OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

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The car was then committed to a Coys auction to be held on the 14th of June 2013, however, it was withdrawn prior.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

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1981 Maserati Kyalami with a 4.9 litre engine and an automatic gearbox.
There is confirmation on file from Maserati Classiche that this particular car was completed on the 16th February 1981 and it was finished in Blue Sera (dark blue) with a white leather interior. A colour scheme the car still caries today.
This particular example is one of the four factory right hand drive Maserati Kyalamis which were delivered new in South Africa. It is understood to be one of only 11 factory right hand drive Kyalamis built with a 4.9 litre engine and an automatic gearbox, making it an exceptionally rare car.
Unfortunately the early South African history of this car is not known. It was understood to have come from a long term owner in Cape Town who sold it in circa 2008 to an architect, also based in Cape Town. Interestingly, he also owned a yellow Maserati Merak SS at the same time. The car was then sold in c2011 through Motostars in Cape Town to a client based in Johannesburg. It was then registered in the Gauteng Province as CL15GS GP.
The current owner, who is a well known and a well respected Maserati enthusiast based in Melbourne, purchased the car from classic car specialists Crossley & Webb, in Cape Town in August 2020. At the time of import the odometer read 16,418 km. There is an import approval on file dated 12th March 2021.
The car was imported into Queensland and subsequently complianced and registered. It was then sent to Maranello Pursang Motors in Melbourne who did some minor repairs on the car. The transmission was serviced, which included replacing thee selector seal and lever seals, the speedo drive was repaired, the thermos fans were repaired, a new windscreen washer bottle was installed, new sparkplugs were installed and the carburettors were adjusted.
Today the odometer reads 17,715 km, which is understood to be 117,715 km. The car looks to be totally original both inside and out and is in very good condition for an original car that is forty two year old!
Like its predecessor, the Mexico, the Pietro Frua designed Kyalami is subtle, but elegantly striking at the same time. No matter where you start, your eye is ultimately drawn to the long raking bonnet, with its multiple crease lines and subtle curvature which terminates at the Maserati trident on the front grill.
The colour of Blue Sera suits the car perfectly and it looks absolutely stunning out in the sun. The paint work presents well from a meter away and in the photos but upon closer inspection there are a few stone chips, small scratches and blemishes here and there. The one most noticeable is on the lower section of the drivers door. The paint still has a strong depth of colour and a nice deep gloss to it. The bright work on the car is generally in good condition. The rubber section of the bumpers show some light wear and discolouration. The front Maserati badge is worn and should be replaced. The panel gaps are very good, there are no dents and no signs of corrosion. The wheels are a real feature on a Maserati Kyalami and they have been recently refurbished and are in excellent condition. They are currently shod with Federal 215/65/15 tyres which are date stamped 094 (week 09 1994). They would be due for replacement based on age. All the glass, including the lenses on the lights are in goodcondition. We did notice a small chip on the front windscreen which has been repaired at some stage. Fortunately, it is almost at the bottom of the windscreen and not noticeable when you drive the car.
The interior of this car presents exceptionally well and its condition belies its age and originality. The upholstery has aged gracefully and the leather still remains soft and supple. There are no tears or cracks in the leather and the seats still provide ample support. All the instruments present well and appear to be in a good working order. The light blue Alcantara dashboard, which is in excellent condition, is definitely a feature and really suits the car. Even the carpet is in good condition. The Maserati badge on top of the gear selector is worn and is something we would replace. The air conditioning system in Italian cars of this period was never great, but we are pleased to say it is working and it is blowing cold air.
The engine bay is neat, clean and tidy. Like the rest of the car, everything under the bonnet is also very original. The car retains its trademark diamond patterned under bonnet matting, and the often missing knurled air cleaner nuts. Importantly, all of the ID plates remain in place. The boot is similarly presented and it looks to have been sparingly used. The diamond patterned matting and carpets are all in good condition.
After taking the time to admire the interior, we make ourselves comfortable behind the wheel in preparation to take the car out for a test drive. It should be noted that the driving position is excellent. The car starts easily and fairly quickly settles into a smooth idle. The big V8 sounds fabulous. It has an exhaust note that means business, but in a sophisticated kind of way. This is no muscle car. We impatiently allow the car some time to warm up and then we put the gear selector into drive. First impressions are really positive. The engine has loads of power on tap and the gear changes up and down the box are smooth. Out on the open road the car is a very comfortable and it is a very easy and really nice car to drive. Back to the engine . . . when pushed, the big V8 will bark, but driven sedately you can hear the engine without it being too noisy. We were really impressed with how the car drove on our test drive. It just goes about its business in a very efficient, almost Germanic way. The carfeels solid on the road, it handles well and importantly it also stops easily and in a straight line when you hit the brakes. A new set of tyres would also further improve the drive of the car.
We did notice a slight nocking noise at low speed which appears to originate from the drive shaft. This could very well be a universal joint which needs replacing. The brakes are also a little squeaky which can most likely be rectified by changing the brake pads.
Accompanying the car is its spare wheel, jack kit and some recent documentation.
Highlights:
- Rare, factory right hand drive example (one of only 44 produced).
- Desirable 4.9 litre engine (one of 21 RHD produced).
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Very original car.
- Great value for money classic Maserati.
Price: $69,950
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 1969. Maserati built some fabulous cars during Citroens ownership (including the Indy, Bora, Merak and Khamsin), however, times were tough and the company struggled financially. Citroen placed Maserati into liquidation in May 1975 and it was ultimately saved by the Italian government and Alejandro de Tomaso took control shortly thereafter. Under de Tomasos watch the first new Maserati was the Kyalami, so named after the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa where a Maserati powered Cooper T81 had won the 1967 South African Grand Prix. The Kyalami was based on the De Tomaso Longchamp. Pietro Frua was commissioned to re-style the car and give it that traditional Maserati look and feel. The Kyalami was seen as a true successor to the Mexico. It was built from 1976 through until 1983 and during this time only 201 cars were built. Of these 44 were RHD. 30 of the RHD cars were destined for the UK market, 7 for the Australian market, 4 for the South African market and 3 forHong Kong. Of the 44 RHD cars, 21 were fitted with the 4.9 engine. 10 were fitted with a manual gearbox and 11 with an automatic gearbox.

1981 MASERATI KYALAMI 4.9

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 this rather cool 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) coupe.
This particular car was imported into Australia in May 2012 by Mr Tony Ireland from Townsville in North Queensland. Ireland was the dealer principal of Holden dealer Tony Ireland in Townsville. He acquired the car from Bill Strasek Chevrolet in Illinois in the USA. There is an Australian Import Approval on file dated 5th July 2012. Unfortunately, the cars American history is not known, other than the previous owner is noted as Jacquelyn Jagielski from E Dundee, Illinois.
The current owner acquired the car from Ireland in 2015. At that time the odometer read 9,096 miles.
After acquiring the car, he entered the car into the International Mark of Excellence Judging Meet in Brisbane organised by NCRS Australia Inc. The event was held on 16th and 17th of April 2016. The car scored an impressive 90.2% and was awarded the Second Flight Award. It was also awarded the Ladies Choice Award.
We have deciphered the information from the cars chassis number, engine number and the information on the data plate and can confirm the following.
The chassis number confirms this is a 1964 Corvette Coupe which was built in the St. Louis factory.
The engine number confirms the power plant is a 327 cubic inch, 300hp engine which is mated to a manual gearbox.  It also confirms that the engine was built in the Flint factory in Michigan on the 18th February 1964.
The Data Plate tells us this Corvette was a coupe built on the 12th March 1964 that was painted Daytona Blue (paint code 916A) with a dark blue vinyl interior (trim code 490J).
All this information confirms this to be a very original Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) coupe that is presented today essentially as it left the St. Louis factory back in 1964. The car retains its original colour scheme of Daytona Blue with a dark blue interior as well as its original matching numbers engine.
Today the odometer reads 11,939 miles.
Walking up to the car you cannot help but being impressed by its appearance. Daytona Blue is a perfect colour for a C2 Corvette. The car presents well from say a meter away, but on closer inspection it does have paint defects. There are small blemishes, which are most likely micro blisters that are most noticeable on the front guards and the nose of the car. Both doors show some light crazing. The defects are most likely caused by an incorrect preparation of the fibre glass body or primer when the car was repainted. All the external trim, including the bright work on the car is in excellent condition. The metal sill strip on each side of a C2 Corvette is often damaged, however, on this car this is not the case. The glass is all in very good condition with no cracks evident.
Importantly, all the panel gaps are good, even at the top of the doors, often a weak point on a C2 Corvette.
The wheels are shod with Goodyear Regatta 2 tyres, size 205/75 R15. The tyres are still in good condition though they are date stamped 2006 (week 20, 2006) and probably should be replaced based on age if the car is to be driven on a regular basis.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a very good original looking interior. The seats and door cards are in excellent condition with no cracks or tears evident in the vinyl. The seats are comfortable and provide ample support. The carpets are also in excellent condition with no wear or marks visible. The hard plastic surfaces, including the dash and centre console are in very good condition with no cracks. All the instruments are clear and on our test drive they all appear to be in good working order with the exception of the amp meter.
The boot is also very well presented and looks to have been sparingly used, if at all.
The car starts easily, even from cold. This vintage of Corvettes looks great they also sound great! When you start the big V8 that distinctive rumble always puts a smile on your face. Out on the road this Corvette is an absolute joy to drive. The engine has plenty of power on tap and it has excellent throttle response. The clutch is easy to use and the gear change is positive with a robust feel and good synchromesh. The steering displays the vagueness typical of most American cars of this period, but you get acclimatised to it quickly. The brakes work well and pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
This car has definitely been looked after. Overall it presents well, though it is a shame that the presentation of the paintwork is not up to the level of the rest of the car. This Corvette car can be used and enjoyed as is or easily taken to the next level by addressing the paint issues.
We should mention that the car was recently on display at the Brisbane Motor Museum in Banyo, where it was very well received.
We think the car is very competitively priced and offers a great opportunity for its next custodian.
Highlights:
- Very original example.
- Presented in its original colour scheme.
- Matching numbers chassis and engine.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner.
Price $129,950
Background:
The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, USA in 1911 by Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet, his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C Durant and investment partners William Little (maker of the Little automobile), former Buick owner James H. Whiting and Dr Edwin R Campbell (son-in-law of Durant). In 1912 they were joint by RS McLaughlin, CEO of General Motors in Canada.
The first Series C Classic Six prototype was ready months before Chevrolet was actually incorporated. However, the first actual production car was not built until 1913 when in the fall of that year the new 1913 model was introduced at the New York Auto Show.
The company was merged into General Motors in 1917 and subsequently became a division of that company. Chevrolet is an iconic American brand that is well known the world over.
The 1950s and 1960s were a time of great change in America and the automobile played a significant part in the American way of life at that time. Chevrolet is recognised as producing the great American family car, however, Chevys have also enjoyed much success in motor racing. The small block V8 is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines of all time and the Corvette is perhaps the companys crowning achievement.
In the 1950s sales were declining and brand manager Thomas Keating was eager to reverse course. The solution he came up with was a sports car. The project was code named Project Opel. General Motors' chief stylist Harley J. Earl came up with the design and in January 1953 the EX-122 concept car made its debut at the GM Motorama in New York City.
The Chevrolet Corvette is without doubt Americas most popular sports car. Since its introduction in 1953, the Corvette has gone through many iterations and is an automotive icon recognised throughout the world. The first generation, or C1 series cars, were produced from 1953 to 1962 and are often referred to as the straight axel cars because independent rear suspension was not introduced until 1963 on the second generation or C2 series cars. 1962 was an important year for the Corvette. Not only was it the last year of the C1 series cars as noted above, it was the first year of the legendary 327 cubic inch engine.
The C2 was produced from 1963 through until 1967 and 117,964 examples were produced during that period.
The early Corvettes are becoming sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike and finding original and unmolested cars is becoming difficult.

1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Sting Ray C2

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to introduce you to Bambi, our 1968 Fiat 500 F. The car is being offered for sale from a deceased estate and in excess of 30 years of continuous ownership.
Unfortunately, the early history of this little Fiat is not known. What we do know is that it has been in the currently familys care since 1993.
When the car was acquired, it was a running and driving car, but in need of some cosmetic attention. The car was repainted, a new sun roof fitted and seat belts added for safety.
The owners were members of the Gold Coast Antique and Classic Auto Club and Bambi was regularly seen at club events back in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The owner of the car was a very well respected York Motors trained Mercedes-Benz mechanic who owned and operated his own Mercedes-Benz service business on the Gold Coast. As a result he maintained the car himself throughout his ownership.
Today this Fiat 500 can be best described as a nice driver quality car. From say a metre away the car presents well, but upon closer inspection there are some imperfections. The most noticeable imperfection is a small dent on the right rear wheel arch. There are very small defects, most likely micro blisters on most panels. You can feel them more than you can see them, but they are there. Both the front and rear bumper present well as do all the lights and lenses. All the glass on the car is in good condition with no scratches or cracks evident.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a simple but very presentable interior. The seats are in good condition with no cracks or tears evident in the vinyl. All the carpets are equally in good condition. The dashboard in a Fiat 500 is very basic. All you have is the speedo in front of you, which is in excellent condition, as well as a few switches to operate the lights, wipers and fan. The original steering wheel presents with a few small cracks.
The fabric roof is in good condition and it opens and closes easily.
In August 2024 new wheels were fitted and they are still in excellent condition with no signs of any kerb rash. They are shod with Pirelli Cinturato CN12 tyres, size 125 SR12. They are date stamped 2221 (week 22, 2021) and are in good condition.
At the same time the brakes were serviced, new front and rear wheel cylinders, new brake shoes, new brake hoses, new front and rear brake drums and a new brake master cylinder were fitted. The rear drive shafts were removed and new inner boots were fitted. All this work was done by the Classic Car Clinic on the Gold Coast.
Starting a Fiat 500 of this period is an interesting exercise. First you turn the ignition on using the key. You only need to use the choke to start the car from cold, which is activated by lifting the left lever located in between both seats. Then you lift the right lever located next to the choke, to start the car. The car starts easily even from cold and then quickly settles into a smooth idle.
It is not all about Italian V12 engines at Oldtimer Australia and we were looking forward to test driving this car. We are pleased to report that on our test drive the car did everything it was expected to do. The little 500cc engine revs freely and sounds really good. The gearbox takes a little getting used to as there is no synchro, however, you get the hang of it fairly quickly. The car handles and steers well, aided no doubt by the recently fitted Pirelli Cinturato tyres. The brakes work well and most importantly pull the car up in a straight line.
This is not a show car, rather a very well cared for and much loved driver quality car that can be used and enjoyed. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. What a fun car to take to your local cars and coffee or just take out for a Sunday morning drive to your favourite café.
Accompanying the car is a spare wheel and a jack, a copy of an owners manual, and a Fiat 500 owners workshop manual.
It is time for Bambi to start a new adventure!
Highlights:
- Offered from continuous family ownership since 1993.
- Well sorted mechanically.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
- Great value classic.
Price $34,950.
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 for 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 or cabriolet.
In 1936 Fiat introduced the Fiat 500 A Topolino (or little mouse) which was then the smallest mass-produced car in the world. Its low price made it accessible to people who had never before been able to afford a car. These fabulous little cars pioneered what is today referred to as budget priced small cars. In addition to the 2-door sedan, there was also a transformable version with a sunroof and a van version originally created for the army.
The post-war period saw the launch of the 500 B in 1948, boasting a new engine and various technical innovations to improve performance and efficiency. But the novelty lay in its giardiniera version, a genuine compact family car with 4 seats and a big loading space when the back seat was down. The 500 C arrived in 1949, with an aluminium cylinder head, a heating system and especially a more modern body, in which the headlights were sunk into the front guards. The Topolino morphed into the Fiat 600 in 1955 and the Fiat 500 Nuova in 1957. The Nuova was produced from 1957 through until 1961. It featured a fabric roof which folded down to the rear of the vehicle, suicide doors and was powered by a 497cc engine generating 13 hp. The 500 Nuova was succeeded by the 500 D, which was produced from 1960 through until 1965. This was the last model with suicide doors. In 1965 the Fiat 500 F or Berlina was introduced. The 500 F was produced from 1965 through until 1973 and the fabric roof was also changed andnow only covered half of the roof. It also has an uprated engine bored out to 499cc generating 18hp.
The Fiat 500 was available as a two door saloon as well as a two door station wagon or estate (Giardiniera).

1968 FIAT 500 F

Details:
We love the rare and unusual at Oldtimer Australia and this exclusive and highly collectible 1959 Bristol 406 Zagato certainly fits that bill.
We are delighted to offer for sale the very first of only six Bristol 406 Zagatos built. This particular car was effectively the prototype and it was completed just in time to be shown at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show in London, where it was exhibited on the Zagato stand.
Of the six cars built, the first two cars were relatively similar. Subsequent cars had a higher roof line to accommodate taller passengers. It is understood that the third car built was destroyed in an accident and parted out, hence, only five examples remain.
The early history of the car is not definitively known. It is understood that it was originally finished in vermillion a dark maroon colour and it passed through a few owners in the UK before finding its way to the USA in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
There are copies of a number of Californian registrations on file in the name Edward Jon Barrara from Downey, which is mid way between Los Angeles and Anaheim. The earliest is dated 19th April 1986. The car was sold in 1988 and driven some 800 miles east and parked up on a property in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It then sat outside under a tarpaulin for the next 14 years. Fortunately, Albuquerque has a hot, dry climate which helped preserve the car. The owner moved back to the UK, leaving the car in the USA where it sat. This was the catalyst for him to sell the car and it was advertised for sale in 2002. The advert was spotted by Sydney based Bristol enthusiast Sean McSharry who subsequently purchased the car. It is understood that the mileage at that time was circa 58,000 miles.
The car, which was then white in colour, was in generally poor condition. McSharry imported the car into Australia (there is an Australian Vehicle Import Approval on file dated 4th September 2002) and engaged the services of Sebastian Gross of Seberi Pty Ltd to complete a ground up restoration. Like most other Bristols, the 406 Zagato was built using superleggera construction with an aluminium body over a steel frame.
After assessing the car it was deemed necessary to remove the body to repair the severely corroded steel frame. The car was stripped and the necessary work was undertaken. The aluminium body was also in poor condition and it was sent to highly respected coach builder Mark Nugent in Dubbo to be rebuilt. All the external trim was either refurbished, replaced or rebuilt.
Mechanically, the car was in better shape, however, everything was stripped, assessed and rebuilt. This included the engine, gearbox, differential/rear axle assembly, suspension, brakes and more.
The interior was completely refurbished and the wiring was also completely redone.
The project took six years to complete and during this time extensive research was undertaken and information was collected to better understand the car and document as much of the history as possible. The car has a thick history file with copies of many emails relating to its purchase, the supply & refurbishment of parts and conversations with other 406 Zagato owners to verify details of the rebuild.
McSharry chose to have the car finished in the most stunning colour combination of California Sage with avocado green upholstery and darker olive green carpets.
The car was given a number of sympathetic upgrades to improve usability and safety throughout the restoration. Most notably, this included fitting a discretely hidden steel roll bar and the installation of seat belts. A nice touch was the addition of an (unchilled) wine cellar in the boot! This idea came from Geoffrey and Hilary Herdmans book: Round the World with 10 DPG, which covers their travels in a Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe.
No stone was left unturned to ensure the car was done right and to a very high standard. The end result was a credit to McSharry and everyone involved in its restoration.
This fabulous Bristol 406 Zagato was subsequently used and enjoyed before being sold to well known Bristol enthusiast Tom Barr-Smith in Melbourne in c2013. Under Barr-Smiths ownership the car was exhibited at Motorclassica in 2015. Motorclassica, which was held at Melbournes Royal Exhibition building, was Australias leading concours delegance and classic car show.
The car was sold in January 2019 to a Melbourne based classic car collector and enthusiast. The roadworthy certificate on file notes the mileage at that time as 62,705 miles. It joined an exceptional collection and was shown at the 2019 Sydney Harbour Concours dElegance. This wonderful Bristol was subsequently used and enjoyed, often seen around Melbournes classic car scene.
The current owner acquired the car in December 2021. It has been used sparingly since, though it did attend the 2022 Targa Florio and it was again shown at Motorclassica that same year. In March 2025 the car was shown at the Rippon Lea Concours dElegance in Melbourne.
For the last two owners, the car has been maintained by highly respected Rolls-Royce, Bentley and vintage car specialists Derby Works as well as the owners in house mechanics. In more recent times, Damon Ross from Ross Restoration has spent time tuning the car.
The current owner has enjoyed his time with this fabulous car and he is now downsizing his collection.
Even though the car carries what is now an older restoration it still presents superbly. At the time of photographing, the odometer read 62,938 miles.
The paint colour of California Sage really highlights the unique design features of the car. The devil is in the detail with this car and the more you look the more you see. There is the obvious trade mark Zagato double bubble style roof as well as the raised hip line at the rear quarter, but check out the complex detail at the rear of the car . . . it is a work of art! Overall, the paintwork is in excellent condition. There is quite a lot of external trim and its presentation, like the paint work, is excellent. The trademark Bristol wheels and hub caps are in excellent condition with no obvious damage. The wheels are shod with period correct Michelin X tyres, size 5.50 R16.
The interior is beautifully presented. The finest quality leather and carpets were used during the restoration. The avocado green upholstery provides a subtle yet perfect colour contrast to the paint. The feature is the beautiful three spoke timber steering wheel with the Zagato badge in the centre. During the restoration the unique steering wheel was sent to Nardi in Italy to be refurbished. A nice touch are the Supplied by Anthony Crook Leading Distributors Esher & Hersham Surry plaques fitted on top of each sill inside the cabin. Like most Bristols the instruments and switch gear is more akin to an aircraft, but it all adds to the aura of this fabulous car. Like the outside of the car, inside the cabin the more you look the more you see. Check out the art deco style interior lights!
Under the bonnet everything is neat, clean and tidy. The boot is similarly well presented.
The seating position is slightly offset, but not uncomfortably so. The car starts easily and the Bristol 2.2 litre six cylinder engine makes a great noise. It also has a fabulous raspy exhaust note.
One of the first things you notice as you get moving is the steering. The timber steering wheel is very solid and it has a great feel, but surprisingly the steering is light, responsive and very direct. The pedal layout is conventional, though the accelerator has quite a long and unusual travel. You get used to the drive quickly and the other fundamentals are excellent. The brakes are surprisingly good and their stopping power belies a late fifties built car.
The engine, which is currently running triple Weber carburettors, needs to be revved and it really comes on song above 3,000 rpm. The more you rev the engine, the broader your smile! The gear change is firm with a relatively short shift adding to the driving experience. The gear box has synchromesh on all gears and for long distance cruising there is an overdrive on top gear. On our test drive all of the instruments looked to be working, though the speedo was somewhat erratic.
This is not a sports car, rather an incredibly unique gentlemens express.
Whilst this car carries an older restoration, it still presents and drives superbly. Wherever this car has gone it has turned heads and got people talking. It is easy to understand why.
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file, including a huge amount of information and receipts from the restoration, an original Bristol 406 Instruction Manual, an original Bristol 406 Spares handbook, an original Bristol 406 Zagato sales brochure, the original Solex carburettors, a hide of leather as used for the upholstery, miscellaneous parts, a spare wheel and a tool kit.
A truly unique and most likely never to be repeated opportunity.
Highlights:
A unicorn, being 1 of only 6 examples built and 5 surviving.
Unique coachbuilt body designed and by Zagato of Milan.
Beautifully restored to a very high standard.
Finished in a STUNNING colour combination.
Thick history file with fabulous period photos and literature.
Ready for its next owner to show, use and enjoy.
Price $349,950
Background:
The Bristol Car Company has a rich and fascinating history. Its origins date back to the Bristol Aeroplane Company (formerly The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company) that was founded in February 1910 by Sir George White, chairman of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company, along with his son Stanley and his brother Samuel, to commercially exploit the fast-growing aviation sector. The Bristol Aeroplane Company developed into a British industrial powerhouse and they built some of the worlds most technologically advanced aeroplanes. Some of the most well-known and successful aircraft built by Bristol were the Bristol F2 Fighter (used during World War I), the Bristol Bulldog and the Bristol Beaufighter (used during World War II).
Following the First World War the British aircraft industry suffered a dramatic downturn and subsequently significant financial challenges. In an endeavour to keep its workforce employed the Bristol Aeroplane Company undertook the manufacture of a light car, the single seat Bristol Monocar which was powered by a motorcycle engine, the construction of car bodies for Armstrong Siddeley and bus bodies for their sister company, Bristol Tramways. The company survived, but times were tough.
Aircraft manufacturing ramped up again with the outbreak of the Second World War, however, management had learned that they must plan for the future. It is understood that discussions started as early as 1941 to establish a post war car manufacturing division. Bristol began working with AFN Ltd, makers of Frazer Nash cars and British importer of BMWs before the war, on plans for a joint venture in automotive manufacturing. What ultimately eventuated was that the Bristol Aeroplane Company took over AFN Ltd and established its car manufacturing division, Bristol Cars. A purpose built factory was constructed at Filton Aerodrome, near Bristol.
The first Bristol was designated the 400 and not surprisingly given the Frazer Nash and BMW connection it was based on a BMW 326 chassis with BMW 327 styling. The engine, whilst built by Bristol, was also based on a BMW 327. The first prototypes were built in late 1946, however, the car was formally introduced at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show. The car was a great success for Bristol and almost 500 examples were built through until 1950. This included 17 Drophead Coupes with coachwork by Pininfarina. In 1949 Bristol introduced the 401, which was designed and bodied by Touring of Milan in Italy. The new model was aerodynamically sleeker and featured superleggera construction with an aluminium body over a steel frame. As a result the car weighed significantly less and its performance was greatly enhanced. Bristol was gaining a reputation for building technologically advanced motor cars that were luxurious, very reliable and offered genuinely exciting performance on the road. Their cars were not cheap andas a result they remained somewhat exclusive. Buyers of new Bristols back in the day were typically wealthy businessman who wanted a car to stand out in a crowd. They also wanted a car they could drive and enjoy and many Bristols were used for hill climbs and weekend motor racing.
Bristol developed the 450 specifically for motor racing and it made its debut at the 1953 Le Mans 24 hour race. Two cars were entered in the race, however, they both retired with engine failures after about 10 hours. Bristol returned to Le Mans in 1954 and entered three cars, with uprated engines and improved aerodynamic bodywork. In contrast with the previous year all three cars finished the race, coming home in first, second and third place in their class and seventh, eighth and ninth overall. Their performance also earned Bristol the team prize. Bristol returned to Le Mans again in 1955 and again performed exceptionally well achieving the same results as in 1954. The race became famous for the wrong reason when a major accident resulted in debris flying into the crowd killing 83 people and injuring many more. Following this race a number of manufacturers, including Bristol, retired from motor racing indefinitely.
Subsequent road cars included the 403 (1953-1955, 287 cars built), which was a further development of its predecessors, the 404 (1953-1958, 52 cars built), the 405 (1953-1958, 308 cars built and the 406 (1958-1961, 174 cars built).
In 1953 Bristol introduced the two door 404 and four door 405. For these models Bristol abandoned the BMW style radiator grille for a style that reflected its aviation heritage. A unique design feature of the 404 and 405 is the sizable lockers in the front wings accessed externally by gullwing doors. On a right hand drive car, the locker on the drivers side held the spare wheel and jack, whilst that on the passengers side housed the battery and fuse panel. These cars also had upgraded engine performance, an improved gearbox with a short gear lever and front disc brakes as an option.
Bristol was looking to build a sports version of the 406 Saloon in the late 1950s, however, the project was abandoned for commercial reasons. Former British race driver, Bristol Cars director and the largest Bristol dealer, Tony Crook, revived the idea of a special sport model based on the 406. Through his dealership, Anthony Crook Motors, he commissioned Zagato to build a smaller, lighter and faster two door sporting car based on the Bristol 406 Saloon.
The prototype was displayed at the 1959 Earls Motor Show in London to rave reviews. Crook initially planned to build ten cars, however, for a number of reasons including cost and the fact the car was only available through Anthony Crook Motors resulted in only six cars being built. Despite its limited commercial success, the sporty Gran Turismo was the starting point of a longstanding collaboration between Bristol and Zagato
Bristol Cars was sold after its parent company joined with other British aircraft companies in 1960 to create the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), which later became part of British Aerospace.

1959 BRISTOL 406 Zagato (Prototype)

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 coupe.
The Kardex on file confirms this car was delivered new through Porsche dealer Hamilton in Melbourne to Mr J Robertson in Toorak (Melbourne), Victoria. It has a birth date/delivery date of 23rd October 1962 and it was delivered new in Bali Blau (paint code 6212) with a red leatherette interior.
Today the car is presented in that exact colour scheme.
The Kardex notes the following options: RHD, green tinted windscreen, chrome strips and disc wheels.
After having spent time in Melbourne, this car found its way to Brisbane, Queensland in the early 1990s and into the ownership of Reg Cullen from Kenmore in Brisbanes west. It is understood that at that time the car had been repainted in Oslo Blau.
It is understood that when Cullen acquired the car it no longer had its original Super 90 engine fitted. He wanted to return the car to be as original as possible and went on the hunt for a suitable Super 90 engine. He got lucky and found an engine that coincidentally was numbered very close to the original engine that would have been in the car. Between 1992 and 1995 that engine was completely rebuild with lots of new parts. There are invoices on file for the parts acquired and the work completed.
Cullen subsequently used and enjoyed his Porsche and it was regularly serviced by Wayne Park Auto & Tyres in Milton (Brisbane). The earliest service invoice on file from Wayne Park is dated 28th June 2005 and at that time the odometer read 62,571 km.
Cullen kept the car until November 2014. After just over 20 years of ownership he sold the car to John Walker from Clayfield (Brisbane). At that time the odometer read 83,584 km. At that time the car was a little tired. Walker addressed the cars mechanical needs first and sent the car to well respected Porsche specialists DHM in Tennyson (Brisbane) who overhauled the front suspension, fitted a new steering damper, overhauled the brake master cylinder, fitted new tie rod ends and fitted retractable seatbelts.
Walker used and enjoyed the car for about twelve months and at the end of 2015 decided to embark on a cosmetic restoration. He wanted to return the car to its original colour of Bali Blau. It was immediately apparent that this project was not going to be a quick strip and repaint.
The task of repairing the body and preparing it for painting was entrusted to Dennis Laing. When the car was stripped back to bare metal one could see that time had taken its toll on this 356. There are numerous invoices on file showing the various pieces of sheet metal that had to be replaced before the body could be prepared for painting.
The overall project was a significant and very time consuming task which, including painting the car, took nearly 900 hours to complete.
Following the cosmetic restoration the car was used sparingly.
The current Brisbane based owner, who is a well known Porsche 356 tragic, acquired the car in February 2023 and at that time the odometer read 62 km.
After acquiring the car he sent it to his preferred mechanic who went over the car and sorted out a few issues relating to is lack of use over the last seven years. He also had a 123 electronic distributor installed.
Over the last two and a bit years the current owner has continued to improve the car and has taken it to a near concours level.
As a testament to the condition and presentation of the car it was accepted into the 2024 Noosa Concours DElegance and the 2025 Sydney Harbour Concours DElegance. It was exceptionally well received at both events.
The current owner has enjoyed his time and journey with this Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 coupe, however, he has now decided to move in a different direction.
At the time of photographing the car, the odometer read 1,912 km.
Whilst colour is obviously a personal choice, we think that Porsche 356s are very colour sensitive. We also think that Bali Blau with a red interior is a perfect colour combination for a Porsche 356. It just gives the car a very elegant and distinctive appearance.
Even though this car was repainted some 8 years ago now, the paint still looks fresh and it presents really well. It has retained its strong depth of colour and its high gloss finish. When you look up close youll find some very minor imperfections which are consistent with a car that has been well taken care of but at the same time used and enjoyed the way its maker intended. The panel gaps on the car are all really good and the doors open and close easily.
All the bright work on the car is in good condition. The same can be said for all the glass. It is clear with no chips or cracks evident. All the lights and lenses are also in good condition.
The wheels are good condition with no sign of any kerb rash. They are shod with Dunlop sport classic tyres size 185/60 R15. The tyres are date stamped 2221 (week 22, 2021) and are still in very good condition.
When you open the door you cant help but being impressed with the interior. The red leatherette seats contrast nicely with the blue dashboard and the beige carpets. The seats are still in very good condition with no cracks or tears in the fabric. They are comfortable and still provide ample support. The rear seats appear to have hardly been used. The dashboard presents well and all the instruments are clean, crisp and appear to be in good working order. It even still has its original factory gearshift lock.
Porsche 356s look cool but they are also great fun to drive. This is a car well known to Oldtimer Australia and we were curious to see if this one drives as good as it looks. We were not disappointed!
As with all 356s still running their original 6 volt electrical system, it takes a few attempts to start the car when the engine is cold. You wonder for a split second if the engine will fire, but it does and then it quickly settles into a smooth idle. That unique 356 sound draws a smile as you wait patiently for the mechanicals to warm up.
For those not familiar with Porsche 356s, there is a big difference between the performance of cars with a base model 1600 engine which delivers around 60 hp and a 1600 Super 90 which delivers about 90 hp. That extra power makes the Super 90 so much better to drive and this car has plenty of power on tap. The engine revs freely and the car has excellent throttle response. It is surprisingly spritely! Equally important in a 356 is the gearbox. A tired gearbox with sloppy linkages takes much of the fun away from the driving experience. The gear changes on this car are direct and they are smooth both up and down the box. The suspension feels tight, the steering is relatively direct and the brakes pull the car up quickly and in a straight line.
It is our pleasure to be able to offer for sale this lovely Australian delivered 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90.
This car is ready for its next owner to show, use and enjoy.
Accompanying the car is a good history file dating all the way back to 1992, an owners manual, service booklet (that may or may not be original to this car), a spare wheel, jack and tool kit.
Highlights
- An Australian delivered, factory RHD 356 B.
- Desirable Super 90 model.
- Finished in its original and stunning colour scheme.
- Sorted, ready to show, use & enjoy.
Price $234,950.
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 in 1949.
Instead of building the body of the car himself Porsche decided to collaborate with an old partner, the body manufacturing company Reutter who had both the expertise and infrastructure to mass produce the bodies for the 356 coupe and cabriolet.
Nowadays, the first series of the 356, built from 1948 through until 1955 are known as the 356 Pre A.
In 1955 the 356 A was introduced. The internal factory designation for this model was Type 1 which was quickly adapted by enthusiasts who referred to the 356 A as the T1. The 356 A became available as a coupe, cabriolet and a Speedster. Buyers had the choice between a 1,300cc and a 1,600cc engine and later the Super version.
A second revision of the 356 A was introduced early in 1957. It became known as the Type 2 (or T2). Late 1958 the Speedster was replaced by the Convertible D which was now build by coachbuilder Drauz. In late 1959 the 356 A was replaced by the 356 B. The 356 B was available as a coupe, cabriolet and roadster, with each body style available with a number of different engine options.
The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year.
The 356 remained in production through until 1965 and evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built.

1962 PORSCHE 356B T6 Super 90

Details:
A new arrival to Oldtimer Australia is this rather lovely Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2.
Documentation on file notes the car was delivered through W.H. Lowes to its first owner, Mr Fred Watkins from Tyabb in Victoria. Watkins was a very memorable customer of W.H. Lowe having owned a number of Ferraris over the years, including 250 GTE, 330 GTC, 365 GT/4 2+2 and this 365 GT 2+2. Interestingly, all of Watkins cars were ordered in white with blue upholstery.
This car landed in Melbourne on the 31st October 1968 on board the SS Marconi (ex Genoa) and it was finished in bianco polo with blue trim (trim code VM3015).
It is understood that Watkins traded this 365 GT 2+2 back to W.H. Lowes, who then sold the car to John McArdle from Melbourne.
McArdle used and enjoyed his Ferrari for a number of years and then in about 1979 it suffered from an engine fire. At that time the odometer read circa 21,500 miles. It is understood that the fire was essentially contained to the engine bay and that the damage was relatively superficial. The car was then parked up, where it remained until McArdles passing in 1994.
The car was acquired by Oldtimer Australia in November 1994 and sold to the current owner in March 1995. He then embarked on what was to become an epic journey to restore the car. Due to various circumstances the project spanned two decades and the car was finally completed in May 2018.
During the restoration the owner decided on a colour change and had the car painted in Pino Verde (pine green metallic, colour code 19404M) and the upholstery trimmed with tan Connolly leather.
The majority of the restoration was completed by Geoff Wheelers High Country Motors. The work that was out sourced included the engine machining to LW Parry Engineering, the refurbishment of the cylinder heads by Rams Cylinder Head Services, the rebuilding of the original wire wheels by Superior Wire Wheels, body and paint by Sydney Vintage Car Restorations and the upholstery by Ron Farlow.
To make the car more reliable and usable, the current owner chose to have some subtle upgrades installed. Most notable a completely new wiring loom was installed and a solid state fully programmable Motec Power Distrubution Module now replaces the traditional fuse box. Additionally, electronic ignition and a modern air conditioning system were installed.
There is a photo book on file which describes in detail all the work completed over the years.
The owner first started thinking about selling his beloved Ferrari in early 2023. In preparation for sale, the car was sent to highly respected independent Ferrari specialists Cavallino Motorsport in June 2023. A number of items were rectified and we were then contacted to assist with the sale. Life got in the way and it wasnt until the second quarter of 2025 that the owner finally pushed the button to sell.
Since the restoration was completed, the car has only been used sparingly.
Today the odometer reads 964 km. The original speedo was replaced during the restoration with a NOS example. The odometer reading today is the mileage the car has travelled since the restoration was completed.
First impressions of this car are really good. When you walk up to the car you are immediately impressed by its presentation. The colour combination of Pino Verde with the tan interior really suits the car and accentuates its very elegant appearance. The original Borrani wire wheels complete the look.
The car was repainted in the late 1990s, however, given its limited use the paint is still in a really good condition. There are a few minor blemishes here and there. Also, the black vent on the right hand side of the bonnet has some paint missing, which is an easy fix. All the bright work on the car including the bumpers, trade mark Ferrari grill and and the window surrounds are all in excellent condition. The same can be said for all the lights and lenses. All the glass is in very good condition with no cracks or scratches evident.
The Borrani wire wheels on the car are a real feature. They have been respoked during the restoration and are in excellent condition. The Borranis are shod with Michelin XWX 215 70VR15 tyres which are date stamped 4617 (week 46, 2017). The car has travelled less than 1,000km on these tyres and they are still in good condition.
Underneath the bonnet sits the completely rebuilt 4,390cc Colombo V12 engine. The engine bay presents beautifully and it is also very clean and tidy. As Enzo Ferrari once said . . . when you buy a Ferrari you pay for the engine, you get the rest of the car free.
Inside the cabin you are presented with a beautiful looking interior. The leather upholstery, the timber finishes and the polished metal work are all stunning . . . you cannot beat Italian design and craftsmanship!
The car has hardly been used since the restoration was completed so it is no surprise that everything inside the cabin essentially presents like new. The seats are comfortable and provide plenty of support. The timber dashboard and centre console both present nicely and all the instruments in it are clean and from our test drive they appeared to be in good working order. The timber steering wheel, with its polished metals spokes and Ferrari logo in the centre is the real feature.
During the restoration the Becker radio was upgraded with modern internals which include Bluetooth connectivity for hands free and a USB port. Modern speakers have also been discreetly installed in the doors and rear parcel shelf.
The door cards, headlining and even the carpets present as one would expect in a car which has been restored and has had very limited use since.
We have had a very wet Brisbane winter, so we had to be patient for the weather gods to cooperate and allow us a fine day for our test drive and photo shoot.
As noted previously, the cars electrics have been upgraded and as a result it starts very easily, even from cold. As with all classic Ferraris with carburettor fuel systems, when you turn the ignition on you will have to wait for twenty seconds or so for the fuel pumps to prime the thirsty Weber carburettors. You then pump the accelerator three times and when you turn the key and the Colombo V12 fires up immediately. You initially feather the accelerator to warm up the engine and it doesnt take long before it settles into a smooth idle.
This is a traditional, classic, front engined V12 Ferrari, but with creature comforts such as power steering, air conditioning, power windows, room for four passengers and a spacious luggage compartment, it is a comfortable grand tourer. It is surprisingly easy to drive and sounds great. Importantly, those creature comforts do not take away from the overall driving experience, which is fabulous!
Out on the road this car is a real delight to drive. The engine revs freely and there is plenty of power on tap. The gear changes are smooth both up and down the box even when the gearbox is still cold. Once the engine and gearbox reach operating temperature the oversell experience just gets better. Everything works exactly the way one would expect and the car feels tight on the road. When necessary the brakes will pull the car up quickly and in a straight line.
These Ferrari 365 GT 2+2s are wonderful grand touring cars and we think under rated.
This car has been off the road from 1979 through until recently and only travelled some 35,500 km in its life. Therefore, it really deserves a new owner that will use and enjoy it, just as Enzo intended.
Accompanying the car is photo book which describes in detail the restoration of the car, lots of receipts from the restoration, a Borrani spare wheel, a non-original jack, an owners manual and a spare parts catalogue in the correct leather pouch.
Highlights:
- Australian delivered, factory RHD, matching numbers
- Beautifully presented example of a classic, front engined V12 Ferrari
- Fabulous grand tourer, well suited to rallies.
- Presented in a stunning colour combination.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $499,950
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!
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. Motor racing, even back in those days, was not a cheap business to be in and Ferrari needed to find ways to fund it. The answer was an obvious one. Enzo discovered there was a burgeoning demand for high powered grand tourers bearing his prancing horse badge. The lucrative profits from building these cars benefited the racing team. At the same time these GT cars would benefit from the racing program. The engines to be used were civilised versions of the engines which had proved themselves in racing. It also meant all Ferraris would share in a rich competition heritage which would make them even more special.
The 125 S evolved into the 166 Sport which was then adapted for road use and sold as the 166 Inter in the late 1940s. The 166 was Ferraris first true GT car. It made its debut at the Paris motor show on 6th October 1949.
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 Ferrari 250 series cars built from 1953 through until 1964 really put Ferrari on the map. The race cars dominated on tracks all over the world and their road cars were without peer and very successful. Ferrari was on a roll and his clientele were the rich and famous.
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 365 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 4,390cc capacity.
The mid 1960s were a fabulous time for Ferrari and one of its best sellers was the 330 GT 2+2. This model was a great success capturing the true essence and tradition of a Ferrari whilst offering the practicality of four seats and a good size boot. Just over 1000 of these cars were built from 1964 1967 and Enzo was very keen to continue the theme into a new model. Enter the 365 GT 2+2. First shown at the 1967 Paris Motor Show the Pininfarina designed 365 GT 2+2 took styling cues from the 500 Superfast and 330 GTC models. The car was built on a modified version of the 330 chassis, but what mattered most was that its engine was the new 4.4 litre version of the Columbo V12 engine. From a performance perspective the 365 GT 2+2 was all Ferrari, however, this model also offered creature comforts including power steering, air conditioning, electric windows and overall a more luxurious finish in the cabin.
Often referred to as the Queen Mary this model is now recognised by enthusiasts and collectors as one of the most practical of the classic front engine V12 Ferraris. Approximately 800 examples were built between 1967 and 1971.

1968 FERRARI 365 GT 2+2

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a rare, factory right hand drive 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider (Tipo 101.19).
The documentation on file from Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo confirms this factory right hand drive Giulia Spider was delivered new on the 24th March 1965 and its market destination is noted as Rome, Italy. The exterior colour is noted as grigio grafite and the interior colour is noted as rosso.
The car came to Australia very early in its life and possibly from new. The cars early Australian history is known back to the very early 1970s. The previous owners father acquired the car around that time and it remained in the same family for the next 50 years. The previous owner has fond memories of the car and even remembers that around 1972/1973 the cylinder head needed to be repaired and his father showed him how to set the valve clearances. It was also around that time that the car was repainted white.
This Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider was used and enjoyed until the early 1980s and then it was parked up. It was understood to have been last registered in 1982. The car still retains a NSW registration sticker from January 1980 on the passengers quarter glass window. The registration number is noted as BMK 773. The sticker also notes the engine number which is correct to the car today.
The car sat for around 25 years until c 2007 when it was relocated from the garage to the carport. This was supposed to be a short term solution and at some stage after that the car was stripped of all its trim, lights etc with the intention of repainting the body. Some new parts had been ordered and the seats had been retrimmed, but still in the bags they had arrived in from the upholsterer. Unfortunately, that was all that was done. Life got in the way and the car sat for the next 10 years, patiently waiting for someone to complete the work.
This car, along with a disassembled Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale, were advertised for sale through the Alfa Romeo Owners Club in 2018. The current owner saw the advert and immediately pounced. After getting some information about the history and the condition of both cars he made an offer to purchase the pair. His offer was accepted and so his journey began.
Accompanying the cars were boxes of spare parts. His first challenge was to figure out which parts belonged to which car. Once everything was sorted, he decided to sell the Sprint Speciale and focus his energy on restoring the Giulia Spider.
He engaged the services of highly regarded restoration specialists Concourse Automotive Restorations in Geelong, Victoria to do the body and paint. First step in the process was to take the car to well respected Italian car specialist Auto Sprint Motors in Brunswick East, Victoria. They removed all the mechanical parts from the car and it was then trucked down to Geelong. The body was then blasted. As the car had been sitting outside under a carport for many years it was no surprise that various rust repairs were needed. In fact, they were substantial! The owner of the car is very particular and wanted everything done just right. As a result, no short cuts were taken and what needed to be done was done. In total just over $110,000 was spent on the body and painting some of the mechanical components, including the suspension, between late 2019 and mid 2023.
After Auto Sprint Motors had removed all the mechanical components from the car everything was assessed. Essentially, everything had to be fully rebuilt. The engine was completely rebuilt with new pistons, cylinders, and bearings. The cylinder head was reconditioned and fitted with new valves and valve guides. The gearbox was reconditioned with new synchros. The suspension, brakes, radiator were all totally rebuilt. In excess of $50,000 was spent on the mechanical work.
The interior was completely redone by Dark Engergy Kustom Trim Works in South Geelong. The seats were refurbished and reupholstered, the door cards and the top of the dashboard was reupholstered, new carpets were fitted and a new soft top was sourced and installed. All the instruments were removed from the car and reconditioned.
If new parts were needed during the restoration they were mostly sourced from Classic Alfa in the UK.
The restoration was completed by mid 2024 and since then the car has been fettled and post restoration bugs ironed out.
The end result is just STUNNING and a credit to everyone involved. Whilst the car was actually painted some years ago, the car has only travelled a few hundred miles since the restoration was completed. As a result the paint work presents exceptionally well today and defects are hard to find. All of the external trim is similarly well presented.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider / Giulia Spider is one of Pininfarinas finest designs. They are timelessly elegant and quite small cars. The shape carries colour very well and as a result they look fantastic in any colour, but . . . grigio grafite is about as good as it gets! It looks very classy and creates a perfect contrast with the rosso interior. It also accentuates all the chrome work on the car, which is beautifully presented.
The interior presents essentially like new. Everything is crisp and clean and the rosso upholstery just pops.
Under the bonnet everything is very neat, clean and tidy. The boot is similarly well presented and you will find a rubber boot mat, jack and correct tool kit.
This little Alfa requires a full choke to start from cold. The 1,570cc 4 cylinder catches pretty much at the first turn of the key. There is a slight hesitation as the Weber carbs take their first breath, however, everything smoothes out quickly. As the car warms you can back the choke off. When you blip the throttle you get an almost instant response from the engine and the raspy exhaust note brings a smile to your face. The team at Auto Sprint have done a great job and this car is an absolute delight to drive. The engine has plenty of power on tap and the car pulls strongly through the rev range. The gearbox is tight and the gear changes are firm and direct. The car is firm on the road and there are no rattles or squeaks. In conclusion, it performs every bit as good as it looks!
Accompanying the car is a thick file of receipts from the restoration, a detailed email from the previous owner describing the history of the car, jack and correct tool kit.
Highlights:
- Rare, factory right hand drive example.
- Fabulous, original colour scheme.
- Documentation on file from Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo.
- Beautifully restored car.
- Just a STUNNING car that is ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $189,950.
Background:
The Alfa Romeo story began in June 1910 when A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in Milan, Italy. Their first car, the 24hp, was a great success and the Alfa name became synonymous with motor racing in the early years. In 1915 Nicola Romeo took over the company and during war time its focus was on military equipment, however, it wanted to build cars. Soon after the very first Alfa Romeo motor vehicle, the Torpedo 20-30hp, was built.
On February 3, 1918, with World War I slowly drawing to a close, the new company called Alfa Romeo was officially registered.
In the early 1920s Alfa Romeo quickly made a name for itself in motor racing. Drivers like Ugo Sivocci, Antonio Ascari and Enzo Ferrari won several races driving various Alfa Romeo race cars.
Some of the cars produced by Alfa Romeo in the 1920s and 1930s could be purchased as either a road car or a race car.
The Alfa Romeo 6C is one of those cars. Introduced at the 1925 Milan Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 was the first model to carry the 6C name. The nomenclature of the model designation 6C 1500 refers to the engine, where 6C = the number of cylinders, in this case six and 1500 refers to the engine capacity, in this case 1500cc. As was quite common in those days, the bodies were provided by various coach builders such as James Young, Zagato, Touring Superleggera, Castagna, and Pinin Farina.
In 1928 the 6C Sport model was released featuring a double overhead cam six cylinder engine. It quickly made a name for itself winning various races including the 1928 Mille Miglia. The 6C 1500 was superseded by the 6C 1750 in 1929. It was even more successful than its predecessor, winning every major racing event in which it was entered in 1929.
1933 saw the introduction of the 6C 1900 which was superseded by the 6C 2300 in 1934 and the 6C 2500 in 1939. The 6C 2500 was one of the most expensive cars available at the time and was sold to many wealthy customers. A number of coachbuilders used the 6C 2500 as the platform to showcase their cars, but the majority of the cars were built by Touring Superleggera of Milan.
The Alfa Romeo 6C remained in production through until 1954. Its successor, the Alfa Romeo 1900 was first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1950. The 1900 was an important car for Alfa Romeo. It was the first car they built entirely on a production line and it was also their first unibody production car. The car was offered as a two door and a four door model and was powered by a new 1,884cc 4 cylinder twin cam engine. The car performed well, continuing Alfa Romeos sporting pedigree and it did not take long before people started racing them. The car was successful in various motor sport events like the Targa Floria and Stella Alpina. Alfa Romeo was keen to capitalise on these successes and started using the slogan The family car that wins races to promote sales.
In 1954 Alfa Romeo introduced the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 2+2 at the Turin Motor Show. It was the first of the Tipo 750 and Tipo 101 family. A year later at the same Turin Motor Show they introduced the 4 door saloon and by mid 1955 that was joined by the Giulietta Spider designed by Pinin Farina. All these were powered by a 1.3 litre twin cam four cylinder engine.
In June 1962 Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia. The Giulia was fitted with a larger 1.6 litre twin cam four cylinder engine. All of the Giulietta sports models, the Sprint, the Sprint Speciale and the Spider were fitted with the new 1.6-litre engine, received a few other minor upgrades and were continued to be sold under the Giulia name until the introduction of the all new Giulia model (Tipo 105) in 1965.
It is understood that Alfa Romeo only built some 400 factory right hand drive Giulia Spiders (Tipo 101.19) between 1963 and 1964.

1964 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 1600 SPIDER

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectible, Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1958 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Speedster.
The Kardex on file confirms this car left the factory on the 15th November 1957 and was destined for Porsche dealer Hamilton in Melbourne. The car was painted Meissen Blue (paint code 5703) with a red interior (colour code A). The car was delivered with the following options: Tacho in miles, USA bumpers, seats from a coupe, tonneau and RHD.
Interestingly, it is understood that the original engine in this car was swapped into a standard Porsche 356 A Coupe when new. Apparently, a VIP client wanted a 356 A Coupe with a Super engine so the swap was made. The whereabouts of that 356 A Coupe are known, but the engine has long since been removed.
This Porsche 356 A Speedster went from Hamilton to Porsche dealer Diesel Motors in NSW. The cars first owner was believed to have been Jack Davey, a then famed radio host. Unfortunately, Davey didnt get to enjoy his Speedster for long as he passed away in October 1959. The cars history over the next ten years is not known, however, by 1969 it had found its way to Launceston in Tasmania and into the ownership of John Dixon.
In April 1988 the car was acquired by Kim & Ingrid Goodridge from Perth, WA. They purchased the car from Spyder Automobiles in Melbourne. At that time the car was in pretty poor condition. The Goodridges engaged Spyder Automobiles, who were one of the periods finest Porsche specialists, to restore the car to international concours standards. The car was disassembled to a bare shell and rebuilt to factory standards and tolerances. The engine was rebuilt to 1600 Super specification. There is correspondence on file with regards to the restoration as well as receipts, invoices and an album full of detailed photos. It took a total of 4 years to restore the car and by the end of 1992 this fabulous Speedster was back on the road. It was registered in WA with the registration number 8KL 894. At that time the odometer read circa 51,000 miles.
By 2003 the car had found its way to Melbourne and into the ownership of Jeff Dutton. Some twelve months later the car was sold to Peter Jurd from Byron Bay in northern NSW. Jurd owned the car for around 2 years and it was then sold to a well known Porsche enthusiast and collector on the Sunshine Coast. He used and enjoyed the car and it was a regular attendee at various events and rallies.
The current owner, who was living in Mount Isa, QLD at the time, acquired the car in January 2010. The odometer then read circa 58,700 miles. The car was initially registered in Queensland as 735 MUP and later with the personalised plates CDEK01. The owner later moved to northern NSW, taking his beloved Speedster with him, where it was registered as FLR06U.
In his 15 years of ownership the car has been used and enjoyed, travelling some 4,000 miles in that time. The majority of that mileage was accumulated in his early years of ownership and the car has been used sparingly in recent times.
In 2014 the engine was rebuilt and new pistons, barrels and rings were installed. At that time the odometer read 61,920 miles.
More recently, in February 2025, the car was sent to Gold Coast based classic car specialist and Porsche guru Russell Ebeling on the Gold Coast who went over the whole car. He recommissioned the engine, replaced all gaskets & seals, adjusted the valve clearances, changed the fluids and carried out a final tune. The brake fluid was also changed.
Today the odometer reads 62,858 miles.
It is hard to believe that it was almost 35 years ago that Spyder Automobiles restored this car. The car still presents and drives superbly, showing just the right amount of patina, which is a testament to the quality of the restoration and a reflection on how the car has been subsequently cared for and maintained.
From about a meter away the car still presents beautifully. The paint work has retained a strong depth of colour and a high gloss finish. Upon closer inspection there are some paint blemishes, most notably some stars on top of both the front guards and a few small stone chips and blemishes here and there. The bright work on the car, including the badges, is generally in good condition with only some very light pitting evident in certain areas. The front windscreen is in good condition. The same can be said for all the lights and lenses. Overall, the paint and external trim presents well with its overall presentation more consistent with 11,000+ miles of usage rather than a circa 35 year old restoration.
The car is fitted with a soft top, has the correct side screens, full tonneau cover and soft top cover which are in a good condition.
The steel wheels are in a good condition with only some light scratches and stone chips evident, but importantly no kerb rash. They are all, including the spare wheel, the correct Lemmerz 4½ Jx15 size wheels. Four of the five are date stamped 8/57 (August, 1957) which would be correct for a car which left the production line in November 1957. One wheel is date stamped 10/60 (October, 1960).
They are shod with Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, size 165 HR 15 which are date stamped 1513 (week 15, 2013). Whilst the tyres still appear to be in a good condition they should be replaced on age if the next owner is going to do some serious driving in the car.
The interior on a 356 Speedster is simplistic, yet functional. Everything on this car presents nicely, from the lovely timber steering wheel through to the body colour painted dash. The upholstery is in very good condition with no tears or cracks evident in the seats or door cards. The optional coupe seats are comfortable and still provide ample support. Even the carpets have aged well and are in good condition. All the instruments are crisp, clean and present well. They all appear to be in good working order.
There arent too many cars cooler than a Porsche 356 Speedster. Whilst they look good, they are also great fun to drive. We were given the heads up that this car has a very strong engine with loads of power on tap and it drives particularly well. Needless to say, we were keen to get behind the wheel for our test drive. Our patience was tested as we had to wait out the inclement Brisbane weather for a few days. Finally, the weather gods cooperated and the grey skies cleared.
At some stage this cars electrical system has been upgraded from 6 volt to 12 volt and as a result the car starts easily, even from cold. Once the engine fires it quickly settles into a smooth idle. From the very first moment we started the car our impressions were very positive. The engine sounds great and it has the typical 356 raspy exhaust note.
Out on the open road this Speedster is an absolute delight to drive. The engine responds well to the slightest touch of the throttle and this car seams to go harder than most 356s we have experienced. The gearbox is tight and the changes up and down the box are precise. The suspension is also tight and the bumps in the road get easily absorbed. The steering is precise and direct providing great feedback to the driver. The brakes do their job and when needed they pull you up quickly and in a straight line. Unfortunately, we have no mountains or even hills near our showroom, but we can imagine how much fun this car would be to drive on some winding roads and over mountain passes.
After half an hour behind the wheel, you really get why these cars were so popular and so successful on race tracks back in the day.
Accompanying the car is a thick history file, which includes photos of its restoration, a short and long tonneau cover, two side screens, a spare wheel, a correct Hazet tool kit (in a VW case) and a jack. There are also six boxes of spare parts.
Highlights:
- Rare Australian delivered, factory RHD Speedster.
- Rebuilt engine to Super specs.
- Excellent history file.
- Delightful car to drive.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $849,950.
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 in 1949.
Instead of building the body of the car himself Porsche decided to collaborate with an old partner, the body manufacturing company Reutter who had both the expertise and infrastructure to mass produce the bodies for the 356 coupe and cabriolet.
Nowadays, the first series of the 356, built from 1948 through until 1955 are known as the 356 Pre A.
In 1955 the 356 A was introduced. The internal factory designation for this model was Type 1 which was quickly adapted by enthusiasts who referred to the 356 A as the T1. The 356 A became available as a coupe, cabriolet and a Speedster. Buyers had the choice between a 1,300cc and a 1,600cc engine and later the Super version.
A second revision of the 356 A was introduced early in 1957. It became known as the Type 2 (or T2). Late 1958 the Speedster was replaced by the Convertible D which was now build by coachbuilder Drauz. In late 1959 the 356 A was replaced by the 356 B.
In total 20,541 examples of the 356 A were built, consisting of 13,016 coupes, 3,285 cabriolets, 1,330 convertibles and 2,910 speedsters.
The 356 remained in production through until 1965 and evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built.

1958 PORSCHE 356A Speedster

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly desirable 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 MKII.
The factory records on file confirm that this is an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that was delivered new to the Penfold family in South Australia. The car was delivered through Aston Martin agent D Brown (Australia) on the 8th July 1957. The original colour choice for this car was stunning. It was originally finished in sea green with a green interior, which is how the car is presented today.
This particular car is fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 engine quoted as delivering 165 bhp, being 25 bhp more than the standard engine. It is also fitted with a larger sump.
The factory records note that a replacement engine, with the same number, was despatched to David Brown Australasia on the 13th November 1957.
It is understood that the Penfold family owned the car for many years. The history file picks up the ownership of the car in the 1980s when it was owned by former politician John Goss from Brisbane, Australia. It may well be that Goss acquired the car from the Penfold family. Goss used and enjoyed his Aston Martin for many years before selling to Donald Lane from Buradoo, near Bowral in the NSW southern highlands in 2001. The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car off Lane in c2005.
Over the last 20 years the current owner has used and enjoyed his Aston Martin as its makers intended. Even though the car presents beautifully, he is unashamedly a driver and not a polisher! To ensure the car is a reliable classic and available to be driven on a whim, he has had it maintained and regularly serviced. In 2017 the front Alfin brake drums were overhauled by TypeCast in the UK. In 2018 the cylinder head was overhauled. The car has been upgraded with a Jaguar differential to enhance drivability.
Today this Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII presents resplendently in its original colour scheme of sea green with a green interior. The current owner chose to remove the bumpers for two reasons. Firstly, to give the car that Aston Martin GT look and secondly to reduce the cars weight. The bumpers are heavy! The paint work, which was refreshed by Lane some 20 years ago, is in very good condition with some minor blemishes and stone chips evident. Its presentation is totally consistent with a well cared for car that gets driven. The external trim is minimalistic, particularly with the bumpers removed. The trademark Aston Martin grill is in excellent condition and a real feature.
The chrome wire wheels and spinners really compliment the paintwork beautifully. All of the wheels are in reasonably good condition with no kerb rash or damage. The chrome has started to pit/peel in places. The wheels are shod with Michelin X tyres, size 185R16 all around.
The cabin of the Aston Martin DB2/4 is quintessentially British. It is relatively simple, elegant and beautifully presented. The timber steering wheel is a feature and in excellent condition. The timber dash facia houses the cluster of Smiths instruments and both are also in excellent condition. The leather upholstery is soft and supple with no splits or tears. The seats are comfortable and provide good support. An Aston Martin DB2/4 has occasional rear seats which look to have been sparingly used.
Opening the rear hatch provides access to a large boot area. This area can be expanded by folding a panel down over the rear seats. There is plenty of room for the golf clubs here! The boot presents well, with very minor wear evident.
The massive bonnet hinges forward to reveal a beautifully presented engine bay, revealing the unique independent coil spring front suspension and chassis components as well as the 2,922cc Lagonda twin cam engine. The engine itself is a work of art, resplendent with polished aluminium features, traditional red cylinder head and proper finishes. Everything is neat, clean and tidy.
This Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is a drivers car. The car starts easily, settling into a smooth idle without hesitation. Out on the open road it performs superbly offering a very spirited and rewarding driving experience. The engine has loads of power on tap and it pulls strongly through the rev range. The gearbox is tight and with a relatively short shift it provides slick gear changes. The car delivers a firm yet comfortable ride, direct steering and excellent braking.
Accompanying the car is an original leather bound Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II handbook, an original and well used workshop manual, a copy of a parts catalogue, a factory sales brochure, Aston Martin factory records and a thick history file with many service receipts.
There are also the original bumpers, which are in excellent condition, the original differential, a spare wheel as well as the jack and basic tools which are stored in the engine bay.
If you are looking for an early pre DB4 Aston Martin it would be hard to find a better example.
Aston Martin only built 199 DB2/4 MkIIs, of which 146 were saloons. Of these 146 cars only a small number would be factory right hand drive with the high performance engine.
This car presents exceptionally well and drives superbly.
Highlights:
- Rare Australian delivered, factory RHD example.
- Sold new to the Penfold family in Adelaide.
- Fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 high performance engine.
- Fabulous, original colour scheme.
- Great driving car.
Price $399,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drop head coupes. Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2,922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more roomwith two small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II. The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

1957 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MKII

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this striking Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Maserati Merak.
The documentation on file from Maserati Classiche confirms that this car was completed on the 11th June 1974 and sold to Auto Italia in Melbourne. Its production date makes this quite an early car. The car was originally delivered in orancio (orange) with a dark grey velvet (velour) interior.
Apart from being sold new into Adelaide, the early history of this car is not known. The earliest documentation on file is a South Australian registration certificate dated 30th October 1987 and a transfer of ownership to a Mr H Clisby dated 1st May 1988. At that time the car was registered as UMZ 377.
There is a detailed write up on file from a previous owner, a Mr Don Venn from Adelaide, in which he mentions he purchased the Merak in 1990. In his ownership the car was stripped back to bare metal including the engine frame and the engine bay. All corrosion was cut out and replaced with new metal. There are photos on file documenting the work done. The car was then painted using Dulux acrylic lacquer in Ferrari Fly Yellow. Mechanically, the car also underwent a full refurbishment. Everything was assessed and what needed to be replaced was replaced.
In 1994 the car was sold to its next owner, Mr Tony Chapman from Sydney, NSW. At that time the car had 74,000 miles on the odometer. Chapman used and enjoyed his Merak through his 22 years of ownership clocking up some 24,000 miles.
Chapman sold the car through Shannons 2016 Sydney Spring auction. Its new owner was a classic car enthusiast in Perth. Whilst he loved his new yellow Merak he thought it would look even better finished in its original colour of orange! He engaged the services of Italian car specialists, Auto Delta, in Perth Western Australia to generally freshen up the car and have it repainted. One thing led to another and the car essentially underwent a second restoration. In addition to a repaint, the interior was retrimmed and a significant amount of mechanical work was also undertaken. The mechanical work included overhauling the hydraulic system, cooling system, brakes, steering and fitting a new clutch. The engine was rebuilt, which included refurbishing the cylinder heads and replacing the block which was in poor condition.
At that time the odometer read 98,437 miles.
After the restoration was complete the car was shown at Perths premier classic car event, the Celebration of the Motorcar in November 2020 where it won the Classic Sports Car class.
The cars owner then moved to Brisbane and decided to move in a different direction with his collection.
This fabulous Maserati Merak was sold through Oldtimer Australia to its current owner in February 2022, at which time the odometer read 98,537 miles.
After the current owner acquired the car he ironed out a few post restoration bugs and had the paint work ceramic coated. He has subsequently regularly used and enjoyed the car. It has been taken to various classic car events in and around south east Queensland, where it has been a regular trophy winner. It won the Peoples Choice award at the Lakeside Euro Day in May 2022 and European Sports category at the Noosa Beach Classic Car Show in July 2022 and again in September 2023.
The car was also taken to Auto Italia in Canberra in March 2023 where it was awarded the Chief Judges Choice award.
Today the odometer reads 01,912 miles, so in two years of ownership the car has travelled almost 3,400 miles or 5,600 km.
It is great to see that the car has been driven, but we should point out it presents even better than when we sold it back in 2022!
The Maserati Merak is one of Giorgetto Giugiaros finest pieces of work. The trademark flying buttress softens the look of the car and as a result it carries colour exceptionally well.
The first thing youll notice when you walk up to this car is the colour. It is ORANGE, very ORANGE, however, it is just so seventies and it really suits the car. It shows off the lines perfectly and contrasts well with the painted Campagnolo wheels.
Overall, the first impressions of the car are really good. It presents exceptionally well and the paint has retained a deep gloss and a mirror like smooth finish. Walking around the car we struggled to find any imperfections. There is a small mark in the swage line of the passengers door and a small bubble at the bottom of the passengers door, near the font. You have to kneel down and look closely to see both.
The external trim is minimalistic, however, it is all in very good condition. This includes the bright work, lights/lenses and the glass.
The car sits on its original and unique Campagnolo wheels. The wheels are in very good condition with no kerb rash. They are shod with period correct Michelin XWX tyres, size 205/70/15 which are still in excellent condition. They are date stamped 3815 (week 38, 2015).
Open the door and you are welcomed by a very good looking interior. These early Meraks had the same dashboard as its big bother, the Maserati Bora. The upholstery is relatively fresh and the seats are in very good condition with no sign of any cracks or tears in the leather. They are comfortable and provide plenty of support. The Merak is a token 2+2 and the two rear seats appear to have never been used, other perhaps for an overnight bag. The centre console, door cards and dashboard all presents equally well. The carpets remain plush and are clean. All the instruments are clear and appear to be in good working order.
Under the front bonnet youll find a small boot which is clean and the carpet is in good condition.
The engine bay also presents very well. Everything looks clean, neat and tidy. The space saver spare wheel, running a Pirelli tyre that appears to have never been used, sits in the rear of the engine compartment. It is quite an incredible design that the engine sits so far forward in this 2+2 mid engine sports car! On closer inspection everything in the engine bay looks to be essentially correct.
Our memory from early 2022 was that this car drove really well. After being fettled, then used and enjoyed we were keen to take the car out for a current test drive. The starting procedure is typically Italian car of that era. Turn the ignition on, allow the fuel pump a little bit of time to fill the Weber carburettors, then give the accelerator pedal a few pumps and turn the key to start the car. It fires up easily, even from cold and the fairly quickly settles into a smooth idle.
Out on the road this Maserati Merak is fun to drive. By modern standards it is not fast, but it feels light and nimble on the road. The engine responds quickly to the slightest touch of the accelerator pedal and you often feel like you are travelling faster than you actually are. The Citroen controls are quirky, but once you get used to driving the car it is very rewarding. The gearbox, which should be used to maximise the power band from engine feels precise and direct. The gear changes are smooth both up and down the box. The steering is direct and precise, which coupled with the superb handling ensure that the car feels glued to the road at all times. The brakes are very direct and pull the car up easily and in a straight line.
All too soon our test drive comes to an end and we return the car to our showroom.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few tired Maserati Meraks out there, which can bring no end of problems. Good cars that are sorted, ready to use and enjoy are few and far between.
This car is a very well sorted example of an iconic 70s Italian junior super car which is ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.
Accompanying the car is a very good history file, various trophies, a car cover, a copy of a parts manual, a copy of a workshop manual and a copy of an owners manual.
Highlights:
- Australian delivered, factory RHD early Merak.
- Beautifully presented example of this iconic Maserati
- Recently restored in its original 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. Soon after, the idea of a two seat mid-engined super car was conceived. It was then in the summer of 1969 the first prototype of Maseratis new car was built. This car was known as Tipo 117 and was ultimately named Bora after a wind from the Northern Adriatic Sea. The car became a reality in relatively short time and it was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971.
Like the Ghibli before it Maseratis new flagship was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this time for Ital Design. In many ways the Bora was a unique design and its trademark was that its roof and A pillar were finished in brushed stainless steel in contrast the rest of the painted body.
The early seventies were tough time for supercar manufacturers as the oil crisis hit hard, effecting the sales of cars with large displacement engines.
Maseratis answer was the V6 engined Merak.
The Maserati Merak (Tipo 122) was introduced at the 1972 Paris Motor Show and it followed in the footsteps of its big brother the Bora. The models name, chosen by Maseratis commercial director Dominique Drieux, was not a name of a wind and is not to be confused with the Eponymous Indonesian city in Java. It receives its name after a star in the Ursa Major constellation.
Like the Bora, the Maserati Merak was designed by Ital Designs Giorgetto Giugiaro and its ancestry is obvious though there are many subtle but significant differences in the cars design. The Merak is one of Giugiaros finest pieces of work. Whilst based on its big brother the Bora, the Merak doesnt have a full glass fastback, but rather a cabin ending abruptly with a vertical rear window and a flat, horizontal engine cover pierced by four series of ventilation slats. Giugiaro completed the vehicles silhouette by adding open flying buttresses, visually extending the roofline to the tail.
The Merak is a 2+2 though its rear seats are best described as occasional or for an overnight bag or golf clubs only! Its Italian competitors all ran V8 engines, however, Maserati opted to use a longitudinally mounted 2,965cc V6 engine that had its roots in the Citroen SM. Given the company was owned by Citroen at the time it is not surprising that a number of Citroen components were used, including the engine as well as Citroens hydraulic systems and much of the interior.
Maserati built some fabulous cars during Citroens ownership (including the Indy, Bora, Merak and Khamsin), however, times were tough and the company struggled financially. Citroen placed Maserati into liquidation in May 1975 and it was ultimately saved by the Italian government and Alejandro de Tomaso took control shortly thereafter.
Interestingly when Alejandro de Tomaso acquired Maserati the Merak underwent a make over of its interior which was well received at the time. In addition to the standard Merak, Maserati brought out the Merak SS in 1976 which was lighter and had a more powerful engine and also the Merak 2000 in 1977 specifically for the Italian market which imposed a heavy tax on cars with engines greater than 2,000cc capacity.
The Merak was one of the seventies junior supercars, much like Lamborghinis Urraco and Ferraris 308 GT/4, that was going to tackle Porsche head one and be sold in significant quantities to underpin the cash flow of the company during the oil crisis.
The formula made good sense and Maserati enjoyed much success with its Merak and 1,820 examples were built in a twelve year period from 1972 to 1983.

1974 MASERATI MERAK

OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L offer quality new and used listings for sale. Click here to search and view their latest stock list on tradeuniquecars.com.au

New & Used Unique Cars For Sale

OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Sale Price

1968 FIAT 125 S Samantha by Vignale

1981 MASERATI KYALAMI 4.9

1935 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC

1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Sting Ray C2

1968 FIAT 500 F

1959 BRISTOL 406 Zagato (Prototype)

1962 PORSCHE 356B T6 Super 90

1968 FERRARI 365 GT 2+2

1964 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 1600 SPIDER

1958 PORSCHE 356A Speedster

1957 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MKII

1974 MASERATI MERAK

OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Dealer Address