OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

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 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

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 very unique, factory right hand drive 1972 Triumph TR6. The car is unique in that it has remained in single family ownership from new!
A Triumph TR6 is not a particularly rare car but seldom will you come across an example like this. In addition to coming from single family ownership from new, this car has an extensive and complete history file which includes the original purchase invoice, delivery documents, its British Leyland Passport to Service and the folder issued by the personal export sales department with the check list of what paperwork was provided with the car and invoices from 1972 through until 2024 . . . incredible!
The story of this car starts on the 29th of June 1972 when the Triumph Motor Company Limited confirmed to its first and only owner the telephone call they had that morning with regards to them supplying him with a TR6 sports car through their distributor in London, Henlys Limited.
A follow up letter dated 26th of July 1972 shows that the owner also wanted to include insurance and accepted the car would be delivered with wire wheels and two wing mirrors. It also shows a change in delivery as the owner decided to collect the car from the factory in Coventry in person.
The purchase invoice, dated 21st August 1972, confirms the order as: Supplying one Triumph TR6 Hard/Soft top sports car finished in white/tan vinyl upholstery and complete with equipment as per catalogue specification current at this date. It lists the following extras: overdrive, tonneau cover, high back seats, wire wheels, 6 months UK only insurance, underseal, 2 wing mirrors, documentation fee, number plates and petrol. The total sum: £1,429.41.
The vehicle acceptance receipt shows the owner took delivery of his new pride and joy on the 1st September 1972 and the car was registered in the UK as AWK958L. The original UK plates are still with the car.
Unfortunately, shortly after taking delivery of his car he had a minor incident which was quickly repaired for the total cost of £29.75!
The Passport to Service shows the car was rigorously maintained and regularly serviced as required.
When the owner moved to Brisbane, Australia in the early 1980s he brought the car with him. The first service invoice in Brisbane is dated the 18th of November 1982.
The numerous invoices on file show the owner used and enjoyed his TR6 and whenever something needed to be done it was done. The car was serviced on a regular basis by various British classic car specialists in the Brisbane area.
Fast forward to 2009 and by that time the car was starting to show its age. The paint was looking a little tired and the owner decided to engage the services of highly regarded restoration shop Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane to freshen up his car. His beloved TR6 was stripped back to bare metal and some repair work was required before the car was repainted in its original colour. At the time the odometer read approximately 90,000 miles. There are photos on file showing the work carried out. The engine remained in situ and it was only the exterior of the car that was repainted.
From 2007 onwards the majority of the maintenance and servicing has been completed by local Triumph specialist Greg Tunstall Mechanical. The most recent service was completed on the 22nd of November 2024. In addition to a standard service the car received new sway bar bushes, new tie rods & boots and a new windscreen washer pump.
Today this Triumph TR6 presents really well. The colour scheme of a white exterior with the black rear panel and the tan interior is nicely complemented by the painted wire wheels, a combination that really suits the car.
Whilst the car now caries what is best described as an older repaint, it still presents nicely. The paint is generally in good condition with the exception of the top of the rear guards on both sides, where the paint has started to peel along the seam. When the car was repainted the windscreen was not removed. The windscreen rubber is therefore most likely original and it is hard, cracked and showing its age. That said, it is functional and still doing its job.
Walking around this Triumph TR6 you cant help but admire how well this car has withstood the test of time. All the panel gaps are still very good, all the glass and lenses present well and all the bright work on the car is still in good condition.
The wire wheels were also repainted back in 2009 and still present well. They are shod with Vredestein Sprint classic tyres, size 185 HR15. The tyres are date stamped 4408 (week 44, 2008) and whilst they still look to be in good condition, they should be replaced based on age if the next owner considers doing some serious driving with the car.
Under the bonnet everything is dry and clean. The engine bay was not part of the respray in 2009 and therefore is 100% original. The paint on the wheel arches has cracked as you will see from our photos. We have inspected the car on our hoist and were pleasantly surprised how good the car was. There is some very light surface corrosion visible here and there, but other than that everything is in a very good condition.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a very inviting interior. It is very original and still in excellent condition. The high back seats present well with no rips or tears in the vinyl. They are comfortable and still provide plenty of support. The carpets are all in good condition and the same can be said for the dashboard. All the instruments and controls present well.
The car retains its original factory hard top, soft top and tonneau cover. All present well and their condition is totally consistent with the rest of the car.
The overall presentation of the car is best described as being like your favourite leather jacket. Whilst the car presents with light wear and tear here and there, just like a well worn leather jacket, you want to use and enjoy the car just as you want to keep wearing your jacket! Everything about this car just reinforces the fact that it has had one caring and very dedicated owner.
Ever since the car arrived in our showroom we have been keen to take it out for a test drive. Just like most cars from that period it does require a choke to start from cold. You turn the ignition on, pull the choke out, wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to do its work and then you turn the key further. This car starts at first crank, even from cold, and then very quickly settles into a smooth idle. You can almost immediately push the choke back and feather the accelerator to warm up the engine. This TR6 has a raspy exhaust note that puts a smile on your face.
Out on the open road this car just goes about its business. Overall, it drives really well. The engine has plenty of power, the gear changes are smooth both up and down the box and importantly the car feels solid on the road. The overdrive works well, it engages and disengages instantaneously. On our test drive all the instruments appeared to be in good working order.
Over the years we have sold a number of Triumph TR6s, including some really lovely examples. There are always a few of them on the market, however, we have never come across one like this anywhere in the world!
If only it could talk . . . imagine the stories about all the family adventures it could tell!
The Triumph TR6 is the quintessential British sports car and this is truly a unique opportunity for an astute purchaser to acquire a well sorted, fully documented example that is offered from single family ownership from new.
Accompanying the car is the most extensive history file which contains the original purchase invoice, delivery documents, its British Leyland Passport to Service, invoices from 1972 through until 2024 and more. There is also is a hard top, a soft top, a soft top cover, tonneau cover, the original UK number plates, toolkit, jack and a spare wheel.
Just wow!!!
Highlights:
- Single family ownership from new.
- Incredible history file, starting with the delivery invoice from 1972.
- Beautifully presented car with just the right amount of patina.
- An absolute delight to drive.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $43,950.
Background:
In 1885 Siegfried Bettmann, a German living in London, founded S. Bettmann & Co and started importing bicycles from Europe. Initially, he was selling them under his own trade name, however, in 1886 the name changed to Triumph. In 1897 the company was renamed as the Triumph Cycle Co Ltd and in 1902 the company started producing motor cycles at their factory in Coventry. Business was booming, thanks to big orders from the British Army which needed motor cycles during the First World War and by 1918 Triumph had become Britains largest manufacturer of motor cycles.
In 1921 Bettmann acquired the assets of the defunct Dawson Car Company and started producing cars. The first car to wear the Triumph name was the Triumph 10/20. This car and its immediate successors were only produced in small numbers, however, that all changed with the introduction of the Triumph Super 7 in 1927. This car was a success and it was sold in large numbers through until 1934.
In 1930 the name of the company was officially changed to the Triumph Motor Company. Times were tough and Triumph was struggling to compete with larger car companies. The company started having financial problems and in 1936 the bicycle and motorcycle business were sold to Jack Sangster of Arial. In 1939 the Triumph Motor Company went into receivership and the factory, equipment and goodwill were offered for sale. They were sold, but the Second World War stopped production and the Triumph factory was completely destroyed by bombing in 1940.
After the Second World War, what was left of the Triumph Motor Company and the trade name were purchased by the Standard Motor Company. In 1946 the first new Triumph, the 1800 Roadster, was released to directly compete with Jaguar. In 1950 the company decided to use the Triumph name for all sports models and the Standard name for saloon cars. History now says that this was a strategically brilliant move as it signalled the birth of the Triumph TR series cars.
The TR series Triumphs stand as iconic British sports cars that are well known and loved by enthusiasts all over the world. It started back in 1952 when the Triumph 20TS, a prototype sports car which later became known as the TR1, was shown at the London Motor Show. Reactions were mixed, however, Triumph thought they were on to a good thing and the prototype evolved into the TR2 that was subsequently shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1953. Triumph built over 8,500 of these 1991cc 4 cylinder sports cars from 1953 1955 and as they say the rest was history. The model evolved into the TR3 (produced from 1955 1962), the TR4 (built from 1961 1965), the TR4A (built from 1965 1967), the TR5 (built from 1967 1968) and ultimately the TR6 (1969 1976). Subsequent TR models were interesting cars, but it is fair to say the evolution of the TR2 finished at the TR6.
Triumph built 91,850 TR6s during its 7 year production run, the majority of which were left hand drive and sold into the United States.

1972 TRIUMPH TR6

Details:
A new offering at Oldtimer Australia is this incredible Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix by Pur Sang.
Back in the 1920s and 1930s Argentina rivalled almost any country in Europe. It was the place all the wealthy Europeans went to get away from the war time chaos. Buenos Aires was often referred to as the Paris of the South. They brought everything they had from Europa to Argentina and as a result Argentina became well known as a leader in wine making, horse racing, polo and of course motorsport.
Some of the worlds great cars, from marques such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo, were delivered new in relatively significant numbers into Argentina. However, when the owners needed parts, they still needed to order them from Europe and it would often take months for them to arrive. As a result, when something broke, the mechanics had to be innovative and creative. Necessity is the mother of invention and this resulted in some serious craftsmanship being developed in a highly skilled workforce.
Pur Sang Argentina was founded over forty years ago with its roots firmly linked to countrys industrial past. The business was established in the 1980s in Paraná, a city some 500 km north of Buenos Aires. It soon developed an excellent reputation for creating excellent tool room copies of Bugattis from the 1920s and 1930s. In more recent times they have been building Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz recreations from the same era.
The Bugatti Type 51 by Pur Sang has been produced using original factory specifications, both in design and material. Whilst the cars produced by Pur Sang are close to tool room copies, they do make subtle improvements and small modifications. Most of these are not visible but make for a more reliable and usable car. The application of forged pistons, plain bearings and modern oil seals to make the engine, gearbox, and rear axle oil tight have helped increase performance while reducing maintenance. The frame is hand formed in the same fashion as it was originally built by Bugatti way back in the 1930s.
The current owner ordered this car directly from Pur Sang, Argentina in October 2006 and took delivery of the car in July 2007. He immediately decided to further improve the car with modifications including: the manufacture and installation of a new manifold, the fitting of 2 inch SU carburettors, electronic ignition as well as a modified Magneto. He also fitted an electric fuel pump.
The owner used and enjoyed his Type 51 on various club runs and social outings, however, he is a perfectionist and became frustrated with light surface corrosion that appeared on the bare steel components of the car. His solution was to take the car to well respected classic car restoration specialists Historic and Vintage Restoration (HVR) in Melbourne to nickel plate all the bare steel parts on the car. At the same time he decided to have the car repainted and fit a new set of period correct alloy wheels from Crosthwaite & Gardiner in the UK. This work was completed around five years ago.
Today this Type 51 presents like a new car. The striking yellow over black colour scheme really suits the car and the paint is still in excellent condition. One has to look hard to find any imperfections. The only one we found is a small chip on the top of the bonnet. All of the external trim, including the trademark radiator are similarly well presented.
The wheels are shod with soft compound Dunlop Racing tyres size 5.00 19 front and rear. Both the wheels and the tyres are in excellent condition.
The interior is functional yet very basic as you would expect in a car like this. Everything is in excellent condition and presents essentially like new.
The more you look at the car the more detail you will notice. The devil is in the detail and some of its features are the delicate gear lever and hand brake levers, the safety wire for the external bolts, the leather straps to secure the bonnet and of course the oh so cool bonnet mascot!.
The original Bugatti Type 51s are not to be underestimated when it comes to performance. With a healthy 160hp from its supercharged, dual overhead cam, straight eight, 2.3 litre engine and the car only weighing around 800kg . . . they were frighteningly fast! Our Bugatti Type 51 by Pur Sang would most likely outperform an original car and even by todays standards it is a very fast and capable car.
Driving this car is an incredible experience. The theatre begins with the process of starting the car. You cannot simply jump in, turn the key, fire up the engine and drive away. There is a process to be followed but once you have completed all the steps you are rewarded with a magnificent symphony from the jewel of an engine and the relatively inconspicuous twin exhaust pipes. The car is a little cranky as she fires up, but in no time at all the engine is soon firing on all eight cylinders. The instructions are to wait for everything to warm up before taking the car out on the road.
The positioning of the gear lever is quit interesting. The car is right hand drive and like many similar cars of this period it features a right hand gear shifter. The gate is inside the car and the lever sticks out through the body work at an angle. This creates quite an interesting experience when you are driving the car but one you quickly get used to. Once you master the gear changes the driving experience is most rewarding.
Out on the road this car is heaps of fun to drive. It is quick, responsive and very nimble. It also feels surprisingly solid on the road. The car is equipped with original style drum brakes all around and that also takes a bit of getting used to but they do pull the car up well and in a straight line when required. The engine in this car is something special and it just wants to go. Did we mention the noise . . . incredible!
We can only imagine what it must have been like to own one of these cars back in the 1930s and drive it in anger.
Since arriving in Australia, the car has been used sparingly. The owner estimates he has probably only travelled around 800 km, the majority of which were completed prior to works completed by HVR.
This car is documented in Bob Kings fabulous book Bugattis in Australia and New Zealand 1920 to 2012.
Highlights:
- Beautifully presented recreation of an iconic prewar sports car.
- Powered by a supercharged, dual overhead cam, straight eight of 2.3 litre capacity.
- Fabulous colour scheme.
- Recently refreshed to a very high standard by HVR.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy
Price AUD $399,950
Background:
Ettore Bugatti was born in Milan Italy on the 15th September 1881. He was part of a very entrepreneurial and creative family. His grandfather was an architect and sculptor, his father a furniture and jewellery designer of some note and other members of the family were sculptors and artists. Ettore was obsessed with the evolution of the automobile and in 1898 he built his first car as a teenager. Over the next ten years he built a number of cars, however, it wasnt until the 1st January 1910 that he founded Automobiles Ettore Bugatti in the then-German city of Molsheim, Alsace. Bugatti started building cars in earnest and the Type 13 is today considered to be the first real Bugatti. The First World War proved to be temporary roadblock for Bugatti and once the Treaty of Versailles was signed on the 28th July 1919 it was back to work! Following the War, the region of Alsace became part of France and Ettore Bugatti lost no time in refocussing his energy on automobiles. At the last minute, Bugatti wasable to obtain a stand at the 15th Paris Motor Show held in October 1919. He exhibited three light cars and not surprisingly all of them were closely based on their pre-war equivalents. Each model was fitted with the same overhead camshaft 4 cylinder engine of 1,368cc capacity with four valves per cylinder. The three cars were the Type 13 (built on a 2,000 wheelbase), the Type 22 (built on a 2,250 mm wheelbase) and the Type 23 (built on a 2,400 mm wheelbase).
The Bugatti name soon became synonymous with high performance cars. Their road cars were purchased by the rich and famous and their race cars dominated on circuits all around the world. By the mid 1930s Ettore Bugattis son, Jean, was effectively running the factory overseeing the production of the cars, whilst Ettore spent most of his time in Paris. Times were good, however, things changed quickly and when Jean Bugatti was killed road testing a Type 57 race car in August 1939 it was the beginning of the end. The Second World War broke out shortly thereafter and the Bugatti factory was essentially destroyed and seized. The War ended in September 1945 and attempts to restart the factory were ultimately futile Ettore Bugatti died in August 1947. A handful of cars were built from 1945 through until the original incarnation of Bugatti ceased operations in 1952.
Models such as the Type 35, the Type 41 (Royale), Type 57 and Type 59 have become legendary and are amongst the most desirable cars ever built.
One of Bugattis most significant cars was the Type 30 that was introduced in 1922. The Type 30 was powered by the same 1,991 cc engine used in the Type 29 race car. It shared its chassis, axles and gearbox with the Type 13 Brescia. Around 600 examples were built from late 1922 through until 1926 in varying specifications. The successor to the type 30, the type 35 was first introduced at the 1924 French Grand Prix. It was powered by a single overhead cam eight cylinder engine with a capacity ranging from 1,092cc to 2,262cc. Some engine were even supercharged and delivered up to 130hp. The type 35 and its variations was a huge success and over 1,000 races were won.
In 1931 its successor went into production, the Type 51. It was power by a straight eight, twin overhead cam, engine with a capacity of 2,262cc which produced 160hp. Though the Type 51 struggled in competition against newer and more technologically advanced state-sponsored machines from Italy and Germany, the model was a long term success with marque enthusiasts and vintage racers. During its four years of production some 40 examples were produced. The Bugatti Type 51 is today considered to be at the pinnacle of Bugattis most celebrated race car design.
Incredibly, Bugatti built almost 8,000 cars through until 1956.

BUGATTI TYPE 51 Grand Prix by Pur Sang

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.
There is a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card on file which confirms this to be an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example. It was originally finished in dunkerrot (dark red), colour code 542G with white grey upholstery and cream carpets (trim code 221). The car has a number of options, including air conditioning (option code 306).
Interestingly, the cars data plate notes option code 901, which is for a flagpole right, so perhaps this was either an embassy or government owned car.
The cars history file dates back to the early 1980s and at that time the car was owned by a Mr Ian Haggerty from Sydney, NSW. It is understood that Haggerty was a long term owner of this Mercedes-Benz 600 and the documentation on file suggests he sold the car in June 1990.
The car was acquired by a classic car enthusiast from Noosa on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, most likely in the late 1990s. He wanted to restore the car and in 2001 engaged the services of Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane, one of Australias leading high end restoration shops. Sleeping Beauties are classic Mercedes-Benz specialists and they have restored cars that have been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.
The journey was a slow one and over the next five years the car was cosmetically restored and the interior was refreshed. In conjunction with Sleeping Beauties the owner chose to have car repainted in Mercedes-Benz light ivory (a very light yellow) and retrimmed in light olive green.
The major mechanical components were checked and deemed to be in very good order, hence, not rebuilt. Three Point Classic in Mount Gravatt were engaged to overhaul the air suspension, hydraulics and other mechanical ancillaries
The work was completed in 2015 and the end result was simply stunning. The colour combination is unique and a refreshing change from the more common palette of black, white and silver often seen on these Mercedes-Benz grand limousines! The car was shown at the Mercedes-Benz Club of Queenslands 2015 Concours dElegance where it was very well received, winning its class.
In 2016 the cars owner relocated overseas and made the difficult decision to sell his car collection, including this Mercedes-Benz. In August of that year it was sold to a prominent Brisbane based motor trade executive and classic car collector. At that time the odometer read 76,544 miles. He used the car sparingly but as with all his cars decided to go on a journey to take an exceptional motor car to the next level. Additional mechanical work was undertaken by Three Point Classic along with other adoc jobs by his own private mechanic/restoration specialist.
In August 2022 the car was sold to the current owner who lives in country Victoria and at that time the odometer read c77,000 miles. He is another classic car tragic who has a significant collection of cars. He is a fussy owner who regularly services his cars and if something needs to be done, he gets it done. Throughout his ownership the car has been maintained by the highly respected Auto Projects in Ballarat, Victoria. They recently completed a complete overhaul of the braking system.
The current owner has enjoyed his time with this Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser, travelling over 3,000 miles in his three years of ownership. He is taking his collection in a different direction and as a result this car is now offered for sale.
At the time of photographing the car the odometer read 80,286 miles.
Today this car presents essentially as it did back when the restoration was completed in 2015. The light ivory paintwork presents beautifully, complimented nicely by all the chrome trim which is in excellent condition. Defects are hard to find. The balance of the external trim, including the lights and lenses as well as the glass is all in equally as good condition. The panel gaps are excellent and the doors shut with that thud exactly as they would have back in 1966!
Inside the cabin it is all luxury. Whilst the exterior of this car is stunning, we think the interior is even better! Everything presents essentially like new. It is most likely that no one has even sat in the rear seats since the car was restored. The upholstery, the timber, the headlining and even the carpets are all beautifully presented. At the time of our test drive all of the instruments and controls looked to be in working order. The air conditioning has just been regassed and blows cold air. The cockpit is aeroplane like with all of its switches and buttons that operate the various accessories such as the windows, front and rear seats, the suspension and more. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today.
Under the massive bonnet the engine bay presents well and everything is neat, clean and tidy.
The boot is also clean and tidy. The hard plastic lining looks to be original and it is in good condition with no cracks evident. The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and the spare wheel lives in its own compartment.
Unfortunately, many of our test drives are over too quickly! However, on this occasion we had this car out and about for well over an hour and as a result were able to get a really good feel for how it performed.
The car was ready for us when we arrived so the engine was warm. At the turn of the key the stonking V8 cranks over and soon fires, catching on all cylinders. As you would expect, the engine is incredibly smooth. It is also incredibly quiet. With a wheel base of 3.2 metres and an overall length of 5.54 metres make no mistake this is a big car. Interestingly the length kind of disappears once you are behind the wheel but seated in the back its hard not to be somewhat overawed by the size of the car. This fabulous Mercedes-Benz just goes about its business in a very efficient and considered manner. The ride is quite unbelievable for a fifty year old car . . . it just glides along the road without any fuss. You push the accelerator and the car proceeds effortlessly, you turn the steering wheel and the car just follows in the direction you want it to go, you apply the brakes and the car slows or rather decelerates effortlessly again . . . the whole experience is just so incredibly refined. Even thoughit weighs in around two and half tonnes, the big Benz pulls hard when needed. Mercedes-Benz quoted a top speed of near 130 mph (210 km/hr) and a 0-60 mph (100 km/hr) sprint of under 10 seconds!
This Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser is truly outstanding and its presentation today is a testament to the build quality of the car as well as the quality of the restoration work completed.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess. Finding one in this condition is rare.
Accompanying the car is a thick history file with some pre restoration documentation, a wad of restoration receipts & photographs, two owners manuals (reproduction), a maintenance booklet (reproduction not used), hydraulic service kit and spare wheel.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD example.
- Restored by highly regarded Sleeping Beauties & Three Point Classic.
- Presented in a unique and STUNNING colour combination.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $349,950
Background:
Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!
Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.
In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. It was succeeded by the Type W180 series cars in 1954, which like its predecessor was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible.
In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.
In the early 1960s Mercedes-Benz also wanted to go back to their roots of the 1930s and build the worlds best saloon car.
First introduced back in 1963 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser or Grand Mercedes was a luxury car with few peers at that time. The new Type W100 set about re-establishing Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the finest automobiles in the world. The car was powered by a thumping 6.3 litre V8 engine delivering 250bhp that was capable of taking a car that weighed in excess of 2.5 tonne to well over 200 km/hr.
The car was an engineering marvel and its air suspension gave the car a ride that was smooth on just about every surface. The car also featured a very complex hydraulic system that powered the windows, seats, the sun roof and even an automatic close on the boot lid.
The car was produced in two main models being the 600 Grosser (short wheel base) and 600 Pullman (long wheel base). Interestingly the short wheel base cars were intended to by driven by the owners whereas the long wheel base cars were intended to be driven by chauffers.
Incredibly the Mercedes-Benz 600 series was in production for almost twenty years from 1963 through until 1981 during which time 2,677 cars were built. The breakdown of cars is:
Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser 2,190 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (4 door) 304 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (6 door) 124 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet 59 cars
These cars were very popular with royalty, world leaders, celebrities, movie stars, rock stars as well as the rich and famous. Today these cars, and particularly the Pullman, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
To quote Mercedes-Benz . . . in the illustrious history of automobiles, few vehicles have left their mark like the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 600. Designed by revolutionary French designer Paul Bracq and launched at the International Motor Show in Germany, the 600 transcended the boundaries of luxury.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess.
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz 600 beats a powerhouse the formidable and iconic M 100 6.3-litre V8 engine (the first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car) that set a new standard for performance in the luxury segment. The M 100 V8 became legendary, eventually forming the foundations of Mercedes-AMG but thats another story.
The true marvel of the 600 extended beyond its engine to an innovative hydraulic system that powered various aspects of the vehicle, redefining automotive engineering. From the adjustable air suspension that ensured a smooth ride, to the power-assisted brakes and the automatic door-closing system, the 600 was a technological marvel. It represented an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation from Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 transcended mere transportation and became a cultural icon. The interior was a masterpiece, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its owners. Personalisation options abounded, with a selection of wood trims, premium leather upholstery and a spectrum of interior colours. The rear compartment, a sanctuary for passengers, could also be equipped with a privacy divider an option that heightened the exclusive feel of this already prestigious vehicle.
Many were drawn to the unmatched luxury and performance of the 600 including iconic figures such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley making it not just a symbol of status, but a cultural icon.

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

Details:
The latest offering from Oldtimer Australia is this delightful 1971 Maserati Indy.
The documentation on file from Maserati confirms that this UK delivered, factory right hand drive example was completed on the 17th June 1971 and delivered new to London. The car was originally delivered in Verde Indy (green) with a nero (black) interior. It was delivered new in the desirable specification of a 4.7 litre engine with a ZF 5 speed manual gearbox.
This cars early UK history is not known. There is a V5 on file which notes that Mr Simon Edwards from Chester, just south of Manchester in the UK, acquired the car on the 16th September 1998. In his ownership the car was regularly serviced by Auto Shield, the Maserati service dealer in Manchester. The history file contains most MOT records dating back to 1993. The earliest MOT is dated 2nd March 1993 and at that time the mileage was 57,288 miles and the colour of the car is noted as blue. That confirms that back then it was finished in the stunning Maserati colour of celeste chiaro as it is presented today.
In Edwards ownership significant work was done to bring this Maserati Indy back to its former glory. In 2001 Auto Shield engaged the services of Classicarco in Manchester to undertake a cosmetic restoration. Significant metal work was required and once complete the car was repainted. There is a batch of detailed photos on file showing the work completed. In 2003 the differential was reconditioned and in 2004 the cylinder head was reconditioned.
In October 2008 Edwards sold the car through Ian Grange Ltd to Tim Fleckney from Tideford, near Plymouth in the south west of England. At that time the odometer read 76,722 miles. Fleckney kept the car for the next 10 years. In his ownership the car was used sparingly but regularly serviced. In his 10 years of ownership, he only drove the car approximately 2,500 miles.
The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car in July 2019 and at that time the odometer read 79,182 miles. There is an import approval on file dated the 10th September 2019. Prior to shipping the car to Australia it was tested for asbestos and that led to the replacement of the brake pads, the exhaust manifold gaskets, the carburettor base gaskets and the oil sump gasket.
The owner kept the car in the UK, using it from time to time, before shipping it to Australia in April 2021. Prior to that the car was serviced by 24 Hundred in Southborough, UK. At that time the water pump and the air conditioning pump were both reconditioned and the front wheel bearings were replaced.
Upon arrival in Australia the car was complianced in Queensland and registered.
The air conditioning system in the car was somewhat temperamental and in June 2023 a new compressor was installed. In May 2024 the thrust bearing was replaced and the car was serviced. All the maintenance work in Australia has been completed by Maranello Pursang in Brunswick, Victoria.
Maserati Indys are under rated. To quote Classiche Masters . . . This quintessential Grand Tourer is combining room for four adults and a large trunk with a sleek, handsome design. They offering a relatively refined driving experience but you always know it is a Maserati at heart.
Our test drive of this Maserati Indy was chanced between two of the four seasons in one day experienced on a crisp Melbourne spring morning. We were time poor and after priming the fuel pumps, on queue the big V8 burst into life at the first turn of the key. That distinctive Maserati V8 rumble gets the pulse racing. It is easy to get comfortable behind the exquisite timber steering wheel. The seating position is good and all the controls are easy to hand and to operate. Pulling out of the storage facility into busy traffic you note the power steering as the car manoeuvres easily at low speed.
The first impressions of this car are good. It is certainly tight on the road and even when cold the gearbox performs very well. As with all Italian classics the drive gets better and better as the car warms up. The engine has plenty of power on tap and its sounds absolutely majestic. The ZF gearbox feels firm and the gear changes are really precise. The brakes work well and pull the car up efficiently and in a straight line under heavy braking. In summary the car performed very well.
The car carries an older restoration, however, it has only travelled 11,000 miles since that was completed. From a meter the paint work presents exceptionally well, however, on closer inspection there are a number of minor defects consistent with age. There is plenty of chrome trim on a Maserati Indy and it is generally in very good condition. The balance of the external trim is similarly well presented. This car has at some stage been wax oiled and on close inspection you will notice some yellow staining in door jambs and other nooks and crannies around the car.
The 14 Borrani wheels are a feature on a Maserati Indy and on this car they present quite well. There is no major damage or kerb rash, just a few minor marks here and there. The Maserati trident embossed wheel centres show light pitting. The wheels are shod with Pirelli Cinturato CN36 205/70/14 tyres all around. The tyres are date stamped 07/18 (week 7 2018).
The interior of this Maserati Indy shows some light patina in places, however, it is generally well presented. The black upholstery is in good condition with no rips or tears evident and the seats provide ample support. The door cards, dash and centre console are also in good condition. The steering wheel has some minor damage at around seven oclock, however, this is not noticeable as you drive the car. You will notice in the photos that the leather piece around the horn button has pulled free. This is currently being repaired. The carpets show light wear. The instruments and controls present well and look to be in working order. We absolutely love the original Maserati branded Autovox Melody Stereo R which actually works.
Open the rear hatch and you will notice that this Indy is fitted with a pull down blind that will enable you to cover the contents of the boot. The boot presents quite well and there is a correct spare wheel under the boot floor.
Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean and really well presented. All the correct tags are in place and a quick look confirms that this car retains its original matching numbers engine.
Today the odometer reads 79,617 miles.
Flared denim jeans and a corduroy shirt are optional, but there is no doubt it would complete the look!
Highlights:
- Desirable spec Indy with a 4.7 litre engine and 5 speed manual gearbox.
- Well presented example in a lovely original Maserati colour.
- Good history file
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $129,950.
Background:
The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.
The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.
It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.
Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.
Orsi sold to Citroen in 1968. At that time Maserati was already working on an 4 seater alternative for the 2 seater Ghibli. Both Ghia and Vignale showed their proposals in November 1968 at the Salone dellautomobile di Torino. Maserati preferred the Vignale design and the production model was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1969. It was named Indy in honour of Maseratis two victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy (AM116) was a great success for Maserati, in total 1,104 were produced over seven years of production which ended in 1975. 440 of them were fitted with the 4.2 litre quad cam V8, 364 with the 4.7 litre and 300 with the 4.9 litre. The car was available with either manual or automatic transmission.

1971 MASERATI INDY 4.7 Manual

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)

1960 Goggomobil Dart Restoration Projects

GOGGOMOBIL DART

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:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Ferrari 328 GTS.
The service book confirms this car was sold through John Cant Ferrari in Brisbane, Queensland and it was delivered new on 29th October 1987. The first owner is noted as a company based in Bundaburg, Queensland. The service book notes the VIN as well as the engine number and therefore we can confirm that this car retains its original matching numbers engine.
The first entry in the service book is dated 22nd December 1987 stamped by John Cant Ferrari. The car did not stay in Queensland for long. It found its way down to Victoria in either late 1988 or early 1989. There is an entry in the service book for the 10,000 km service dated 15th February 1989 and that service was executed by Lance Dixon Saab-Ferrari in Melbourne. The subsequent 20,000 km service was executed by Lance Dixon on the 4th January 1990. This was an annual service based on time passed, not mileage.
This Ferrari 328 GTS then found its way to Sydney, NSW and to the suburb of Narrabeen on the northern beaches. The car was registered in NSW as JH326. The car was subsequently serviced by Scuderia Veloce Motors with numerous entries in the service book through until 2005. Italia Motori serviced the car in 2006 and again 2008. From 2009 through until 2022 the car was maintained by Cavallino Motorsport in Brookvale, Sydney.
The car changed hands in mid to late 2022 and its next owner used the car sparingly. As a result of a health issue he sold the car to Oldtimer Australia in June 2023. We had the car checked over and serviced. The work included a general service, timing belt service, the radiator was recored and overflow tank repaired. The car was quickly sold to one of our long standing clients based on the Gold Coast.
Today the odometer reads 60,459 km. This car has an impeccable service history which unequivocally confirms the mileage to be genuine.
The 308 GTB/GTS and 328 GTB/GTS is one of Ferraris most successful and recognisable models. There are lots of nice cars out there, but this is one is particularly good and it ticks all the boxes.
First impressions of this car are really good. This car has a real presence about it and everything is just so crisp and clean. The rosso corsa paint on the car is in very good condition. It may have had the odd touch up here and there, but it looks to be essentially original and beautifully preserved. It has retained a strong depth of colour and nice gloss finish. If you look underneath the car you will see the bottom of the front spoiler has a few chips and there are a few scrapes from unfriendly speed bumps! Even the underside is well presented for a 37 year old car. The prancing horse shields were added by us at the request of the current owner at the time of sale.
All of the external trim is similarly well presented. The iconic Ferrari and 328 badges are particularly well presented. The targa roof often shows wear on the GTS Ferraris, however, on this car is in excellent condition. There are no scratches, wear marks or any signs of discoloration. The glass is also in excellent condition. The rear window and the side windows appear to be all original. The front windscreen has probably been replaced at some stage. The round tail lights on a Ferrari 308/328 are a real feature and the lenses on this car are in very good condition. The same can be said of the headlights. The parking lights/indicator lenses are often cracked and/or show stone chips but on this car they are also in very good condition.
The original wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres all around. The fronts are 205/55 ZR 16, date stamped 0523 (week 5, 2023) and the rears are 225/50 R16, date stamped 1323 (week 13, 2023). The tyres were fitted when the current owner acquired the car and have only travelled 1,000 km. The wheels are in excellent condition with no signs of any curb rash or damage.
With the targa top removed, you are able see inside the cabin and like the exterior of this car first impressions of the interior are very positive. Open the door and you are welcomed by a very inviting interior. It is immediately obvious this is a very well cared for example. The seats are in very good condition and there are no cracks/tears in the leather or any obvious wear to the seat bolsters. The door cards, centre console and the dash all present beautifully. Even the carpets are in very good condition. Another indictor on how well an eighties Ferrari has been cared for is the condition and presentation of the switches on the centre console and in the doors. More often than not, including low mileage examples, you will often see that the symbols show signs of wear. Fortunately, on this car this is not the case. They present like new and appear to have hardly been used.
The front compartment is in excellent original condition. Most notably, the original plastic liner is not cracked or damaged as you often see on these cars. The spare wheel looks to have been sparingly used, if at all. The engine bay is also very original and very well presented. The devil is in the detail and all the finishes all look to be correct, the rosso corsa paint sticker on the underside of the engine cover is like new and the boot cover is in excellent condition with a working zipper.
With a car like this it is all about the drive and we cannot wait to take this 328 GTS out for our test drive. The car starts easily even from cold and quickly settles into a smooth idle. The engine sounds fabulous with a lovely exhaust note. Just sitting in the car waiting for the engine to warm up puts a smile on your face. Once the engine warms up and the temperature gauge starts to move, it is time to hit the road. The first task and a rather enjoyable one at that, is to select first gear in that shift gate. The clutch is light and notch . . . you are in gear and quickly away. Even if you could see nothing else you immediately know you are in a Ferrari!
Out on the road this car is a real pleasure to drive. Like all Ferraris of this period the gear change improves considerably as the car warms up to operating temperature. It is actually fine when cold, but it is an absolute delight once warm and the gear changes are smooth and precise. The engine revs willingly and there is loads of power on tap. The steering is direct and surprisingly light. The brakes stop the car quickly and in a straight line when needed. All the instruments in the car appear to be in good working order and the air conditioning has recently been regassed and it blows cold air.
All too soon our test drive comes to an end and we return the car to our showroom where it sits peacefully, eagerly awaiting its next owner.
This car has a complete book set, including a fully stamped service book, in its original pouch, a spare wheel, a tool kit (which still looks like new), a jack, the often missing courtesy light and the almost always missing targa top cover.
The current owner acquired this car back in August 2023, however, as a result of him losing his available storage space he has made the difficult decision to sell.
This car was last serviced less than 12 months ago, new Bridgestone tyres were recently fitted and this just stunning Ferrari 328 GTS is ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.
The Queensland private number plate 328 GTS is available to be purchased either separately or with the car.
Highlights:
- Australian delivered, factory right-hand drive, matching numbers example.
- Beautifully presented in the right colour scheme.
- Low mileage, with only c60,000km.
- Books, including a stamped service book, history file, spare wheel, tools, jack, courtesy light and targa top cover.
- All tags and stickers in place.
- Recently serviced and new tyres fitted.
- Beautifully presented and drives superbly.
Price $209,950
Background:
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferraris dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125 S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
The Ferrari road cars from the 1940s and early to mid-1950s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTEs were built from 1959 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250 LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3967cc capacity.
Ferraris iconic Dino was first shown to the world as a prototype at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. The car morphed into the 206 GT of which only 150 cars were built from 1967 to 1969. In 1969 the 246 GT was released, which whilst a similar looking car in many ways was actually quite different. The car sat 3 taller than its predecessor and the body was now built from steel. Mechanically the new car was powered by a 2418cc V6 engine. Enzo was keen to tackle Porsche head on and to do this he needed to increase production. The Dino was a hit and circa 4,000 of these cars (both the 246 GT and 246 GTS) were built from 1969 to 1974.
The Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, essentially to replace the 246 Dino GT. The car was designed to fit between the top of the range 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer and 2+2 308 GT/4. The car was released to critical acclaim and its sweeping Pininfarina design was admired by everyone who laid eyes on it. Originally the car was manufactured with a glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass) body to keep the weight down and it was powered by a three litre V8 engine with a dry sump. Only circa 800 fibreglass cars were built before Ferrari reverted to a more conventional steel body construction in 1977. Most markets also reverted to having a wet sump engine. In 1977 Ferrari introduced the 308 GTS, which was essentially the same car with a targa roof. The car was made famous through its appearance on the TV show Magnum PI. The model evolved into the 308 GTBi / 308 GTSi in 1980 when Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection replaced the traditional Weber carburettors. Two years later thefour valves per cylinder Quattrovalvole or QV was introduced. The 308 was an incredible success and circa 12,000 cars were built from 1975 to 1985 before the 328 was introduced.
The 328 GTB / GTS was essentially an updated version of the 308 with the same engine as its predecessor, but with an increased capacity of 3,185 cc. The styling remained similar though its overall profile was somewhat softer and the car featured colour coded front and rear bumpers. By mid-1988 ABS brakes were available and these cars were fitted with convex shaped wheels. Interestingly 328 GTS production out numbered 328 GTB production by a factor of five to one.
In total Ferrari built 7,412 328s, comprising 6,068 328 GTS and 1,344 328 GTBs throughout 4 years of production.

1987 FERRARI 328GTS

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1997 Ferrari F355 Spider equipped with the highly desirable 6-speed manual gearbox.
The car was delivered to its first owner, Mr Christopher Chronis, a well-known Melbourne fashion designer through Ferrari dealer Lance Dixon in Richmond, Victoria on the 16th May 1997. The second owner of the car also lived in Melbourne and used the car sparingly throughout his ownership.
The current owner acquired the car in 2022 and at that time the odometer read 39,375 km.
The car has its original books, including a fully stamped service book. Lance Dixon Ferrari maintained the car from new through until 2003. Cavalli Motorsport then serviced the car until 2016. In 2019 the car was serviced by Prestige City Garage and the last service was completed by Sports & Classic Car Services in July 2022. This was a cam belt service and at that time the odometer read 39,381 km.
Today the odometer reads 40,903 km.
This F355 was produced in an era of red Ferraris, so it is so refreshing to have this car finished in Giallo Modena (colour code FER 102 D.S). And what a fabulous colour . . . it brings out all the lines on the car and creates a perfect contrast with the black soft top. For the anoraks out there Giallo Modena is also the colour of the city of Modena, where Ferrari was founded. Walking around the car you cant help but being impressed with how well these F355s have aged. They still have an amazing presence.
Whilst Ferrari F355s are not super rare, finding a good example is getting harder and harder as these cars age. What we have here is an excellent example. The paint on the car is immaculate and it is hard to believe that it is almost 30 years old! It retains a strong depth of colour and deep gloss finish. You have to look hard to find any imperfections in the paint. The external trim is minimalistic, but all of the lights, lenses, badges etc are similarly well presented. The wheels are also in very good condition, with the only noticeable blemish being a very small mark on the left front wheel. The front wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres, size 235/40 ZR 18. These are date stamped 1317 (week 13, 2017). The rear wheels are also shod with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres but in the size 295/35 ZR18. These are date stamped 4919 (week 49, 2019). Both the front and rear tyres are in good condition.
The soft top on the car is in excellent condition and the mechanism to open and close it works well. The soft top tonneau cover is with the car, it fits well and is in good condition.
Inside the cabin everything is how you expect it to be based on the exterior presentation of the car. The seats present well and there are no rips or tears in the leather. They are comfortable and provide ample support. All the instruments are clear and appear to be in good working order. The switches on the dashboard and the centre console are not sticky as is often the case with Italian cars from this period. Even the carpets are in good condition.
It is very easy to find a comfortable driving position behind the wheel of a Ferrari F355. These car look fantastic but they are also ergonomically very good. They are also very rewarding to drive and offer exhilarating performance. This car is equipped with an immobiliser, so to start you turn the ignition on, then press the button on the remote control and wait for the red light in the middle of the dashboard to stop blinking. Then you turn the key further to start the car. It starts easily, even from cold, and then quickly settles into a smooth idle. The Ferrari F355 is often regarded as one of the best sounding Ferraris. The exhaust note is all performance and you cant help but smile as you sit patiently waiting for the engine to warm up. When ready to go, you notch the gear lever into first and gently edge the car out onto the street. It immediately become obvious that this is a great drivers car. The engine revs freely and it has almost instant throttle response. The gearbox is smooth andprecise with just the right feel. It really just begs you to keep changing up and down because you can! The steering is surprisingly light and very direct. With electrifying performance on tap it is reassuring to know the brakes are up to the task and pull the car up efficiently and in a straight line. In summary, this car is an absolute delight to drive!
Obviously, we put the top down for our test drive to our photo shoot location. Even with the top down it is surprisingly quiet inside the cabin and you can easily have a conversation with your passenger.
The Ferrari F355 is what we consider a true modern classic. In our opinion it is one of best looking modern Ferraris. It is a fantastic drivers car and for us a manual gearbox is a must, yet this is also a car that could be used as a daily driver if one desired.
And yes, before you ask the car retains its original matching numbers engine.
Accompanying the car is a complete book set (minus the torch) including a fully stamped service book and the original toolkit.
Highlights:
- Australian delivered, factory right-hand drive, matching numbers example.
- Beautifully presented in a great colour scheme.
- Low mileage, with only 40,903km.
- Books, including a stamped service book and original tool kit
- All tags and stickers in place.
- Beautifully presented and drives superbly.
Price $229,950
Background:
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferraris dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125 S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
The Ferrari road cars from the 1940s and early to mid-1950s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTEs were built from 1959 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250 LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3,967cc capacity.
The Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, essentially to replace the 246 Dino GT. The car was designed to fit between the top of the range 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer and 2+2 308 GT/4. In 1977 Ferrari introduced the 308 GTS, which was essentially the same car with a targa roof. The car was made famous through its appearance on the TV show Magnum PI. The model evolved into the 308 GTBi / 308 GTSi in 1980 when Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection replaced the traditional Weber carburettors. Two years later the four valves per cylinder Quattrovalvole or QV was introduced. The 308 was an incredible success and circa 12,000 cars were built from 1975 to 1985 before the 328 was introduced.
The 328 GTB / GTS was essentially an updated version of the 308 with the same engine as its predecessor, but with an increased capacity of 3,185 cc. Interestingly 328 GTS production out numbered 328 GTB production by a factor of five to one.
In total Ferrari built 7,412 328s, comprising 6,068 328 GTS and 1,344 328 GTBs throughout 4 years of production.
The 348 TB and TS replaced the 328 in 1989 and remained in production through until 1995 when it was replaced by the F355. The 348 today is not recognised as being one of Ferraris finest, however, this is probably unfair as the 348 was a great success and in total 8,844 cars were produced throughout the six years of production.
The F355 was first introduced in May 1994 and it was a game changer. It bought a fresh look and an upgraded engine. It became the first Ferrari to be fitted with a 5 valve cylinder head. It remained in production through until 1999 and in total 11,273 were produced before it was superseded by the Ferrari 360.
The Ferrari F355 was offered in three body styles, being the coupe (F355 Berlinetta), targa (F355 GTS) and convertible (F355 Spider).

1997 FERRARI F355 Spider

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