OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this magnificent Maserati 450S recreation.
The current owner is a real enthusiast and has owned some of the worlds great cars. He has a passion for sports racing cars from the 1950s and 1960s and in 2011 decided he needed a Maserati 450S!
He engaged the services of well respected classic car restoration specialists Historic and Vintage Restoration (HVR) in Melbourne and the journey began.
First step was to source a suitable engine to power the car. Obviously, it had to be a Maserati engine. A decision was made to use a Tipo AM107 engine from a 1960s Maserati Quattroporte. The engine was completely stripped by HVR and every element was tested and what needed to be replaced was replaced. When the time came to put the engine back together it was not simply rebuilt the way it was. The owner wanted the engine to look like it would have looked in period. It was modified to have twin plug ignition with a distributor for each bank. The block was also bored out to 5.0 litres. The Weber carburettors were modified and fitted with polished velocity stacks. They have the correct sand cast look. The owner did not go as far as converting the engine to dry sump, however, a correct dry sump tank is fitted in the rear of the car next to the beautiful riveted aluminium fuel tank (fitted with a fuel cell) to complete the look.
The remainder of the running gear came from a modern Maserati 4200, modified to look period correct. It is a six speed gearbox and transaxle which, inside the car, is beautifully disguised to look like a 5 speed gearbox with reverse. Giant, period correct, finned drum brakes are fitted all around.
The front suspension is a classic double-wishbone set-up. On the rear it has the De Dion rear end with transverse leaf springs which are polished steel as per original.
The body and chassis were made in Argentina by Nestor Solerno who is well known for making museum quality recreations. In fact, several of his cars are on display in the Fangio Museum in Buenos Aires.
When the body arrived in Australia HVR checked it and then had it painted by Resurrection Auto Restorers in Melbourne.
The project was finished in 2014 and the car has been used sporadically since. It has made appearances at the 2014 and 2015 Australian Grand Prix and several other events.
It was featured in Issue 367 the September 2014 issue of Unique Cars magazine when John Bowe tested it alongside a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Recreation, then belonging to the same owner. The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, which used a 1960 Ferrari 250 GTE as its donor car, has just been sold by Oldtimer Australia.
Like all nine original 450S built by Maserati, this car is right hand drive.
Walking up to the car you cannot help but being impressed with its presence. This car is stunning and its proportions are just right. Once of the first things you will notice are the ceramic coated exhausts on either side of the car. They immediately tell you this car means business.
Whilst it has been a few years now since the build of this car was completed it still presents exceptionally well. The paint has retained a deep gloss with a strong depth of colour. The car has been used from time to time as its makers intended and as a result when you look closely you will find some small imperfections. All the panel gaps are excellent.
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 handles to secure the boot and the bonnet as well as the windscreen which wraps around the cockpit and continues on top of the doors.
The car is fitted with genuine Borrani 16×4½ wire wheels at the front (16×5½ rear) which are shod with soft compound Dunlop Racing tyres size 6.0 16 at the front (6.5 16 rear). The wheels are all in excellent condition.
To get into the car you have to reach over the side screens and pull the leather cord on the inside of the door to open it. The interior itself is very minimalistic as one would expect. It is after all a race car. The seats are covered in period correct leather and are firm and relatively comfortable. Both seats are fitted with a five point harness. The small dashboard in front of you is basic but equipped with enough gauges to give you all the information you need. Right in front of you is the all important tacho. There is also a GPS speedo installed, however, on our most recent test drive that was not working.
We love the exposed chassis frame inside the car, which is a real feature of this era of racing Maseratis.
From the moment this car arrived at our showroom we were just that little bit excited to get behind the wheel. Starting the car is easy. There is a battery isolator key which is conveniently located inside the cabin and within easy reach of the driver. Starting is essentially the same as any other classic Maserati. It is as simple as inserting the key into the ignition and turning the ignition on. You will then hear the fuel pumps starting to pump fuel into the carburettors. After waiting for say fifteen seconds (which seemed more like 15 minutes!), you press the starter button. The big V8 bursts to live almost immediately with an almighty roar. You have to use the throttle to warm the engine up but that doesnt take too long and it quickly settles into a smooth idle. It immediately becomes clear that this engine means business. The engine sounds great and the exhaust note is simply amazing.
The gearbox has a normal shift pattern with first gear being left and forward. Once comfortable in the car and all buckled up it is time to hit the road. We select first gear and ever so cautiously inch the car out of our show room. Trying to be discrete is impossible. Passerbys, hearing the noise, immediately turned their heads the moment the car got onto the road. First impressions are that this car is surprisingly easy to drive. The gearbox is an absolute delight and with a relatively short shift the gear changes both up and down the box are easy and smooth.
Once the engine warmed up and we felt comfortable with the car we were able to find a quiet piece of road to see what this could do. Needless to say, we couldnt test its full potential. For that you need a race track, but what we can say is the car is an absolute delight to drive with more than enough power. The big Maserati V8 also has plenty of torque. The car weighs less than 1,000 kg and according to HVR the engine has around 350hp and 350nm of torque.
The brakes take a little bit of getting used to as they are drums. But once you realise that you just have to apply a bit more pressure on the peddle they do pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
It is not often a car like this becomes available on the Australian market. Given it was built in Australia makes it even more special.
This truly is a unique opportunity to own a recreation of a fantastic race car from the late 1950s. Accompanying the car is a history file of the invoices and photos from the build. There is also a spare wheel and a (modern) jack.
Highlights:
- Built by respected classic car restoration specialists (HVR) in Melbourne.
- Accurate aluminium body built by Nestor Solerno in Argentina.
- Powered by 5.0 Litre Maserati V8 engine.
- Beautifully presented.
- An absolute delight to drive.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $399,950
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.
The Maserati 250F is unique among Grand Prix cars, as it has longevity that has spanned seven years of racing from 1954 through until 1960. The 250F was first raced at the Argentinian Grand Prix in January 1954 by Juan Manuel Fangio. After qualifying third Fangio went on to win the race. Another famous driver who raced the 250F in 1954 was Stirling Moss. Moss also won several races in the 250F. In 1957 at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring Fangio overcame a 48 second deficit in 22 laps to win the race. In 22 laps he broke the lap record 10 times. The 250F was crucially important in carrying Juan Manuel Fangio to two of his five World Championship winning seasons, in 1954 and 1957. The Maserati 250F is motor racing royalty and in total 26 examples were built.
In 1955 Maserati introduced the Maserati 300S. This car was designed to compete in the FIA World Sportscar Championship. In total 26 were produced between 1955 and 1956.
The 300S was superseded by the 350S, but only 3 of them were produced before it was superseded by the Maserati 450S.
Initially, development of the 450S started in 1954 under the code name Tipo 54. However, after a catastrophic crash at Le Mans in 1955 the project was shelved. It was not until 1956 that the project was revived. The body was designed by Medardo Fantuzzi. It was powered by a 4,477cc V8 with four IDM Weber carburettors and double overhead camshafts. It produced 400hp at 7,200rpm.
Between 1956 and 1962, the Maserati 450S won an impressive 31 races from 119 appearances. Amongst others, the 450S was raced by Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio and Caroll Shelby.
In total 9 were built.

MASERATI 450S RECREATION

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, magnificently restored Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
This car is well known to Oldtimer Australia, having been sold by us to its current owner back in August 2015.
This is a UK delivered factory right hand drive example that was sold through Brooklands to Messrs Carr & Co Ltd of Shirley, Birmingham in the UK. The car was delivered new on the 25th March 1955. It was finished in blue haze with a blue leather interior. The soft top was grey plastic with a fawn headliner.
Incredibly, the previous owner of the car was distantly related to its first owner Mr Neville Carr (his wifes great uncle) and according to history he was the black sheep of the family. Having a reputation as somewhat of a rogue and playboy he is understood to have used the car as it was intended . . . and that was to drive it, hard! Mr Carr was an amateur racing driver and living family members recall him driving the car in numerous sprint and hill climb events, including Prescott. The car travelled circa 30,000 miles in its first five years of ownership! Carr owned the car until circa 1960.
According to the factory documentation, a replacement rear axle was fitted on the 25th May 1955 (@ 4,181 miles) and a replacement engine was fitted on the 21st August 1959 (@ 27,608 miles). This work was undertaken by Aston Martin. The mileage is noted as 38,772 on 19th June 1960 when the car was serviced by Aston Martin.
The factory documentation also notes subsequent owners as a Mr D Conyers Esq of 18 Egerton Garden Mews SW3 (London) and in 1982 RL MacKenzie from Houghton in South Africa.
Jaguar works racing driver Peter Sutcliffe spent significant time in South Africa whilst motor racing in the early 1960s and it is understood that he acquired the car in the UK and shipped it to South Africa to use when he was there. It is probable that he bought the car off Conyers.
According to a hand written letter on the file the car was subsequently acquired by an Attorney who lived in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. In 1977 the car was discovered in Elandsfontein (Johannesburg) by a Mr Mike Spencer. It was in generally poor condition and Spencer spent the next two years generally improving the car to a roadworthy condition. The car was then sold to RL MacKenzie in 1982.
The previous owner acquired the car from MacKenzie in April 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa and used it until early 1990 before deciding to take it off the road and restore it. As a senior mining industry executive his career took priority over cars and the to be restored Aston Martin travelled with his family across the world, firstly to the USA in 1990 and then to Australia in 1997
It wasnt until 2011 that the car was finally placed with a specialist to be restored. That task was entrusted to Jaguar and Aston Martin specialists, Concours Sportscar Restoration in Tuggerah just north of Sydney.
The car underwent a concours standard nut and bolt restoration and it was painstakingly restored to its former glory over a three year period.
The body was in reasonably good condition, however, it was fitted with a new boot skin, door skins and repairs were completed to both rear wheel arches during restoration.
Every mechanical component was disassembled and either refurbished or replaced. All of the instruments were refurbished. All of the bright work has been re-chromed and the trim restored. The interior and soft top have been completely retrimed to the highest standard.
The car has been restored in its original colour scheme of blue haze with a blue leather interior. The previous owner opted to have the soft top finished in blue rather than the original grey which really suits the car.
When the current owner acquired the car in 2015 the restoration had only just been completed. Therefore, it required some post restoration bugs to be ironed out, which was undertaken by the Classic Car Clinic at Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast.
This car is part of a significant Aston Martin collection and it has been kept in a climate controlled garage over the last 10 years. It has only been used sparingly in that time and today the odometer reads 1,076 miles, which is the mileage that the car has travelled since it was restored.
The car was exhibited at Motorclassica in October 2015, where it was incredibly well received. At that time Motorclassica was Australias leading classic car show and concours delegance.
Even though it has been some 10 years now since the restoration was completed, this Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe still presents as a freshly restored car. In fact, its presentation would be better than the day its restoration was completed, given the owners pedantic nature and attention to detail.
This car is simply magnificent and must be one of the best surviving examples of this highly sought after and collectible Aston Martin in the world.
Timeless elegance is perfectly embodied by the Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupé. Finished in its original colour scheme of blue haze with a blue leather interior, the colour combination beautifully enhances the cars presence. The deep blue paintwork is in exceptional condition, presenting as though it were applied yesterday, with a mirror like finish that retains remarkable depth and high gloss. The bright work and painted wire wheels provide a striking contrast to the bodywork, completing the cars outstanding presentation.
The painted wheels are like new and are shod with period correct Dunlop Road Speed tyres size 6.0H16.
The external trim is minimalistic and quite delicate. Its noted feature is the horizontal slatted trade marque DB2 front grill. All the bright work on the car is, as one would expect, in beautiful condition. The same can be said for all the lights and lenses, which present similarly well. The glass is also in excellent condition with no scratches evident.
The interior of this car is equally stunning as the exterior. Everything essentially presents like new. The leather upholstery, which is soft and supple, is free from blemishes. The seats are comfortable and provide ample support. The wooden dashboard is understated yet elegant and presents exceptionally well. All the instruments are crisp and clear, and during our test drive they appeared to be in proper working order. The carpets likewise present as new, completing the cabins refined appearance.
The car has never seen rain since it was restored and the soft top has only ever been raised for cleaning and photos! It also presents like new.
We were keen to discover whether the car would drive as well as it looks. It starts easily, even from cold, and quickly settles into a smooth, steady idle. As with all cars of this vintage, allowing a brief warm-up before setting off is advisable. Once on the road, the car does not disappoint. The engine revs freely and feels strong, the gear changes are smooth, and it keeps pace effortlessly with modern traffic. The suspension is firm yet compliant, absorbing road imperfections with ease, while the brakes bring the car to a confident, straight stop when required.
Whilst the car has been used sparingly in the last 10 years, it has been regularly maintained by the Classic Car Clinic and in more recent times by SJ Classics.
A thick and expansive history file accompanies the car, including a copy of the original factory records, documentation from its time in the UK and South Africa, as well as extensive documentation, receipts and photographs from the restoration. The car has its original jack and foot pump in the boot, a mallet and crank handle mounted under the bonnet in the engine bay, as well as a spare wheel under the boot floor. There is also a full set of tools in the tray under the centre console between the front seats.
It would be hard to find a better Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe anywhere in the world. This car is simply STUNNING in every regard and it is a credit to its current and previous owners as well as the team at Concours Sportscar Restoration.
Simply the best!
Highlights:
- a magnificent early Aston Martin.
- rare car, being 1 of 102 examples built.
- beautifully restored by Concours Sportscar Restoration.
- Stunning original colour scheme.
- ready to show, use and enjoy.
The price is AUD $749,950.
Background
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drophead coupes. Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2,922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more room withtwo small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II. The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959.
The Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe, particularly with its soft top down, is arguably the most elegant of the DB2/4 range. There were only 101 DB2/4 Drophead Coupe Mk Is and 17 or 18 DB2/4 Drophead Coupe Mk IIs.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

ASTON MARTIN DB2/4

Details
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1976 Lamborghini Urraco P300.
Lamborghini built only 205 Urraco P300s of which it is understood that 34 were right hand drive. There were only 12 Australian delivered cars, making this a very unique example.
According to the Lamborghini factory records, this car was completed on the 8th November 1976. The car was originally giallo fly (yellow - paint code 2469019) with a nero (black) interior.
This car has an excellent history file, including its book set which contains the owners manual, service & warranty book and dealer directory in a Lamborghini leather pouch. There is also the original sales invoice, noting that the car was sold by Lolita Automobili Developments in Sydney to its first owner Mr MA Broso from Junee, just north of Wagga Wagga, NSW on the 8th May 1978.
The car was featured in issue #6 January February 1996 of the Lamborghini Club of Australias club magazine The Bulls Roar. In that article it is mentioned the car was on display at the Lolita stand at the 1978 Sydney International Motor Show. The article goes on to mention the car was initially intended to be the first prize in a Weet-Bix promotion and it was painted entirely yellow with a silly rear wing bolted on. The Weet-Bix promotion fell through and before the car went to its first owner the wing was removed.
The service book notes that the car was first serviced in February 1979 at 926 km (1,000 km service) and next in June 1982 at 5,242 km (5,000 km service). At that time the car was still owned by Broso.
By 1987 the car had changed hands and into the ownership of Ian Minter from Sydney. It was registered as LU300 (NSW). Minter had the car regularly service by Lolita Automobile Developments. An invoice from February 1990 notes the mileage as 19,962 km.
Minter sold the car through John McGrath & Co mid 1993 to a well known Sydney based Lamborghini enthusiast and at that time the odometer showed a genuine 26,000 km. The registration LU300 (NSW) was transferred with the car.
In 1996 the car changed hands, joining the collection of another Sydney based enthusiast and at that time the odometer read 36,463 km. Immediately after purchasing the car the registration was changed to the NSW private plate 2255. Additionally, its new owner chose to have the chrome window trims and door handles painted black, which gives the car a more aggressive look. He also had seats fitted from a Lamborghini Silhouette. These were retrimmed and there is an invoice on file from Clifford Powell in Darlinghurst in Sydney dated 21st September 1996.
The car remained in continuous ownership for the next 20 years, during which time it was used sparingly, travelling some 4,000 km.
By 2018 the car had found its way to Victoria. There is a Victorian certificate of roadworthiness on file dated 7th June 2018 which notes the odometer as 40,240 km. It has passed through a few owners in Melbourne before being acquired by its current Melbourne based owner just over two years ago.
Today the odometer reads 40,701 km.
The car makes an excellent first impression.
The Lamborghini Urraco is a stunning Bertone design and the shape carries colour extremely well. Most Lamborghinis look fabulous in yellow, however, it really does suit the Urraco. On this car, the yellow paint contrasts nicely with the black bumpers, louvers, window trims and engine cover.
The paint is in a really good condition. It has retained a strong depth of colour and high gloss finish. There are some very small and minor imperfections in the paint but you have to look hard to find them. Most noticeable is a small chip on the edge of the drivers door.
The external trim and the glass present well and the Lamborghini, Urraco and Bertone badges are present and correct. We love the In Rodaggio sticker on the front windscreen.
The Campagnolo wheels are in good condition with only a few small marks on them. They are shod with period correct Michelin XWX tyres size 205/70 VR14. They are date stamped 1115 (week 11, 2015) and are still in excellent condition. There is also an original spare wheel with the car.
The interior presents really well and being a 2+2 the cabin is quite spacious. The front seats are comfortable and provide ample support. The fabric is in a good condition with no rips or tears present. The rear seats have probably never been used and they along with the door cards and centre console present nicely. The dashboard, which looks to be original, also presents well. All the instruments are clean, clear and appear to be in a good working order. Urraco is stencilled on the gear shifter gate surround, which is just so period Italian. The steering wheel is showing some signs of wear but a good leather doctor could easily bring it up a level or two. The car is fitted with air conditioning and it was working well on our recent test drive, though do not expect the same performance as in a modern day car.
We do have a soft spot for the V8 Lamborghinis (the Urraco, Silhouette and Jalpa) and from the moment this car arrived at our showroom we were genuinely excited to find out if it drove as good as it looks. When the time came to take the car out for a photo shoot and test drive, we were not to be disappointed.
The car starts easily, even from cold and quickly settles into a smooth idle. That V8 sound is quite something and it is one of those things that if you know you know! Out on the open road our first impressions are confirmed. This car drives superbly. The engine revs freely, the throttle response is almost instant and the car just wants to go. The gearbox is often a weak point on a Urraco, especially when its cold. Shifting into second gear can often be difficult, but not on this car. The gear changes are smooth, both up and down the box, even when cold. Once it warms up it only gets better. The car handles superbly and the steering is quite direct. The brakes also work very well and pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed. Having period correct tyres on the car just adds to the look and also the driving experience.
As noted in our background story below, Mel Nichols wrote in the July - September 1976 issue of Sports Car World magazine . . . I was not hard pressed to conclude that the Urraco 3-litre is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven.
We understand why!
The current owner has recently had a change of direction with his car collection and therefore reluctantly decided to sell a few cars, including this Lamborghini Urraco P300.
As a result, we are delighted to offer a unique opportunity to acquire a rare and highly desirable junior supercar. These V8 bulls from SantAgata fly under the radar compared to their big brother V12s . . . but for how much longer?
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file, including its book set which contains the owners manual, service & warranty book and dealer directory in a Lamborghini leather pouch as well as a spare wheel.
Highlights:
Rare 3.0 litre Urraco
Australian delivered, factory RHD, matching numbers example
Excellent history file with original service book
Ready to use and enjoy
Price $249,950.
Background
The Lamborghini story is fascinating in itself, but for the company to have survived all these years and indeed celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2013 is quite amazing. Ferruccio Lamborghini was an entrepreneur, a very successful businessman and a lover of the finer things in life, including sports cars. He was fortunate enough to own some wonderful cars including Ferraris however, he found fault with them all. According to the legend following a meeting with Enzo Ferrari to discuss some of the short comings of his cars Enzo dismissed Ferruccio and he subsequently decided that he could build a better car.
Not long after, in May 1963, Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SPA was established and the small town of Sant'Agata Bolognese, located between Modena and Bologna, was chosen as the location to build the factory. Born under the Zodiac sign Taurus Lamborghini chose the raging bull as the emblem for his sports cars.
Lamborghini knew what he wanted and he put together a highly skilled team. His first car the 350 GTV was shown at the Turin Motor Show in October 1963. This car received mixed reviews; however, Lamborghini was not deterred and made a number of improvements and design changes to the original concept. The first Lamborghini production car the 350 GT left the factory in mid-1964.
The 350 GT evolved into the 400 GT 2+2 and later the Islero. In parallel to building these classic front engine V12 GT cars Lamborghini wanted to build a super car, enter the Miura first shown as a rolling chassis in 1965, and also a GT car that could comfortably seat four people, enter the Espada in 1968. The mid to late sixties were good times for Lamborghini and his cars were revered the world over.
In 1970 the Islero was replaced by the Jarama. Lamborghini also wanted to enter the junior supercar market and introduced the Urraco or little bull, named for the fighting bull which killed the toreador Manoleten, at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. The Urraco attracted huge interest from the motoring world and Bertones classic wedge shape received critical acclaim at the time.
It wasnt until some two years later, in 1972, that the first production cars rolled off the Sant Agata production line. Lamborghini hoped to build the Urraco in big numbers, however, this never eventuated and only 520 of the P250s were built up until 1975 when the P300 was released. The world economy changed quickly and the early 1970s were a tough time for Lamborghini. Additionally, the Urraco had some teething problems early on and the car unfortunately developed a reputation as unreliable. This was perhaps unfair as once Lamborghini ironed out the bugs the car was in fact a little gem and properly sorted was a genuine threat to Ferraris 308, Maseratis Merak and the Porsche 911 of the day. The Urraco P300 was indeed a fabulous little car and in Sports Car World magazine July September 1976 Mel Nichols wrote: . . . I was not hard pressed to conclude that the Urraco 3-litre is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. In the October 1978 issue of Car Magazine Nichols pits the Lamborghini Urracoagainst a Ferrari 308 GTB and a Maserati Merak SS. The article is compelling reading and Nichols picks the Urraco as his favourite.
Only 205 Urraco P300s were built. Lamborghini also built 66 Urraco P200s (with a 2 litre V8 engine) specifically for the Italian market.

LAMBORGHINI URRACO P300

Details
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a stunning and unique 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster.
By the mid to late 1980s Porsche realised that other prestige car manufacturers were doing very well selling limited edition and special versions of their cars. Porsches answer was to bring back the iconic Speedster. Two prototypes were built for internal review and soon after the green light was given to show the car at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. The public reaction was extremely positive and deposits came flooding in. Twelve months later, at the 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche introduced the production version of the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster.
Speedster production ran from January to September of 1989 and in total 2,104 examples were produced. Like the original Speedster, Porsches target market was the USA and as a result only 139 right hand drive examples were built. Notably, the majority of the cars built were Turbo body look (Option 491 Super Sport Equipment).
The car on offer is one of the rare factory right hand drive examples. This UK delivered car has the more desirable and more powerful 231 hp engine. It is presented today as it left the factory in 1989 with silver metallic paint (paint code S7), black soft top (V9), black leather interior (ATG), recoil bumpers (058), passenger sport seat electric height adjustment (383), driver sport seat electric height adjustment (387), deletion of front and rear Spoiler (470), super sport equipment (491), amplifier system (494) and luggage compartment trimmed in black velour carpet (975). The car is currently fitted with Porsche classic radio navigation system.
This car was delivered new on 1st August 1989 though Porsche dealer Chariots St Albans Ltd in St Albans, UK. Interestingly, the dealership was owned by Tom Walkinshaw of the TWR Group.
Over the next six years the car was used on a regular basis and by March 1995 the odometer had clocked 39,964 miles. During this time it was routinely serviced by the delivering dealer. Subsequently the car was used sparingly, travelling only 20,000 miles in the next 30 years. Importantly, it was always consistently serviced as confirmed by the service book.
In late 2017 the car was given to Porsche specialist Paul Stephens in Halstead, Essex, UK for a major refurbishment. The invoices on file note the mileage as 56,446 miles at that time.
Cosmetically, the car was stripped back to bare metal and repainted in its original colour, new window seals were installed and the stone guards were replaced.
Mechanically, the engine was cleaned and all ancillaries were removed and restored, all metal components in the engine bay were polished, a new exhaust system was fitted, corroded oil pipes were replaced, new shock absorbers were installed, the suspension was refurbished with new bushes, bearings etc, any parts which needed to be replated were replated, perished hoses and brake lines were replaced and all brake callipers were refurbished. Electrically, a new fuse box was installed.
The cars then owner decided to lower the ride height by 20mm, install a replacement chip giving the car more torque and install a Porsche classic radio navigation system.
In total some £46,000 was spent on the car and as you will see from the photos, the end result is simply STUNNING!
This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster was subsequently purchased by an Australian on 6th August 2020 and at that time it had 57,000 miles on the odometer. There is an import approval on file for the car dated 10th September 2020. The car subsequently arrived into Melbourne, Australia in November 2020.
The car was shortly thereafter registered in Victoria.
The car was beautifully presented, however, its then owner wanted to take it to the next level. In August 2021 it was taken to Cairns Classic Modern Porsche Services in Hallam, Victoria who refurbished the Fuchs wheels and installed a new antenna. They also removed the seats for the owner who had them refurbished.
The current owner acquired the car back in April 2022 but he has only used it occasionally. He has recently had a change of direction with his collection and therefore reluctantly decided to sell a few cars, including this Speedster.
We have a soft spot for the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and havent had a Speedster for sale for some time. We think, given their rarity, they are a fantastic example of a collectible limited edition or special version sports car that is relatively affordable compared to its Italian rivals.
When this car arrived at our showroom our first reaction was . . . WOW! And how good does it look in silver! We of course had to park it next to our 1958 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Speedster and the ancestry is plain to see. The shape of the windscreen is the elephant in the room, but the resemblance of the cars is uncanny.
A 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster has an incredible presence and it is a car that looks amazing from every angle.
On this particular car, the condition of the paint is excellent. It has a strong depth of colour and a deep gloss finish. We think silver metallic is a great colour for any 911 but it is just stunning for a 911 Speedster! It brings out all the lines and contours as well as contrasts perfectly with the black interior and the black accents on the car. We struggled to find any paint imperfections, other than one very small scratch on both sides on the top of the body near the B pillar where the soft top cover comes down. There is also some light gravel rash on the bottom of the sill at the front of the rear wheel arches. The black rubber strips in and on top of the bumpers often discolour on 911s of this period but on this car they are in excellent condition.
The same can be said for the rest of the external trim, including the lights and lenses. They are all in excellent condition with no cracks evident. Even the reflective strip between the tail lights presents like new.
The wheels were refurbished just over four years ago, however, the car has hardly been driven since. As a result they are in excellent condition with no marks or evidence of any kerb rash. They are shod with Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres size 205/55 VR15 at the front and 245/45 VR16 on the rear which are date stamped 1819 (week 19. 2019). All four tyres are in excellent condition.
Inside the cabin, the interior is in exceptional condition. With the top down on warm summers evening it is just THE place to be! The black upholstery presents beautifully, with the slightest wear evident on the drivers seat bolster and aging of the leather. The seats are comfortable and provide ample support. There are no rear seats in a 911 Carrera Speedster. It is strictly a two seater car and behind the seats youll find a small storage area. The dash and steering wheel are similarly well presented. All the instruments are clean and work the way they should. Two aftermarket USB charging ports have been installed on top of the centre console, but these are easy to remove should the cars new owner decide to do so. Yes, the car does have a soft top, which is of course for emergency purposes only. It is actually more functional than you may think and it is easily accessible from behind the seats under the fibreglass cover. It is generally in very good condition, though we did notice a small tear onthe left rear bottom corner.
Being a UK delivered car you would have every right to be concerned as to how it presents underneath. We are pleased to confirm that this car is as clean underneath as it is on top. The underside received as much attention if not more when all the work was done by Paul Stephens back in 2017. There is no doubt this car presents better than most Australian delivered cars we have seen.
This car presents beautifully and we are pleased to report that it drives every bit as good as it looks!
The car starts easily, even from cold and quickly settles into a smooth idle. Out on the open road this car is a real delight to drive. It is hard to believe that it is actually 36 years old. It is easy to drive and everything feels just right. The engine has plenty of power on tap and it responds to the slightest touch of the throttle and the G50 gearbox is smooth, easy to use and precise. We love the feel of this car through the direct and very responsive steering. The ride is slightly stiffer than usual courtesy of the lowered suspension, but it is not uncomfortable. The brakes easily pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when necessary.
Porsche 911s of this era are so easy to live with and so easy to drive it is no surprise there are still plenty of people out there who use them as a daily driver. Yet at the same time they are exhilarating and this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster is about as good as it gets from this era of Porsche.
At time of photographing, the odometer read 59,706 miles. The service book and MOT records on file confirm the mileage is genuine.
Accompanying the car is its original book set, tool kit, jack and unused space saver spare wheel.
Highlights:
- An iconic, rare and collectible Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 variant.
- One of only 139 RHD versions built.
- Matching numbers and presented in its original and STUNNING colour scheme.
- In excellent condition.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $399,950.
Background
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsches son. Ferdinand junior, or Ferry as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmündbefore relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany. The rest they say is history as the 356 evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built. A hard act to follow indeed . . . but its replacement, the Porsche 911 went on to become a legend!
The evolution of the Porsche 911 is probably the greatest sports car story of all time. First introduced in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and then designated as a 901, the successor to the 356 took the world by storm. To avoid conflict with Peugeot, who claimed exclusive rights to car names with three digits having a zero in the middle, the car was renamed as 911. The first production 911 was built in 1964 and it was powered by an air cooled 1991cc 6-cylinder engine. The car evolved with increases in engine capacity to 2.2 litres, 2.4 litres, 2.7 litres, 3.0 litres and 3.3 litres. There were styling changes also, but one always recognised the car as a 911. Today the first series of 911s is recognised as the cars built from 1963 to 1989 and include the very popular Porsche 911 and 930 Turbo models. Of these the small bumper or pre impact bumper cars built up to 1973 are today regarded as the real classic 911, however, that comes at a price. In the last few years astute collectors and enthusiastshave seen great value in 1970s and 1980s model 911s.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was introduced in 1983 as a successor to the 911SC. Interestingly, it was the first time the Carrera name had been used since 1977. Visually the new car was similar to its successor, both internally and externally. The major change to the new car was its engine. Whilst based on the SCs 3.0 litre power plant, Porsche claimed the 911 Carrera engine was 80 per cent new. The capacity was increased to 3164cc and a revised piston design increased the compression ratio to 10.3:1 on all but North American cars. But the Carreras main innovation was its Bosch Motronic 2 engine management system. This was the first production 911 to feature an ECU to control the ignition and fuel systems. In addition, the fuel injection was updated to Bosch LE-Jetronic and the induction and exhaust systems were revised.
The upshot of these improvements was that power rose to 231 bhp at 5900 rpm, with torque hitting 284 Nm at 4800rpm. Porsche claimed fuel consumption to be 10 percent better than that of the SC, because of the greater efficiency of the electronically controlled engine. The last of the 911 Carrera 3.2s was built in 1989 and the model was most popular with circa 76,000 cars built during six years of production. The approximate breakdown of models was c35,500 coupes, c20,000 cabriolets and c18,500 Targas. Porsche also offered the 911 Carrera 3.2 with the option of the Turbo body (option code M491), which is most often referred to as the wide body or in some markets Supersport.
Today the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is recognised as an 80s icon and these cars are now becoming highly sought after.

PORSCHE SPEEDSTER

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III (DB MkIII).
The British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate and factory records both confirm that this example was built on the 6th March 1958 and despatched on 1st April 1958 to Brooklands of Bond Street Limited (Guy Salmon Automobiles) for W M Perring & Company Limited, London in the UK.
The car was delivered new in Elusive Blue with a blue/grey interior. It was delivered with the following equipment: overdrive, instruction book, front disc brakes, rear alfin drum brakes, Avon Turbospeed tyres, twin SU HV6 carburettors and Armstrong shock absorbers.
There is an interesting note on the factory records which states this car competed in the 1958 Tulip Rally. There is a photo on file showing the car parked with other participants in the town of Champagnole in France during the rally.
In July 1967 Dr AR Adams, who worked at the Hollywood Repatriation General Hospital in Perth, decided he wanted an Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III. He contacted Motorservices Automobile Engineers in Christchurch, UK to see if they could help him find one. There are various letters on file from Motorservices. It took until February 1969 before they were finally able to find the right car for him.
A follow up letter from the 3rd March 1969 gives the following details about the car: Registration number XXL 475, originally registered on 13th March 1958, changed hands in October 1959 when it was acquired by Mr GD Greaves of Berkhamstead, Hartfordshire. At that time the odometer showed nearly 60,000 miles.
Dr Adams engaged Motorservices to refresh his new Aston Martin prior to it being shipped to Australia. The car was completely repainted in its original colour at the cost of £100. The engine, radiator, suspension and wheels were overhauled, the exhaust system and headlight wiring were replaced.
There is a letter on file dated 15th July 1969 confirming that all the work on the car was complete. There is an accompanying invoice on file for a grand total of £548.
Dr Adams flew to the UK for a holiday and whilst he was there used his Aston Martin. After that the car was returned to Motorservices for some final checks and adjustments.
The car finally made its way to Australia onboard the Discovery Bay which left the UK on the 8th December 1969.
By at least the early 1980s Dr Adams had relocated to Quindalup, just south of Busselton in Western Australia, taking his beloved Aston Martin with him.
Incredibly, Dr Adams owned this car for more than 40 years! Following his passing in February 2012 the car was sold to a well known Perth based classic car enthusiast and collector. The car remained in his care from September 2012 through until December 2022 when it was sold by Oldtimer Australia to its current Melbourne based owner. At that time the odometer read 86,732 miles.
The car was immediately sent to highly respected Rolls-Royce, Bentley and British car specialist Simon Elliott at the Derby Works. The brakes were serviced, the steering box was adjusted and the suspension was greased. The horn and battery isolation switch were repaired. A new set of Michelin X tyres were fitted. It was noted that the exhaust was tired and the owner decided to order a new exhaust system from QuickSilver Exhausts Ltd in the UK.
In October 2023 Derby Works were engaged to overhaul the suspension. All new parts were ordered from Aston Service Dorset in the UK. This included new front and rear springs as well as an uprated anti roll bar.
In February 2024 Derby Works adjusted the handbrake.
Today this Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III presents as an incredible time capsule. The car was repainted in its original colour back in 1969 but apart from that everything looks to be essentially original. And, as the say . . .it can only be original once!
The overall presentation of the car is consistent with what one would expect given its originality. This is a car that has obviously been used and enjoyed as its makers intended, but it has clearly been cherished and very well maintained over the years. The work completed in Adams ownership is too extensive for our write up, however, most notably the engine was rebuilt, including new liners and pistons, and the gearbox was rebuilt. This work was completed by Samios Restorations in Northbridge (Perth) from mid 1996 through until early 1997. At that time the odometer read 38,287 miles
Elusive Blue is a unique a stunning colour for the car. From say a meter away the paint presents well, but on closer inspection you will notice some imperfections and wear and tear consistent with what the car is. There are few bubbles evident on the body caused by electrolysis. These are most noticeable on the lower right rear panel near the edge of the door and on the lower front section of the right door itself. There are also a few dents on the roof and bonnet, which looks as though it may have been caused by hail damage or an errant golf ball!
The brightwork on the car is generally in a good condition, especially when you consider the age of the car. The bumpers, the overriders, the strip on the side of the car and the window surrounds present well. The glass is also in good condition and there are no cracks evident.
The wire wheels are in good condition with no kerb rash evident. They are shod with Michelin X tyres, size 185R16. These are date stamped 1422 (week 14, 2022) and are in excellent condition
The condition and presentation of the interior is consistent with the exterior of the car. The upholstery is most likely all original. The seats are in a good condition with no cracks or tears evident in the leather, though they have faded a little over the years. The same can be said of the carpets which are generally in a good condition though they do show signs of wear and are faded in certain areas. The dashboard is typically 1950s with large Smiths instruments behind a large steering wheel. On our test drive all the instruments appeared to be in working order, though we did notice that the speedo and tacho do waver.
From cold the car will need the choke to start. It then starts easily and you can back the choke off straight away and use the throttle to gently warm the engine up before driving. First impressions are good, the engine revs freely and responds well to the slightest touch of the throttle. The gearbox also feels firm and the gear changes are smooth both up and down the box even when cold. The car is fitted with overdrive, which works well. The brakes are adequate and pull the car up in a straight line when needed.
The car feels solid on the road though we did notice play on the steering wheel, which looks to be coming from the steering box.
Accompanying the car, is its complete original tool kit including the jack and hammer as well as a spare wheel.
The history file with this car, which is three full lever arch files of documentation plus original owners manual, parts manual and more, is simply amazing. There is a huge amount of correspondence and invoices on file covering the 40 plus year ownership of the car by Dr Adams.
The current owner has thoroughly enjoyed his time with this incredibly original Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III, however, a change in direction is resulting in him reluctantly offering the car for sale.
Fun fact: The Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III was the first James Bond Aston Martin, described as a DB III in Ian Flemings 1959 novel Goldfinger.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD example with overdrive.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- An incredible time capsule.
- Documented 5 owners from new.
- Amazing history file.
Price: $299,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drop head coupes.
Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one-piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more room with two small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II.The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959. 462 hatchbacks, 84 drophead coupes and 5 fixed head coupes. Of the 551 83 were LHD.
The MkIII was nearly 9 longer than the DB2 and weighed about 159kg more, an increase of about 15%, but more than an extra 50% power was available from the standard DBA engine, compared with the original LB6B engine.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning Le Mans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

1958 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MK III

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale one of the ten factory right hand drive Lamborghini Silhouettes. Of these ten cars, six were delivered to Australia, three were delivered to the UK and one to Cyprus.
According to the factory records, this car was completed on the 19th January 1978. It is an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that was delivered through Tony De Fina, the importer at the time. The car was delivered new in rosso (red) with a nero (black) interior.
The early history of this car is not definitively known, however, its first or second owner was then Sydney based medical entrepreneur and socialite Dr Geoffrey Edelsten. In the late 1970s and 1980s Edelsten owned a fleet of exotic cars including Porsches, Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, De Tomasos (who can forget his hot pink De Tomaso Pantera GT5 with a mink interior!) and a number of Lamborghinis. The Lamborghinis included a gold (later red) Countach LP400 periscopio, a green later black Countach LP400S and this Silhouette.
Edelsten owned this Silhouette for a few years. When the car had an engine failure he decided to sell it. Its next owner rebuilt the engine and repainted the car wine red metallic. Unfortunately, the car was damaged shortly thereafter and subsequently sold to the prior to current owner circa 35 years ago. He intended to return it to its original colour and gave it to Henry Nehrybecki who at the time was the Lamborghini service agent in Sydney, NSW. Unfortunately, life got in the way and progress was extremely slow. The car sat around for many years. Nehrybecki later closed his business and the car was moved to another restoration shop who did very little with the car. In 2015 the car was sent to All Classic Car Restorations in Brookvale (Sydney) and the restoration was finally underway. The car was painted by McCreath Prestige Panel & Paint in Brookvale.
This car has been missing for many years and in Lamborghini circles it was thought it had either been written off, gone overseas, or was squirrelled away in someones garage. Thankfully it was the latter!
The current owner acquired this car through Oldtimer Australia in 2019. At that time the odometer read 18,947km.
The car had been sparingly used prior to his purchase and he had Lamborghini specialist Imaant go through the car and complete a number of miscellaneous repairs, including suspension, steering, electrical and regas the air conditioning.
Generally the paint on the car is still in good condition and from say a metre, it presents exceptionally well. On closer inspection there are some imperfections visible, most noticeably on the right front guard, the right rear guard and around the right front headlight. The unique targa roof is in very good condition and it fits very well. All the external trim, including the badges, bumpers, lights, lenses and the glass and are in good condition.
A feature on the Lamborghini Silhouette is the Bravo style Campagnolo wheels which were also used on the first 50 Lamborghini Countach LP400S. The magnesium wheels are extremely porous and as a result they are prone to blistering. On this car they are in excellent condition having been completely refurbished in September 2019. The car is currently running the correct Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres, 205/50 R15 at the front and 285/40/R15 at the rear. These tyres were fitted when the wheels were refurbished and are still in excellent condition, they are date stamped 4219 (week 42, 2019).
Inside the cabin everything has been refurbished and presents really well. Purists will note the steering wheel and pedals are not original. Also, the dash and centre console have been refurbished in leather rather than alcantara. When the current owner acquired the car, it was fitted with Silhouette reproduction seats built by Henry Nehrybecki. He found them uncomfortable and has fitted modern brand new Recaro seats. The Silhouette reproduction seats will accompany the car.
Lamborghinis 3.0 litre V8 engine makes one of the best noises you will ever hear. This Silhouette is no exception. Like all Lamborghinis the Weber carburettors require plenty of fuel to start the engine. One tends to get a little impatient waiting for the fuel pumps to do their thing . . . then bang the engine bursts into life with a growl! It is best to allow a little time for the engine to warm up and then youre away. Similarly, the gearbox gets better mile after mile as everything warms up. The engine has loads of power on tap and it pulls like a train. The gearbox is also good and it changes up and down smoothly. This car is a real pleasure to drive and we have to say the Recaro seats are super comfortable. The car handles, steers and stops as you would expect.
Accompanying the car is an original owners manual, parts manual (copy), engine workshop manual (copy) and a thick file of receipts dating back to 2004.
The Lamborghini Urraco/Silhouette is one of Bertones finest designs and we think one of the best-looking cars ever built. And oh did we mention the noise . . . the little V8 is in our opinion one of the best sounding engines ever . . . what a great combination!
These cars are extremely rare and have been a well kept secret for many years, but no more! Today the Lamborghini Silhouette is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Truly a unique opportunity.
Today the odometer reads 21,621 km which is sure to be genuine.
Highlights:
- One of the rarest Lamborghinis, being one of 54 cars built and one of only ten factory right hand drive examples.
- Australian delivered.
- Finished in its stunning and original colour combination of rosso (red) with a nero (black) interior.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $289,950.
Background:
The Lamborghini story is fascinating in itself, but for the company to have survived all these years and indeed celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2013 is quite amazing. Ferruccio Lamborghini was an entrepreneur, a very successful businessman and a lover of the finer things in life, including sports cars. He was fortunate enough to own some wonderful cars including Ferraris however, he found fault with them all. According to the legend following a meeting with Enzo Ferrari to discuss some of the short comings of his cars Enzo dismissed Ferruccio and he subsequently decided that he could build a better car.
Not long after, in May 1963, Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SPA was established and the small town of SantAgata Bolognese, located between Modena and Bologna, was chosen as the location to build the factory. Born under the Zodiac sign Taurus Lamborghini chose the raging bull as the emblem for his sports cars.
Lamborghini knew what he wanted and he put together a highly skilled team. His first car the 350 GTV was shown at the Turin Motor Show in October 1963. This car received mixed reviews; however, Lamborghini was not deterred and made a number of improvements and design changes to the original concept. The first Lamborghini production car the 350 GT left the factory in mid-1964.
The 350 GT evolved into the 400 GT 2+2 and later the Islero. In parallel to building these classic front engine V12 GT cars Lamborghini wanted to build a super car, enter the Miura first shown as a rolling chassis in 1965, and also a GT car that could comfortably seat four people, enter the Espada in 1968. The mid to late sixties were good times for Lamborghini and his cars were revered the world over.
In 1970 the Islero was replaced by the Jarama. Lamborghini also wanted to enter the junior supercar market and introduced the Urraco or little bull, named for the fighting bull which killed the toreador Manoleten, at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. The Urraco attracted huge interest from the motoring world and Bertones classic wedge shape received critical acclaim at the time.
It wasnt until some two years later, in 1972, that the first production cars rolled off the Sant Agata production line. Lamborghini hoped to build the Urraco in big numbers, however, this never eventuated and only 520 of the P250s were built up until 1975 when the P300 was released. The world economy changed quickly and the early 1970s were a tough time for Lamborghini. Additionally, the Urraco had some teething problems early on and the car unfortunately developed a reputation as unreliable. This was perhaps unfair as once Lamborghini ironed out the bugs the car was in fact a little gem and properly sorted was a genuine threat to Ferraris 308, Maseratis Merak and the Porsche 911 of the day. The Urraco P300 was indeed a fabulous little car and in Sports Car World magazine July September 1976 Mel Nichols wrote: . . . I was not hard pressed to conclude that the Urraco 3-litre is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. In the October 1978 issue of Car Magazine Nichols pits the Lamborghini Urracoagainst a Ferrari 308 GTB and a Maserati Merak SS. The article is compelling reading and Nichols picks the Urraco as his favourite. Only 205 Urraco P300s were built. Lamborghini also built 66 Urraco P200s (with a 2 litre V8 engine) specifically for the Italian market.
The Lamborghini Silhouette was a further development of the Urraco and it was first shown at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show. The Silhouette was a genuine 2 seater and the 2+2 seating of the Urraco was removed to allow space behind the seats to store the targa top. The Silhouette is one of the rarest Lamborghinis with only 54 cars built, of which only ten were factory right hand drive.
Lamborghinis last iteration of their V8 engined junior supercar was the Jalpa (pronounced YAWL-pa), named after another breed of fighting bull. The Jalpa was introduced at the 1981 Geneva show and 410 examples were built from 1982 through until 1988.

1978 LAMBORGHINI SILHOUETTE

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely magnificent 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
The Fahrzeug-Daten (factory data card) and Produktions-Auftrag (factory production order) on file confirms that this factory right hand drive example was ordered new in New Zealand late 1962. It was in fact the 61st Mercedes-Benz ordered from New Zealand that year. The car left the factory on the 21st May 1963, which would make this one of the very last 190 SLs built.
The car was ordered in black (paint code 040) with a red interior (interior code 203) with single seats (option code 401). It was delivered with a roadster hard top (option code 413), US style front bumper with guards (option code 441), instruments in English and miles (option code 461), outside left and right rear view mirrors (option code 506) a Becker Brescia radio (option code 512), rear seats (option code 565), lights for left hand traffic (option code 613), export license plate (option code 621), whitewall tyres (option code 641), documentation in English (option code 681), a folding fabric soft top in grey (option code 736) and 10 litres of fuel (option code 317).
Documentation on file notes that the first owner was a Mr RA Stone from Auckland in New Zealand. At some stage the car found its way to Australia and into the ownership of Dr Frank Munro from Sydney, NSW. The car was sold to Mr Lachlan (Jim) Attrill from Sunshine, Victoria in March 1978. In May 1979 the car was registered in Victoria as ADP-112 and by August 1982 it was registered as BLE-701.
The third owner was a well known Melbourne based classic car enthusiast who acquired the car at the 1998 Shannons Grand Prix auction. At that time the car was still finished in its original colour of black.
After he acquired the car, it was taken off the road in preparation for a major restoration. The project commenced in earnest and he embarked on a nut and bolt rotisserie restoration on a mission to make the car as good as it could be.
The body was restored and painted by Peter Todd at Mentone Smash Repairs in Moorabbin. A major decision for the cars then owner was the colour. He chose to paint the car in Porsche Speed Yellow, which was a brave but fabulous choice. The engine block and head were rebuilt by Engine Action in Flemington. The engine was reassembled by Maurie Dodd.
The painted body shell was completed in March 2001 and the rebuild began.
The restoration was completed in September 2001and the car was then registered in Victoria as GEM-SL, just in time for the Mercedes-Benz ACT Concours dElegance held in Canberra. The car was incredibly well received and it won four trophies, including Best in Class, Runner Up Champion of Champions, Best Paint and Best Engine Bay.
The car was a multi concours winner at both the Victorian and ACT Mercedes-Benz Club Concours dElegance over the next four years.
The current owner acquired this car in circa 2009 and has used it sparingly throughout his ownership.
Incredibly this Mercedes-Benz 190 SL still presents as a freshly restored car, which is a testament to the quality of the restoration. Everything about this car is impeccable!
The first thing you notice is the colour. The yellow paint work is such a refreshing change from the ubiquitous white, silver or red. Whilst it looks stunning in the photos, it looks even better in the flesh! The paint work remains fresh and vibrant with an incredibly strong depth of colour. We struggled to find any blemishes in the paint. Even the hubcaps, which are prone to stone chips are in excellent condition. All of the external trim, including the chrome, lights and lenses are similarly well presented.
Completing the look is a factory hard top finished in pearl white. The soft top is black and in excellent unused condition.
The interior of the car is also beautifully presented. The red upholstery provides a perfect colour contrast to the yellow paintwork, particularly the dash. All of the instruments and controls, including the delicate trade mark Mercedes-Benz steering wheel present like new. Everything looks to be in working order.
Under the bonnet, the engine looks fresh and as though it was installed yesterday. Importantly, everything still looks to be correct.
It is likely that the boot has hardly seen the light of day and probably never carried any luggage. Like the rest of the car it is in exceptional condition. There is a spare wheel, jack and tool kit.
Even the underside of the car still presents like new!
Clearly this car has had little use since it was restored. It presents today like it has been stored in a glass case! Importantly, the current owner does regularly start the car and when the sun comes out just every now and then it gets some exercise.
On our recent test drive the car started easily from cold. There was a slight concern that this car may drive like a garage queen, but after a few very short miles that possibility was well and truly put to rest. The car drove superbly. The engine pulls strongly through the rev range and the gearbox is firm and precise. Importantly there are no rattles or squeaks. The more we drove it the better it went!
Highlights:
- New Zealand delivered, factory RHD example.
- Four owner car thats been in Australia for most of its life.
- Matching numbers.
- Restored to a concours standard by the previous owner.
- Multi concours delegance trophy winner.
- Ready show, use and enjoy.
Was für ein auto. . . einfach umwerfend!
Price: $329,950
Background:
Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!
Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.
In the 1950s Mercedes Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300 SL Gullwing and 300 SL Coupe. Whilst fabulous cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. Mercedes wanted to build a sporting luxury car that still looked classical in the mould of the 300 SL, but it had to be affordable and the plan was to build such a car in far greater numbers than the exclusive 300 SLs. Enter the Type W121 or 190 SL as it became known in the mid 1950s. This model was an outstanding success and circa 25,000 cars were built over the next 8 years of production. The formula worked and Mercedes Benz carried it on with great success in the 1960s with the Type W113 230 SL/250 SL/280 SL models. This evolved into the Type R107/C107 280 SL(C)/350 SL(C)/380 SL(C)/450 SL(C) models built throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Mercedes-Benz marketed the 190 SL as . . . as sports car for all seasons.
To quote their website:
. . . Sporting elegance, safety and comfort with these qualities the 190 SL conquered a whole new circle of enthusiastic fans of dynamic driving. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the prototype of the 190 SL (W 121) at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, alongside the production version of the 300 SL Gullwing. Although the two-seater roadster with folding soft top stirred passions, it was to undergo a further thorough revision by the Mercedes-Benz designers known at the time as stylists.
In March 1955, a full year after the New York premiere, the production version went on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Like its elder brother, the spectacular 300 SL Gullwing, the 190 SL rapidly became one of the most coveted dream cars of its day. Although less powerful than the 300 SL, it generated no less excitement and opened up the SL legend to a wider circle of customers. By 1963 sales had totalled 25,881 units.
And even long-distance drives were enjoyable thanks to the comfortable suspension. The handsome sports car for all occasions was particularly popular among female drivers, who appreciated not only the sporting elegance of its design, but also the open-air feeling that came as standard. With its easy-to-operate soft top and optionally available coupé hardtop, the 190 SL was the first SL to combine the possibility of open-top driving with absolute all-weather capability.

1963 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1986 Lamborghini Jalpa.
According to the Lamborghini Registry this car was completed on the 24th November 1986 for Australian importer A.A. de Fina. The car was originally rosso (red paint code 215157) with a panna (cream) interior, which is how the car is presented today. The Australian compliance plate is dated 1/87.
The early history of this car is not definitively known, however, it is understood to have come from long term Sydney ownership. The car was then sold to another Sydney owner in circa 2005 before being sold by Oldtimer Australia to the Gosford Car Museum in July 2015. At that time the odometer read 45,005 km.
The current owner acquired the car from the Gosford Car Museum in early 2018. At that time the car presented well cosmetically, but it was a little tired.
In July 2018 Melbourne based classic Lamborghini specialist, Sports and Classic Car Services completed a major mechanical refresh of the car. They rebuilt the engine, which included reconditioning the cylinder heads and engine ancillaries, rebuilt the gearbox, installed new rear shock absorbers, replaced the brake hoses and installed new rear wheel bearings. At the same time a new Quicksilver exhaust system was installed. In total, $43,000 was spent on the car to bring it up to its current condition. At that time the odometer read 45,054 km.
In May 2020 Sports and Classic Car Services performed an annual service and safety check and at that time the odometer read 45,819 km. The next service was performed in June 2022 and at that time the odometer read 47,242 km.
The current owner has used the car sporadically in the last eighteen months and today the odometer reads 47,630km.
First impressions of this car are good, really good! Overall, it presents well. It is understood the car was repainted back in 2005 shortly after it changed hands. The rosso paint has retained a high gloss and a strong dept of colour. However, if you look closely you will notice some small paint imperfections. The most noticeable one is on the edge of the B pillar on the drivers side and there are some small paint bubbles on the rear bumper. The Lamborghini badge on the front is showing its age and is the first thing we would replace! The Lamborghini and Jalpa badges on the rear of the car are in good condition. All the glass presents well with no cracks or delamination evident. The targa top is in very good condition.
The original and quite unique Route Oz wheels present well. There is some very minor curb rash visible, but nothing too noticeable. The front wheels are shod with Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres, size 205/55 R16. These are date stamped 5117 (week 51, 2017). The rear wheels are shod with Hankook Ventus RS4 tyres, size 225/50 R16. These are date stamped 1221 (week 12, 2021). Both the front and rear tyres are still in good condition.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a sharp and very good looking interior. The interior was refreshed less than twelve months ago and as a result the seats present well and are in very good condition with no rips, tears or cracks evident. They are surprisingly comfortable and provide ample support. The matching door cards are also in very good condition. The seats and door cards are both trimmed with red piping, which is so eighties and as the car was finished new. The matching carpets are also in very good condition with no excessive wear evident.
The dash presents well and the top has not been affected by the harsh Australian sun. There are no cracks evident nor is there any discoloration. Overall the instruments and controls present well and appear to be in good working order. A known problem with Italian cars from this period is that the needles on the speedo and the tacho have a tendency to warp. Both instruments on this car are slightly warped, but both are working and look to read correctly. The metal gear shifter gate is showing its age and is something we would have cleaned up and polished. The Nardi steering wheel is most likely original and generally in good condition, though there are a few cracks appearing in the leather. A good leather doctor would attend to this easily.
Under the front bonnet everything is very original. Unfortunately, the space saver spare wheel is missing.
The engine bay presents well and behind it, underneath the rear spoiler, youll find the boot, which whilst relatively small is bigger than it looks! There is plenty of room for a few overnight bags. The boot retains its original carpet and is in quite good condition.
Shortly after the car arrived at our showroom, we found a break in the inclement Brisbane weather and were able to get it out for a quick test drive and photo shoot. The car starts easily, even from cold. The Quicksilver exhaust system has a fabulous note to it without being too noisy. Out on the road the car drives easily and the more you drive it the more you like it! The engine has loads of power and the gear changes are smooth, both up and down the box. The steering feels precise and is not too heavy. We did notice the AC was not working and upon further investigation we discovered that the hoses have been disconnected and the compressor is missing.
Whilst the car runs and drives well, it would benefit from a tune and it probably needs to used and enjoyed more regularly.
In 2019 Motortrend wrote an interesting article about the Jalpa called Driving the Lamborghini Jalpa: A Classic Supercar Worth Remembering. In the article the Jalpa is described as . . . an intriguing car with a beguiling personality far different from the bigger, better-known Lamborghinis. In the article automotive historian Massimo Delbo describes the Jalpa as . . . simply and enigmatically: If you know, you know. Unfortunately, the Jalpa was introduced at the wrong time, America was pulling out of a recession and people favoured its bigger brother the Countach or even Ferraris entry level car, the 328. As far as the nouveau riche were concerned, there was only one Lamborghini worth considering. Motortrend questions this; Was their belief correct? The Jalpa is arguably the better sports car, a ballerina compared to the brutish Countach. The author, after his test drive, states: Given the choice between a Countach and a Jalpa a guy can dream, right? I know which I would pick. A week ago, my answerwould have been different, but now I know and hopefully you do, too.
With only 410 examples ever made and approximately 35 in right hand drive, the Jalpa is indeed a very rare car.
Here is a unique opportunity to own an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example and become part of the small group of people who can experience first hand how good and how much fun this junior super car is to own and drive.
This car wont win a concours, but it is a really nice example that presents and drives well. It can be used as is or easily taken to the next level should one desire to do so.
What a fabulous alternative to a Ferrari 308 / 328!
Highlights:
- Rare Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example.
- Major mechanical work, including engine rebuild, in July 2018.
- Quicksilver exhaust system fitted.
- Recent interior refresh.
- Join an exclusive club.
Price $164,950.
Background:
The Lamborghini story is fascinating in itself, but for the company to have survived all these years and indeed celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2013 is quite amazing. Ferruccio Lamborghini was an entrepreneur, a very successful businessman and a lover of the finer things in life, including sports cars. He was fortunate enough to own some wonderful cars including Ferraris however, he found fault with them all. According to the legend following a meeting with Enzo Ferrari to discuss some of the short comings of his cars Enzo dismissed Ferruccio and he subsequently decided that he could build a better car.
Not long after, in May 1963, Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SPA was established and the small town of SantAgata Bolognese, located between Modena and Bologna, was chosen as the location to build the factory. Born under the Zodiac sign Taurus Lamborghini chose the raging bull as the emblem for his sports cars.
Lamborghini knew what he wanted and he put together a highly skilled team. His first car the 350 GTV was shown at the Turin Motor Show in October 1963. This car received mixed reviews; however, Lamborghini was not deterred and made a number of improvements and design changes to the original concept. The first Lamborghini production car the 350 GT left the factory in mid-1964.
The 350 GT evolved into the 400 GT 2+2 and later the Islero. In parallel to building these classic front engine V12 GT cars Lamborghini wanted to build a super car, enter the Miura first shown as a rolling chassis in 1965, and also a GT car that could comfortably seat four people, enter the Espada in 1968. The mid to late sixties were good times for Lamborghini and his cars were revered the world over.
In 1970 the Islero was replaced by the Jarama. Lamborghini also wanted to enter the junior supercar market and introduced the Urraco or little bull, named for the fighting bull which killed the toreador Manoleten, at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. The Urraco attracted huge interest from the motoring world and Bertones classic wedge shape received critical acclaim at the time.
It wasnt until some two years later, in 1972, that the first production cars rolled off the Sant Agata production line. Lamborghini hoped to build the Urraco in big numbers, however, this never eventuated and only 520 of the P250s were built up until 1975 when the P300 was released. The world economy changed quickly and the early 1970s were a tough time for Lamborghini. Additionally, the Urraco had some teething problems early on and the car unfortunately developed a reputation as unreliable. This was perhaps unfair as once Lamborghini ironed out the bugs the car was in fact a little gem and properly sorted was a genuine threat to Ferraris 308, Maseratis Merak and the Porsche 911 of the day. The Urraco P300 was indeed a fabulous little car and in Sports Car World magazine July September 1976 Mel Nichols wrote: . . . I was not hard pressed to conclude that the Urraco 3-litre is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. In the October 1978 issue of Car Magazine Nichols pits the Lamborghini Urracoagainst a Ferrari 308 GTB and a Maserati Merak SS. The article is compelling reading and Nichols picks the Urraco as his favourite. Only 205 Urraco P300s were built. Lamborghini also built 66 Urraco P200s (with a 2 litre V8 engine) specifically for the Italian market.
The Lamborghini Silhouette was a further development of the Urraco and it was first shown at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show. The Silhouette was a genuine 2 seater and the 2+2 seating of the Urraco was removed to allow space behind the seats to store the targa top. The Silhouette is one of the rarest Lamborghinis with only 54 cars built, of which only ten were factory right hand drive.
Lamborghinis last iteration of their V8 engined junior supercar was the Jalpa (pronounced YAWL-pa), named after another breed of fighting bull. The Jalpa was introduced at the 1981 Geneva show and 410 examples were built spanning seven years from 1982 through to 1988. Of these it is understood that only 35 left the factory as right hand drive and perhaps there are 10 in Australia.

1986 LAMBORGHINI JALPA

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

1987 BMW M3 E30

Details
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly desirable 1964 Aston Martin DB5.
The Heritage Certificate on file confirms this UK market factory right hand drive example was built on the 16th October 1964. Finished in California Sage (light metallic green) with a fawn interior, the car left the factory on the 10th December 1964. The Heritage Certifcate notes the car was delivered with Selectaride shock absorbers, chrome wheels and a heated rear window.
The car was delivered new through J Blake & Company Limited for Hills Garage in Woodford Green, Essex in the UK.
The Heritage Certificate also notes a recorded registration of YYW 327G. Interestingly, the suffix G indicates this is a plate issued between 1st of August 1968 and the 31st of July 1969, so it is most likely the car carried a different registration before that.
Importantly this car retains its original ID tag and the stamped chassis and engine numbers are visible. The Heritage Certificate confirms all the numbers are correct and matching.
There is a UK V5 on file from May 1997, which is when the car was acquired by Alistair Jefferey from London. Jefferey is an Australian who was living and working in London at the time. The V5 states the car had three former keepers since January 1982.
Jeffery acquired the car from Nigel Mark Osmond Smith from Lingfield, UK who himself had acquired the car on 22 September 1995. When Jeffery acquired the car it was blue.
In early 2000 Jeffrey moved back to Sydney and brought the car with him. There is an Australian Import Approval on file dated 26th July 2000.
After arriving in Australia Jefferey had the car assessed by Concours Sport Restoration in Tuggerah on 27th September 2002. At that time the odometer read 153 km. The car was serviced and some rust repairs completed. He was given the advice that the car probably needed to be restored in the not too distant future.
In 2005 he engaged the services of The Classic Connection in Riverstone a suburb in Sydneys west to restore his Aston Martin to its former glory. A decision was made to strip the car and repaint it in the iconic Aston Martin colour of silver birch.
The job progressed slowly over the next few years and in 2009 Jeffrey decided to sell the car as a partially completed project. By then a significant amount of mechanical work had been completed, the car had been mostly reassembled and the refurbishment of the interior had commenced.
The car was purchased by a Brisbane based Aston Martin enthusiast. The car joined a significant collection, which included an Aston Martin DB4 and DB6 as well as a number of Jaguars and other British classics. He continued the restoration, which essentially involved finishing off the assembly and refurbishing the interior. In 2012 the car was back on the road. This Aston Martin DB5 was the pride of his fleet and it was only used sparingly throughout his ownership.
In 2022 the cars owner had decided to start downsizing his collection and the DB5 was sold quietly in April 2022 to the current owner. Over the last three years the car has continued to be used sparingly, though it was shown publicly at Motors & Masterpieces held at the Melbourne Showgrounds in November 2024.
Oldtimer Australia took great pleasure to exhibit the car on our stand at Rippon Lea Concours dElegance in Melbourne, held on the 23rd or March 2025, where it attracted a lot of attention.
Today the odometer reads 440 km.
The Aston Martin DB5 is an iconic car and finished in silver birch it is one of the most recognised cars on the planet. It was made famous of course for its role in various James Bond films, starting with Goldfinger in 1964.
First impressions of this car are really good. It certainly has a presence and it just oozes sophistication. Designed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, there is no doubt the Aston Martin DB5 is a beautiful car. Walking around this example you cannot help but be impressed. The car just pops!
Even though this car was repainted some 20 years ago, the paint still retains a strong depth of colour and a nice gloss finish. Up close you will notice a few small imperfections but generally the car presents well. The panel gaps are generally good, though the bonnet would benefit from a minor adjustment. Both bumpers require minor adjustment.
The chrome is a real feature on an Aston Martin DB5. There is plenty of it and on this car it is generally in very good condition. The one defect we noticed is a small chip on the left side of the rear bumper. The chrome wire wheels are stunning and in excellent condition. They are shod with Bridgestone SF-373 tyres, size 205/70 R15 all around. The tyres are still in excellent condition, but they might need to be replaced based on age if the next owner would like to do some serious driving in the car.
When you open the door you are greeted with a very elegant interior that is just so quintessentially British. The first thing you will notice is the correct style 15 inch Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel which is in excellent condition and really suits the car. The dashboard has every instrument you need and everything is in excellent condition. In the centre of the dashboard youll find a beautiful clock and the chrome switches for the windows. There is an abundance of leather which is soft and in great condition with no rips or tears to be found. The seats are firm and provide ample support. The rear seats probably have never been used and present similarly well. All the carpets are in excellent condition.
The important question to be answered is of course . . . how does the car drive? It was an early Sunday morning and it was time to channel our inner 007 and find out! It was a beautiful morning and the sun was shining, so a perfect start to the day. From cold the car needs a full choke to start and it does so easily. As soon as the engine is running you can ease the choke off to about a third and then wait patiently as the engine warms up. As soon as the temperature gauge start moving the choke can be turned off all together.
After we have made ourselves comfortable and the engine has warmed up sufficiently, we gently move the car out onto the road. After only a few miles behind the wheel you are hooked. The engine sounds great and it has loads of power on tap. It responds well to the slightest touch of the throttle and it is a delight to drive. The gearbox in this car is precise both up and down the box and importantly the brakes pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed. This car feels really solid on the road and the steering is responsive and provides excellent feedback.
The reality is the Aston Martin DB5 is more than just a movie car! With a quoted top speed close to a 150 mph in the old money and able to sprint from 0 60 mph in just over 7 seconds the DB5 was no slouch back in 1964. It is not a sports car, rather a true gentlemens express.
After just getting started we reach our destination all too soon. We would have loved to drive this car all day!
Accompanying the car is a reasonable history file, which includes a Heritage Certificate, an original owners manual, a workshop manual (copy), a parts manual (copy) and an original sales brochure. There is also jack and two sets of keys.
It is not often one gets the opportunity in Australia to purchase such an iconic car as an Aston Martin DB5. There are not many examples left on these shores.
This example ticks a lot of boxes and would be a welcome addition to any car collection in Australia or in fact anywhere in the world.
Highlights:
- UK delivered, factory RHD example.
- Matching numbers engine.
- Beautifully presented example in a stunning colour combination.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price: $1,499,950
Background
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drop head coupes. Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2,922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more roomwith two small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II. The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959.
In 1958 Aston Martin introduced the successor to the DB2/4 series, the DB4. The DB4 remained in production till 1963 and a total of 1,204 were produced.
In 1963 Aston Martin introduced what was to become the most famous Aston Martin ever, the DB5. The DB5 became a legend when it appeared in the 1964 James Bond movie Goldfinger. The DB5 is considered to be the quintessential vehicle associated with the Bond character and it has reappeared in many subsequent Bond films.
Whilst visually similar to the Aston Martin DB4 MkV, the DB5 was a step up mechanically with most changes under the bonnet. The new car was powered by a 4.0 litre version of Aston Martins straight six engine fitted with triple SU carburettors as standard it was quoted as producing 282 bhp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent through a five speed manual gearbox (a three-speed automatic was also an option) to the rear wheels. It was the first time this engine was used by Aston Martin in a road car, having first seen service in the Lagonda Rapide (based on Astons DB4) and some of Aston Martins prototype race cars of that period.
The Aston Martin DB5 remained in production through until 1965 and only 1,059 examples were produced. This figure includes DB5, DB5 Vantage and DB5 Convertible or Volante.
In 2020, as part of their continuation program Aston Martin produced 25 new DB5 Goldfinger-themed cars at the factory in Newport Pagnell.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

1964 ASTON MARTIN DB5

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

MERCEDES-BENZ 380SL

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

1968 FIAT 125 S Samantha by Vignale

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