OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a rare, factory right hand drive, 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL with a factory 4-speed manual gearbox.
Mercedes-Benz only built 5,196 250SLs (from 1966 - 1968), compared to 19,831 230SLs (from 1963 - 1967) and 23,885 280SLs (from 1967 - 1971), making it by far the rarest of all the Pagodas.
It is not known how many were built with a manual gearbox, however, what we do know is that a factory right hand drive Mercedes-Benz 250SL with a manual gearbox is a rare car.
The Data Card on file shows the date of delivery as the 8th May 1967 and confirms this factory right hand drive example was delivered new to Great Britain. It also confirms this car was originally painted Tunis Beige (paint code 462) with a matching hard top. The interior upholstery code is 116, which is caviar coloured seats (trim code 2100) and black carpets (carpet code 6125). The soft top was originally black (soft top code 720).
We have verified that the ID plate, stamped chassis number, engine number, data plate as well as body number stampings on the bonnet, gearbox support, under the soft top lid and the hard top are all correct and matching.
This car has an excellent history file with ownership noted back to 1977, when it was owned by Ian Shanks Jeffrey from Falkirk in Scotland, UK. There is email correspondence on file between the current owner and Stephen Jeffrey (Ian Jeffreys stepson), who wrote that he understood the previous owner to be a lady by the name of Sylvia Anderson who sold the car to his stepfather because it was too fast for her! The car was then registered as SA505, which is confirmed by an old UK V5 on file.
In 1983 the car was sold to John Kennedy from nearby Alloa and at that time it was registered as NMS537F. Kennedy owned the car for just over a year and it was then sold to Martin Swist from Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. The car remained in continuous ownership for the next 33 years, before being acquired by a well-known Australian enthusiast and collector in 2017. There is an Import Approval on file dated 13th July 2017.
The current owner acquired this Mercedes-Benz 250SL through the Classic Throttle Shop in Sydney in April 2022. It was a lovely car, however, the current owner is pedantic and wanted to improve its overall presentation.
One thing led to another and the end result was that he spent a small fortune on his 250SL. The car was stripped and the body repaired and painted by Styling Automotive in Yeerongpilly (Brisbane). The bright work was rechromed and the external trim refurbished or replaced.
Classic car restorer Paolo Piazza Mussos Garagisti in Brisbane was tasked with the project managing the restoration work and the reassembly of the car.
Mechanically, the engine was found to be strong, so it was not rebuilt. All the ancillaries were assessed and refurbished as required, including the Bosch mechanical fuel injection pump. The final recommissioning and mechanical works were completed by classic Mercedes-Benz specialists Three Point Classic in Brisbane. They carried out a range of work, installing a refurbished rear differential and a new clutch kit.
The interior was in excellent condition and it was only the timber that was refurbished. All the instruments were checked and repaired/refurbished. The original, period correct Becker Europa radio is a nice touch and it is in good working order.
The owner was heavily involved in the project and chose to purchase all of the new parts directly from suppliers including Niemoller, Authentic Classic and others.
The end result is a beautifully presented Mercedes-Benz 250SL.
The Paul Bracq designed Type W113 Mercedes-Benz is an automotive icon that carries colour exceptionally well. Fortunately, the current owner chose to have this car repainted in its original colour of Tunis Beige, a wonderful period colour that enhances the Pagoda's timeless design and we think is about as good as it gets!
Whilst the project has only recently been completed, the repaint was finished back in 2023. It comes as no surprise that the paintwork remains vibrant and fresh. Its overall presentation is excellent, though we should mention there is a very small mark evident on either side of the soft top cover near the B-pillar. All the panel gaps are excellent. The chrome presents like new and the lights and lenses are in excellent condition.
The soft top, which fits very well, is in excellent condition with no rips or tears and a clear rear window.
For the cold winter months one has the option to fit the factory (original) hard top, which is also in excellent condition, essentially converting the car from a convertible to a coupe. The car looks equally as stunning with the hard top fitted.
The steel wheels with chrome dress rings are in excellent condition with no evidence of any kerb rash or damage. The centre section of the hub caps are painted in the correct body colour and are also in excellent condition. The wheels are shod with Sumitomo tyres, size 195/75/14. These tyres are date stamped 4915 (week 49, 2015) and 4116 (week 41,2016) and they are still in a good condition.
Open the door of the Mercedes-Benz 250 SL and you are greeted by an interior that perfectly reflects the car's character. It is elegant, purposeful and impeccably crafted. The beige upholstery perfectly contrasts the black dash and steering wheel as well as the timber finishes inside the cabin and the Tunis Beige paint work. The upholstery is in very good condition, showing very light wear to the drivers seat. The seats are firm and comfortable. The carpet in both footwells, on the transmission tunnel and rear parcel shelf is clean and in excellent condition. The dash, instruments and controls are a real feature and they all present really well.
The real highlight is of course the delicate gear lever protruding from the transmission tunnel!
Under the bonnet, everything is also immaculate. The spot welds on the panels from the original construction remain in place as do the notches on the front guards adjacent to the headlights. Open the boot and you reveal a space that is very neat, clean and tidy.
At time of photographing the car the odometer read 61,021 km.
From the moment the car arrived at our showroom we were genuinely excited to refamiliarise ourselves with a manual Mercedes-Benz 250SL/280SL.Having sold a manual 280SL a few years ago, we understand how good these cars are with a third pedal!
Starting the car is easy. You insert the key into the ignition, turn the ignition on, wait a couple of seconds for the fuel pump to supply the necessary amount of fuel to the engine and then you turn the key further to start the car. The 2,496cc six cylinder engine fires up easily and quickly settles into a smooth idle. Whilst the engine is warming up we familiarise ourselves with the instruments and controls before gently selecting first gear to take it out onto the open road.
First impressions are really positive. The car feels solid and composed. The straight six goes about its business and the car just cruises with that German efficiency one would expect of a fully sorted Pagoda. Theres no fuss, its just very easy to drive and incredibly smooth. The engine revs willingly through the rev range and after a few short miles you really appreciate the manual gearbox. The light clutch and precise gearshift make the car remarkably easy to drive, while the manual gearbox adds an extra layer of involvement often absent from automatic equipped examples. Each gear change feels deliberate and rewarding, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine's broad spread of torque and flexible performance.
The steering is precise and direct, the suspension feels incredibly tight and there are no rattles or squeaks. The brakes pull the car up efficiently and in a straight line. All the instruments and controls appear to be in good working order.
If you happen to be caught out by the weather whilst you are out for a drive, the soft top can be easily and relatively quickly raised by one person.
The Mercedes-Benz Type W113 Pagodas were never intended to be a sports car, rather a sophisticated, elegant and highly refined grand tourer, however, the manual gearbox most certainly gives it a sporting edge!
Accompanying the car is the original hardtop, spare wheel, tool kit, jack, hard top stand and a very good history file, which contains the data card, historical documents dating back to 1977 as well all the invoices for the recent restoration work.
A change in the current owners circumstances has meant that he has reluctantly decided to sell the car.
Highlights:
- rare factory RHD 250SL with the 4-speed manual gearbox.
- presented in its stunning original colour of Tunis Beige.
- matching numbers chassis, engine and body.
- all tags present and correct.
- hard top / soft top.
- ready to use and enjoy.
Price $289,950.
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 300SL Gullwing and 300SL 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 300SL, but it had to be affordable and the plan was to build such a car in far greater numbers than the exclusive 300SLs. Enter the Type W121 or 190SL 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 230SL/250SL/280SL models. This evolved into the Type R107/C107 280SL(C)/350SL(C)/380SL(C)/450SL(C) models built throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The Mercedes-Benz 230SL (Type W113.042) was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963. Production started by June of that year and the car was a resounding success for Mercedes-Benz with 19,831 cars built in just over three and a half years of production.
In late 1966 the Mercedes-Benz 250SL (Type W113.043) was introduced. This model had many subtle improvements, but the most significant was an increase in engine size to 2,496cc giving the car significantly improved performance. The majority of the 5,196 250SLs were built in 1967 before production ceased in early 1968.
By late 1967 the final iteration of the Type W113 cars, the Mercedes-Benz 280SL (Type W113.044) was introduced. The Type M180 engine was bored out to provide a total engine capacity of 2,778cc and a further increase in power and torque over its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz built 23,885 280SLs taking the total number of Type W113 cars built to almost 48,912 over 9 years of production.
The Paul Bracq designed Type W113 Mercedes-Benz is today recognised as an all time classic. In recent years the demand for these cars has skyrocketed and the Mercedes-Benz Pagodas have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

1967 MERCEDES-BENZ 250SL

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a rare Australian delivered factory right hand drive 1971 Maserati Indy.
According to the Maserati Classiche documentation on file this car was originally finished in oro metallizzato (gold metallic), paint code 106Y54 with a white leather interior.
The car on offer has the 4,200cc engine mated to the desirable five speed manual gearbox. This car is one of the 13 Australian delivered cars and one of the only eight factory right hand drive cars built with non power assisted steering.
It was collected from the Maserati factory in Italy by its first owner, a Mr Percy Arena, from Sydney in NSW on the 19th April 1971. The dealer is noted as being Alec Mildren Pty Ltd.
Mr Arena enjoyed his Indy in Europe before importing it into Australia. The cars subsequent early history is not known, however, its next owner is understood to have been Mr Eddie Battestello from Warrnambool in Victoria.
It was in his ownership that the Recaro seats, which are still in the car today, were fitted.
The Indy was then sold circa 1980 to Mr Andy Fraser from Hamilton, Victoria who is well known in classic car circles in Australia. The next owner was a Mr Max Ormerod from Lismore, NSW, who acquired the car in October 1985. At this time the odometer read 69,478 miles.
It is fair to say that Ormerod was a fastidious owner and he kept a diary of the car detailing its history, including service records and work done. In July 1990 (at 75,200 miles) he had the car was repainted Alfa Red.
In September 2000 the car was purchased by Mrs Diane Orford as a present for her husband Colin, from Mick Arnold Classic Cars in Southport on the Gold Coast. At that time the car needed some work and it was parked up in storage for many years.
In late 2007 work commenced to recommission the car and get it into a road going state. Over the next 9 months the front suspension was completely rebuilt, the steering was rebuilt, the diff pinion seal was replaced, the brakes serviced, the cooling system overhauled and the car was serviced and generally sorted mechanically. The interior was also refreshed at this time. There is a roadworthy certificate on file dated 2nd September 2008 at which time the odometer was at 87,338 miles. The car was completed just in time for the annual Noosa Beach Classic Car Show which in 2008 was celebrating Maserati as the featured marque. This Maserati Indy was awarded a second place from the 18 Maseratis on display.
Throughout 18 years of ownership this Maserati Indy was treated by the Orfords as part of the family. Even though the car was sparingly used over the years, travelling a modest 2,000 miles in that time, it was fastidiously maintained regardless of cost. In early 2019, with the odometer showing 89,361miles, Orford decided the time was right for his treasured Maserati to pass on to its next custodian.
Oldtimer Australia sold the car to its current Brisbane based owner in March 2019. At the time the car presented well, though the paint showed some minor blemishes, most noticeable were some small humidity blisters on the nose and bonnet.
After acquiring this Maserati Indy, the current owner used the car for the next two years. The paint imperfections were slowly getting worse and this was the catalyst for him to repaint the car. He debated whether to keep the car red or repaint it in its original colour of oro metallizzato (gold metallic). Thankfully, he chose the latter and he engaged the services of highly respected restoration shop GT motors in Brisbane to do the work.
The project commenced in April 2021 and after stripping the body back to bare metal it was immediately apparent that this was not going to be a straight forward repaint. The job quickly turned into a full body restoration. There are about 500 photos on file detailing the work that was undertaken to prepare the body for the repaint. There was significant rust in the nose of the car as well as the floor, sills, doors, boot lid and just about everywhere else! All the corroded metal was removed and replaced with new metal where required.
Once all the body work was completed, the car was then prepared for painting. As they say colour maketh the car and this Maserati Indy now presents absolutely superbly in its original and STUNNING colour of oro metallizzato (gold metallic).
The front and rear bumpers as well as the wheel nuts and wheel centre caps were rechromed by Pacific Plating in Brisbane. A new windscreen was installed and Maseratis characteristic diamond stitched under bonnet insulation was replaced.
In October 2022 all the work was completed and the car was back on the road.
The end result is simply spectacular and the car is a credit to its owner as well as Frank Toaldo and his team at GT Motors.
Today the odometer on this car reads 91,142 miles. It has travelled perhaps 1,000 miles since it was repainted three years ago and as a result it still presents superbly.
The paint has retained its high gloss finish and strong depth of colour and one has to look hard to find any imperfections. There is one very small defect just in front of the left rear wheel arch. It is hard to see but it is there. The external trim is all in excellent condition.
The wheels are in excellent condition having all been repainted. They are shod with period correct Michilin XWX tyres, size 205VR14, which are date stamped 2317 (week 23, 2017). They are still in excellent condition.
Inside the cabin everything remains very fresh. The leather remains in excellent condition on the seats and door cards. We only noticed some marks on the drivers seat bolster caused by the seat belt. A good leather doctor can easily correct this.
The dashboard, instruments and controls are also in excellent condition. Everything looks to be in working order. The car has a fabulous Blaupunkt radio cassette fitted which is most likely original. The front seats, whilst not original to the car, are period correct and very comfortable. They provide ample support.
The car is very clean all around and the engine bay is no exception. The boot is similarly well presented.
The Maserati Indys were highly regarded as very comfortable grand tourers and with a quoted top speed of 250 km/hr, one could only image blasting from Rome to Paris back in the day at high speed and in style and comfort!
Whilst we couldnt get to the autostrade we could stretch this cars legs on Brisbanes M1. In summary, this car drives every bit as good as it looks.
As with all Maserati V8s of this period you need to prime the carburettors once the ignition key has been turned on. The fuel pump eventually slows and after three or four pumps on the throttle the engine bursts into life with a final turn of the key. The 4.2 litre V8 in this Indy sounds fabulous. The exhaust note is spot on building anticipation as the engine warms. On a warm Brisbane day it does not take too long for the car to reach operating temperature. You select first gear, release the firm but not heavy clutch and you are away. Within minutes it is obvious this Indy is mechanically sorted. The car pulls strongly and willingly through the rev range and the actual gear change is firm and precise. The ride of the car is exceptional; there are no rattles or squeaks and it handles particularly well. The brakes pull the car up swiftly and in a straight line. We like the fact that this car does not have power steering. It is a little heavy at parking speed but the feedback whilst actually drivingthe car is superb!
The current owner is getting to the pointy end of another classic Maserati project and space does not allow him to keep both cars. As such, he has made the difficult decision to part ways with this car and it is ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.
The big money has been spent on this car and its next owner will be able sleep at night knowing that cosmetically this car is better than new!
We think that Maserati Indys are under rated and they offer great value at approximately half the cost of a Ghibli and significantly less than its cross town rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file which includes a plethora of invoices for the work completed over the years, photographs of the car from its cosmetic restoration, an original parts manual, a copy of an owners manuals, a jack kit and various new & used parts.
Highlights:
- 1 of only 13 Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Maserati Indys.
- Matching numbers example.
- Recent bare metal repaint in its original and STUNNING colour.
- Good history file.
- An absolute delight to drive.
Price $189,950.
Background:
The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.
The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.
It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.
Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.
Orsi sold to Citroen in 1968. At that time Maserati was already working on an 4 seater alternative for the 2 seater Ghibli. Both Ghia and Vignale showed their proposals in November 1968 at the Salone dellautomobile di Torino. Maserati preferred the Vignale design and the production model was officially launched at the Salone dAutomobile de Genève in March 1969. It was named Indy in honour of Maseratis two victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy (AM116) was a great success for Maserati, in total 1,104 were produced over seven years of production which ended in 1975. It was offered initially with its 4.2 litre quad cam V8 and later with the 4.7 litre and 4.9 litre engines also. The car was available with either manual or automatic transmission.
Maserati anoraks will appreciate the Indy production data (provided by Maserati) that notes a breakdown of cars as: 4,200cc engine (440 cars), 4,700cc engine (364 cars) and 4,900cc engine (300 cars of which 200 cars had Citroen brakes). Of the 1,104 Maserati Indys built only 74 were right hand drive. There were only 13 Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Maserati Indys. Of these, 7 had the 4,200cc engine (5 had manual transmission / 2 had automatic) and 6 had the 4,700 engine (4 had manual transmission / 2 had automatic).

1971 MASERATI INDY 4.2 Manual

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

1938 MG VA Tickford Drophead Coupe

A new arrival at Oldtimer Australia is this desirable, low mileage, Australian delivered, Porsche 911 Carrera S (997.2).
The model name might suggest that the 997.1 underwent a minor facelift, evolving into the 997.2. That is definitely not the case as the 997.2 is a substantial evolution of its predecessor. Beyond the visible styling updates, Porsche introduced an all-new engine and transmission. The redesigned six-cylinder boxer engine, now featured direct fuel injection, producing 20 more horsepower in the Carrera and 30 more horsepower in the Carrera S compared to the 997.1. It also debuted Porsches new dual-clutch transmission, known as PDK.
This particular example was delivered to its first owner in Noosa, Queensland by Porsche Centre Brisbane on the 30th July 2010. The car was ordered in the perfect colour scheme of Meteor Grey Metallic (paint code LM7W) with a black leather interior (trim code AN). It was delivered with the following options as noted in the service book: 026 sports chrono dial on the dash board / silver coloured instruments, 250 PDK transmission, 640 sports chrono package and 844 multi-function steering wheel / smooth leather.
The car changed hands in September 2015 and at that time the odometer read 28,778 km. The cars then owner lived in the inner Brisbane suburb of Red Hill.
The current and third owner of this Porsche 911 Carrera S, who is also based in Brisbane, acquired the car from Porsche Centre Brisbane in September 2023. At that time the odometer read 34,834 km. He is a mature owner who had it on his bucket list to own a relatively modern Porsche 911. The car has been used sparingly over the last two and half years and at the time of photographing, the odometer read 39,777 km.
This car has been continuously serviced by Porsche Centre Brisbane since new. Its most recent service was executed on 15th of December 2025 and at that time the odometer read 39,643 km.
With the Porsche now checked off his bucket list, the current owner has decided to sell. As a result, we are delighted to present a unique opportunity for someone to acquire a meticulously maintained, low mileage, essentially as new Porsche 911 Carrera S (997.2).
One could easily mistake this car for being 15 months old rather than 15 years old, given its exceptional condition and presentation. The paint remains in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear. It retains a strong depth of colour and a high gloss finish. There are a few extremely minor stone chips on the nose, but they are barely noticeable unless inspected very closely.
All the glass is original and in excellent condition. The lights and lenses are also similarly well presented.
The wheels are a real feature and the present really well with no evidence of any kerb rash. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport N2 tyres, size 235/35ZR19 at the front and Pirelli P Zero tyres, size 295/30ZR19 at the rear. The front tyres are date stamped 0420 (week 4, 2020) and the rear tyres 4118 (week 41, 2018).
Inside the cabin, the interior presents exceptionally well. The seats are in excellent condition. They are firm, yet comfortable and provide ample support. There are no scuff marks or damage to the leather. There are some minor scratches on the airbag cover on the side of both seats, most likely caused by the seatbelt. These marks could be easily fixed by a good leather doctor. The rear seats appear to have been seldom used if at all and are in excellent condition.
Sliding in behind the wheel of a Porsche 997.2 feels instantly familiar, yet unmistakably special. There are multiple adjustments options to make yourself comfortable behind the steering wheel. The driving position is low and purposeful, with the seat wrapping around you just enough to feel supportive without being restrictive. As you settle in, the steering wheel sits perfectly within reach - thick-rimmed, tactile, and hinting at the precision its known for.
Your eyes naturally fall on the signature five dial instrument cluster, with the tachometer front and centre, reinforcing that this is a drivers car above all else. The controls are intuitively laid out, solid to the touch, and free of unnecessary distraction. The instrument binnacle, whilst more modern in appearance, still has this classic and very recognisable 911 look to it. Unlike some other sports cars from this period everything in this Porsche 911 Carrera S (997.2) still feels and looks very analogue.
It doesnt take long before everything feels dialled in - the seat, the steering wheel, and the pedals - like the car has been tailored to you. Theres a sense of connection even before the engine fires, a quiet anticipation that builds as you realise youre exactly where youre meant to be. Visibility is excellent, with the iconic rounded front guards guiding your perspective forward.
Starting this car is easy. It is essentially the same as starting any family sedan . . . make sure the car is in Park, put your foot on the brake, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start. There is however something a little quirky with the starting procedure. With most cars you turn the key to the first position to turn the ignition on, then the second position starts the car. That is not the case with this car. The first position starts the car and the key is also self-centring.
The engine fires up at pretty much first crank and as expected almost immediately settles into a smooth idle.
The Porsche 997.2 series cars were revered in period for their perfect size, hydraulic steering feel and blend of modern usability with analogue charm. Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear commented . . . this is a 911 for the old school.
After 20 minutes behind the wheel you are hooked! This car is quite happy cruising through peak hour traffic, going to the shops or church on Sunday, but . . . out on the open road it is an absolute delight to drive. Its easy to drive but at the same time you know you are driving a supercar which is capable of exceeding 300 km/h and sprinting from 0-100 km/hr in 4.5 seconds.
This car really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Around town it will shift up through the gears very quickly, resulting in the engine running at low revs and in fact you hardly hear it. Out on the open road it is a totally different story. Unleash the 385 horses sitting behind you and the naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivers its power in a smooth, linear fashion, building revs eagerly and rewarding you the harder you push. Theres a distinctive mechanical note behind you that evolves into a classic Porsche howl as the revs climb - refined, yet full of character.
The PDK gearbox is a real delight. The gear changes are very smooth, in fact, you really have to pay attention to notice them.
Fortunately the brakes are up to the task of stopping the car quickly and in a straight line when needed.
For the warm Australian summers this car is equipped with air conditioning which works well and blows cold air.
Accompanying the car is its full book set, including the important service book, the emergency warning triangle, the tyre repair kit (still in plastic) and the air compressor. It even still has an original Porsche bottle of windscreen washer fluid.
If you are looking for a great value, modern classic that still offers a relatively old school driving experience then it would be hard to look past a Porsche 911 Carrera S (997.2).
If you want one then it would be hard to find a better example than this.
Highlights:
- Highly desirable 997.2 model.
- Low mileage, Australian delivered.
- Stunning colour combination.
- Always maintained by Porsche Centre Brisbane.
- In excellent condition.
Price $189,950.
Background
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsches son. Ferdinand junior, or Ferry as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmündbefore relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany. The rest they say is history as the 356 evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built. A hard act to follow indeed . . . but its replacement, the Porsche 911 went on to become a legend!
The evolution of the Porsche 911 is probably the greatest sports car story of all time. First introduced in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and then designated as a 901, the successor to the 356 took the world by storm. To avoid conflict with Peugeot, who claimed exclusive rights to car names with three digits having a zero in the middle, the car was renamed as 911. The first production 911 was built in 1964 and it was powered by an air cooled 1991cc 6-cylinder engine. The car evolved with increases in engine capacity to 2.2 litres, 2.4 litres, 2.7 litres, 3.0 litres and 3.3 litres. There were styling changes also, but one always recognised the car as a 911. Today the first series of 911s is recognised as the cars built from 1963 to 1989 and include the very popular Porsche 911 and 930 Turbo models. Of these the small bumper or pre impact bumper cars built up to 1973 are today regarded as the real classic 911, however, that comes at a price. In the last few years astute collectors and enthusiastshave seen great value in 1970s and 1980s model 911s.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was introduced in 1983 as a successor to the 911SC. Interestingly, it was the first time the Carrera name had been used since 1977. The Carreras main innovation was its Bosch Motronic 2 engine management system. This was the first production 911 to feature an ECU to control the ignition and fuel systems. In addition, the fuel injection was updated to Bosch LE-Jetronic and the induction and exhaust systems were revised. The last of the 911 Carrera 3.2s was built in 1989 and the model was most popular with circa 76,000 cars built during six years of production.
In 1989 the 911 Carrera 3.2 was superseded by the 964. Engine size increased compared to its predecessor, the car was now powered by a 3.6 litre flat six. In total 63,762 were built between 1989 and December 1993. The 964 was replaced by the 993 in 1994.
The 993 was the first non air-cooled 911 and its introduction marked the end of an era. The 993 remained in production through until 1998 and in total 68,029 cars were produced. It was then replaced by the 996.
The 996 remained in production until 2004, with the exception of the Turbo S, the GT2 and the GT3 models, which remained in production through until 2006. Production totalled to 175,262 examples in that period. The 996 was then replaced by the 997.
The Porsche 997 series, produced from 2004 to 2012, represents a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the 911. It marked a return to more traditional styling, reintroducing round headlights in place of the controversial design used on its predecessor, while refining the cars proportions and overall aesthetic.
The first series of the 997, later rebadged as the 997.1, was replaced by the 997.2 in 2009. The refresh involved much more than just some cosmetic changes. The 997.2 received a new engine with direct fuel injection and the new PDK, dual clutch transmission. The 997.2 was faster, lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the 997.1.
Available in a wide range of variants - from Carrera and Carrera S to Turbo, GT3, and GT2 - the 997 catered to both enthusiasts and those seeking a refined sports car.
Today, the 997 is widely regarded as one of the sweet spots in 911 history, blending analogue character with modern performance in a way that continues to appeal to purists and collectors alike.
Production of the 997 ended in 2013 and in total 212,704 cars were built, of which 76,259 were 997.2 models.

2010 PORSCHE 911 997.2 CARRERA S

Details
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this 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 offering for sale a 1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible.
This first series Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is one of 1,232 examples produced between 1971 and 1977.
The car specification sheet on file dated 30th July 1974 confirms this car was ordered to the following specification: paint colour - cardinal red (L68-RV-006), interior - black (VM.8500), hood - black (5218), headlining - grey (TRA.42), carpet - cherry red (21), fine lines - double black (PWS.1426). The car was ordered by Rolls-Royce dealer HA Fox (Washam Stringer) from London, UK.
This Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was ordered with the following options: fog lamps, Firestone black radial tyres, plain Sundym glass throughout, fire extinguisher and a badge bar.
The first owner, L Archer-Davis from London, took delivery of his car on the 2nd May 1975 and it was first registered as HYK911N.
Accompanying this car is its original service book, which interestingly notes the first service was completed on the 30th May 1975 by Rolls-Royce dealer Turnbull & Gamble in Beverly Hills, California in the USA. At that time the odometer read 3,836 miles.
The next service was completed in November 1975 by Rolls-Royce in London, UK and at that time the odometer read 7,780 miles. Over the next four years or so the car was used and enjoyed as its makers intended. It was regularly serviced, as confirmed by the entries in the service book
In the early 1980s the car found its way to Australia. The last recorded service in the UK was executed by H.R. Owen on the 24th July 1980 and at that time the odometer read 64,300 miles. The first recorded service in Australia was completed by York Motors on the 27th July 1982 and at that time the odometer read 69,502 miles.
It is understood the car was acquired by Neville Burrow from Goulburn, NSW on the 28th of July 2012 and at that time the odometer read 16,212 miles (116,212 miles).
The current owner who lives on the Gold Coast acquired the car on the 22nd September 2015 and at that time the odometer read 17,617 miles (117,617 miles). He has used and enjoyed the car in the past 10 years ranking up some 23,000 miles and at the time of photographing the odometer read 40,980 miles (140,980 miles).
The car is owned by a passionate Rolls-Royce enthusiast who is an active member of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club and the car is regularly seen at events in and around south east Queensland.
In his ownership the car has been regularly serviced and maintained. In recent years it has been maintained and serviced by Pauls Nerang Mechanical Workshop, Prestige Mechanics Gold Coast and Eldens Autobahn, all based on the Gold Coast.
A Rolls-Royce commands attention wherever it goes, and this example is no different. The current owner says it consistently draws admiration and enthusiastic compliments every time he takes it out. The colour of Cardinal Red is quite unique and we think striking. With the top down the car has a commanding presence on the road.
As you approach the car, the first thing that captures your attention is the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, proudly poised atop the radiator. Few hood ornaments are as instantly recognisable as this legendary figure.
A Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is a very elegant car and this particular example has aged very well. The paint on the car is generally in good condition. This is a car that has been used and enjoyed. It is definitely not a trailer queen and therefore, there are some stone chips and minor paint imperfections visible. A nice touch is the black pin striping, which matches the black upholstery and really suits the car. Importantly, all the panel gaps are really good on this car.
The bright work on the car is in good condition throughout. Most prominent, of course, is the grille, crowned by the Spirit of Ecstasy, which presents very well with no signs of damage. The bumpers, including the front badge bar, are also in good order. Likewise, the headlight surrounds, door handles, and window trims all show nicely. All lights are functioning correctly, and the lenses are clear and free from cracks. All the glass on the car is in a good condition with no cracks or chips evident.
The wheel trims and RR inscribed hub caps are another feature on a Rolls-Royce Corniche and they present well on this car. The steel wheels are shod with Nankang Toursport NS tyres, size 225/75R15. These tyres are date stamped 1524 (week 15, 2024).
The electric soft top operates smoothly and can be raised or lowered with ease, an effortless task that can comfortably be handled by your chauffeur alone! It remains in good condition overall, with a clear rear window that maintains excellent visibility.
Under the bonnet everything looks to be very original, neat and tidy. The boot is similarly well presented.
The interior presents very well. The seats are in good condition, displaying just the right amount of patina to reflect the cars character without detracting from its appeal. They are comfortable and offer excellent support, with leather that remains soft and free from any rips or tears. The rear seats are in similarly fine condition and appear to have seen very little use.
The timber dashboard is a standout feature, providing a beautiful contrast to the rest of the interior. Overall, the woodwork throughout the car presents very well, with only a few minor blemishes visible. The Smiths instruments are clear and display nicely. On our test drive they all appeared to be functioning as they should and in good working order.
We were keen to see whether the car drives as impressively as it presents. The short answer is that it most certainly does. The engine fires up readily, even from cold, settling into a smooth, refined idle. As a matter of course, we allow it to warm up before setting off. On the road, despite its considerable presence, the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is surprisingly a very easy car to drive. The engine is smooth and quiet, yet delivering ample power effortlessly when called upon. The gearbox shifts seamlessly, with changes that are almost imperceptible. The power assisted steering makes tight turns and manoeuvring effortless. When called upon, the brakes bring the car to a swift, straight and reassuring stop.
The car has speed control, though we did not get the opportunity to use it on our test drive.
The current owner has thoroughly enjoyed his time with this Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, however, after 10 years of ownership feels the time is right for him to move in a different direction.
Accompanying the car is an owners manual, the original service book, the build sheets, a very good history file with receipts for all the work completed over the last circa 20 years, a complete original toolkit, a jack and a spare wheel.
Highlights:
- Well presented example in a unique, original colour.
- Matching numbers.
- Good history file which includes the build sheets.
- Excellent club car, ready to use and enjoy.
Price $89,950
Background
The legend that was to become Rolls-Royce was founded in May 1904 when a deal was struck between Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls. Shortly after, the first Rolls-Royce motor car the Rolls-Royce 10 hp was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in December 1904. It was agreed that Rolls-Royce would initially manufacture four different models being a two cylinder 10hp model, a three cylinder 15hp model, a four cylinder 20hp model and a six cylinder 20hp model. It was immediately apparent that to manufacture their cars Rolls-Royce would require a larger factory and the decision was made to establish their headquarters and manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Derby in the East Midlands of England.
On the 15th March 1906 the company Rolls-Royce Limited was formed and during this year Royce had been developing an improved six cylinder model with more power than the 30hp. Initially designated the 40/50hp, this was the companys first all-new model that was also to become known as the Silver Ghost.
Like all car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce was impacted by the First World War. Times were tough and post war the company made a strategic decision to manufacture a cheaper smaller car, enter the Rolls-Royce 20hp. This model was a success and produced alongside the Silver Ghost and its successor the Phantom ensuring the Rolls-Royce motor car company would survive and prosper.
In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired the Bentley motor car company.
Post the Second World War a significant milestone in Rolls-Royce history was the introduction of the Silver Dawn, which was the first model with a factory built body. In April 1955 Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud and for the next eleven years this model was at the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce production. The Cloud evolved through three major model iterations, being the Silver Cloud I, Silver Cloud II and Silver Cloud III until it was superseded by the Silver Shadow. The last of the Silver Clouds rolled off the Crewe production line in 1965 although specialist coachbuilders were still offering the Cloud III in early 1966. During this time some 7,372 cars were built.
One of the major changes to occur during Silver Cloud production was to the engine. The 4.9 litre 6 cylinder engine used in the Cloud I was replaced by a 6.2 litre V8 engine for the Cloud II. This change ensured the Cloud II had far greater performance all round.
With the arrival of the Cloud III in 1963 the car had now evolved both internally and externally, albeit subtly. The major visual difference was the introduction of the quad head light set up that was to be continued on the Silver Shadow and a lowered bonnet. The Cloud III also shed a few kilos further improving performance and handling.
In 1965 the Silver Cloud III was replaced by the Silver Shadow. The Silver Shadow remained in production through until 1980 and became the largest production volume model for the company at that time with just over 30,000 produced.
In 1966 Rolls-Royce introduced a two door version of the Silver Shadow, the Mulliner Park Ward Coupe followed by a drophead coupe in 1967, the Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe.
In 1971 Rolls-Royce decided to rename the Mulliner Park Models as a Corniche. The Corniche was great success story for Rolls-Royce and incredibly it remained in production for more than 25 years, spanning five different series. In total 5,172 Corniche Convertibles were built, plus an another 506 Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Convertibles.

ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE

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

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

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

2005 FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI

Oldtimer Australia delighted to offer for sale an extremely rare factory, right hand drive Maserati Kyalami. This particular car was built in the most desirable specification, being powered by Maseratis 4.9 litre engine mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. This car is one of only 10 examples ever produced in this configuration.
Maserati has confirmed this Kyalami was produced on 26th July 1979. It was delivered new into the UK and was sold through Modena Concessionaires Ltd in West Bromwich. The car was delivered in verde medio (light green) with a fungo (beige) interior. It was first registered on 23rd December 1982 and carried the plate BEA 71Y. The first owner is noted as Mr Michael Harris from London, UK.
The car had a few subsequent owners before it was acquired by Anthony Michaelson of Musical Fidelity fame from Wembley, UK in May 1988. The DVLA records on file confirm the car was repainted blue in his ownership. Michaelson enjoyed the car for five years, selling it in September 1993 at Coys auction.
In April 1999 the car was acquired by Troy de Leon from Warfield, UK. In his ownership a significant amount of work was done to the car. An invoice on file from Rossi Engineering in Sunbury-on-Thames dated 25th April 2000 confirms the engine was removed from the car and rebuilt, a new exhaust system was fitted, the bumpers were repainted, new front springs were fitted and the AC was recharged. The invoice noted the odometer showing 87,547 km at the time.
In June 2001, with the odometer reading 93,866 km, the gearbox was rebuilt by J.W.F. Motors in Wokingham, UK.
In September 2001 the car was repainted in its current colour of rame metalic by Evans Auto Repair Services in Warfield, UK. The invoice confirms this was a major project. Necessary rust repairs were completed, which involved new metal work as required. Under seal was applied to both sills, all the wheel arches, the front wings, the front apron, the rear wings, the inner arches, the arch guards and under the spare tyre bay.
In May 2004 the car was sold to Rupert Wilkes from Wisbech, UK. There is an MOT test certificate on file dated 9th March 2004 and at that time the mileage was noted as 99,201 km. Wilkes used the car sparingly throughout his ownership, as confirmed by the subsequent MOT test certificates and the Statutory Off Road Notifications (SORN) on file. An MOT certificate dated 8th February 2007 notes the mileage as 99,932 km, and one dated 22nd December 2009 notes the mileage as 99,959 km.
The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car in May 2018 and at that time the odometer showed 807 km (100,807 km). He initially kept the car in the UK before eventually importing it into Australia in 2021. There is an import approval on file for the car.
Before the car was shipped to Australia the clutch and spigot bearing were replaced, the carburettors were stripped, cleaned and rebuilt, the fuel tanks were removed and cleaned. The car was also serviced and all the fluids were changed. All that work was completed in April 2021.
After the car arrived in Australia a problem with the AC compressor was identified and in May 2023 the car was sent to Maranello Purscang Motors in Brunswick, Victoria to address this issue. A new A/C compressor was sourced and fitted. Some other minor issues were also addressed and the car was issued a roadworthy and subsequently registered in Victoria.
Shortly thereafter a knock in the engine became audible. After much deliberation with the team at Marnello Pur Sang it was decided that the engine needed to be stripped to diagnose the problem. The end result was a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings and other parts as required.
Today the odometer reads 03,536 km (103,536 km).
We love the understated, yet classical look of the Maserati Kyalami. We think the colour choice of rame metallic is absolutely perfect for this car. This period colour emphasis the lines on the car and gives it quite an elegant appearance. It also contrasts well with the beige interior.
Even though this car was repainted some 20 years ago, the paint work has held up well and it presents today with a strong depth of colour and nice gloss finish. On closer inspection, we noticed a few small imperfections on the car. Most noticeably, there is a small scratch on the right rear guard, a small a chip on the drivers side mirror and a small chip on the lower part of the drivers door. There are also a few small chips on the edge of the drivers door. The car looks stunning in the photos, but even better in the flesh!
All the external trim is similarly well presented. The bright work on the car is minimalistic, but a feature and it is in good condition. The badges are in good condition with only the slightest sign of some wear around the edges of the Maserati badge on the bonnet. The glass is all in good condition and the same can be said for the lenses both on the headlights and the tail lights. The bumpers on these cars are often cracked and show with minor damage, but on this car they present well.
The wheels are generally in good condition, though if you look closely there are a few small bubbles under the paint and there is a small chip on the edge of the left front wheel. They are shod with as new Michelin 205/70 VR15 XWX tyres which are date stamped 1621 (week 16, 2021).
Open the sweeping door and you are welcomed by a very elegant, functional, yet very Italian interior. First impressions are good. The interior appears to be original and overall it is in very good condition. The leather seats present well, are firm and provide ample support. The seats show some patina, but there are no cracks or tears in the leather. A good leather treatment could easily bring them up a level. The rear seats appear to have been rarely used, if at all and are still in excellent condition. The dashboard in a Kyalami is a real feature and it presents well. The dashboard is covered in Alcantara and that is not an easy material to keep clean. In this car it presents well and there is no discolouration except for a small area on the right bottom of the dashboard. All the instruments are clean and present well. They all appear to be in good working order.
As we prepare for our test drive, we settle in behind the Momo leather steering wheel. Finding a comfortable driving position is surprisingly easy. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, visibility is excellent and both the steering wheel and all controls fall naturally to hand.
It is with great anticipation we insert the key into the ignition to fire up the big V8. After allowing the fuel pump enough time to fill the carburetors you turn the key further to start the car. The engine cranks over easily and it fires up quickly with a bark. There is no need to use the throttle, the engine just catches and it immediately settles into a smooth idle. The engine sounds absolutely fantastic. It is kind of an Italian muscle car!
Whilst you could listen to the Maserati symphony all day, this car needs to be driven. Out on the wide open road is where it really belongs. This car is really a wolf in sheeps clothing. Whilst it is happy to cruise along in traffic, it relishes some open road with some open throttle! It is then that Maseratis 4.9 litre V8 comes to life . . . that Maserati sound is just something. One needs to remember it roots go back to the car of kings the 5000GT and the mighty 450S race cars. The engine in this car pulls like a train. It feels strong and the power delivery is surprisingly smooth. Whilst a Kyalami with an automatic gearbox is a nice car to drive, we just love the 5 speed manual gearbox and in this car it is very easy to use. The clutch is reasonably light, but with a good feel and the gear changes are smooth both up and down the box. This car handles well and the suspension feels firm, yet the ride is incredibly smooth and it easily absorbs any bumps in the road.
All too soon our test drive comes to an end. A Maserati Kyalami is not a small car, yet it is easy to drive and very comfortable.
It is immediately obvious that the target market for this car was the successful business man or woman back in the day. They would have appreciated the finer things in life, but wanted a car that offered the sophistication and class of a sports car combined with the refinement and practicality of a luxury saloon car.
This Maserati Kyalami is just a fabulous car that we are genuinely excited to offer for sale. The overall condition and presentation of this car is consistent with a car has been cherished by its previous owners. The car offers incredibly good value for money and it is reluctantly offered for sale by its current owner. It is ready for its next custodian to use and enjoy.
Highlights:
Super rare car, being one of only 10 factory right hand drive Maserati Kyalamis built with the desirable 4.9 litre engine and the manual gearbox.
Matching numbers chassis and engine.
Well presented in a unique and stunning colour combination of rame metallic with a beige interior.
Recent engine rebuild.
Extensive history file.
Ready to use and enjoy.
Price AUD $114,950.
Background:
The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.
The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.
It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.
Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 - where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.
Orsi sold to Citroen in 1969. Maserati built some fabulous cars during Citroens ownership (including the Indy, Bora, Merak and Khamsin), however, times were tough and the company struggled financially. Citroen placed Maserati into liquidation in May 1975 and it was ultimately saved by the Italian government and Alejandro de Tomaso took control shortly thereafter. Under de Tomasos watch the first new Maserati was the Kyalami, so named after the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa where a Maserati powered Cooper T81 had won the 1967 South African Grand Prix. The Kyalami was based on the De Tomaso Longchamp. Pietro Frua was commissioned to re-style the car and give it that traditional Maserati look and feel. The Kyalami was seen as a true successor to the Mexico and production spanned 8 years from 1976 through until 1983. Maserati production numbers are often a point of contention, however, it is understood that only 201 Kyalamis were built. Of these, surprisingly 44 were factory right handdrive. 30 of the right hand drive cars were destined for the UK market, 7 for the Australian market, 4 for the South African market and 3 for Hong Kong. Of the 44 right hand drive cars, 21 were fitted with the 4.9 engine, of which 10 were fitted with a manual gearbox and 11 with an automatic gearbox.

1979 MASERATI KYALAMI 4.9 Manual

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this fantastic 1983 Aston Martin V8 Oscar India.
The Heritage certificate on file confirms this car was built on the 7th September 1983 and it left the factory on 11th October 1983. The car was originally delivered in storm red (paint code 9017) with a fawn pipe burgundy interior (trim code VM.3234/DV6171), a colour scheme the car still carries today. The car retains its original matching numbers engine.
The Heritage Certificate also states this car was delivered with Weber carburettors, Avon tyres, beige with burgundy edged carpet, beige leather headliner and a miles per hour speedometer.
This car is a highly desirable later model Oscar India with the V580 Series engine and BBS wheels. It also has the blanked out radiator grill that was standard on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Like the majority of the Aston Martin V8s built, this car is equipped with a Chrysler Torqueflite three speed automatic transmission.
The documentation on file confirms that this Aston Martin was delivered through Victor Wilson Limited in Edinburgh, Scotland to its first owner, Mr M Carney from Glasgow, Scotland. It was first registered as MAT 78.
Around 1989 the car was sold to Mr M Blackall, an Englishman temporary living and working in Belgium as the Area Director of Operations for a major hotel group. At that time the car was registered as A946FSF. The car spent the next two years in Belgium before the owner moved back to the UK and took the car with him. In 1993 he upgraded to an Aston Martin V8 Volante and this car was sold to Mr M Walker from Edinburgh in June 1994. In September 1996 the car was advertised for sale by the Murray Motor Company in Edinburgh and sold to Mr R Forrester from Cairneyhill, a small village just north of Edinburgh. In 2000 the Murray Motor Company advertised the car for sale again and subsequently sold it to Mr Keenan from Apperley, Gloucestershire, UK. The car was registered with the registration A4 SFK. These UK plates are still fitted on the car.
The current owner, who has an extensive and eclectic collection of cars, acquired this Aston Martin in the UK in mid 2006 and subsequently imported it into Australia. There is an Import Approval on file dated 31st July 2006.
Shortly after arriving into Australia the car was repainted in its original colour of storm red. The car has not been driven any distance since arriving in Australia. It has essentially been in static storage for some fifteen years, though from time to time it was started and driven a short distance. It was last started and driven about five years ago prior to arriving to us.
Since arriving at Oldtimer Australia the car has been recommissioned by classic car specialist Steve Ward from SJ Classics and it runs and drives well. It may require some further fettling to be a reliable driver, but the car has done everything as expected when we have had it out on the open road. From the first turn of the key when awoken from its hibernation, the big V8 engine burst to life and it sounds fantastic. Not surprisingly the car seems to get better and better the more it has been driven. The oil pressure is good and engine has loads of power on tap. The gear changes are smooth up and down the box and the car handles, steers and stops as one would expect.
Today the odometer reads 69,688 miles, which based on the information on file, is genuine.
Even though the car carries what is now considered an older repaint, the paint still presents very well. As a result of the car not being driven since it was repainted, the paint has never been exposed to the harsh Australian sun. It retains a deep gloss and a strong depth of colour. There are only two small defects in the paint. There are two very small chips on the boot lid and there is also a small scrape on the edge of the drivers door. Subsequent to our photo shoot, these defects have been touched up using original touch up paint supplied with the car.
All the glass, which looks to be original, and external trim is in very good condition. The same can be said for the bumpers and the other bright work on the car. It is all in very good to excellent condition.
The BBS wheels, which are a real feature on these later Aston Martin V8s present like new with no curb rash. They are shod with Avon Turbosteel 70 tyres, size 235/70/15. The thread on the tyres still present like new, however they are date stamped 4400 (week 44, 2000), and should really be replaced on age.
Open the door and you feel like you are stepping back in time. The interior has been beautifully preserved and is in beautiful condition. It is also very English! The fawn leather seats are in excellent condition with no cracks or tears in the leather. They are comfortable and still provide plenty of support. The rear seats appear to have hardly been used. All the carpets are in excellent condition. The dashboard presents like new. The timber veneer inserts are in excellent condition as is all the leather. Even the top of the dash is still in excellent condition. The instruments are all clean and present well. There is a row of push switches on the centre console and you often see these with faded text. Not in this car. The text is as clear as it was on the day the car left the factory.
In the boot everything is clean and tidy and there is an original spare wheel present.
Open the bonnet and you are presented with a magnificent looking V8 engine. It is hard to miss the Aston Martin Lagonda text on the valve covers and of course there is the plate with the name of the person who assembled the engine. The engine in this car was built by Fred Walters. All very Aston Martin! Everything presents as one would expect. The engine is bay is neat, clean and tidy.
The underside of this car presents well. There is light surface corrosion on some of the components, however, this is not a typical English car underneath. The overall presentation is consistent with a 41 year old car that has been well cared for.
Accompanying this car is a comprehensive history file dating back to new, which includes the original service book.
This car has an incredible presence and it presents fabulously in the striking colour of storm red.
A unique opportunity.
Highlights:
- Rare and desirable example of one the iconic Aston Martin V8 series.
- Beautifully presented example of a quintessential British GT.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Known history from new.
Price $239,950
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. The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the sixties producing the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models.
The first of the Newport Pagnell designed cars, the DBS, was introduced in 1967. The DBS was initially powered by Aston Martins tried and true 6 cylinder engine as the companys new V8 engine was not ready.
From September 1967 through until May 1972 Aston Martin produced 829 DBS chassis. One of these was used in a crash test and 26 of these were later fitted with a V8 engine which leaves a total of 802 six cylinder Aston Martin DBS. Of these 802 cars, 621 were right hand drive and 181 left hand drive. The DBS was available with a five speed ZF manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox or. Interestingly, 317 of the right hand drive cars were fitted with the five speed manual gearbox. It is understood that Aston Martin only built circa 70 right hand drive examples equipped with the Vantage engine.
In September 1969 the DBS was superseded by the DBS V8, powered by the all new 5.3 litre V8 engine which was finally ready for production. The DBS V8 remained in production through until April 1972 and circa 400 cars were built. It was then renamed and became the Aston Martin V8, which became a great success for the marque. The Aston Martin V8 was produced for 17 years, with production finally coming to an end in 1989. Just over 2,000 cars were built, plus the Volantes and Vantages.
In October 1978 Aston Martin introduced the Aston Martin V8 Series 4, otherwise known as the Oscar India (Oscar India = October Introduction, from the phonetic alphabet). The car now sporting burr walnut trim, a blanked off bonnet scoop and a revised boot lid and rear wings to create a sculpted spoiler was visually very similar to the Vantage. The car remained in production through until 1985 and only 352 examples were produced.

1983 ASTON MARTIN V8 Oscar India

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly desirable 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 MKII.
The factory records on file confirm that this is an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that was delivered new to the Penfold family in South Australia. The car was delivered through Aston Martin agent D Brown (Australia) on the 8th July 1957. The original colour choice for this car was stunning. It was originally finished in sea green with a green interior, which is how the car is presented today.
This particular car is fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 engine quoted as delivering 165 bhp, being 25 bhp more than the standard engine. It is also fitted with a larger sump.
The factory records note that a replacement engine, with the same number, was despatched to David Brown Australasia on the 13th November 1957.
It is understood that the Penfold family owned the car for many years. The history file picks up the ownership of the car in the 1980s when it was owned by former politician John Goss from Brisbane, Australia. It may well be that Goss acquired the car from the Penfold family. Goss used and enjoyed his Aston Martin for many years before selling to Donald Lane from Buradoo, near Bowral in the NSW southern highlands in 2001. The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car off Lane in c2005.
Over the last 20 years the current owner has used and enjoyed his Aston Martin as its makers intended. Even though the car presents beautifully, he is unashamedly a driver and not a polisher! To ensure the car is a reliable classic and available to be driven on a whim, he has had it maintained and regularly serviced. In 2017 the front Alfin brake drums were overhauled by TypeCast in the UK. In 2018 the cylinder head was overhauled. The car has been upgraded with a Jaguar differential to enhance drivability.
Today this Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII presents resplendently in its original colour scheme of sea green with a green interior. The current owner chose to remove the bumpers for two reasons. Firstly, to give the car that Aston Martin GT look and secondly to reduce the cars weight. The bumpers are heavy! The paint work, which was refreshed by Lane some 20 years ago, is in very good condition with some minor blemishes and stone chips evident. Its presentation is totally consistent with a well cared for car that gets driven. The external trim is minimalistic, particularly with the bumpers removed. The trademark Aston Martin grill is in excellent condition and a real feature.
The chrome wire wheels and spinners really compliment the paintwork beautifully. All of the wheels are in reasonably good condition with no kerb rash or damage. The chrome has started to pit/peel in places. The wheels are shod with Michelin X tyres, size 185R16 all around.
The cabin of the Aston Martin DB2/4 is quintessentially British. It is relatively simple, elegant and beautifully presented. The timber steering wheel is a feature and in excellent condition. The timber dash facia houses the cluster of Smiths instruments and both are also in excellent condition. The leather upholstery is soft and supple with no splits or tears. The seats are comfortable and provide good support. An Aston Martin DB2/4 has occasional rear seats which look to have been sparingly used.
Opening the rear hatch provides access to a large boot area. This area can be expanded by folding a panel down over the rear seats. There is plenty of room for the golf clubs here! The boot presents well, with very minor wear evident.
The massive bonnet hinges forward to reveal a beautifully presented engine bay, revealing the unique independent coil spring front suspension and chassis components as well as the 2,922cc Lagonda twin cam engine. The engine itself is a work of art, resplendent with polished aluminium features, traditional red cylinder head and proper finishes. Everything is neat, clean and tidy.
This Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is a drivers car. The car starts easily, settling into a smooth idle without hesitation. Out on the open road it performs superbly offering a very spirited and rewarding driving experience. The engine has loads of power on tap and it pulls strongly through the rev range. The gearbox is tight and with a relatively short shift it provides slick gear changes. The car delivers a firm yet comfortable ride, direct steering and excellent braking.
Accompanying the car is an original leather bound Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II handbook, an original and well used workshop manual, a copy of a parts catalogue, a factory sales brochure, Aston Martin factory records and a thick history file with many service receipts.
There are also the original bumpers, which are in excellent condition, the original differential, a spare wheel as well as the jack and basic tools which are stored in the engine bay.
If you are looking for an early pre DB4 Aston Martin it would be hard to find a better example.
Aston Martin only built 199 DB2/4 MkIIs, of which 146 were saloons. Of these 146 cars only a small number would be factory right hand drive with the high performance engine.
This car presents exceptionally well and drives superbly.
Highlights:
- Rare Australian delivered, factory RHD example.
- Sold new to the Penfold family in Adelaide.
- Fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 high performance engine.
- Fabulous, original colour scheme.
- Great driving car.
Price $364,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drop head coupes. Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2,922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more roomwith two small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II. The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

1957 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MKII

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

1971 MASERATI INDY 4.7 Manual

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