship led to one of the worlds most iconic sports cars being developed the legendary De Tomaso Pantera. Designed by Carrozzeria Ghias American born Tom Tjaarda, the Pantera was built with the American market in mind. De Tomaso had the rights to sell the Pantera, except in North America, where Ford sold the car through their Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The Pantera was a huge success, with more than 7,000 cars built before production ceased in 1992.
Models included the standard Pantera, Pantera L (for the US market), Pantera GTS, Pantera GT5, Pantera GT5S and Pantera 90 Si.

DE TOMASO PANTERA

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this factory right hand drive, 1991 Ferrari Testarossa.
The car is finished in the most striking and unique colour combination of Grigio Metallic, paint code FER 700/C with a dark blue interior (Blu Scuro 3282). What a fabulous colour combination for a Testarossa. It just gives the car a very distinguished appearance.
Documentation on file from the Maranello Concessionaires Archive confirms the information above. It also confirms this car is a matching numbers example where engine, gearbox, chassis and assembly number are all correct.
This car was first registered as a demonstrator by Maranello Sales Limited in Egham, Surrey, UK on 5th April 1991. It was registered as EHF1, a plate Maranello Sales often uses for registering demonstrators.
Accompany this car is its original book set, including the service book, which confirms that this Ferrari Testarossa retains its original matching numbers engine. The service book confirms that this car was regularly serviced throughout its life. From new through until 2003 all the work was completed by Maranello Concessionaires. The service book entries note:
- 15/05/1991 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 1,137 miles
- 12/01/1993 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 5.801 miles
- 11/10/1993 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 8,994 miles
- 23/12/1994 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 11,355 miles
- 16/02/1995 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 11,400 miles
- 07/09/1995 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 14,495 miles
- 24/12/1999 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 18,380 miles
- 10/04/2003 by Maranello Concessionaires @ 18,766 miles
- 05/01/2005 by Ferrari Edinburgh @ 19,698 miles
- 25/06/2006 by Dick Lovett @ 21.852 miles
- 17/01/2008 by QV London @ 24,348 miles
- 15/09/2009 by Verdi for Ferrari @ 26,600 miles
- 30/01/2011 by Verdi for Ferrari @ 26,900 miles
- 12/11/2015 by Maranello Auto Services Gold Coast @ 28,178 miles
- 28/11/2019 by Maranello Auto Services Gold Coast @ 28,459 miles
The car passed through a few owners in the UK before being acquired by the current Gold Coast based owner on the 2nd March 2010. When he acquired the car the odometer read 26,546 miles. In the UK the car was registered as H705LPE.
After acquiring the car the current owner kept the car in the UK until 2013 when it was imported into Australia. There is an import approval on file dated 10th April 2013. The car finally arrived in Australia on the 10th July 2013. It was then put through the compliance process and finally registered in Queensland on 4th February 2014.
Prior to shipping the car to Australia, the radiator was rebuilt, the brake discs and pads were replaced and the front track rod ends were replaced.
In October 2014 the owner decided to fit a new Larini sports exhaust system. In November 2015 two new upgraded fuel pumps were fitted. The work was completed by Maranello Auto Services on the Gold Coast.
In November 2019, with 28,459 miles on the odometer, Maranello Auto Services serviced the car and replaced the timing belts.
In December 2022 Ferrari Gold Coast serviced the brakes and overhauled the callipers. At that time the odometer read 28,476 miles. In May 2023 they refurbished the fuse box and the associated circuit boards. Then in March 2025, they repaired a leak in the AC system , replaced the rocker cover drain tube gaskets and repaired a minor leak in the coolant tank.
Throughout his 15 years of ownership, the current owner has used the car sparingly, travelling some 2,000 miles in this time.
At time of photographing this car the odometer read 28,637mls which is confirmed by its service book as genuine.
From the moment we first laid eyes on this car we have been infatuated by the colour. It is refreshing to see a Testarossa in a colour different other than the ubiquitous red or black! Note: we do love Testarossas in red and black, but Grigio Metallic is something special!
Overall the paint on the car is in very good condition and it has retained a strong depth of colour and a deep gloss finish. If you look closely youll see the odd small imperfection but they are hard to see. The condition of the paint is more consistent with a car that has travelled c28,000 miles, rather than one that is 34 years old!
The glass is all in good condition with no cracks evident. The same can be said for all the external trim, including the lights and lenses.
Importantly, this car is clean underneath and it is NOT your typical English car. It has obviously been looked after in the UK and probably rarely or never used on salty roads. Its condition is equal to what you would see when inspecting an Australian delivered car, though of course the Ferrari Testarossa was never sold new in Australia. We have underside photos we can share with interested parties.
The wheels are the original 16 inch alloys, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport SX tyres, size 255/50/ZR16. The tyres are still in a good condition but the date stamps on them tell us they are old and really should be replaced on age if the next owner is considering doing some serious driving with the car.
The font luggage compartment is neat, clean and tidy. The space saver spare wheel is stored under the carpet.
Inside the cabin everything presents well, showing some light patina in places. The upholstery is dark blue, which compliments the paint work perfectly. The seats are firm and provide ample support. The leather is in a good condition with no tears evident, though both seats have some minor scratches on the side. On the drivers seat this is most likely caused by scratching the leather when engaging and disengaging the hand brake. A good leather doctor can easily repair this. The navy blue carpets are also in very good condition. The hard rubber mat on the drivers door sill shows some wear. The dashboard is a weak point on a Testarossa as the leather often pulls loose. On this car it is in excellent condition. All the instruments are clear and appear to be in good working order. The leather steering wheel also presents well.
Ferraris are made to be driven and we were genuinely excited to take this one out for a short test drive and photo shoot. We were not disappointed and a Ferrari Testarossa is also surprisingly easy to drive.
The car starts easily from cold and then quickly settles into a smooth idle. The Larini sports exhaust certainly gives the car an edge, without being too loud. After allowing the engine some time to warm up we gently nudge the car out into the morning traffic. A Ferrari Testarossa is a wide car at almost 2 meters, though you do not really notice that when you are driving it. Fortunately, the mirrors work well and give you a good sense of the dimensions of the car.
This car ticks a lot of boxes. It drives superbly, the engine revs freely and there is plenty of power on tap when you need it. The gearbox is smooth and the gear changes are easy both up and down the box. This car is a very useable car. It is quite happy to just sit in traffic and drive around town at 60 km/h, yet when the road opens up and traffic clears and you get the opportunity to shift down and press the accelerator to the floor you do realise that this is a real super car and you could very easily get yourself into trouble! With a quoted top speed of circa 285 km/hr and 0 100 km/hr in a tick over 5 seconds, the Ferrari Testarossa was one of the fastest cars you could buy in the late 1980s / early 1990s. Given the performance, it was pleasing to note that the brakes work well and pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
We are genuinely excited to offer for sale this well maintained, beautifully presented, factory right hand drive Ferrari Testarossa that is finished in a unique colour scheme.
Based on time, the car is due for a cam belt service.
Accompanying the car is the space saver spare wheel, jack, tool kit, book set (including its service book) in the correct leather pouch, an excellent history file and its original UK number plate.
An interesting fact is that in 1991 Top Gear did an episode titled A Week with a Ferrari 348, in which this Ferrari Testarossa made a cameo appearance.
Highlights:
- A desirable factory RHD example.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Matching numbers, books & tools.
- Excellent service history and well maintained.
Price: $349,950
Background:
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940.
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
Twelve cylinder engines are synonymous with Ferrari. In fact, Enzo Ferraris very first car, the 1947 125S was powered by a 1.5 Litre V12 engine. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the majority of Enzos masterpieces were powered by V12 engines of varying capacity. Interestingly all of these cars had the engine located in the front. Cross town rivals Lamborghini introduced their stunning Miura in 1966, which was powered by a transversely mounted V12 engine located behind the driver. This spectacular car took the motoring world by storm and sent shock waves throughout Ferrari HQ in Maranello. Ferraris answer, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, was a fabulous motor car in its own right, but there was always something about the mid-engined sports car that gave it an edge.
It took until 1971 for Ferrari to unveil its first mid-engined sports car, the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer. The Boxer was very well received and it ultimately went into production and replaced the Daytona in 1973. Interestingly Ferrari opted for a flat 12 rather than a V12 engine configuration. The engine was mounted longitudinally rather than transversely as Lamborghini did with the Miura.
The Boxer was a great success for Ferrari and along with the Lamborghini Countach was one of the very real supercars of the seventies. The 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer (387 cars built) was replaced by the 512 Berlinetta Boxer (929 cars built) in 1976, which was then replaced by the 512 BBi (1007 cars built) in 1981.
In 1984 at the Paris Auto Show Ferrari introduced the Ferrari Testarossa (Tipo F110) as a successor to the 512BBi.
The name was chosen to pay homage to the famed World Sportscar Championship winning 1957 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car. Testa Rossa, which literally means red head in Italian, refers to the red painted cam covers sported by both cars 12 cylinder engines.
The car was a huge success for Ferrari with its then flagship selling in massive number the world over. Incredibly, 7,177 Testarossas were built over eight years of production. Its successor, the 512 TR was introduced in 1991 and just over 2,200 cars were built through until 1994. The final iteration of the Testarossa was the 512M, produced from 1994 to 1996 with just over 500 cars built.

1991 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered Mercedes-Benz 380SL.
The warranty card on file confirms this car was delivered to its first owner on the 25th September 1983.The first owner is noted as a company, AJM Pty Ltd in Darling Point, Sydney, NSW.
Further, the warranty card confirms that the car was delivered new in champagne metallic (paint code 473) with a palomino interior (trim code 154), which is how the car is presented today.
The option code plate in the engine bay provides us with information on how the car left the factory. It had the following options:
- Option Code: 440 Bumpers with guards
- Option Code: 470 ABS
- Option Code: 505 Outside rear view mirror
- Option Code: 585 Behr Air conditioner and electric windows
- Option Code: 599 Heat insulating glass for side and rear windows
The car also has a factory hard top.
The original dealer stock number plate is still fitted in the engine bay and the number matches that noted on the warranty card on file.
We are also able to confirm that the car retains its original matching numbers engine.
The early history of this car is not known. At some stage it found its way from Sydney to Adelaide in South Australia where it remained for a long time. Information on file indicates the car was owned by well respected Adelaide surgeon Dr DL Hribar in the early 1990s and at that time the car was registered as VNL 529. By around 2010 the car was owned by Mrs Janet Beresford from Leabrook, a suburb east of the Adelaide. The car was still registered with the plates VNL 529.
Mrs Beresford sold the car to the current owners in 2016 and at that time the odometer read approximately 142,000 km.
The car was starting to show its age and the new owner invested some time and money to improve it both cosmetically and mechanically. He had the car repainted in its original colour of champagne metallic, the grill and badges restored, the steering wheel was replaced with one from a later model car (the original is with the car), installed new wheel arch moulds, installed new sound deadener under the bonnet, replaced the rear muffler, had the tail shaft reconditioned and had the car serviced.
The car was used and enjoyed sparingly over the next 8 years, travelling some 2,000 km in that time. Unfortunately, the owner passed away in 2024, which is the reason that the car is now offered for sale.
At the time of photographing the odometer read 144,536 kilometres.
Today, the car is best described as very original and a genuinely lovely driver quality example. While not perfect, it presents very well and the colour combination is in our view just right. With the soft top down, it gives the car a particularly elegant appearance.
Overall the paint on the car is still very presentable. In fact, from a meter away and in our photos the car looks amazing. Upon closer inspection there are some imperfections in the paint, which look to be humidity blisters. These are most noticeably on the right rear quarter panel and on the boot lid.
The bright work on the car presents very well. The chrome bumpers, grill, mirrors, wheel arch moulds and the window surrounds are all in good condition. We did notice some marks on the rubber inserts on the bumpers. The badges both on the bonnet and on the boot lid are in very good condition.
The car is fitted with the stylish 14 inch Mexican hat wheels which we understand were an option for this era of Mercedes-Benz. They are shod with Supercat 215/65R14 tyres, which are date stamped 2407 (week 24, 2007). The wheels still present well.
Both the soft top (dark brown) and the hard top (champagne metallic) are in good condition. We did notice a very small imperfection on the left rear corner of the soft top. The rear window and both quarter windows on the soft top are clear and have not been affected the sun.
Inside the cabin it is a similar story. The interior presents well and the palomino upholstery compliments the champagne metallic paintwork. The colour combination is timeless and just suits the car. The upholstery and most notable the seats are still in a good condition with no rips or tears in the leather. The seats have that typical seventies and eighties Mercedes-Benz feel, where you sit on the seat rather than in it, however, once out on the road they are actually quite comfortable. The top of the dashboard is in very good condition. We did notice a very small crack near the windscreen but that could easily be repaired. The instruments are crisp and clean. They appear to be in good working order with the exception of the economy gauge. The carpets present well as does the storage area behind the seats.
The car starts easily, even from cold and settles into a smooth idle rather quickly. The engine is quiet, as you would expect. Theres no theatrics. A Mercedes-Benz 380SL is best described as a refined, relaxed grand tourer rather than a sharp sports car. It is a well mannered car that does exactly what you expect it to do in that very typical Germanic way. It just goes about its business and it is a car that makes every journey feel unrushed and special. The engine feels strong, the gearchanges are smooth and the car handles, steers and stops as it should. The brakes pull the car up quickly though we did notice they do pull to the right when braking hard.
The Mercedes-Benz 380SL blends classic Mercedes-Benz quality and durability with understated elegance through its long bonnet, clean lines and a confident, stance. Built to cruise effortlessly, the 380SL offers smooth V8 power, a comfortable ride and the kind of engineering that feels reassuringly uncompromised.
When driving a 380 SL it is easy to forget that you are driving a 40 year old car. Sure it doesnt have all the modern electronic gadgets but it is still a very comfortable and enjoyable car to drive. Its a car designed for covering distance in comfort, with the roof down and no sense of hurry. Even today, it is still a very usable car that could comfortably serve as a daily driver. That said it is most likely that this car will serve as a great weekend driver which would be a welcome appearance at any cars and coffee or Mercedes-Benz club event. You can use and enjoy the car as it is, or if you choose to do so take it up to the next level.
There is no doubt that the R107 model range has aged very well. It is still a very elegant and sophisticated open top Mercedes-Benz. We think they are good value, particularly the 380SL when compared to its big brother the 560SL.
Accompanying this car is a history file, owners manual, a new spare (black) soft top, a wind deflector, the original steering wheel, a spare wheel, a jack and an emergency triangle
Highlights:
- Australian delivered factory RHD example.
- Presented in the most elegant and sophisticated colour combination.
- Relatively low mileage compared to most of this era R107s
- Great value two door open top Mercedes-Benz.
- Use and enjoy as is, or easy to take up to the next level.
Price $52,950
Background
Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!
Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.
In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300 SL Gullwing and 300 SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. Mercedes wanted to build a sporting luxury car that still looked classical in the mould of the 300 SL, but it had to be affordable and the plan was to build such a car in far greater numbers than the exclusive 300 SLs. Enter the Type W121 or 190 SL as it became known in the mid 1950s. This model was an outstanding success and circa 25,000 cars were built over the next 8 years of production. The formula worked and Mercedes-Benz carried it on with great success in the 1960s with the Type W113 230 SL / 250 SL / 280 SL models. This evolved into the Type R107/C107 280 SL(C) / 350 SL(C) / 380 SL(C) / 450 SL(C) / 500 SL(C) and 560 SL models built throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
In recent years the demand for these cars has skyrocketed, though the later cars have remained relatively affordable compared to the Type W113 models and present an excellent buying opportunity in todays market.

MERCEDES-BENZ 380SL

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this freshly restored 1987 BMW M3 E30.
Over the years the BMW M3 E30 has built up quite a reputation and it has become highly sought after by people in the know.
In 2004, Sports Car International named the BMW M3 E30 as number six on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the BMW M3 E30 in their "5 Greatest Drivers Cars of All Time" category with their list of the 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.
The BMW M3 E30 was so much more than just a high performance BMW 3 Series with a body kit and spoilers. They were different cars mechanically and the only exterior body panels they shared were the bonnet, roof panel and sunroof.
As confirmed by the code AK03 in the VIN number, this particular example was delivered new to the USA.
According to the BMW M3 register this car was delivered new with the following options:
- Electric windscreens at the front (0410)
- AC (0530)
- Cruise control (0540)
- On-board computer II with remote control (0551)
- BMW sound system (0675)
The car was delivered in alpin-weiss (colour code 146) with a black interior (trim code 0203) and that is how the car still presents today.
At some stage it found its way to Japan before coming to Australia. The car was imported into Melbourne in 2005. There is a copy of the import approval on file issued on the 30th March 2005.
The car was sold into Sydney in March 2008 and it is understood that it was essentially parked up until 2022. It was acquired by the current owner in December 2022, who engaged the services of highly respected BMW specialist, Scott Robinson from Modern Classic Motorsport in Capalaba, to restore the car.
Over the next three years this BMW M3 E30 underwent a complete restoration with the exception of the interior. The interior was in such good condition it only required a sympathetic refresh.
The car was completely stripped and sent to Styling Automotive, based in Yeerongpilly on Brisbanes south side to be repainted. The car was completely refurbished mechanically by Modern Classic Motorsport. To say the work was comprehensive would be an understatement!
Once the engine was removed and disassembled, it was clear a full rebuild was required, including machining of the cylinder bores. Everything that needed to be replaced was replaced and in some cases upgraded. The S14B23 engines capacity increased from the standard 2,302cc to 2,341cc. Lots of parts were replaced during the rebuilt.
A summary of the work completed, includes:
- The engine now has: Wossner forged pistons with a compression ratio: 10.92:1, new conrod bearings, new main bearings, Elring bottom end gasket set, Elring VRS top end gasket set, new head bolts, new ARP conrod bolts, new IWIS timing chain, new chain guide rails, new oil pump chain, a rebuilt oil pump, new upgraded chain tensioner, new water pump, new silicone water hose set, new thermostat unit, new water pipe on the side of the block, new welsh plugs, new NGK spark plugs, factory headers ceramic coated, new v belts, new crankshaft speed and position sensors, and new fuel injectors.
- The cylinder head was fully serviced including resurfacing and a multi angle valve job. Throttle body butterflies were stripped, vapor blasted and assembled with new butterfly screws
- The valve cover and inlet plenum were powder coated in the correct black wrinkle finish.
- A new super sprint exhaust system was fitted.
- New BBS wheels were fitted as well as a BMW M3 Evolution style front splitter, lower engine cover and rear spoiler.
- The fuel tank was removed and cleaned.
The list goes on and it is way too long to include in this write up.
The end result is simply STUNNING. Alpine white is the perfect colour for a BMW M3 E30, beautifully highlighting the cars sharp lines and distinctive details. The BMW and M3 badges stand out brilliantly against the crisp white finish.
At the time of photographing the car the odometer read 88,222 miles, however, one could argue that the mileage is irrelevant considering it is a fresh restoration. The car presents today essentially as new.
Walking around the car, you cant help but be impressed. The paintwork is in excellent condition and we were unable to find any imperfections. The black front splitter, rear spoiler section, front grill as well as the black vinyl striping on the front and rear bumpers provide a perfect contrast to the Alpine White finish, enhancing the cars sharp, purposeful look. The badges on the car are all in excellent condition as are all the lights and lenses. All the glass is in a good condition with no cracks or repairs evident.
The car is fitted with a set of new BBS wheels and they are shod with Nankang Sportnex AR 1 tyres, size 225/45/ZR16. The tyres are date stamped 0424 (week 4, 2024). The wheels are in perfect condition.
Inside the cabin, everything appears to be original. When the restoration began, it was clear the interior was in such excellent condition that it deserved to be preserved. It was carefully reconditioned, with no need to replace components or retrim the seats.
As with many German cars of the 1980s, the layout is simple and highly functional. Look closer, however, and youll find some rather cool details, such as the M coloured stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake, the M badging on the steering wheel, gear knob, door sills and even within the instrument cluster. Then theres the wonderfully retro, very 80s roof-mounted check control panel, a distinctive touch that adds to the cars period charm.
Opening the bonnet reveals the fully rebuilt engine, proudly displaying the unmistakable BMW M Power logo. The engine bay is exceptionally clean and neatly presented. The same attention to detail is evident in the boot, which houses the spare wheel and a partially complete factory toolkit.
As they say, there is a first for everything, and for us this is the first BMW M3 E30 we have had in our showroom. We were genuinely excited to find out if all the hype is justified.
The short answer is YES!
Getting into the car is easy and the seats are firm, yet comfortable and provide ample support. With multiple adjustment options available, finding the ideal driving position is easy for almost anyone. Starting the car is straight forward . . . you simply insert the key into the ignition and turn it. With a fully rebuilt totally fresh engine it is no surprise it starts easily and then quickly settles into a smooth idle. The sports exhaust produces a crisp, raspy note that immediately hints at the cars performance pedigree. This being a US spec car means the gearbox has the conventional H pattern as where the European spec cars were equipped with a dog leg gearbox.
The BMW M3 E30 was essentially designed as a Group A touring car and it race pedigree is immediately obvious once you get behind the wheel. By todays standards this is not a supercar, but its performance is still impressive and it offers the most exhilarating, responsive, balanced and engaging driving experience.
The engine revs freely and responds instantly to even the slightest input from the throttle, feeling eager and alive throughout the rev range. The harder you go, the better it gets! Equally impressive is the handling. The car feels as though its on rails, cornering with remarkable composure and precision. It reacts immediately to the slightest turn of the steering wheel, keeping you totally connected to the road. The brakes offer excellent pedal feel and strong stopping power, bringing the car to a halt quickly and in a perfectly straight line when required.
The BMW M3 E30 race pedigree and success is unpatrolled. It is now easy to understand why.
At time of photographing this car the restoration was 99.9% complete. There are a few minor details that need to be completed. Eagle eyed BMW M3 E30 experts may notice the seal between the body and the front bumper is missing. This item, along with few others, are on order and will be fitted to the car prior to the new owner taking delivery of the car.
The current owner has enjoyed the journey of the restoration and he has stumbled across another project that he has to have. As a result, he is now reluctantly offering this car for sale.
BMW M3 E30s do not come up for sale very often in Australia and the opportunity to acquire a car like this one which has just been restored by a BMW specialist is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Accompanying the car is some historical documentation, photographs and invoices related to the restoration, a spare wheel and a partially complete toolkit.
Highlights:
- Rare and desirable example of one the most iconic BMWs.
- Beautifully presented example.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy
Price $209,950
Background
On 7 March 1916 the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW) was established. The company was the result of a reorganisation of the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik, a company founded by Gustav Otto in Bavaria, Germany, in 1910. The company was one of the aircraft pioneers in the early 20th century. A year later, in 1917, a Bavarian aircraft engine manufacturer by the name of Rapp Motorwerke changed its name into Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW). That company transferred all its engine production assets to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in 1922 and that company was then renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW).
The company survived World War I and started focussing on the production of motorcycle engines, farm equipment, household items and railway brakes. In 1923 BMW produced its first motorcycle, the BMW R23.
In 1928 BMW purchased the Fahrzeug Fabrik Eisenach which built Austin Sevens under license. That is when BMW officially became an automobile manufacturer. The first car BMW sold under its own name was the BMW 3/15 which was basically a rebadged Austin 7. Throughout the 1930s BMW focussed more and more on producing their own cars and expanded its range into sports cars and larger luxury cars.
During World War II the BMW factories were heavily bombed and severely damaged. Motor vehicle production was curtained and BMW has concentrated on building aircraft engines during the War. As a result, after the war the company was prohibited from producing aircraft or motor vehicles. Miraculously the company survived by making pots, pans and bicycles. It began manufacturing motorcycles again in 1948 and cars in 1952.
Its first post war effort was the BMW 501 which was built in a new factory in Munich. The car was reasonably successful and it effectively relaunched BMW. At the time BMW was also building its fabulous little Isetta, but the company was doing it tough financially. In 1955 the BMW 507 made its debut at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. The 507 was roadster powered by a 3.2 litre V8 engine and was meant to revive the companies sporting image. Instead, the high production cost led the company to the verge of bankruptcy. Only 252 examples were built before production ceased in 1959. As it turns out, it would take BMW nearly 30 years before it would produce another roadster. The company was in serious financial trouble in 1959 and only a large investment from a third party saved the company and prevented a takeover by Daimler-Benz.
It was the launch of the BMW New Class cars in 1962 that proved to be a game changer for the company. Initially these were 4-door compact sedans aimed at the executives. The first one was the BMW 1500 which was first introduced at the September 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show. Other models like the BMW 1800, the successor of the 1500 the BMW 1600 and the BMW 2000 followed soon. In 1965 BMW introduced a coupe versions of the 2000, the 2000C and he 2000CS.
Around the mid 1960s BMW recognised there was a market for a slightly smaller version of their New Class cars. Around the same time they stopped producing the BMW 1600 they introduced the BMW 1600-2 which was a shorter two door model. In 1968 BMW started producing the two door BMW 2002 with its stronger 1,990cc M10 engine.
In 1973 BMW introduced its first turbo charged production car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 2002 Turbo. It produced 170hp and had a top speed of 211 km/h.
Only 1,672 were ever built between July 1973 and June 1975, including twelve pre-production cars constructed between July and December of 1973. The BMW 2002 Turbo was only built as left hand drive.
The BMW 02 series was superseded by the BMW 3 series (E21) in 1975. The E21 remained in production till 1982 when it was replaced by the BMW 3 series (E30)
When BMW decided to race the E30 in the  Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) and Group A Touring it was required to built a homologation version of the car to satisfy the regulations. The M3 (E30) was born. It was presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985. Production started in 1986 and the car remained in production till 1991. The M3 (E30) was only ever built as a LHD car.  In total 17,970 cars were built.
An article written by Horatiu Boeriu and published on the January 29, 2026 in BMWBLOG, sums up the BMW M3 E30 perfectly:
E30 M3 is Now 40 Years Old: The Car That Defined BMW M Forever
From homologation special to cultural icon, the E30 M3 defined what BMW M means - and still refuses to slow down four decades later.
The E30 M3 proved that intelligent engineering beats raw power. Its 195 hp naturally aspirated 2.3-liter four-cylinder from a 1,200 kg chassis set the template for every M car that followed.
Dominating the WTCC, DTM, British Touring Car Championship, and 24 Hours of Spa, the E30 M3 was essentially unbeatable. In race trim, it produced up to 360 hp - proving road and race could be one.
Nearly 18,000 road cars sold. Jay Z gifted DJ Khaled one. Kith collaborated on a one-off. Goodwood featured it prominently. The E30 M3 transcended "classic car" to become a genuine cultural artefact.

1987 BMW M3 E30

Details:
The latest offering from Oldtimer Australia is this delightful 1971 Maserati Indy.
The documentation on file from Maserati confirms that this UK delivered, factory right hand drive example was completed on the 17th June 1971 and delivered new to London. The car was originally delivered in Verde Indy (green) with a nero (black) interior. It was delivered new in the desirable specification of a 4.7 litre engine with a ZF 5 speed manual gearbox.
This cars early UK history is not known. There is a V5 on file which notes that Mr Simon Edwards from Chester, just south of Manchester in the UK, acquired the car on the 16th September 1998. In his ownership the car was regularly serviced by Auto Shield, the Maserati service dealer in Manchester. The history file contains most MOT records dating back to 1993. The earliest MOT is dated 2nd March 1993 and at that time the mileage was 57,288 miles and the colour of the car is noted as blue. That confirms that back then it was finished in the stunning Maserati colour of celeste chiaro as it is presented today.
In Edwards ownership significant work was done to bring this Maserati Indy back to its former glory. In 2001 Auto Shield engaged the services of Classicarco in Manchester to undertake a cosmetic restoration. Significant metal work was required and once complete the car was repainted. There is a batch of detailed photos on file showing the work completed. In 2003 the differential was reconditioned and in 2004 the cylinder head was reconditioned.
In October 2008 Edwards sold the car through Ian Grange Ltd to Tim Fleckney from Tideford, near Plymouth in the south west of England. At that time the odometer read 76,722 miles. Fleckney kept the car for the next 10 years. In his ownership the car was used sparingly but regularly serviced. In his 10 years of ownership, he only drove the car approximately 2,500 miles.
The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car in July 2019 and at that time the odometer read 79,182 miles. There is an import approval on file dated the 10th September 2019. Prior to shipping the car to Australia it was tested for asbestos and that led to the replacement of the brake pads, the exhaust manifold gaskets, the carburettor base gaskets and the oil sump gasket.
The owner kept the car in the UK, using it from time to time, before shipping it to Australia in April 2021. Prior to that the car was serviced by 24 Hundred in Southborough, UK. At that time the water pump and the air conditioning pump were both reconditioned and the front wheel bearings were replaced.
Upon arrival in Australia the car was complianced in Queensland and registered.
The air conditioning system in the car was somewhat temperamental and in June 2023 a new compressor was installed. In May 2024 the thrust bearing was replaced and the car was serviced. All the maintenance work in Australia has been completed by Maranello Pursang in Brunswick, Victoria.
Maserati Indys are under rated. To quote Classiche Masters . . . This quintessential Grand Tourer is combining room for four adults and a large trunk with a sleek, handsome design. They offering a relatively refined driving experience but you always know it is a Maserati at heart.
Our test drive of this Maserati Indy was chanced between two of the four seasons in one day experienced on a crisp Melbourne spring morning. We were time poor and after priming the fuel pumps, on queue the big V8 burst into life at the first turn of the key. That distinctive Maserati V8 rumble gets the pulse racing. It is easy to get comfortable behind the exquisite timber steering wheel. The seating position is good and all the controls are easy to hand and to operate. Pulling out of the storage facility into busy traffic you note the power steering as the car manoeuvres easily at low speed.
The first impressions of this car are good. It is certainly tight on the road and even when cold the gearbox performs very well. As with all Italian classics the drive gets better and better as the car warms up. The engine has plenty of power on tap and its sounds absolutely majestic. The ZF gearbox feels firm and the gear changes are really precise. The brakes work well and pull the car up efficiently and in a straight line under heavy braking. In summary the car performed very well.
The car carries an older restoration, however, it has only travelled 11,000 miles since that was completed. From a meter the paint work presents exceptionally well, however, on closer inspection there are a number of minor defects consistent with age. There is plenty of chrome trim on a Maserati Indy and it is generally in very good condition. The balance of the external trim is similarly well presented. This car has at some stage been wax oiled and on close inspection you will notice some yellow staining in door jambs and other nooks and crannies around the car.
The 14 Borrani wheels are a feature on a Maserati Indy and on this car they present quite well. There is no major damage or kerb rash, just a few minor marks here and there. The Maserati trident embossed wheel centres show light pitting. The wheels are shod with Pirelli Cinturato CN36 205/70/14 tyres all around. The tyres are date stamped 07/18 (week 7 2018).
The interior of this Maserati Indy shows some light patina in places, however, it is generally well presented. The black upholstery is in good condition with no rips or tears evident and the seats provide ample support. The door cards, dash and centre console are also in good condition. The steering wheel has some minor damage at around seven oclock, however, this is not noticeable as you drive the car. You will notice in the photos that the leather piece around the horn button has pulled free. This is currently being repaired. The carpets show light wear. The instruments and controls present well and look to be in working order. We absolutely love the original Maserati branded Autovox Melody Stereo R which actually works.
Open the rear hatch and you will notice that this Indy is fitted with a pull down blind that will enable you to cover the contents of the boot. The boot presents quite well and there is a correct spare wheel under the boot floor.
Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean and really well presented. All the correct tags are in place and a quick look confirms that this car retains its original matching numbers engine.
Today the odometer reads 79,617 miles.
Flared denim jeans and a corduroy shirt are optional, but there is no doubt it would complete the look!
Highlights:
- Desirable spec Indy with a 4.7 litre engine and 5 speed manual gearbox.
- Well presented example in a lovely original Maserati colour.
- Good history file
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $119,950.
Background:
The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.
The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.
It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.
Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.
Orsi sold to Citroen in 1968. At that time Maserati was already working on an 4 seater alternative for the 2 seater Ghibli. Both Ghia and Vignale showed their proposals in November 1968 at the Salone dellautomobile di Torino. Maserati preferred the Vignale design and the production model was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1969. It was named Indy in honour of Maseratis two victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy (AM116) was a great success for Maserati, in total 1,104 were produced over seven years of production which ended in 1975. 440 of them were fitted with the 4.2 litre quad cam V8, 364 with the 4.7 litre and 300 with the 4.9 litre. The car was available with either manual or automatic transmission.

1971 MASERATI INDY 4.7 Manual

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale an award winning 2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.
This car, which is finished in the traditional Ferrari colour scheme of Rosso Corsa (paint code FER 322) with beige leather upholstery, was delivered to its first owner, Thomas Graham Gillespie from Airdrie in Scotland, UK on the 11th March 2005.
It has a full book set, including its service book which documents its service history. In Gillespies ownership the car received its first service on the 1st June 2006. At that time the odometer read 4,235 miles. The service was performed by Ferrari dealer Graypaul in Edinburgh. The next service was performed on 30th April 2007 at 5,896 miles by Graypaul.
Gillespie kept the car until 2007 and then sold it to Sir Anthony Moore from Swadlingcote, which is just south of Nottingham in the north of England.
Subsequent services were completed as follow:
- 3rd September 2008 @ 13,718 miles by Ferrari dealer Graypaul in Nothingham.
- 2nd December 2009 @ 17,425 miles by Ferrari specialists Shiltech Performance cars in Loughborough.
- 11th March 2010 @ 18,294 miles.
Moore sold the car in 2010 to Gregory Newton, an Australian who was residing in the UK at that time. Newton kept the car in the UK for the next 12 months before importing it into Australia. It was brought in as a personal import and there is a copy of the import approval on file dated 15th November 2011.
Soon after arriving in Sydney, the car was complianced and registered in NSW.
The car was then serviced on 5th September 2012 by Quantum Automotive.
The current Sunshine Coast based owner acquired this Ferrari 612 Scaglietti on 31st July 2014. At that time the odometer read 25,211 miles. Prior to purchasing the car he had a pre purchase inspection completed by Ferrari Sydney and they identified a few items which required attention.
Overall the car was in excellent condition and met the requirements of what the current owner was looking for. On the 10th September 2014 the car was taken to independent Ferrari specialist Enzotech in Caboolture, Queensland to have these issues addressed. A decision was also made to address some of the usual wear and tear issues on the car and return to the condition it was in when it left the showroom back in 2005.
Despite the fact the car has only been used sporadically by the current owner, it has been serviced on a regular basis by Enzotech. Routine servicing was completed as follows:
- 08th September 2015 @ 26,249 miles (included a cambelt service)
- 15th September 2017 @ 27,295 miles.
- 22nd April 2018 @ 28,069 miles.
- 17th December 2020 @ 28,800 miles (included a cambelt service)
- 12th September 2021 @ 30,289 miles..
- 24th August 2022 @ 30,665 miles.
- 20th August 2024 @ 31,518 miles.
The current owner is very passionate, pedantic and proud of his cars, including this Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. As a result, this car is presented in excellent condition. He is a Ferrari Club Australia member and he has attended the National Rally twice, entering the Concorso on both occasions. In 2022 the car won a platinum award and more recently in 2025 it won a gold award, narrowly missing out on platinum.
At time of photographing the car, the odometer read 32,335 miles. As is often the case, the photos tell the story. The car is in beautiful condition, particularly considering that it is 20+ years old. The gold award won at the recent Ferrari Club Australia Concorso is a testament to this.
The Rosso Corsa paint is in excellent condition. It is vibrant and has retained a strong depth of colour. When walking around the car we struggled to find any imperfections other than a few very small stone chips on the nose. It is understood that these were picked up on the recent Ferrari rally. With front and rear bumpers integrated into the bodywork, the external trim is minimalistic. The Ferrari badges, side shields, front grill, lights and lenses are all in excellent condition.
The original wheels, which are a real feature on a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, are in excellent condition with no evidence of any curb rash. They are shod with Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres, size 245/40ZR19 at the front and 285/4ZR19 at the rear. The front tyres are date stamped 4412 (week 44, 2012) and the rear ones 4712 (week 44, 2012) The tyres are still in a good condition.
The interior presents beautifully and its condition is more consistent with a five year old car, rather than one that is 20+ years old. The upholstery is almost as new and even the leather on the front seats is still in excellent condition. The seats are firm yet supportive and very comfortable. The rear seats present like new and have probably hardly been used if at all.
The cabin is a very luxurious place to be. The seats can be adjusted in so many ways that almost everyone should be able to get very comfortable behind the wheel. Once settled in it is time to start the car. The starting procedure is simple: insert the key into the ignition slot on the steering column and turn the key to start the car. The thumping 5.75 litre V12 engine bursts to life easily with no throttle input needed. It quickly settles into a smooth idle and as one would expect, it sounds amazing with a deep, smooth burble.
You have the option to drive the car in full automatic mode or in semi automatic mode where you use the F1 style paddles to change gears. Regardless of which option you choose, the car is refined and very easy to drive. In fact, it is almost too easy to drive and one has to be super careful to keep the speed in check. Whilst the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a grand tourer first and supercar second, when this car was released, it was one of the fastest four seaters available with a quoted top speed of 320 km/h and capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds.
On our test drive the car performed perfectly. With almost unlimited power on tap the engine is incredibly responsive and it will launch the car forward effortlessly with a gentle prod on the accelerator. The car can be driven sedately, however, you just have to unleash it from time to time to enjoy that unmistakable Ferrari soundtrack. The six speed F1 automated manual is smooth up and down the box. The car handles, steers and stops as one would expect, but to be fair to really test that you would want to take it to Fiorano!
What a car . . . the Ferrari 612 Scagliettis performance is incredible and yet it is very easy to drive, extremely comfortable as well as capable of carrying four passengers with room for some luggage in the boot.
Accompanying the car is history file, complete book set in the original leather pouch, the original tool kit and a car cover,
Highlights:
- Presented in the most popular and stunning colour combination.
- Multiple award winner at Ferrari Club Australia
- Full service history with books and tools.
- Just a beautiful motor car.
Price $199,950
Background
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferraris dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125 S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
The Ferrari road cars from the 1940s and early to mid-1950s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTEs were built from 1959 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250 LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So, a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12-cylinder engine of 3967cc capacity.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were fabulous times for Ferrari. Its flagship 365 GTB/4 Daytona was a resounding success and Enzos big risk the Dino 246 was also selling very well. At that time Ferrari wanted to continue with his tradition of producing high performance Grand Touring cars with a 2+2 configuration and the 365 GTC/4, which was a successor to the 365 GT 2+2 and the 365 GTC, filled that niche.
The early 1970s were a time of innovation and Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati et al. continued to introduce new models in an endeavour to trump the other. The 365 GTC/4 was only in production in 1971 & 1972 and its successor the 365 GT/4 2+2 was first shown in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show. This car, designed and built by Pininfarina, featured unique styling and whilst the sharp angular lines were very new for Ferrari it did share the characteristic design feature of a swage line dividing the body into an upper and a lower half with the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Unlike the GTC/4 the GT/4 2+2 could seat four people in relative comfort.
The 365 GT/4 2+2 was superseded by the 400 in 1976 and subsequently the 412 in 1985. Production of the 412 ended in 1989 without a direct successor.
In 1992 Ferrari introduced its next front engined V12 Grand Tourer, the 456, continuing its tradition of blending elegance, performance, and practicality. Designed by Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina, the design took heavy inspiration from Ferraris legendary 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The car was initially launched with a six speed manual gearbox, however, a four speed automatic gearbox was introduced in 1996 and model was designated as 456 GTA. The 456 became one of Ferraris more successful models, with approximately 3,289 cars produced during its 5 years in production.
The 456 was superseded by the 612 Scaglietti in 2004. This 612 was a bigger car, making it more comfortable for four passengers. To keep the weight down the car was built with an all aluminium spaceframe and body. Powered by a 5.7 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with a quoted power of 397 kw (533 hp) at 7,250 rpm and torque of 588 nm (434 lbft) at 5,250 rpm. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was not a sports car, rather a very practical luxurious grand tourer. It was another success story for Ferrari with 3,025 examples produced between 2004 and 2011.

2005 FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.
There is a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card on file which confirms this to be an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example. It was originally finished in dunkelrot (dark red), colour code 542G with white grey upholstery and cream carpets (trim code 221). The car has a number of options, including air conditioning (option code 306).
Interestingly, the cars data plate notes option code 901, which is for a flagpole right, so perhaps this was either an embassy or government owned car.
The cars history file dates back to the early 1980s and at that time the car was owned by a Mr Ian Haggerty from Sydney, NSW. It is understood that Haggerty was a long term owner of this Mercedes-Benz 600 and the documentation on file suggests he sold the car in June 1990.
The car was acquired by a classic car enthusiast from Noosa on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, most likely in the late 1990s. He wanted to restore the car and in 2001 engaged the services of Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane, one of Australias leading high end restoration shops. Sleeping Beauties are classic Mercedes-Benz specialists and they have restored cars that have been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.
The journey was a slow one and over the next five years the car was cosmetically restored and the interior was refreshed. In conjunction with Sleeping Beauties the owner chose to have car repainted in Mercedes-Benz light ivory (a very light yellow) and retrimmed in light olive green.
The major mechanical components were checked and deemed to be in very good order, hence, not rebuilt. Three Point Classic in Mount Gravatt were engaged to overhaul the air suspension, hydraulics and other mechanical ancillaries.
The work was completed in 2015 and the end result was simply stunning. The colour combination is unique and a refreshing change from the more common palette of black, white and silver often seen on these Mercedes-Benz grand limousines! The car was shown at the Mercedes-Benz Club of Queenslands 2015 Concours dElegance where it was very well received, winning its class.
In 2016 the cars owner relocated overseas and made the difficult decision to sell his car collection, including this Mercedes-Benz. In August of that year it was sold to a prominent Brisbane based motor trade executive and classic car collector. At that time the odometer read 76,544 miles. He used the car sparingly but as with all his cars decided to go on a journey to take an exceptional motor car to the next level. Additional mechanical work was undertaken by Three Point Classic along with other adoc jobs by his own private mechanic/restoration specialist.
In August 2022 the car was sold to the current owner who lives in country Victoria and at that time the odometer read c77,000 miles. He is another classic car tragic who has a significant collection of cars. He is a fussy owner who regularly services his cars and if something needs to be done, he gets it done. Throughout his ownership the car has been maintained by the highly respected Auto Projects in Ballarat, Victoria. They recently completed a complete overhaul of the braking system.
The current owner has enjoyed his time with this Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser, travelling over 3,000 miles in his three years of ownership. He is taking his collection in a different direction and as a result this car is now offered for sale.
At the time of photographing the car the odometer read 80,286 miles.
Whilst the car carries what is considered an older restoration, it still presents exceptionally well. The light ivory paintwork presents beautifully, complemented nicely by all the chrome trim which is in excellent condition. Defects are hard to find. The balance of the external trim, including the lights and lenses as well as the glass is all in equally as good condition. The panel gaps are excellent and the doors shut with that 'thud' exactly as they would have back in 1966!
Inside the cabin it is all luxury. Whilst the exterior of this car is stunning, we think the interior is even better! The olive green upholstery is just stunning! Everything presents essentially like new. It is most likely that no one has even sat in the rear seats since the car was restored. The upholstery, the headlining and even the carpets are all beautifully presented. The timber is generally in excellent condition, though there are some hairline cracks in the lacquer on the timber dash.
At the time of our test drive all of the instruments and controls looked to be in working order. The air conditioning has recently been upgraded with a modern system and it blows ice cold air. The main control switch for the air conditioning, along with the fan control for the demister and the heater tap is discreetly hidden under the dash to the right of the steering column.
The cockpit is aeroplane like with all of its switches and buttons that operate the various accessories such as the windows, front and rear seats, the suspension and more. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today.
Under the massive bonnet the engine bay presents well and everything is neat, clean and tidy.
The boot is also clean and tidy. The hard plastic lining looks to be original and it is in good condition with no cracks evident. The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and the spare wheel lives in its own compartment. We should mention that there is an issue with the hydraulic control valve for the boot, which is not currently operating correctly.
Unfortunately, many of our test drives are over too quickly! However, on this occasion we had this car out and about for well over an hour and as a result were able to get a really good feel for how it performed.
The car was ready for us when we arrived so the engine was warm. At the turn of the key the stonking V8 cranks over and soon fires, catching on all cylinders. As you would expect, the engine is incredibly smooth. It is also incredibly quiet. With a wheel base of 3.2 metres and an overall length of 5.54 metres make no mistake this is a big car. Interestingly the length kind of disappears once you are behind the wheel but seated in the back its hard not to be somewhat overawed by the size of the car. This fabulous Mercedes-Benz just goes about its business in a very efficient and considered manner. The ride is quite unbelievable for a fifty year old car . . . it just glides along the road without any fuss. You push the accelerator and the car proceeds effortlessly, you turn the steering wheel and the car just follows in the direction you want it to go, you apply the brakes and the car slows or rather decelerates effortlessly again . . . the whole experience is just so incredibly refined. Even thoughit weighs in around two and half tonnes, the big Benz pulls hard when needed. Mercedes-Benz quoted a top speed of near 130 mph (210 km/hr) and a 0-60 mph (100 km/hr) sprint of under 10 seconds!
This Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser is truly outstanding and its presentation today is a testament to the build quality of the car as well as the quality of the restoration work completed.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one - the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess. Finding one in this condition is rare.
Accompanying the car is a thick history file with some pre restoration documentation, a wad of restoration receipts & photographs, two owners manuals (reproduction), a maintenance booklet (reproduction not used), hydraulic service kit and spare wheel.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD example.
- Restored by highly regarded Sleeping Beauties & Three Point Classic.
- Presented in a unique and STUNNING colour combination.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $299,950
Background
Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!
Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.
In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. It was succeeded by the Type W180 series cars in 1954, which like its predecessor was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible.
In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.
In the early 1960s Mercedes-Benz also wanted to go back to their roots of the 1930s and build the worlds best saloon car.
First introduced back in 1963 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser or Grand Mercedes was a luxury car with few peers at that time. The new Type W100 set about re-establishing Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the finest automobiles in the world. The car was powered by a thumping 6.3 litre V8 engine delivering 250bhp that was capable of taking a car that weighed in excess of 2.5 tonne to well over 200 km/hr.
The car was an engineering marvel and its air suspension gave the car a ride that was smooth on just about every surface. The car also featured a very complex hydraulic system that powered the windows, seats, the sun roof and even an automatic close on the boot lid.
The car was produced in two main models being the 600 Grosser (short wheel base) and 600 Pullman (long wheel base). Interestingly the short wheel base cars were intended to by driven by the owners whereas the long wheel base cars were intended to be driven by chauffers.
Incredibly the Mercedes-Benz 600 series was in production for almost twenty years from 1963 through until 1981 during which time 2,677 cars were built. The breakdown of cars is:
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser 2,190 cars
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (4 door) 304 cars
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (6 door) 124 cars
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet 59 cars
These cars were very popular with royalty, world leaders, celebrities, movie stars, rock stars as well as the rich and famous. Today these cars, and particularly the Pullman, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
To quote Mercedes-Benz . . . in the illustrious history of automobiles, few vehicles have left their mark like the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 600. Designed by revolutionary French designer Paul Bracq and launched at the International Motor Show in Germany, the 600 transcended the boundaries of luxury.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess.
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz 600 beats a powerhouse the formidable and iconic M 100 6.3-litre V8 engine (the first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car) that set a new standard for performance in the luxury segment. The M 100 V8 became legendary, eventually forming the foundations of Mercedes-AMG but thats another story.
The true marvel of the 600 extended beyond its engine to an innovative hydraulic system that powered various aspects of the vehicle, redefining automotive engineering. From the adjustable air suspension that ensured a smooth ride, to the power-assisted brakes and the automatic door-closing system, the 600 was a technological marvel. It represented an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation from Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 transcended mere transportation and became a cultural icon. The interior was a masterpiece, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its owners. Personalisation options abounded, with a selection of wood trims, premium leather upholstery and a spectrum of interior colours. The rear compartment, a sanctuary for passengers, could also be equipped with a privacy divider an option that heightened the exclusive feel of this already prestigious vehicle.
Many were drawn to the unmatched luxury and performance of the 600 including iconic figures such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley making it not just a symbol of status, but a cultural icon.

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this lovely restored Alvis Speed 20 SC Sports Saloon by Charlesworth.
In total Alvis built 1,165 Speed 20s from 1932 to 1936. This includes 289 Speed 20 SCs, of which 165 cars were bodied by Charlesworth and 131 of them were sports saloons.
According to documentation on file from the Alvis Speed 20 SC Register, this particular car was originally bodied by Charlesworth and dispatched from Alvis factory on the 13th January 1935.
This car retains its Alvis ID plate, Charlesworth body number plate and retains all its original and correct factory stampings for chassis and engine numbers. The above mentioned documentation confirms that this cars chassis, car, body and engine numbers all match.
This cars history is not documented, however, it is recorded in the Alvis Car Club of Victoria Newsletter from January 1992 as attending an Alvis Day in NSW on the 9th November 1991. At that time the car was dark green in colour and it was owned by Gary Coxon.
It was then understood to have been owned by a south east Queensland based Alvis enthusiast who was an aviation engineer. He restored the car himself over a long period of time. There are photos on file of the car from 2008 and 2009 and at that time it was light green in colour. The photos from 2009 were taken at the David Hack Classic held in Toowoomba.
The current owner acquired this car at Shannons Autumn Classic 2015, held in Sydney on the 2nd March, 2015. At the time Shannons noted that the car had a substantial Australian history.
A short time after purchasing this Alvis, the owner quickly realised it was not at the level he wanted it to be and he decided to go on a journey to completely restore the car.
For the mechanicals he engaged the services of Alvis specialists Red Triangle in the UK. The engine and gearbox were packaged up and sent to the UK to be fully rebuilt. The body, paint and assembly were completed by Dion Willcox at The Kustom Shop in Brisbane and the interior was retrimmed by Lee Brothers in Brisbane.
The restoration was essentially an open cheque book and a significant amount of money has been spent. There are invoices on file from Red Triangle for in excess of £50,000.
The car has been subject to some sympathetic upgrades during the restoration, including the fitment of an electric water pump and electronic ignition.
The restoration was completed some years ago and the car has been kept in static storage ever since. As a result, the current owner has decided the car should to an enthusiast who will hopefully use this fabulous motor car. Prior to coming to us to sell the car was recommissioned and checked over.
This car has an incredible presence. The owner decided on the most stunning and very Alvis bold colour scheme of black with a red sash. You will note from the photos the black front wheels and the red rear wheels, which essentially are a continuation of the sash. The colour scheme looks great and coupled with the low waist line it also creates a visually sleek and very sporting profile. The overall look is further emphasised by the imposing Lucas headlights and mesh radiator grill.
Whilst the car now carries an older repaint, the paint work still presents well having a strong depth of colour and a nice gloss finish. We only noticed some very minor defects. The most noticeable defect is where the paint has peeled off in certain areas on the bonnet hinge. The majority of the external trim is all chrome and it is excellent condition. The same can be said for all the glass, which is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks evident. Unfortunately, the front Alvis badge has two chips of red colour missing.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a very good looking interior. You can immediately tell this car has not been used since its restoration. Everything looks new, most notably the red upholstery, carpets and head lining. The timber has been refurbished and along with the black dash full of typically British Smiths instruments, it provides a nice contrast with the red upholstery.
The engine bay is neat, clean and tidy but its presentation is probably not quite at the level of the rest of the car. The boot is very small but presents well.
The wire wheels are in excellent condition and are shod with Excelsior tyres, size 525/550 -19. They are date stamped 1715 (week 17, 2015).
Getting into the car can be a bit of a challenge with the hand brake being positioned on the right side of the drivers seat but you quickly get used to that. The driving position is quite upright which actually helps with the visibility. The view out over the long bonnet is very impressive!
Once we have familiarised ourselves with the car and got comfortable behind the steering wheel, it is time for a short test drive. Starting the car is easy, even from cold. Firstly, there is a battery isolator hidden under the dash. You then turn the ignition switch on and you will hear the electric water pump start up. For a cold start you will need the choke, which you pull out . . . then it is simply a push on the starter button. The 2.8 liter inline six cylinder engine fires immediately and sounds good. We let the car warm up for a little bit, then turn the choke off.
The Alvis Speed 20 was a modern, advanced and very sophisticated car in its day and from the Speed 20 SB model used a constant mesh gear box. This model was also the first British car with independent front wheel springing and steering. And with 95hp available the car was quoted as having a top speed approaching 160 km/hr or 100 mph in the old money.
We were keen to see how this all stacked up out on the open road. First impressions were positive. The car feels tight on the road and there is ample power available to ensure you are able to keep up with modern traffic. For a mid 1930s car the gear changes are very good and they are smooth both up and down the box. The steering feels precise. The car still has mechanical brakes and whilst they do pull the car up nicely and in a straight line, they do take some getting used to. All in all the car performed very well.
There is no doubt this Alvis Speed 20 is a car that the more you drive and get accustomed to the better it will get.
Accompanying the car is a good history file, which contains a huge amount of documentation from the restoration as well as an owners handbook (copy) and a spare parts catalogue.
In period Alvis advertised their cars as The Silent Speed 20 and . . . now with all silent performance setting a new fashion is sports car design. The Alvis Car & Engineering Company Limited was certainly a competitor for Britains best, being Rolls-Royce and Bentley, companies that have always been synonymous with engineering excellence.
The Alvis Speed 20 was one of the most respected and successful pre war cars. The later Type SC and SD models with the smooth constant mesh gear box and more powerful 2,762cc litre straight six engine are the best of the breed. We think these sporting pre war grand tourers present great value in todays market.
Highlights:
- 1 of 131 Charlesworth bodied Alvis Speed 20 SC Sports Saloons.
- Beautifully restored.
- Huge money spent on the restoration.
- A well presented car that has just been recommissioned.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $134,950
Background:
In 1919 naval architect TG John took over a small Coventry based carburettor manufacturer named Holly Bros and founded the company TG John and Co Ltd. The company initially focused on making stationary engines, carburettors and motor scooters. Shortly after founding the company, John was approached by Geoffrey de Freville who was looking for a company that could manufacture and potentially use his advanced designs for a 4-cylinder engine with aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication.
Many people think de Freville was ultimately responsible for the name Alvis, something he himself has always denied.
In 1920 the first Alvis was introduced to the world, the Alvis 10/30. The car was available with a range of different body styles and was powered by a 4 cylinder engine designed by de Freville with a capacity of 1,460cc. The car was an instant success and it gained a reputation for quality workmanship and performance, something for which Alvis became famous. The Alvis 10/30 remained in production until 1923 and in total 770 were made. The Alvis 10/30 was succeeded by the Alvis 11/40, the Alvis 12/40, the Alvis 12/50 and the Alvis 12/60.
On the 14th of December 1921 the company name was officially changed to The Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd.
Like many car manufacturers in those days, Alvis wanted to go motor racing. Their greatest achievement came in 1928 when their team finished 1st and 2nd in class at Le Mans and a highly creditable 6th and 9th overall. The car was powered by a 1.5-litre 4 cylinder supercharged engine with a single overhead camshaft. Interestingly, it was front wheel drive. Building on their success in racing, Alvis decided to offer a production Super-Sports front wheel drive for the experienced driver. The Alvis 12/75 was an instant success and achieved high acclaim in the press. Unfortunately, the cost of producing such an advanced vehicle was high and with the great depression looming Alvis decided to stop the production in favour of more profitable models. In the end, only 143 were produced.
In 1927 Alvis introduced their first 6 cylinder model, the Alvis 14.75. The engine in the 14.75 became the basis for a long line of luxury 6 cylinder cars. The 14.75 was succeeded by the 16.95 in 1928 which was renamed Silver Eagle in 1929. In those days Alvis didnt produce their own coachwork, instead they relied on the many available coachbuilders in the Midlands area. Companies like Car bodies, Charlesworth Bodies, Cross & Ellis, Duncan Industries, E. Bertelli Ltd, Grose, Gurney Nutting, Hooper, Lancefield Coachworks, Martin Walter, Mayfair Carriage Co, Mulliners, Tickford, Vanden Plas, Weymann Fabric Bodies, and Arnold of Manchester.
In 1931 Alvis introduced the Speed 20. It featured a heavily modified version of the 6 cylinder engine featured in the earlier Silver Eagle. By now it had increased to 2,511cc. In October 1933 Alvis introduced the Speed 20 SB which featured a new, all-silent gearbox that featured a synchromesh on the bottom gear, a worlds first. This model was also the first British car with independent front wheel springing and steering. The car also had a built-in jacking system. In 1935, with the third iteration of the Speed 20, the SC, the engine size increased to 2762cc. Later that year Alvis introduced another iteration of their 6 cylinder engine, the 3 ½ Litre. Initially, the car was named 3 ½ Litre SA, but in 1936 it was renamed Speed 25.
In total 1,164 Speed 20s were produced, 289 were SC versions, 165 of them were body by Charlesworth and 131 of them were saloons.

1935 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1938 MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe by Salmons & Sons, affectionately known as Vera.
This car is understood to have been manufactured in August 1938 and was delivered to its first owner in the UK shortly thereafter. There is a copy of a document titled: MG VA Cars 1937 1939 . . . The Survivors on file, which is dated 22nd February 1989. This notes the following information on this car: Year 1938, Registration MPL268 and Owner: White, AJC. Its subsequent early history is not known.
At some stage the car then fell into disrepair and it probably lay dormant for many years. It was purchased in poor condition, most likely in the late 1980s, which is when its restoration started. A decision was made to build a new body in aluminium, with only the original steel guards, running boards and bonnets retained. The Pre-War MG Register of Australia notes that the body was understood to have been built by Rod Jolly, who is highly regarded for his work restoring Rolls-Royce and Bentleys. Progress was slow and the cars then owner apparently ran out of money. The car was sold to MG S, V and W specialists, SVW Spares, in the UK. Shortly after this, in early 2007 the car was purchased by Robin & Jenny Page from Melbourne in Victoria. The project was at a point where the Pages were able to choose the paint and upholstery colours for the car. They made the decision to paint the car in two tone grey, fit a black soft top and trim the interior in maroon. This is a beautiful colour combinationgiving this VA a very elegant appearance.
In February 2008, Vera as this car was christened by the Pages, arrived into Melbourne. The name Vera was chosen by the Pages from the model designation of VA and the memory of English singer and entertainer Vera Lynn.
In March the car was taken to the 2008 MG Nationals which were held in Tamworth, where it won Class A: Pre-War Touring with an impressive score of 569 points.
Unfortunately not all was well with the little VA as in October of that year the car suffered a major engine failure, necessitating a total rebuild. During the rebuild the capacity was increased from 1,548cc to 1,657cc and the compression ratio increased to 8.6:1. At the same time the gearbox was also rebuilt and other mechanical work completed.
Over the years the Pages kept on improving their beloved MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe. All that hard work paid off when in October 2012 the car was selected into Motorclassica, which was Australias premier Concours dElegance and classic car show. The car was very well received and it won the Pre-War (British and European) 1930-1939 class. That same year the car also won the Pre-War Touring & Saloons class at the MG National meet in Hobart. There it also won outright in the pre-MGA class.
Other achievements over the years are:
- 2010 1st place in class and outright winner at the MG car club Victoria Concours dElegance
- 2011 2nd place at Cars of the World Concours dElegance at Rochford Wines in Victoria
- 2014 Best Presented British Vehicle at the Great Macedon Grand Tour
- 2015 1st place pre-war class MG car club Victoria Concours dElegance
- 2015 Best Pre-War British Vehicle at the AOMC/RACV Classic Showcase.
After 12 enjoyable years of ownership and many great memories, the Pages decided to sell Vera. The car was sold to the current owners in January 2016. Like the Pages, they have thoroughly enjoyed their journey of ownership with this fabulous car. Unfortunately, they are selling due to ill health.
Today this 1938 MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe still presents and drives beautifully.
The two tone grey paint work contrasts perfectly with burgundy upholstery and it is the perfect colour choice for the car. The paint work is now almost 20 years old, however, it is still in excellent condition. There are a few minor blemishes and defects, most noticeably two hairline cracks on the swage line on the left hand bonnet and a small star on the right. The panels gaps are all very good.
The interior presents beautifully. The timber dashboard houses the most elegant cluster of instruments that are in excellent condition. The upholstery is all in excellent condition with no rips, tears or obvious wear. Even the carpets are in excellent condition!
Under the bonnet everything presents beautifully. You will note the wheel hammer and original crank clipped on the bulkhead. There is what looks to be a complete tool kit in the boot.
The painted wire wheels are in excellent condition. All the wheels, including the spare, are shod with Blockley tyres, size 5.00 19. The tyres are still in good condition.
We were able to take the car for a test drive following our photo shoot. Like most MGs of that era it required a choke to start from cold. The engine fired pretty much at the first pull of the starter and it immediately settled into a smooth idle. Once it had warmed up we went for a short drive and I can confirm the car is tight on the road and it drove every bit as good as it looks.
The current owners wanted the car to be reliable and essentially be able to jump in and drive it to wherever they wanted. There is no doubt that they achieved that objective as the car was driven from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast which is where it is currently stored.
The Tickford three position folding roof is a work of art and it is in a very good condition. When we photographed the car the roof was not folded down correctly. We have since discovered the correct way to fold the roof down and it does so in a very neat and tidy way.
This car is fitted with a factory replacement engine as noted on the engine ID plate, which we understand was installed many years ago. MG aficionados will note the replacement engine is burgundy in colour, as they were, whereas the original engines were painted green.
Accompanying the car is a toolkit, a crank handle, a history file with receipts and photographs of the restoration, a detailed list with some receipts showing all the work completed to the car since it was acquired by the previous owners as well as various books and MG literature.
Highlights:
- Beautifully presented example of a quintessential British prewar sports car.
- Rare and unique Tickford DHC.
- An older restoration that still presents beautifully.
- Fabulous colour scheme.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Just a fabulous example.
Price: $114,950
Background:
MG is one of the worlds most iconic motoring brands.
In 1912, with the support of the Earl of Macclesfield, William Morris founded W.R.M. Motors Ltd and started the manufacturing of Morris designed cars. In 1919 W.R.M. Motors was liquidated and essentially replaced by Morris Motors.
In 1921 Morris hired Cecil Kimber as a Sales Manager for Morris Garages and in 1923 he became the General Manager. Kimber had a vision and started building sportier versions of Morris cars and labelled them MG. On the 1st May 1924 Morris Garages registered the MG Octagon as a trademark.
Demand grew, which necessitated a move to a larger premises in September 1925. This was quickly followed by another move in 1927. By 1928 the business had grown so much a decision was made to separate it from Morris and the M.G. Car Company was established in March 1928. In 1929 the company moved to Abingdon and on the 21st July 1930 the M.G. Car Company Limited was incorporated.
The first cars to be produced under the name MG in 1924 were special bodied Morris Cowleys. The first MG to specifically compete in sporting events is a car now known as Old Number One. It was produced in 1925 and was first seen at the 1925 Lands End Trial. Other MG models followed quickly but in 1928 at the Motor Show at Olympia MG introduced the MG M-Type Midget, which became the first of many sports cars produced by MG and was a big success for the company.
In that same year MG also introduced the MG 18/80. This was the first MG with a chassis designed and built by MG. The 18/80 was equipped with a six cylinder engine with a capacity of 2,468cc.
A milestone for the company occurred in 1933 when an MG Magnette K3 became the first non-Italian car to win its class at the Mile Miglia.
William Morris owned MG personally and in 1935 he sold it to Morris Motors.
In the late 1930s MG produced a series of sports saloons, the VA, the SA and the WA.
The VA, originally marketed as the MG 1½ litre was the smallest of the three and was available as a 4 door sports saloon and as a 4 seater open tourer and as a drophead coupe. The sports saloon and the open tourer were both built inhouse but the body for the drophead coupe was manufactured by Salmons and Sons of Newport Pagnell, UK.
MG also made a special version of the VA, powered by a 1,707cc engine for police use.
In total 2,407 MG VAs were built between 1937 and 1939. The breakdown of body types is: 1,238 saloons, 591 open tourers and 564 drophead coupes, 2 chassis and 12 unknown.
In 1952 Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Company Limited merged and became The British Motor Company Ltd, BMC.

1938 MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale is this very impressive Packard 740 Custom Eight Roadster.
The early history of this car is not known. What is known is that it was restored in Australia in the mid to late 1990s and has been used sporadically since the restoration was completed.
Today this Packard still presents beautifully. The car is also a real delight to drive. Even from cold the straight eight fires up easily and quickly settles into a smooth idle.
Out on the road this car has a real presence and easily keeps up with traffic.
More information and photos will be following soon.
Highlights:
- Beautifully presented example.
- Fabulous colour scheme.
- Runs and drives well.
- Relatively easy to drive.
Price: $199,950
Background
In the 1890s the brothers James and William Packard founded the Packard Electric Company specialising in electrical manufacturing. Soon after that they also founded the New York & Ohio Company, which specialised in the manufacturing of incandescent lamps.
On his travels throughout the United States, James started to take interest in the horseless carriage and wanted to develop one that did not rely on steam or electricity. The Packard brothers produced their first automobile on November 6th 1899, the Model A Packard and drove it on the streets of Warren, Ohio. Soon after the brothers teamed up with George Weiss from Winton and production was up and running. Between 1899 and 1903 they built 400 cars. These were sold under the name of the Ohio Automobile Company. The business prospered and in late 1902 the company was rebranded as the Packard Motor Car Company and production moved from Ohio to a purpose built facility in Detroit.
The Packard brothers stayed involved in the company for the next couple of years but by 1909 started to move away from the business. Under company President and General Manager, James Alvan Macauley, Packard became the number one designer and producer of luxury automobiles in the United States and was held in the same regard as the Pierce Arrow company of Buffalo, New York and the Peerless company of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Great Depression hit car manufacturers hard but Packard managed to survive and shifted focus on mid-range automobiles when the interest in higher priced cars diminished. This turned out to be a good move and Packard saw their sales triple in 1935 and double in 1936.
Packard is well known for its iconic advertising slogan Ask the Man Who Owns One, however, it should also be better recognised for its engineering achievements and innovation.
Some of the major innovations bought to the motor car by Packard included: the H pattern gear shift, the modern steering wheel (which replaced the tiller), the first production 12 cylinder engine, four wheel brakes and air-conditioning on a mass produced motor car.
In 1954 Packard merged with Studebaker which turned out to be the beginning of the end for Packard. The Packard name was phased out by 1962 and the last Studebaker rolled off the production line on March 16th 1966.
As a luxury motor vehicle manufacturer Packard was best known for its eight and twelve cylinder models, however, the company had great success with its six cylinder range of cars also. The Packard Sixes had many of the benefits of their big brothers but were more competitively priced, hence, appealed to a broader market.

1930 PACKARD 740

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this desirable, low mileage, Australian delivered, Porsche 911 (997.2) Carrera S.
This particular example was delivered to its first, Noosa, QLD based, owner by Porsche Centre Brisbane on the 30th July 2010.
The second owner acquired the car in September 2015 and at that time the odometer read 28,778 km. He lived in Red Hill and the car continued to be serviced by Porsche Centre Brisbane.
The third and current owner of the car acquired the car in September 2023 and at that time the odometer read 34,834 km. He has used the car sporadically and has now decided its time for a new owner to enjoy this 997.2. In his ownership the car has also been maintained by Porsche Centre Brisbane.
With only 39,750 km on the clock this is a unique opportunity for someone to own a well maintained 997.2. The car is presented in its amazing original colour scheme of Meteor Grey Metallic, paint code LM7W with a black leather interior, trim code AN.
More information and photos following soon.
Highlights:
- Low mileage, Australian delivered.
- Desirable 997.2 model.
- Always maintained by Porsche Centre Brisbane.
- In excellent condition.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $209,950.
Background
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsches son. Ferdinand junior, or Ferry as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmündbefore relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany. The rest they say is history as the 356 evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built. A hard act to follow indeed . . . but its replacement, the Porsche 911 went on to become a legend!
The evolution of the Porsche 911 is probably the greatest sports car story of all time. First introduced in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and then designated as a 901, the successor to the 356 took the world by storm. To avoid conflict with Peugeot, who claimed exclusive rights to car names with three digits having a zero in the middle, the car was renamed as 911. The first production 911 was built in 1964 and it was powered by an air cooled 1991cc 6-cylinder engine. The car evolved with increases in engine capacity to 2.2 litres, 2.4 litres, 2.7 litres, 3.0 litres and 3.3 litres. There were styling changes also, but one always recognised the car as a 911. Today the first series of 911s is recognised as the cars built from 1963 to 1989 and include the very popular Porsche 911 and 930 Turbo models. Of these the small bumper or pre impact bumper cars built up to 1973 are today regarded as the real classic 911, however, that comes at a price. In the last few years astute collectors and enthusiastshave seen great value in 1970s and 1980s model 911s.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was introduced in 1983 as a successor to the 911SC. Interestingly, it was the first time the Carrera name had been used since 1977. The Carreras main innovation was its Bosch Motronic 2 engine management system. This was the first production 911 to feature an ECU to control the ignition and fuel systems. In addition, the fuel injection was updated to Bosch LE-Jetronic and the induction and exhaust systems were revised. The last of the 911 Carrera 3.2s was built in 1989 and the model was most popular with circa 76,000 cars built during six years of production.
In 1989 the 911 Carrera 3.2 was superseded by the 964. Engine size increased compared to its predecessor, the car was now powered by a 3.6 litre flat six. In total 63,762 were built between 1989 and December 1993. The 964 was replaced by the 993 in 1994.
The 993 was the first non air-cooled 911 and its introduction marked the end of an era. The 993 remained in production till 1998 and in total 68,029 were produced. It was then replaced by the 996.
The 996 remained in production till 2004 with the exception of the Turbo S, the GT2 and the GT3 models. For those models the 996 remained in production till 2006. Production totalled to 175,262 examples in that period. The 996 was then replaced by the 997.
The first series of the 997, later rebadged as the 997.1 were an evolution of the 996 but with extensive changes to the interior and exterior. Most noticeably the headlights.
In 2009 Porsche refreshed the 997, introduction the 997.2. The refresh involved much more than just some cosmetic changes. The 997.2 received a new engine with direct fuel injection and the new PDK, dual clutch transmission. The 997.2 was faster, lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the 997.1.
Production of the 997 ended in 2013 and in total 212,704 of which 76.259 were 997.2 models.

2010 PORSCHE 911 997.2 CARRERA S

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this extremely rare and unique 1968 Fiat 125S Samantha by Vignale.
The Samantha was the brainchild of Vignale designer Virginio Vairo. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Vignale was one of Italys leading coachbuilders, designing and/or building cars for the likes of Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia and Fiat. Virginio Vairo most famed designs, which were interestingly all coupes, were the Maserati Mexico and Indy, the Fiat 124 Eveline and Matra M530 prototype.
Unfortunately the early history of this little gem is not known. The car is known to have found its way to Greece where it was restored in 2012. There are photos on file showing the car was white before it was restored and repainted but it is not known if this was its original colour.
During the restoration the car was stripped back to bare metal, the necessary body work was completed and it was then repainted in its current and absolutely stunning period colour. The colour is similar to Marrone Colorado used on similar vintage Ferraris or Luci del Bosco used on vintage Lamborghinis. The interior was retrimmed in tan Connolly leather and a period correct Nardi steering wheel was fitted. It is understood that significant mechanical work was also undertaken.
At some stage, the engine has been upgraded from the original Tipo 138AR1000 1,608cc engine to a Tipo138AR2000 1,995cc engine, which gives the car circa 130 hp rather than original 100 hp.
There is a Greek registration document on file dated 2012 that notes the owner of the car at that time.
After having been restored the car was shown at classic car events around Athens, Greece. There are certificates on file for the car participating in the 3rd Athenian Exhibition of Classic Vehicles held from the 15th 20th March 2013 and the Zappio 2013 exhibition.
The car was then committed to a Coys auction to be held on the 14th of June 2013, however, it was withdrawn prior. It is understood that one of Coys clients negotiated to purchase a number of cars pre-auction that were also consigned by the same vendor. This Samantha had to be part of the deal, however, its new owner was after the other cars. As a result, the Samantha ended up with prestige classic car dealer Thiesen in Germany. There it was discovered by a classic car enthusiast from Perth, Western Australia. He purchased the car and subsequently imported it into Australia. The Import Approval was issued on the 7th March 2014. The Samantha arrived in Fremantle on the 3rd May 2014 on the vessel ANL Warringa. At that time the odometer read 1,185 km.
Shortly after, in July 2014 the Samantha would not start and it was taken to Italian car specialists Autodelta in the Perth suburb of Malaga. They discovered a fault in the electronic ignition unit which was replaced. They also discovered signs of oil in the radiator, suggesting a leaking head gasket. The radiator was removed, flushed and checked and the cylinder head was removed and the head gasket replaced. The sump was also removed to allow a thorough inspection of the engine internals. It was decided to replace the piston rings and conrod bearings. After reassembly the carburettors were balanced and a new timing belt was fitted. The brake master cylinder was also replaced. Later that month quartz halogen headlights were fitted to the car.
The car was then used and enjoyed as well as shown at a number of invitation only classic car events in Perth. After three and a half years of ownership the Samantha had travelled just shy of 700 km and its odometer now read 1,745 km.
The Samantha was then sent to Melbourne and sold at Moss Greens December 2017 auction to the current owner. Over the next 7 years of ownership the car has continued to be used and enjoyed, travelling another 2,000 km in this time. The current owner has also spent time and money continuing to improve the car.
In 2020 the car was displayed at the prestigious Sydney Harbour Concours Delegance where it was very well received.
Today the odometer reads 3,989km.
The first comment most people make when they see this car is What is it? Most people dont believe that it is a Fiat, rather they think it should have a Maserati or even a Lamborghini or Ferrari badge on the nose! For those in the know, Fiat of course made some wonderful bespoke cars over the years bodied by most of the famous Italian coachbuilders.
The more you study the car the more you see similarities to other Vignale designed cars from that period. The car also has features similar to other Italian cars from the 1960s, most notably its Lamborghini Miura-esque headlights!
When you walk around the car it is hard to find any defects. The paint work on the car is now some 10 years old but it has held up well and retained a strong depth of colour and a deep gloss finish. We have to mention the colour again . . . it is just so perfect for this car!
There is a small imperfection on the top of the left front guard. When we studied some of the pre restoration photos we realised that is the spot where a mirror was originally mounted. There is also a scratch on the left rear guard underneath the bumper. Other than that the car presents beautifully. All the bright work on the car is in excellent condition. The same can be said for all the glass, lights and lenses.
When you open the door you are welcomed by a very inviting and good looking interior. The beige upholstery works very well with the exterior colour and gives the car a very sophisticated and luxurious feel. First impressions are really good. The seats present well and there are no rips or tears in the Connolly leather. The wooden Nardi steering wheel completes the look. When you slide behind the steering wheel it is very easy to get comfortable. There is a surprising amount of space in the cabin. The seats are firm and provide ample support. The rears seats have probably never been used.
The dashboard is simple yet functional. It presents well and on our test drive all the instruments appeared to be in good working order. The period correct Blaupunkt radio, which works, is a nice touch.
Under the bonnet you will find a well presented, clean and tidy engine bay. The boot is also similarly presented and contains the spare wheel, a jack and a small, original Fiat tool kit.
This car has become a favourite here at Oldtimer Australia and turned heads of everyone who has seen it at our showroom. We have all been keen to get first dibs on the test drive!
The car starts easily from cold and almost immediately settles into a smooth idle. The engine has a nice sound and we love its raspy exhaust note. The Fiat 125S 1.6 litre power plant was quoted as delivering 100 bhp @ 5,600 rpm. It is certainly not a sports car, but its performance is more than adequate. The car is zippy and it really is a delight to drive. The engine revs freely and encourage you to really drive the car. The gear changes from the 5 speed gearbox are smooth both up and down the box. The car feels solid on the road and the brakes pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
It is understood that Vignale built around 100 Samanthas. How many survive today is anyones guess, but we have read on various forums that that number is perhaps only 30. It is most likely the only example in Australia.
In March 2016 bespoke German model car builder AutoCult used this very car as a template to build a limited edcition 1/43 scale model. Only 333 pieces were builkt. How cool! Of course one of these will accompany the car.
Here is a unique opportunity to own a rare 1960s coach built car without having to break the bank. This car would be a welcome sight at any classic car event in Australia and would probably attract more attention than its counterparts from Modena and SantAgata Bolognese.
Accompanying the car is an interesting history file, including some documentation from the cars ownership in Greece, some restoration photos, a model car, spare wheel, jack and toolkit.
Highlights:
- Rare and unique coach built Fiat.
- Beautifully presented in a fabulous colour scheme.
- Upgraded with Tipo 138AR2000 1,995cc engine c130 hp.
- Sorted, ready to use and enjoy.
- Great value Italian classic.
Price $99,950
Background:
Today Fiat is a subsidiary of Stellantis, a company formed in 2021 that is a merger of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and The PSA Group or Peugeot SA. Stellantis is based in The Netherlands and includes the following brands in its stable: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Fiat, which is an abbreviation for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, has a fascinating and rich history dating back to 1899. It was founded by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Agnelli on 11th July 1899. Later that year, the first ever Fiat production car, the Fiat 3½ HP was released. Over the next ten years Fiat went from strength to strength establishing itself as one of Europes major car manufacturers and the company was listed on the Milan stock exchange in 1903.
Over the last forty years the Fiat name has been synonymous with budget priced family cars. However, in the early years Fiat was recognised as building some of the worlds very best cars. In the early 1900s a Fiat cost more than four times the price of a Ford Model T. Post World War II Fiat built some world class sporting cars, including the Fiat 8V or Otto Vu of which just over 100 examples were built from 1952 through until 1954. Fiat always built cars with a sporting pedigree and many of their models were offered as a saloon, coupe and cabriolet.
In 1936 Fiat introduced the Fiat 500A Topolino (or little mouse) which was then the smallest mass produced car in the world. These fabulous little cars pioneered what is today referred to as budget priced small cars. The Topolino morphed into the Fiat 600 in 1955 and the Fiat 500 Nuova in 1957.
Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat 1500 Coupe and Cabriolet were introduced in 1959 and built across two series, firstly from 1959 1963 and then from 1964 1966. Whilst these little cars werent overly powerful, they were light and easy to drive. The four cylinder inline engine produced in excess of 70 bhp which was enough to ensure these cars, which weighed in at less than 1,000 kg, performed well and were a delight to drive.
In 1967 Fiat introduced the Fiat 125. The car was fitted with a 1,608cc engine which produced 90HP. The 125 was praised for its handling and driving dynamics. In 1968 the 125S was added to the range and now the engine was producing 100HP. Officially production seized in 1972 and a total of 603,877 examples were built by Fiat. However licensed copies were still being built until 1991 by companies like FSO in Poland, Zastava in Yugoslavia, Nasr in Egypt and Fiat-Concord in Argentina.
In Italy coachbuilder Vignale had been rebodying Fiats for a long time, going back as far as 1948 when they used a Fiat 500 Topolino as the basis for one of their designs. By the 1960s Vignale had grown from a small body shop to a well known styling house with its own production lines. This led to them producing cars in small quantities under their own brand.
When Fiat introduced the 125S, Vignale saw an opportunity to create a four seat coupe with room for luggage using the 125S platform and running gear. Designed by Virginio Vairo, the Fiat 125S Samantha was introduced at the 1967 Turin Motor Show. It was one of the last cars made by Vignale before their sale to De Tomaso and the death of Alfredo Vignale in a car accident. Approximately 100 were made. The Samantha was offered for sale directly through larger Fiat dealerships in some countries, while in Italy for example, independent Vignale show rooms existed to sell their cars.
In an article published by Classic & Sports Car on the 18th June Fiat Samantha: Vignales little beauty, Richard Heseltine wrote:
. . . You shouldnt judge a book by its cover, but judging the cover is fair game.
The brochure trumpeted the Fiat Samantha as being the most beautiful four-seater car in the world when it arrived in the UK.
That was a bit of a stretch given the number of other candidates for the title as the 1960s drew to a close.
It was a Fiat 125, after all, albeit one that had received a slinky new body courtesy of Carrozzeria Vignale.
As such, it was imbued with a certain cachet.
It was coachbuilt, it was exotic and it screamed soft-focus jet-set glamour.
Or perhaps whispered is more apposite, given that it had a top speed of 103mph but cost more than a Jaguar E-type.
In many ways it was a case of same book, different cover, because the Samantha was identical mechanically to the square-rigged saloon that bore it.
The cover was all it had, but even now there is something appealing about its appearance.

1968 FIAT 125 S Samantha by Vignale

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