Oldtimer Garage Australia Pty Ltd

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:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this beautifully restored and highly authentic 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) 427 Big Block Coupe.
Powered by Chevrolets legendary 427 cubic inch 390 HP engine, mated to a 4 speed manual gearbox, this car is presented in its original colour scheme of Sunfire Yellow (paint code 984) with a black vinyl interior (interior code STD).
As a testament to this cars originality, it retains its often missing Owner Protection Plan and New Vehicle Warranty book which still contains the Chevrolet Protect-O-Plate. All the original and correct tags are present on the car, which along with the stamped numbers and casting numbers confirm this to be a very original and correct car. Importantly, the car retains its original matching numbers engine and 4 speed manual gearbox.
The car is also listed in the Complete Corvette Restoration and Technical Guide Vol 2 1963 Through 1967 written by Noland Adams, which also confirms the numbers.
The first owner, Michael Sprague from Santa Maria in California, took delivery of his new Corvette on the 28th January 1967. The car was sold to him by Chevrolet dealer, Home Motors in Santa Maria and it was delivered with the following options: power steering, power brakes, telescoping steering wheel and an AM/FM radio.
It is not known how long Sprague owned his Corvette, however, there is an application for an Arizona Certificate of Title and Registration on file dated 16th March 1977. At that time the car had been acquired by Nathaniel Bloomfield from Tucson, Arizona. That application states that Bloomfield had acquired the car from Hoffman in Tucson and it also notes the previous Arizona title had been granted on the 17th March 1976. There is an Arizona title on file dated the 8th December 2010 in the name of The Bloomfield Family Partnership Nathaniel Bloomfield. We therefore conclude that Bloomfield was a long term custodian of the car, having owned it for some 33 years.
The car was acquired in the USA by David Harber from Classic Car Restorations in Banksia Beach (Bribie Island) in Queensland in late 2010. There is an import approval on file for this car and a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette, dated the 17th November 2010.
The car arrived in Australia early 2011 and it was sold to the current owner shortly thereafter. He had been on the lookout for a Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (C2) 427 Big Block Coupe for some time, but could not find the right car. Once he saw this car he immediately new he had found what he was looking for . . . a totally original, correct and matching numbers example in a unique and highly sought after colour scheme. He immediately engaged the services of Corvettes Down Under on Bribie Island to restore the car to its former glory.
The car was stripped back to a bare shell and assessed. It was noted that all the correct bonding strips were still intact suggesting the car had never been involved in an accident.
Considerable effort was devoted to ensuring the car was restored exactly as it was built in the factory back in the day. Wherever possible, the original factory markings were carefully preserved. The car was subsequently refinished in its original Sunfire Yellow, while the beautifully preserved interior was retained in largely original condition, with new carpets fitted.
All the mechanicals were found to be in excellent condition and required only a superficial refresh.
Since the restoration was completed, this Corvette has been used only sparingly. Given the cars limited use and combined with the owners meticulous attention to detail, it presents as though it was restored just last year rather than nearly 15 years ago! The paint is still in excellent condition, retaining a strong depth of colour and high gloss finish. The black stinger on the bonnet provides a striking contrast to the Sunfire Yellow paint. All the window rubbers were replaced during the repaint, with the exception of the quarter glass rubbers, which were in good condition and therefore retained. The bright work on the car is simple and it all presents well. The glass throughout the car is in good condition and features the correct etching, indicating it is most likely original. Importantly, the panel gaps are excellent throughout, which further reinforces the originality of the car and the fact it had been so well preserved.
The car is fitted with the correct rally style wheels with the correct rally trim rings. They are in excellent condition with no kerb rash evident. The wheels are shod with Maxxis MA1 tyres, size 215/75/R15 both front and rear. The tyres are date stamped 3820 (week 38, 2020) and are still in good condition.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a beautifully presented interior. Probably the first thing that will catch your eye is the wood rimmed steering wheel which is in excellent condition. Looking around it is hard to fault anything! As noted previously, the interior is most likely original and just wonderfully preserved. The seats are in excellent condition with no rips or tears visible. They are comfortable and provide ample support. The dashboard, which is often a weak point on these cars, is in excellent condition and presents almost like new. The centre console and door cards are similar well presented. All the instruments are clear and very well presented, though the speedo is not currently working. The carpet was replaced during the restoration and it presents as new.
Behind the seats you will find a carpeted storage area, which is in very good condition.
Underneath the long bonnet sits the mighty 427 cubic inch, 390 HP V8 engine with a four barrel Holley carburettor. The chrome air cleaner carries the 427 Turbo-Jet 390 HP decal, a subtle reminder that this car is the real deal. The engine bay is exceptionally well presented, with everything neat, clean and tidy. All hoses were replaced during the restoration, with careful attention paid to ensuring the correct factory style markings were retained. Its a strong example of the level of detail applied to preserve originality and authenticity throughout the car.
During the restoration the owner decided to have a high torque starter motor installed. The original unit will accompany the car.
Even from cold, the car starts easily. At the turn of the key, the engine bursts to life with that familiar American V8 rumble before quickly settling into a smooth, steady idle.
The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray C2 427 Big Block Coupe represents one of the most iconic and muscular expressions of American performance from the 1960s. The car is recognised for delivering effortless torque and formidable straight line performance.
Out on the road this car is an absolute blast . . . the driving experience is totally visceral! The engine provides almost unlimited power, is incredibly responsive and put simply just wants to go. It delivers a raw connection between driver, machine and the road. The 4 speed Muncie gearbox is smooth both up and down the box. The car handles well and the brakes pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file with its original book set (including the protecto plate), US titles, restoration documentation and photos, an original sales brochure, a Corvette assembly manual as well as various receipts. There is also a spare wheel and a jack.
Today, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray C2 427 Big Block Coupe is considered one of the most desirable of all Corvettes, admired for its combination of striking design, rarity and serious performance credentials. They are rare cars and seldom come to the open market in Australia. Finding one in this condition is increasingly difficult, making examples such as this particularly special and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Highlights:
- Highly desirable and collectible top of the range C2 Corvette.
- Matching numbers and presented in its unique and striking original colour scheme.
- Beautifully presented, highly original example.
- Good history file, including Owner Protection Plan and New Vehicle Warranty book which still contains the Chevrolet Protect-O-Plate.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $249,950.
Background:
The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, USA in 1911 by Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet, his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C Durant and investment partners William Little (maker of the Little automobile), former Buick owner James H. Whiting and Dr Edwin R Campbell (son-in-law of Durant). In 1912 they were joint by RS McLaughlin, CEO of General Motors in Canada.
The first Series C Classic Six prototype was ready months before Chevrolet was actually incorporated. However, the first actual production car was not built until 1913 when in the fall of that year the new 1913 model was introduced at the New York Auto Show.
The company was merged into General Motors in 1917 and subsequently became a division of that company. Chevrolet is an iconic American brand that is well known the world over.
The 1950s and 1960s were a time of great change in America and the automobile played a significant part in the American way of life at that time. Chevrolet is recognised as producing the great American family car, however, Chevys have also enjoyed much success in motor racing. The small block V8 is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines of all time and the Corvette is perhaps the companys crowning achievement.
In the 1950s sales were declining and brand manager Thomas Keating was eager to reverse course. The solution he came up with was a sports car. The project was code named Project Opel. General Motors chief stylist Harley J. Earl came up with the design and in January 1953 the EX-122 concept car made its debut at the GM Motorama in New York City.
The Chevrolet Corvette is without doubt Americas most popular sports car. Since its introduction in 1953, the Corvette has gone through many iterations and is an automotive icon recognised throughout the world. The first generation, or C1 series cars, were produced from 1953 to 1962 and are often referred to as the straight axel cars because independent rear suspension was not introduced until 1963 on the second generation or C2 series cars. The C1 cars can basically be divided up in four periods. The first series C1 was produced from 1953 until 1955, the second series C1 from 1956 until 1957 and the third series from 1958 until 1960 and the fourth series from 1961 until 1962.
In October 1962 Chevrolet introduced the successor to the C1, the C2 which quickly became known as the Sting Ray. The C2 became the first Corvette to be available as a roadster and as a coupe. The C2 was in production from 1963 through until 1967. That 5-year production period became known as the mid-year Corvette production years. Each year a new improved model was introduced. As a result the 1967 model is regarded as the best model and the one to have. The C2 Corvette was available with either a small block 327 cubic inch V8 engine or a big block 427 cubic inch V8 engine, each offering different power options. In total 117,966 C2 Corvettes were produced.

1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Sting Ray (C2) 427 Big Block Coupe

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this 1974 BMW 2002 Turbo.
The BMW Birth Certificate on file confirms this car was delivered new to the Balcom Trading Co. Inc in Tokyo, Japan. This was the local BMW importer which got later absorbed into BMW Japan Corp, the first 100% owned subsidiary of a foreign car maker in Japan. The car has a production date of the 18th October 1974 and a delivery date of the 15th November 1974. The Birth Certificate states the cars original colour was chamonix (BMW white), which is how the car is presented today.
The Japanese history of this car is not known. The car was imported into Australia in the second half of 2007. There is an import approval on file dated 18th of June 2007. It is understood it then resided in New South Wales. There is a photograph of the car on file with the NSW registration BJ82HS. The car was acquired by the previous owner who is a doctor and BMW enthusiast who lived in Adelaide, South Australia.
In October 2018 the car was acquired by its current Melbourne based owner. The car was in a partially disassembled state as the previous owner had commenced pulling the car apart to restore it. This was perfect for the cars new owner who was looking for his next project. His plan was a nut and bolt restoration to a concours standard. He engaged Concourse Automotive Restorations in Geelong to do the body and paint, Auto Sprint Motors in Melbourne for the mechanicals and Unique Auto Interiors in Melbourne to do the trim. The fuel injection system was sent to highly regarded experts Saxon Parts in The Netherlands to be overhauled.
This was to be a no expense spared restoration and where possible NOS parts were sourced for the car. Anything that needed to be replaced or repaired was replaced or repaired. The majority of the new parts were acquired from classic BMW specialists Jaymic in the UK, Rogers tii in the USA and Wallotnesch in Germany.
The restoration was completed just in time for the car to be displayed at Motorclassica in 2019. At that time the odometer read 85,379km.
Since the car was restored, it has been used and enjoyed clocking up some 12,000 km in the last 5 years. The car is a credit to the current owner and all who were involved in the restoration as it still presents today as a fresh restoration.
At some stage the engine block in the car was replaced. There is correspondence on file from BMW in Germany confirming that the engine currently in the car belonged to a BMW 2002 Turbo which was delivered new to France in January 1975. It is unknown when and where the engine was replaced.
Walking up to the car you just cannot help but being impressed with its appearance. The paint is in excellent condition and the decals on the car immediately tell you this car is not your everyday BMW 2002. The flared wheel arches and the decals give the car a very aggressive stance. Even for the uninitiated, it only takes you a few seconds to realise the decals on the front air dam spell Turbo 2002 in reverse. This sends a firm warning to the car driving in front of you when they see you in their rear view mirror . . . please move out of the way!
Walking around the car it is difficult to find any imperfections. There is the smallest of blemishes in the paint on the lower part of the drivers door and there are also some very small marks on the rear spoiler which have been touched up at some stage. All the decals on the car, which are a real feature, are in excellent condition. The stainless steel belt line trim, a unique design feature which runs right around the car, is in very good condition with only a few very small imperfections. The rest of the external trim, including the badges, lights and lenses is in excellent condition. The Hella headlights are the correct type and taillight lenses have the correct BMW markings on them.
The car is fitted with the correct 13 inch Mahle wheels, shod with Pirelli Cinturato tyres, size 185/70/13, which are date stamped 5118 (week 51, 2018).
Open the door and the first thing you will notice is the red instrument binnacle. This is another unique design feature that tells you this is not an ordinary BMW 2002. The interior itself is immaculate. The seats, door cards, dash, centre console and even the carpets present like new. The seats are firm and comfortable and provide ample support. When the current owner decided to restore the car he also decided to make it a more usable classic for the Australian climate and discretely install a modern electric air conditioning system. The air is fed to the cabin using period correct vents. The car is also fitted with EZ power steering.
Getting behind the wheel is easy and it does not take long to find that comfortable driving position. As you would expect from a BMW the interior is very business like and everything is exactly where you would expect it to be. The Turbo version of the 2002 also had an extra instrument binnacle with two gauges above the centre console. One gauge showing the turbo boost and the other one a clock. On this car the clock has been replace with a voltage meter.
We were very eager to find out if this car lives up to its reputation. The car starts easily and quickly settles into a smooth idle. With great anticipation we wait for the engine to warm up before taking the car out on the road for a short test drive. First impressions are good. The car feels solid, yet very nimble on the road. There are no rattles or squeaks and the car is easy to drive. This BMW 2002 Turbo is equipped with the more desirable 5 speed dog leg gearbox which works well with that typical German precision. Out on the road you quickly forget you are driving a 50 year old car. This car is just a lot of fun to drive and when pushed it is somewhat of a pocket rocket. The 4 cylinder engine is only a 1,990cc but with the KKK (Kuhnle, Kopp and Kausch) turbocharger it pushed out an impressive 170 bhp. Top speed was quoted as 210 km/hr (130 mph) and the car could dash from 0 100 km/h (60 mph) in around 7 seconds. There is just something about hearing that turbo spinning up every time you getclose to 4,000rpm.
A BMW 2002 Turbo is a very unique and rare car anywhere in the world with only 1,672 having been produced. They were never sold new in Australia and only a handful have found their way to our shores. They tend to be tightly held and a result the opportunity to purchase this care presents a unique opportunity.
Accompanying the car is an extensive file, including photographs documenting the restoration of this car, a spare wheel, a tool kit, a first aid kit, a safety triangle, a fitted car cover, a workshop manual, a parts manual and various period brochures.
Highlights:
- Rare and desirable example of one the most iconic BMWs.
- Beautifully presented example.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy
Price $199,950
Background:
On 7 March 1916 the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW) was established. The company was the result of a reorganisation of the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik, a company founded by Gustav Otto in Bavaria, Germany, in 1910. The company was one of the aircraft pioneers in the early 20th century. A year later, in 1917, a Bavarian aircraft engine manufacturer by the name of Rapp Motorwerke changed its name into Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW). That company transferred all its engine production assets to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in 1922 and that company was then renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW).
The company survived World War I and started focussing on the production of motorcycle engines, farm equipment, household items and railway brakes. In 1923 BMW produced its first motorcycle, the BMW R23.
In 1928 BMW purchased the Fahrzeug Fabrik Eisenach which built Austin Sevens under license. That is when BMW officially became an automobile manufacturer. The first car BMW sold under its own name was the BMW 3/15 which was basically a rebadged Austin 7. Throughout the 1930s BMW focussed more and more on producing their own cars and expanded its range into sports cars and larger luxury cars.
During World War II the BMW factories were heavily bombed and severely damaged. Motor vehicle production was curtained and BMW has concentrated on building aircraft engines during the War. As a result, after the war the company was prohibited from producing aircraft or motor vehicles. Miraculously the company survived by making pots, pans and bicycles. It began manufacturing motorcycles again in 1948 and cars in 1952.
Its first post war effort was the BMW 501 which was built in a new factory in Munich. The car was reasonably successful and it effectively relaunched BMW. At the time BMW was also building its fabulous little Isetta, but the company was doing it tough financially. In 1955 the BMW 507 made its debut at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. The 507 was roadster powered by a 3.2 litre V8 engine and was meant to revive the companies sporting image. Instead, the high production cost led the company to the verge of bankruptcy. Only 252 examples were built before production ceased in 1959. As it turns out, it would take BMW nearly 30 years before it would produce another roadster. The company was in serious financial trouble in 1959 and only a large investment from a third party saved the company and prevented a takeover by Daimler-Benz.
It was the launch of the BMW New Class cars in 1962 that proved to be a game changer for the company. Initially these were 4-door compact sedans aimed at the executives. The first one was the BMW 1500 which was first introduced at the September 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show. Other models like the BMW 1800, the successor of the 1500 the BMW 1600 and the BMW 2000 followed soon. In 1965 BMW introduced a coupe versions of the 2000, the 2000C and he 2000CS.
Around the mid 1960s BMW recognised there was a market for a slightly smaller version of their New Class cars. Around the same time they stopped producing the BMW 1600 they introduced the BMW 1600-2 which was a shorter two door model. In 1968 BMW started producing the two door BMW 2002 with its stronger 1,990cc M10 engine.
In 1973 BMW introduced its first turbo charged production car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 2002 Turbo. It produced 170hp and had a top speed of 211 km/h. It was only available in two colours Chamonix (white) and Polaris (silver) and all cars featured BMW motorsport colour scheme stripes and decals on the sides as well as the front air dam. Interestingly the car was introduced just before the 1973 oil crises and as BMW themselves said; BMW had built a car that contradicted the spirit of the times like no automobile before.
Only 1,672 were ever built between July 1973 and June 1975, including twelve pre-production cars constructed between July and December of 1973. The BMW 2002 Turbo was only built as left hand drive.

1974 BMW 2002 Turbo

A new arrival at Oldtimer Australia is this evocative 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined.
Singer Vehicle Design has firmly established itself as the definitive authority in air-cooled Porsche 911 enhancement. In essence, a Singer Porsche is a reimagined 911 at its absolute zenith a seamless blend of heritage, engineering excellence and bespoke craftsmanship.
The demand for these cars is unprecedented and it has also generated huge interest in other re-engineered interpretations of the air-cooled Porsche 911.
This 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined represents a compelling fusion of classic Porsche heritage and modern upgrades (including a tuned 3.6 litre 993) that has been meticulously built by Porsche specialists.
If ever a car arrived at our showroom with a story to tell, it has to be this 911. It clearly boasts a fascinating and colourful history. It started life as a road car, was rebuilt into a very successful competition car and more recently Reimagined.
The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity on file confirms this 1971 (MY 1972) Porsche 911E 2.4 Litre Coupe originally left the factory in Gemini Blue Metallic (paint code 8686) with a black leatherette interior (trim code 11). The car was delivered with a sunroof and a rear wiper.
Porsche has confirmed this car was originally destined for the UK market, however, it is fitted with an Australian compliance plate. Therefore, it may well have been ordered by an Australian in the UK who planned to immediately export the car to Australia or it was perhaps a tourist delivery ordered through a UK dealer. Regardless, the car must have found its way to Australia very early in its life. The Australian Compliance Plate is dated 6/72.
We have to assume the car led a rather normal until the late 1980s or early 1990s when it was acquired by Garnet Luckins from Melbourne, Victoria. Luckins, who was one of the founding members of the Porsche Club in Victoria, had highly respected Porsche specialist Mike Tankard turn this 911E into a race car.
In the mid 1990s the car was sold to John Saunders from Perth, Western Australia. He further developed the car and a CAMS log book was issued on the 19th June 1997. In the early 2000s the car was purchased by Porsche racer Brett Bedggood from Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat in Victoria. He purchased the car for the engine which was fitted in it at the time. As a result, he really didnt use the car.
In October 2006 Bedggood sold the car to a well-known Porsche tragic Larry McFarlane from Brisbane in Queensland. At the time, McFarlane had been racing his rare and quit valuable Porsche 964RS and decided that the risk to continue and race that car was too great. He had been on the hunt for the right track car for some time and when this came to market it met most of his requirements.
This car looked good and it appeared to be in a reasonable condition. It had previously been converted into a 2.8 RSR clone including the massive wheel arches, a roll cage, 930 turbo brakes and a light weight interior.
Unfortunately, the car had a few issues, most notably the engine was tired. With the help of local Porsche specialist Don Munro from T&D Automotive a decision was made to make the car as good as it could be and the first step was to install a type M64 engine from a Porsche 993. The engine was sourced from Wayne Hennig in Noosa, rebuilt and fitted to the car. That wasnt the only modification which had to be made to the car. The car was essentially rebuilt with various improvements made along the way. A staggering $290,000 later a new race car was born!
Once the car was completed it was campaigned successfully at various events. The car performed exceptionally well and Mr Consistency was a regular podium finisher. McFarlanes crowning achievement, which made the project worth every cent, came in 2013 when won the won the Queensland Motor Racing Series Productions Sports Car title and the CAMS Queensland Production Sports Car Championship in this car. After that, the car was used occasionally until 2016 and then more sparingly at odd events until 2018.
This Porsche 911 was effectively retired from racing some 5 years ago.
The current owner acquired this car in 2021 and at that time it was in a reasonable condition for an ex-race car.
Even though he is a very accomplished race car driver, he did not want to extend the cars racing career. Restoring the car back to original was not an option as too many original parts had been removed, making it an unviable project. He wanted to restore the car and totally rebuild it, giving it the Singer treatment. His vision was to restore the car to his taste and importantly make it a better car to drive.
The car was given to Totally Classic Restorations in Warana, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. They stripped it down to a bare shell and performed various body repairs before painting it in its original and stunning colour of Gemini Blue Metallic. Once painted, the car was assembled to the point where it could be easily transported.
The next challenge was to find the right person to take care of all the mechanicals and finalise the project. After due consideration the owner entrusted the project to Jye Pawley at Specialised Autowerk in Heidelberg (Melbourne). The car was transported to him and he started the work in August 2022.
The first job was to remove everything from the car, unpack all the boxes and detail an inventory of all of the parts that were with the car. This was never going to be an easy project! Pawley was up for the challenge and after discussing various options with the owner, a plan was agreed and the work began in earnest.
There is a substantial file containing detailed invoices documenting the work carried out, along with 2,249 photographs on record.
Some of the highlights are:
- The 993 3.6 litre engine was stripped, assessed and reassembled with new seals etc. It is fitted with mild cams and mechanical rockers. The engine recorded 250.4 kw (approx. 335.8 hp) and 384.7 nm on the dyno.
- The 915 gearbox has been completely rebuilt to standard specifications with a PSJ shift coupling for a more precise feel.
- Upgraded 930 brake system.
- A limited slip differential has been fitted with later model drive shafts.
- A Sachs clutch has been fitted.
- A KW V3 coil over kit has been fitted.
- A new half roll cage was installed.
- The fuel system has been upgraded and modernised.
- Adjustable sway bars have been fitted.
- All the wiring has been replaced and upgraded.
- Superlite style wheels, 15×8 front and 15×10 rear were fitted.
- A lightweight RS style carpet kit and RS style door trims were fitted.
The end result is simply outstanding. This car is so much more than a hot-rodded 911 with flared guards! The car stands as a true testament to the vision of the owner and the craftsmen who brought it together.
Walking around the car, its impossible not to be impressed! From the front the additional fog lights immediately remind you of the Porsches that used to participate in various rally events in the 1970s. The flared wheel arches remind you of the 911 RSR which famously won the 1973 Targa Floria in Sicily. The look is quite imposing and it all just works.
The colour combination of Gemini Blue Metallic with the gold wheels and decals is striking and the spot lights coupled with its aggressive stance complete the look perfectly.
The car was completed in 2025 and it has only travelled some 700 miles since it was built. As a result, everything essentially presents as new. The paint is in excellent condition, though it has picked up a stone chip/star on the left rear guard. The external trim is minimalistic and what there is also presents as new. The glass is also in excellent condition.
The gold Superlite wheels are in excellent condition and they are shod with a fresh set of MichelinTB5 tyres, size 225/50R15 at the front and 285/40R15 at the rear. They are date stamped 2924 (week 29, 2024) and 3825 (week 38, 2025) respectively.
When the car was completed, it felt as though something was still missing. It was then decided to add the gold striping to the sides and rear, which finished the car perfectly.
The interior of the car had a tough act to follow and we think that the style choice and colour combination chosen is just perfect. Everything has been beautifully finished. The seats are a real feature and the light blue upholstery with bright blue piping and the blue/black herringbone inserts really makes its own statement. The detail of matching the seat belts and door pulls to the piping is clever and another feature.
Not surprisingly, the engine bay and boot under the bonnet also present as new.
From the moment we first laid eyes on this car down in Melbourne, we have been champing at the bit to get behind the wheel. How would it drive was the million dollar question! Would we be disappointed given the hype generated by its look? The short answer is a definitive NO!
Theres no doubt the look of this car is something special, however, when you start the engine it also obvious that it is powered by something special. Yes, it is louder than your everyday 993, but not too loud. It has an edge and it sounds angry . . . courtesy of the mild cams and customised Fabspeed exhaust system.
Out on the open road all your senses converge at once as you take it all in. The first thing you notice is how direct the steering is and shortly thereafter how tight the gearbox feels. The short throw and weight of the gear knob have created a perfect feel and the gear changes are so easy and incredibly smooth up and down the box. As we expected the suspension is hard, but surprisingly comfortable. The car feels extremely tight and just glued to the road. It handles like a go cart and corners like its on rails.
This 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined is one of the most exciting cars to drive that we have ever offered for sale. We really cant fault the car . . . if only we could keep it!
The current owner has a significant collection of cars and whilst he has thoroughly enjoyed the journey to create this masterpiece, he has gone in a different direction with his collection focusing on Italian cars.
It is therefore with a heavy heart he has made the difficult decision to part with this car and it is now looking for its next custodian.
Needless to say, building a car of this quality required a significant financial investment and what we are asking is way under cost.
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file, that most importantly contains detailed invoices documenting the work carried out, along with 2,249 photographs of the build.
You wont park next to another one at your local Porsche Club event or cars & coffee!
Highlights:
- an incredible Reimagined Porsche 911.
- powered by a tuned type M64 Porsche 993 engine.
- a superbly presented car in a fabulous colour scheme.
- just a magnificent car to drive.
Price: $389,950
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.
For 1969 Porsche made the single biggest change to the 911 thus far by lengthening the wheelbase 2.5 inches to reduce the oversteer characteristics inherent to rear-engined cars. Pre 1969 cars are often referred to as the short wheel base cars (SWB) and 1969 onwards called the long wheelbase cars (LWB).
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 enthusiasts have seen great value in 1970s and 1980s model 911s.
From 1967 Porsche offered the 911 with four different variants. the base model 911T, the more luxurious 911L, the mid range 911E and the top of the range 911S.
First released in 1967, the Porsche 911T was basically a replacement for the 912. The 911T was a slightly less expensive and a more basic version of the 911L. It was introduced with a 1,991cc engine with Weber carburettors, which produced 110hp, mated to a 4 speed gearbox.
The 911L only remained in production for a short period, from 1967 to 1968, before being replaced by the 911E in 1969. The E stands for Einspritzung, which is German for injection. The 1,991cc engine remained but it was now fitted with Bosch mechanical fuel injection which provided a significant increase in power to 140hp. The engine capacity was increased to 2,195cc for all 911s in 1969 and 911E 2.2 generated 155hp. The final iteration of the F Series 911s saw the engine capacity increase again, this time to 2,341cc. The 911E 2.4, introduced in late 1971 and built through until 1973, now produced an impressive 165hp.
In total, 12,159 Porsche 911Es were built from August 1968 through until July 1973, comprising 7,517 Coupes and 4,642 Targas.

1971 PORSCHE 911 E SERIES

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

1971 MASERATI INDY 4.7 Manual

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered 1924 Bentley 3.0 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Tourer.
Elegant, purposeful and undeniably charismatic, the Bentley 3.0 Litre is widely regarded as one of the most desirable sporting cars of the vintage era.
This well known and highly regarded car is well documented in the fabulous book Vintage Bentleys in Australia written by Clare Hay, Bob Watson, Phillip Schudmak and Tony Johns.
This particular car is noted as having a delivery date of August 1924 (the 31st July 1924 according to the Vintage Bentley Register) and it arrived into Australia in October 1924.
The Vintage Bentley Register states: According to the original Vanden Plas Coachbuilder records, this car was originally fitted with Body No. 1068 with a 10 10 wheelbase standard Open Touring Body; Design copied at Bentley Works 3rd April; buff/black; 8/1924. Michael Hay, in his book Bentley: The Vintage Years, 1997, states: Vanden Plas body no. 1068. New BA 741 419 S/col 737 G/box 1375 (B?).
The first owner was EM & Jas. M Pittendrigh from the inner Melbourne suburb of Toorak in Victoria. The car was first registered as 63167. By 1934 the car was owned by Stanley Edwards from Victoria. It passed through a number of subsequent owners in Victoria before being acquired by Jim Duncan from Victoria and later Noosa in Queensland in 1965. Duncan used the car regularly attending various Bentley Drivers Club events and rallies as well as the 1996 Targa Tasmania.
Unfortunately, the car was involved in an accident in 1999 during Duncans ownership. This was the catalyst to fully restore the car, which involved fitting a new body that was built by Rod Warriner. The new body incorporated a taller radiator and bulkhead to compliment the 4½ Litre engine that was previously fitted to the car. The work was completed and the car was back on the road in 2001.
The car was shown at the 2001 Noosa Beach Classic Car Show where it won Best pre 1950 Car and Best Car of the Show.
Duncan sold his beloved Bentley in 2010 after 45 years of ownership. The car returned to Melbourne and was acquired by the current owner in 2017. Throughout his ownership this wonderful Bentley has continued to be used and enjoyed. It is often seen at Bentley Drivers Club events and rallies.
Few cars capture the spirit of vintage motoring better than a Bentley 3.0 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Tourer. Developed during the formative years of Bentley Motors, it combined robust engineering, impressive performance and lightweight sporting coachwork to create a motor car that quickly established Bentleys reputation as a force to be reckoned with both on the road and on the racetrack. They are a drivers car first and foremost!
Today this car presents and drives exceptionally well. We love the fact that when Duncan restored/rebuilt the car back in 1999 he chose to have it finished in essentially its original colour of buff/black, which is quite unique and absolutely striking. It is not known what the original upholstery colour was for the car, however, we think red was a perfect choice.
This Bentley presents with just the right amount of patina, consistent with a car that was restored 25 years ago and subsequently maintained whilst it has been used and enjoyed.
The paint work presents well, with minor wear and tear evident. Overall it has retained a strong depth of colour and remains vibrant. All of the external trim, including the brightwork presents similarly well.
The black wire wheels and plated Bentley spinners are in good condition and present well. The wheels are shod with Goodrich Silverttown 5.00 / 6.00 21 tyres all around.
Inside the cabin this car is also beautifully presented. The condition of the interior is consistent with the exterior. Everything is just nice, showing light wear consistent with use. The red upholstery is soft and supple and presents without any significant flaws. The seats are comfortable and install confidence you would feel that way after a long day behind the wheel. The carpets are in generally good condition. The instruments and controls are well presented and look to be in working order, though the black finish around the bezels on some of the instruments is chipped.
The soft top, which is in good condition, is for emergency purposes only and some would say Bentley drivers should be made stern enough that it should never go up! It fits quite well and is relatively easy to put up and down. The cover that fits over the soft top when down fits well and is in good condition. There are two tonneau covers, one front and one rear, which also fit well and are also in good condition.
Driving a Bentley 3.0 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Tourer is not simply about travelling from one destination to another. It is about becoming part of the machine, mastering its controls and experiencing motoring as it was during one of the greatest eras in automotive history. Powerful, engaging and immensely charismatic, it remains one of the finest vintage driving experiences available today. There is no doubt that this car achieves all of that and more!
The car goes hard and it has the most fantastic and very distinctive baritone exhaust note. For its day this was a fast car, but even today its performance is lively and the car has absolutely no trouble keeping up with modern traffic. The steering is relatively heavy at low speeds but becomes lighter and wonderfully communicative once on the move. Every movement of the front wheels can be felt through the steering wheel, creating a direct connection between driver and the road. The car responds faithfully to driver inputs and, despite its age and size, possesses an agility that often surprises first-time drivers.
The gearbox requires a deliberate hand and rewards those who master its rhythm. Smooth gear changes become part of the driving experience, adding to the sense of satisfaction and engagement. Rather than being a challenge, the process becomes an integral part of the cars character.
The brakes do their job adequately, however, they require a firm peddle.
Out on the open road, this Bentley truly comes into its own. It settles into a long legged stride, feeling stable, confident and immensely robust. The chassis inspires confidence and there is a wonderful sense that the car could continue effortlessly for hundreds of miles, just as it did during the great touring and competition events of the 1920s.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the experience is the sense of occasion. Every journey feels special. The sounds, smells and sensations combine to create an experience that is visceral, authentic and deeply rewarding.
Incredibly, this Bentley is now just over 100 years old.
With its imposing radiator, seemingly endless bonnet and beautifully proportioned Vanden Plas coachwork, the Bentley 3.0 4½ Litre Tourer is the very image of a vintage sporting motor car. Nearly a century after it first appeared, it remains one of the most evocative and rewarding automobiles of its era, offering a direct connection to the heroic age of motoring.
WO era Bentleys are rarely offered for sale in Australia, so this beautifully presented 1924 Bentley 3.0 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Tourer. presents a unique opportunity.
Highlights:
- Genuine Bentley 3.0 Litre Vanden Plas Tourer.
- Upgraded with 4½ Litre engine.
- Beautifully restored 1999 2001.
- Known history from new with excellent provenance.
- Superb drivers car.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $479,950
Background
The Bentley motor car company was founded back in 1919 by brothers WO and HM Bentley. The Bentley brothers were involved in the motor industry having acquired the agency to sell French built DFP (Doriot, Flandrin & Parant) cars in 1912, however, they desperately wanted to build their own cars.
WO Bentley had established himself as a brilliant engineer during World War I when the French made DFP in which he competed, achieved a number of wins in various races and hill climbs. He was one of the first engineers who realised the advantage of using aluminium to create pistons. W.O Bentley was discharged from the army in 1919 and he set about creating his own car. His experience with aircraft engines proved an excellent starting point. He was also heavily influenced by two pre-war designs, the 1914 Grand Prix Mercedes and the 1913 Coupe de lAuto Peugeot.
Bentley developed a 3.0 litre monobloc engine which featured four valves per cylinder, twin spark plugs and twin magnetos. He made extensive use of aluminium and magnesium which were quite exotic materials in the 1920s, especially for road going cars. The first prototype, EXP1, was tested by The Autocar and received a glowing report. It was described as For the man who wants a true sporting type of light-bodied car for use on a Continental tour where speed limits are not meant to be observed the 3 Litre Bentley is undoubtedly the car par excellence.
The second prototype, EXP2, made its debut at the 1919 Olympia motor show. The new Bentley 3.0 Litre attracted a lot of attention however it wasnt until September 1921 that the first model rolled of the production line. Between the 1919 motor show and September 1921 much work had been done to further refine the chassis. EXP2 was the first Bentley to record a race win at Brooklands on May 16th 1921. Bentley continued to use it for further testing in 1921 and 1922 before it was sold in 1923. EXP2 still exists today and is the oldest surviving Bentley.
Initially, production of the Bentley 3.0 Litre was slow but they got the formula right and their cars proved to be luxurious, reliable and fast thus attracting buyers from the elite of society. it didnt take long for the order books to be filled with names of wealthy and aristocratic clients, including Prince George (later the Duke of Kent), the Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) and the Duke of York, later King George VI.
Just like other manufactures in that period, Bentley supplied the engine, drive train, suspension and chassis, letting the client decide which coachbuilder they wanted to use to supply the body. Bentley offered three versions of their 3.0 Litre and they were identified by the colour of the badge on the radiator the blue label, the red label and the green label. The blue label was the standard engine, the red label was powered by a higher compression engine and the green label was the high-performance model. Bentley had great confidence in their cars and offered a five year warranty on the blue and red label model. The green label, however, only came with a one year warranty because it really was a race car.
The cars were also incredibly successful on the race track with Bentley achieving the ultimate success winning Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The Bentley 3.0 Litre was able to beat the the much smaller and more nimble Bugattis, prompting Ettore Bugatti to call it the fastest lorry in the world.
The difficult economic times in the late 1920s had a major impact on Bentley and they stopped motor racing soon after winning Le Mans in 1930 and ultimately fell into receivership in 1931. Rolls-Royce acquired the assets of Bentley in late 1931. In this period Bentley produced some fabulous motor cars including the 3.0 Litre, 4½ Litre, Blower Bentley, 6½ Litre and 8.0 Litre models that are all today highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors all over the world. The first new Bentley produced following Rolls Royces acquisition was the Bentley 3½ Litre which evolved into the Bentley 4¼ Litre. Bentleys of this era are also known as Derby Bentleys as they were built at Rolls Royces factory located in Derby in the north of England.
The Bentley 3.0 Litre was built from 1921 through until 1929 and in total 1,622 examples were built. This included three experimental models, 1,088 3.0 Litre models, 513 Speed Tourers and 18 Super Sports.

1924 BENTLEY 3 LITRE

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a factory right hand drive 1972 Maserati Bora. It is understood that Maserati built only 42 factory right hand drive Boras making this an exceptionally rare car. 

According to the factory records this factory right hand drive example was completed in October 1972 with a 4.7 litre engine. Its original colour scheme was Celeste Chiaro (light blue, Salchi code 1069.A.20) with a black interior (Connolly code PAC.1560). 

The car was delivered in the UK to its first owner through Citroen Cars Ltd in Slough, UK. It is understood the car left the UK shortly after, making its way to the Channel Islands, then to Norfolk Island before arriving in Brisbane in 1974.
After arriving in Australia, the car is understood to have found its way to Perth in Western Australia where it remained for about 10 years. One of the subsequent owners remembered seeing the car on the Kwinana Freeway around 1977. The car then found its way to Bathurst in New South Wales where it was owned by Nicholas Dutton. In his ownership the car was registered in NSW as QYB443. Dutton sold the car through Oldtimer Australia in the early 2000s to a well known Melbourne based classic car enthusiast and collector. He only kept the car for a short period as he quickly realised that a Maserati Bora is not really designed for people who are over 64 tall! He loved the car, but couldnt get comfortable in it, so he reluctantly made the decision to sell. The car was again sold through Oldtimer Australia, to Ken Graham from Perth in Western Australia. At that time the odometer read 56,240 miles.

Graham owned this Maserati Bora for the next 14 years and in his ownership a lot of work was done to the car. Accompanying this car is a huge history file(s), including one thick file with substantial documentation, invoices and photos for all of the work Graham had completed on the car.

In August 2003 Graham decided to have the engine rebuilt. At that time the odometer read 58,000 miles. The engine was removed from the car, completely stripped and all components were thoroughly examined. The engine was rebuilt with new JE forged pistons and new OEM bearings from Kyle Fleming Maserati in the USA. Chapman Bros in Mosman Park in Perth bored and honed the block and refurbished the crankshaft. After crack testing, the crankshaft was machined, polished, re-nitrited and, then balanced. The engine block was chemically cleaned, the heads and the block were machined (only .005) and new valves & followers were installed. A decision was made to also install valve stem seals, something the factory never did. The engine was then reassembled. The gearbox and differential were also disassembled. Bearings were replaced and some of the gears were relapped. Unfortunately, after all the work was completed there was some noise from the gearbox and differential. The owner decided to live with it, however, in 2011 it was the one thing that still annoyed him about the car. He then removed the gearbox and differential again and this time he renewed all the synchromesh cones as well as the crown wheel and pinion. 

In November 2007 a decision was made to repaint the car. It was taken to Lombardi Panel works who assessed the car and made a list of all the work to be done. When examining the car they found paint fragments under the rear window which were of a slightly different colour, confirming that the car had previously been repainted. After further examining the car, they determined the paint to be a Ford colour found on the XF Fairmont. Work commenced and the body was taken back to bare metal. Maserati Boras are prone to rust and this car had obviously benefited from having lived the majority of its life in Australia. There was some metal work required, but overall the boidy was in good condition. When it came time to paint the car the owner decided on a colour change and selected rosso rubino, which was the colour of the car featured in the 1972 factory sales brochure.

During that same period the interior was also retrimmed.

In Grahams ownership pretty much every element of the car was refurbished. The engine, carburettors, gearbox, differential, suspension, steering, hydraulics, exhaust system, brakes, electrical system and the air conditioning were all overhauled. The car was repainted and the interior refreshed.

The current owner, who is based in Melbourne, acquired the car from Graham in March 2016. At that time the odometer read 63,685 miles. He has used the car sparingly and travelled circa 1,200 miles in his nine years of ownership. Today the odometer reads 64,849 miles. In his ownership he had the car regularly maintained by Zagames and Beninca Motors.

First impressions of this car are really good. It certainly has a presence and the colour scheme really suits the car. The paint has certainly withstood the test of time. It has been nearly 18 years since this car was repainted but it has retained a deep gloss finish and a strong depth of colour. Upon closer inspection you will notice a few small imperfections. The most noticeable ones are three small bubbles on the lower part of the drivers door, near the bottom edge and one on the lower section of the right front guard. There are also a few small stone chips, consistent with a car which has been used. The stainless steel roof on a Bora is a real feature and it is in very good condition on this car. The same can be said for all the other bright work. Whilst the car has a few small imperfections here and there, generally speaking its overall presentation is very good.

All the glass is in good condition with no cracks or delamination evident. The same can be said for all the lights and lenses, which are clear and in good condition.
The Campagnolo wheels and chrome finished hub caps are another unique design feature on a Bora. On this car they are generally in a good condition though we did notice some very light kerb rash on the right rear wheel. It is very minor and only the paint has been affected, not the actual rim. The hub caps are all in good condition. The wheels are shod with period correct Michelin XWX 215/70 VR15 tyres on all four corners. They are date stamped 3120 and 3220 (week 31 and 32, 2020) and are in excellent condition.

When you open the door you are welcomed by a very unique looking interior. The first thing that will capture your attention are the seats. They look like something you might have seen in an 80s sci-fi movie or perhaps found in a funky period lounge room! Both seats are in good condition with no rips or tears evident in the leather. They are also firm and provide plenty of support. Sliding behind the wheel you cant help but be impressed with the dashboard. All the gauges present well and on our test drive they all appeared to be working as they should. The period correct radio is a nice touch. The door cards and the headlining both present well.

Ever since this Bora arrived in our showroom we have been keen to take it out for a test drive. We had to wait for the weather gods to cooperate but when the opportunity finally presented itself, we were not disappointed. The car starts easily even from cold and fairly quickly settles into a smooth idle. The big V8 has a fabulous almost baritone exhaust note that you take in as the engine warms up. In time we are inching the nose into traffic as we slowly exit our showroom and hit the open road. The first impressions, even though the engine had not quite warmed up yet, were extremely positive. The car almost squats on the road and it feels really solid. This Maserati Bora is a fabulous car to drive. The engine has plenty of power throughout the rev range and the gear changes both up and down the box are easy and smooth. The car handles very well and responds to the smallest movement in the steering wheel. When needed the brakes are there to pull the car up quickly and in a straight line. Once everything had warmed up properly, the driving experience only got better!

This wonderful Maserati Bora was shown at Motors & Masterpieces in Melbourne in November 2024 as part of the display celebrating 110 Years of Maserati. It is also featured in the upcoming issue of Benzina magazine.

The Maserati Classiche documentation on file confirms that this car is fully matching numbers, including its Carrozzeria (body number) and Autovettura (production number).

The car comes with an extensive history file which contains the original build sheets, lots of photos, write ups and invoices documenting all the work done over the years. It also has a correct spare wheel.

It is not often a factory right hand drive Maserati Bora comes onto the market in Australia or in fact anywhere in the world. 

We think the Maserati Bora is a real sleeper and it presents a fabulous opportunity when compared to its cross town rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini!

Highlights:
	Rare factory right hand drive example, being one of only 42 ever built.
	Matching numbers, engine, chassis and body.
	Nicely presented.
	Extensive history file.
	Sorted, ready to be used and enjoyed.

Background

The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.

The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.

It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars. 

Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 - where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.

Orsi sold to Citroen in 1968. Soon after, the idea of a two seat mid-engined super car was conceived. It was then in the summer of 1969 the first prototype of Maseratis new car was built. This car was known as Tipo 117 and was ultimately named Bora after a wind from the Northern Adriatic Sea. The car became a reality in relatively short time and it was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971.

Like the Ghibli before it Maseratis new flagship was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this time for Ital Design. In many ways the Bora was a unique design and its trademark was that its roof and A pillar were finished in brushed stainless steel in contrast the rest of the painted body.
Like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, the Maserati Bora was one of THE supercars of the seventies. Despite the fuel crisis, Maseratis supercar was relatively successful with 564 cars built from 1971 through until 1978. Of those only 42 left the factory as right hand drive.

1972 MASERATI BORA

A new arrival at Oldtimer Australia is this very impressive, opulent 1930 Packard 740 Custom Eight Roadster (7th Series).
Ask the Man Who Owns One was Packards famous advertising slogan. It was a simple but powerful line, suggesting that the best endorsement of a Packard car came from its owners themselves - reinforcing the brands reputation for luxury, quality, and reliability.
There is no doubt that this Packard 740 Custom Eight is all of these things and a whole lot more!
The early history of this car is not known. It was understood to have been a North American car that was imported into Australia at some stage and restored by highly regarded Packard specialist Barry Smith from Tamworth in NSW. The project took around four years and was completed in 1997 This car started life as a Packard 740 Custom Eight Sedan and it was stripped to a bare chassis and rebodied as a Roadster.
There is an excellent photo album with approximately 250 photos of the restoration on file. Whilst the car initially appeared to be in reasonable condition, the extent of the work required became immediately apparent once the disassembly began, revealing it to be a far more substantial project than first anticipated.
The restoration photographs are highly detailed, clearly illustrating the extent of the work undertaken. If any car can truly be described as a nut and bolt restoration, this is it - every component was removed and not a single nut or bolt was left untouched.
The car was sold to the Gosford Car Museum in late 2015 / early 2016 and this car along with a few other Packards formed one of their featured displays. The Gosford Car Museum closed in February 2019 and the current owner acquired the car from their closing down auction. At that time the odometer read 5,359 miles.
The current owner is moving overseas and made the difficult decision to sell his beloved Packard. He has used the car from time to time and at the time of photographing, the odometer read 5,882 miles.
Today this Packard presents superbly and it is hard to believe that it was restored some 30 years ago! It has the appearance of a recently restored car, which is true testament to Smith and all those involved in the work.
The two tone burgundy colour scheme suits the car perfectly. The paint is in excellent condition, retaining a rich depth of colour and it still presents with a high gloss finish. Yes, if you look closely you will be able to find the odd small stone chip and some other minor paint imperfections, but you really will have to look closely. Considering the size of the car, this is particularly impressive, as it would be very easy to pick up a stone chip or some other damage. The most noticeable chip is located along the upper edge where the drivers door meets the body, likely the result of slight door sag causing it to catch if not closed with care.
The beige soft top is in very good condition overall, with the fabric presenting well. Only very minor, superficial wear was noted on the right rear side, near where it attaches to the body. The rear window is clear and in good order.
The windscreen and the glass wind deflectors on both sides are all in a good condition with no chips or cracks.
The bright work on this car is a real feature . . . and there is lots of it! It obviously starts with the very imposing radiator grill adorned with the equally striking Goddess of Speed hood ornament. Then there are all the lights, bumpers, window surrounds, door handles, mirrors and of course the wire wheels! Everything is so period and it is all in very good condition.
The wheels are a true work of art and present in excellent condition with no sign of any curb rash or damage. They are fitted with Lester white wall tyres, size 7.00 19, which are still in a good condition. A nice detail are the Packard Motor Car Co branded wheel centres.
The condition of the interior is every bit as impressive as the exterior. The leather seats present as though they were only recently retrimmed. They are firm, supportive and very comfortable. In the photos, the drivers seat is shown with its original base fitted. The current owner is quite tall and he has had a slightly thinner base made that can be easily swapped in, allowing the driver to sit a little lower.
Behind the front seats is a small lockable storage compartment. The leather on the rumble seat is also in excellent condition. The dashboard, whilst simple in design, presents well. The instruments are clear and on our test drive they all appeared to be in good working order with the exception of the fuel gauge.
To complete the look of the car, the current owner sourced a period correct trunk, which presents in excellent condition.
The presentation of the engine bay is every bit as impressive as the rest of the car. Beneath the bonnet sits Packards superb inline eight-cylinder engine, finished in its correct Packard Engine Green. The colour is subtle, yet elegant, which perfectly complements the cars refined character. Everything under the bonnet is neat, clean and tidy.
Unlike many cars from this era, starting this Packard is very easy. First step is to turn the ignition on. This car is fitted with an after market electric fuel pump which needs to be turned on using the small toggle switch mounted underneath the dashboard. Then you pull the choke out, pump the accelerator 3-4 times and press the starter button which is mounted on the floor next to the accelerator.
The engine will crank and once enough fuel is sucked into the carburettors the straight eight starts easily. The choke needs to be backed off almost immediately and you warm up the engine by feathering the throttle as required. The engine, which is incredibly smooth and very quiet, quickly settles into a smooth idle.
The driving position in this Packard 740 Custom Eight Roadster is distinctly upright and commanding, very much in keeping with the grand touring cars of its era. You sit high in the car, with a clear view over the long, sweeping bonnet and the prominent radiator, giving a strong sense of presence on the road.
This Packard is by no means a small car, but it is surprisingly easy to drive. One characteristic we noted is that the throttle is quite heavy, though it is something you quickly become accustomed to. It also immediately apparent that this car has plenty of power on tap and it will easily keep up with modern traffic. The gear changes are pretty smooth and the engine has so much torque that you dont really need to change gears that often anyway! For a 1930s car, the brakes are also surprisingly good. They pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
This car has an incredible presence and it would have made a splash in Hollywood back in the day. While any vintage car is likely to turn heads today, this imposing Packard 740 Custom Eight Roadster takes it to another level, stopping people in their tracks wherever it goes. We received plenty of thumbs up during the drive to our photo shoot location.
Following its restoration, the car was shown regularly at various events, where it went on to win a number of awards. In July 1997 it attended the NRMA American Independents Day car display where it won two awards. It won the trophy for the Best Vintage Car and another for The Longest Distance Travelled. In the same year the car was taken to the Shannons Eastern Creek Classic Concours dElegance where it won the Vintage Cars category.
Accompanying the car is a second hood ornament (an Adonis), headlight covers, CTEK 6 volt battery charger, two service parts books, three trophies and a photo album of the restoration.
Highlights:
- Magnificently restored car that presents superbly today.
- Fabulous colour scheme.
- Runs and drives well.
- Relatively easy to drive.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price: $199,950
Background
In the 1890s the brothers James and William Packard founded the Packard Electric Company specialising in electrical manufacturing. Soon after that they also founded the New York & Ohio Company, which specialised in the manufacturing of incandescent lamps.
On his travels throughout the United States, James started to take interest in the horseless carriage and wanted to develop one that did not rely on steam or electricity. The Packard brothers produced their first automobile on November 6th 1899, the Model A Packard and drove it on the streets of Warren, Ohio. Soon after the brothers teamed up with George Weiss from Winton and production was up and running. Between 1899 and 1903 they built 400 cars. These were sold under the name of the Ohio Automobile Company. The business prospered and in late 1902 the company was rebranded as the Packard Motor Car Company and production moved from Ohio to a purpose built facility in Detroit.
The Packard brothers stayed involved in the company for the next couple of years but by 1909 started to move away from the business. Under company President and General Manager, James Alvan Macauley, Packard became the number one designer and producer of luxury automobiles in the United States and was held in the same regard as the Pierce Arrow company of Buffalo, New York and the Peerless company of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Great Depression hit car manufacturers hard but Packard managed to survive and shifted focus on mid-range automobiles when the interest in higher priced cars diminished. This turned out to be a good move and Packard saw their sales triple in 1935 and double in 1936.
Packard is well known for its iconic advertising slogan Ask the Man Who Owns One, however, it should also be better recognised for its engineering achievements and innovation.
Some of the major innovations bought to the motor car by Packard included: the H pattern gear shift, the modern steering wheel (which replaced the tiller), the first production 12 cylinder engine, four wheel brakes and air-conditioning on a mass produced motor car.
In 1954 Packard merged with Studebaker which turned out to be the beginning of the end for Packard. The Packard name was phased out by 1962 and the last Studebaker rolled off the production line on March 16th 1966.
As a luxury motor vehicle manufacturer Packard was best known for its eight and twelve cylinder models, however, the company had great success with its six cylinder range of cars also. The Packard Sixes had many of the benefits of their big brothers but were more competitively priced, hence, appealed to a broader market.
The model 740 (7th series) was introduced in 1929 and powered by an 385ci 8-cylinder inline engine which produced 106hp. In total 6,200 were produced though it is not known how many of each body style were produced.

1930 PACKARD 740

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT.
The documentation on file confirms this UK delivered, factory right hand drive example was ordered by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd in Egham By Pass (Surrey) on the 21st March 1972. This E Series Dino was completed and despatched from the Ferrari factory in Maranello on the 26th April 1972.
The car left the factory in the unique and stunning colour of Giallo Dino (paint code 20-Y-348 Salchi) with a Nero Plastica (black vinyl trim code 161) interior. The car was ordered with the optional electric windows.
Many people think Ferraris should be red, however, Dinos were delivered new in just about every colour of the rainbow! In fact, according Matthias Bartz Dino Compendium, Dinos were delivered in 52 colours! Interestingly, only 21% of the total production of the Dino 206 GT / 246 GT and 246 GTS were finished in Rosso Corsa.
Dinos carry colour exceptionally well and many were finished in different hues and its always refreshing to see one finished in one of the less obvious colour choices. Only 35 Dinos (246 GT & and 246 GTS) were delivered new in the unique and stunning colour of Giallo Dino and we have two of them, including this car, in this country. This colour looks absolutely beautiful in the photos, however, we think it is even more impressive in the flesh. It is elegant and sophisticated.
Maranello Concessionaires delivered the car to dealer Sidney Marcus Ltd on Dorset Square in London on 16th May 1972. Further documentation on file suggests the first owner of the car was Mr B Cassini Esq from Chertsey, Surrey. The car was first registered in the UK on the 16th August 1972.
The UK Vehicle Registration Documentation on file dated 11th May 1983, states the car had 4 former keepers since February 1976. That same document notes James Fitzgerald from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire as the current owner and Pat Crawfords from Saltash, Cornwall as the previous owner. Crawfords acquired the car on 30th November 1981. He only owned the car for a short period before selling it to Fitzgerald on the 21st February 1983. At that time the car was registered as VXA 324L.
Fitzgerald sold the car to John Rossi from Greystanes, Sydney Australia on the 7th November 1984. It was subsequently imported into Australia on the 23rd December 1984, arriving on board the ship the Tolaga Bay.
The car was sparingly used during Rossis ownership and it was sold to Oldtimer Australia in July 2004. At that time the car was finished in Rosso Corsa and the odometer read 76,223 miles.
The car required recommissioning and it was then sold to the current owner in July 2005. At that time the odometer read 76,423 miles.
After having enjoyed his Dino for a number of years, the decision was made in 2012 to restore the car back to how it left the factory all those years ago. This included returning the car to its original colour of Giallo Dino.
The cosmetic restoration was entrusted to the very talented Steve Cahun from Concourse Restorations in Geelong, Victoria. The mechanicals were the responsibility of classic Ferrari specialist Marc Jones from Enzotech, based at Caboolture on Queenslands Sunshine Coast and the trim work given to Peter Blakemore from Blakemores Automotive Upholstery in Ninderry, also on Queenslands Sunshine Coast. The restoration was project managed by Oldtimer Australia.
Jones stripped the car and removed the engine as well as all other mechanicals and the body/rolling chassis was subsequently sent to Victoria. The body was removed from the chassis and stripped to bare metal for the necessary repairs. The chassis was placed on a jig and measured to ensure it remained correct to original specification. Once the metal work was completed the car was repainted. All the chrome and external trim was also refurbished and the car subsequently reassembled.
All the mechanicals, including the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes and more were stripped, assessed and rebuilt.
This restoration was a major project and everything was either refurbished or replaced to ensure the car was restored to a very high standard.
The project was finally completed in 2020.
Since then, the car has been used occasionally and at time of photographing the odometer read 77,111 miles. One of the last invoices related to the restoration from 2019 notes an odometer reading of 76,805 miles.
This wonderful Dino made its first public appearance at the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival in 2023, taking home the Shannons Rolling Art award. Its second public appearance was at the 2024 Noosa Concours dElegance.
Given the cars limited use since it was restored, it is not surprising that it still presents like a fresh restoration.
This is obviously a car well known to us at Oldtimer Australia, however, we were like kids in a lolly shop when the truck arrived to our showroom to drop it off.
The paint is in excellent condition in both finish and presentation. On close inspection, the quality of the restoration is immediately evident. The paint has been applied to a very high standard, with a deep, even gloss and excellent clarity throughout. Out in the sun the pale yellow seems to glow across the cars sculpted curves, perfectly accentuating the flowing Pininfarina design.
All the bright work, badges and other external trim is also in excellent condition, complimenting the paintwork perfectly. The lights and all the lenses are all clean and in excellent condition.
All the glass on the car is most likely original and in good condition. There is a very small area in the left lower corner of the front windscreen that is showing signs of delamination. It is almost hidden by the rubber, but it is there.
Lift the rear lid and the engine bay presents every bit as impressively as the exterior. The compact mid mounted V6 engine sits proudly on display, its intricate mechanical details clean, crisp, and beautifully arranged. The restoration has been carried out to a very high standard, with all components either correctly refurbished or replaced as required. The cam covers and ancillaries are finished to an excellent standard, their surfaces sharp and well defined, while correct finishes and coatings have been faithfully maintained throughout.
Under the front lid the correct spare wheel is stowed, sitting snugly within its recess. The surrounding heavy duty plastic mouldings are often a weak point on a Dino and often let the presentation of a freshly restored car down. On this car everything is beautifully presented.
The Cromodora wheels are in excellent condition with no signs of any damage or kerb rash. They are shod with period correct Michelin XWX tyres, size 205/70VR14 on all four corners. The tyres are date stamped 5217 (week 52, 2017) and are still in very good condition. The Dino branded centre caps are also in excellent condition.
We have had the car on the hoist and it presents as well underneath as it does on top.
Inside the cabin is just spectacular. Blakemores work is world class and the interior of this Dino is just sublime. The seats are in excellent condition, they are comfortable, and provide ample support. The seating position in a Dino always takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you are it is quite comfortable. The door cards, centre console and the carpets are all similarly well presented. The dashboard is also in excellent condition and all the instruments are crisp and clean. Everything is as you would expect it to be in a freshly restored car.
Theres no doubt that the Ferrari Dino 246 GT is one of the most beautiful cars ever built, but they are also exhilarating to drive. From the moment you are seated behind the wheel, that view forward is framed by the front guards that rise into your eyeline. Starting a Dino is no different from any other carburetted car from the 1960s and 1970s. You turn the ignition on and allow the fuel pumps some time to provide the carburettors with sufficient fuel. You then pump the accelerator a few times before turning the key further to start the car. This Dino fires up easily and the 2,418cc V6 engine quickly settles into a smooth idle. Theres a subtle rasp in the exhaust note, layered with a faint Italian singing quality that hints at whats to come as revs rise.
Driving a Ferrari Dino 246 GT is best understood as a fully analogue conversation between driver, machine and the road light, mechanical, and intensely involved. It is certainly not the fastest car but that is not what a Dino is all about. The Dino doesnt overwhelm with power, rather it draws you in through balance, sound and feel, creating a driving experience that is as emotional as it is engaging.
Like most classic Ferraris, the more you drive a Dino and allow the engine and gearbox to warm up properly, the better they are to drive. This one is no exception and after half an hour behind the wheel once everything is warmed up the car drives superbly.
When you clear the traffic and find a nice open road you really do appreciate what an absolutely fabulous car this is to drive. The engine has plenty of power on tap and it responds instantly to the slightest movement of the throttle. The gear changes are smooth and precise. It is mechanical and deliberate, requiring care and precision, but rewarding that effort with a satisfying sense of connection every time a gear engages cleanly. The steering is beautifully direct, with just enough weight and feedback to let you read the surface beneath you. The car is very tight on the road, with no rattles or squeaks.
The current owner has thoroughly enjoyed his 20+ years of ownership of this Ferrari Dino 246 GT and the journey that it has taken him on, but he feels that the time right for it to move to a new home. He is simply not using the car and life is taking him in a different direction.
Dinos come and go, but freshly restored cars are hard to find and finding one in Giallo Dino is like bumping into a unicorn.
This car is ready show, use and enjoy and it would be welcomed with open arms at any concours d'elegance or Ferrari Club event.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD É-Series Dino.
- Beautifully presented example in a unique and stunning colour combination.
- 1 of only 35 Dinos delivered in Giallo Dino.
- Restored by marque experts to a very high standard.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $999,950
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 125S, 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 250LM, 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 3967 cc capacity.
Ferraris iconic Dino was first shown to the world as a prototype at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. The car morphed into the 206 GT of which only 150 cars were built from 1967 to 1969. This car was built with an all alloy body and had a 1,987cc V6 engine. In 1969 the 246 GT was released, which whilst a similar looking car in many ways was actually quite different. The car sat 3 taller than its predecessor and the body was now built from steel. Mechanically the new car was powered by a 2,418cc V6 engine. Enzo was keen to tackle Porsche head on and to do this he needed to increase production. The Dino was a hit and incredibly 3,569 of these cars were built from 1969 to 1974, 2,295 246 GTs and 1,274 246 GTSs.
Concerned at how the world would accept his lower priced, affordable 6 cylinder sports car and concerned that a cheaper car may diminish the Ferrari brand, Enzo Ferrari decided the car would not carry the badge of the prancing horse. Rather it would simply be known as a Dino to also commemorate the life of his son who designed the 6 cylinder engine.
Today the world knows the Dino as a Ferrari, and a real one at that! These beautiful cars are adored by car people across the world and good ones are most sought after.

1972 FERRARI DINO 246 GT

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