OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

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The car was then committed to a Coys auction to be held on the 14th of June 2013, however, it was withdrawn prior.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

1968 FIAT 125 S Samantha by Vignale

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this Australian delivered 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 coupe.
The Kardex on file confirms this car was delivered new through Porsche dealer Hamilton in Melbourne to Mr J Robertson in Toorak (Melbourne), Victoria. It has a birth date/delivery date of 23rd October 1962 and it was delivered new in Bali Blau (paint code 6212) with a red leatherette interior.
Today the car is presented in that exact colour scheme.
The Kardex notes the following options: RHD, green tinted windscreen, chrome strips and disc wheels.
After having spent time in Melbourne, this car found its way to Brisbane, Queensland in the early 1990s and into the ownership of Reg Cullen from Kenmore in Brisbanes west. It is understood that at that time the car had been repainted in Oslo Blau.
It is understood that when Cullen acquired the car it no longer had its original Super 90 engine fitted. He wanted to return the car to be as original as possible and went on the hunt for a suitable Super 90 engine. He got lucky and found an engine that coincidentally was numbered very close to the original engine that would have been in the car. Between 1992 and 1995 that engine was completely rebuild with lots of new parts. There are invoices on file for the parts acquired and the work completed.
Cullen subsequently used and enjoyed his Porsche and it was regularly serviced by Wayne Park Auto & Tyres in Milton (Brisbane). The earliest service invoice on file from Wayne Park is dated 28th June 2005 and at that time the odometer read 62,571 km.
Cullen kept the car until November 2014. After just over 20 years of ownership he sold the car to John Walker from Clayfield (Brisbane). At that time the odometer read 83,584 km. At that time the car was a little tired. Walker addressed the cars mechanical needs first and sent the car to well respected Porsche specialists DHM in Tennyson (Brisbane) who overhauled the front suspension, fitted a new steering damper, overhauled the brake master cylinder, fitted new tie rod ends and fitted retractable seatbelts.
Walker used and enjoyed the car for about twelve months and at the end of 2015 decided to embark on a cosmetic restoration. He wanted to return the car to its original colour of Bali Blau. It was immediately apparent that this project was not going to be a quick strip and repaint.
The task of repairing the body and preparing it for painting was entrusted to Dennis Laing. When the car was stripped back to bare metal one could see that time had taken its toll on this 356. There are numerous invoices on file showing the various pieces of sheet metal that had to be replaced before the body could be prepared for painting.
The overall project was a significant and very time consuming task which, including painting the car, took nearly 900 hours to complete.
Following the cosmetic restoration the car was used sparingly.
The current Brisbane based owner, who is a well known Porsche 356 tragic, acquired the car in February 2023 and at that time the odometer read 62 km.
After acquiring the car he sent it to his preferred mechanic who went over the car and sorted out a few issues relating to is lack of use over the last seven years. He also had a 123 electronic distributor installed.
Over the last two and a bit years the current owner has continued to improve the car and has taken it to a near concours level.
As a testament to the condition and presentation of the car it was accepted into the 2024 Noosa Concours DElegance and the 2025 Sydney Harbour Concours DElegance. It was exceptionally well received at both events.
The current owner has enjoyed his time and journey with this Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 coupe, however, he has now decided to move in a different direction.
At the time of photographing the car, the odometer read 1,912 km.
Whilst colour is obviously a personal choice, we think that Porsche 356s are very colour sensitive. We also think that Bali Blau with a red interior is a perfect colour combination for a Porsche 356. It just gives the car a very elegant and distinctive appearance.
Even though this car was repainted some 8 years ago now, the paint still looks fresh and it presents really well. It has retained its strong depth of colour and its high gloss finish. When you look up close youll find some very minor imperfections which are consistent with a car that has been well taken care of but at the same time used and enjoyed the way its maker intended. The panel gaps on the car are all really good and the doors open and close easily.
All the bright work on the car is in good condition. The same can be said for all the glass. It is clear with no chips or cracks evident. All the lights and lenses are also in good condition.
The wheels are good condition with no sign of any kerb rash. They are shod with Dunlop sport classic tyres size 185/60 R15. The tyres are date stamped 2221 (week 22, 2021) and are still in very good condition.
When you open the door you cant help but being impressed with the interior. The red leatherette seats contrast nicely with the blue dashboard and the beige carpets. The seats are still in very good condition with no cracks or tears in the fabric. They are comfortable and still provide ample support. The rear seats appear to have hardly been used. The dashboard presents well and all the instruments are clean, crisp and appear to be in good working order. It even still has its original factory gearshift lock.
Porsche 356s look cool but they are also great fun to drive. This is a car well known to Oldtimer Australia and we were curious to see if this one drives as good as it looks. We were not disappointed!
As with all 356s still running their original 6 volt electrical system, it takes a few attempts to start the car when the engine is cold. You wonder for a split second if the engine will fire, but it does and then it quickly settles into a smooth idle. That unique 356 sound draws a smile as you wait patiently for the mechanicals to warm up.
For those not familiar with Porsche 356s, there is a big difference between the performance of cars with a base model 1600 engine which delivers around 60 hp and a 1600 Super 90 which delivers about 90 hp. That extra power makes the Super 90 so much better to drive and this car has plenty of power on tap. The engine revs freely and the car has excellent throttle response. It is surprisingly spritely! Equally important in a 356 is the gearbox. A tired gearbox with sloppy linkages takes much of the fun away from the driving experience. The gear changes on this car are direct and they are smooth both up and down the box. The suspension feels tight, the steering is relatively direct and the brakes pull the car up quickly and in a straight line.
It is our pleasure to be able to offer for sale this lovely Australian delivered 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90.
This car is ready for its next owner to show, use and enjoy.
Accompanying the car is a good history file dating all the way back to 1992, an owners manual, service booklet (that may or may not be original to this car), a spare wheel, jack and tool kit.
Highlights
- An Australian delivered, factory RHD 356 B.
- Desirable Super 90 model.
- Finished in its original and stunning colour scheme.
- Sorted, ready to show, use & enjoy.
Price $224,950.
Background:
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsches son. Ferdinand junior, or Ferry as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmündbefore relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany in 1949.
Instead of building the body of the car himself Porsche decided to collaborate with an old partner, the body manufacturing company Reutter who had both the expertise and infrastructure to mass produce the bodies for the 356 coupe and cabriolet.
Nowadays, the first series of the 356, built from 1948 through until 1955 are known as the 356 Pre A.
In 1955 the 356 A was introduced. The internal factory designation for this model was Type 1 which was quickly adapted by enthusiasts who referred to the 356 A as the T1. The 356 A became available as a coupe, cabriolet and a Speedster. Buyers had the choice between a 1,300cc and a 1,600cc engine and later the Super version.
A second revision of the 356 A was introduced early in 1957. It became known as the Type 2 (or T2). Late 1958 the Speedster was replaced by the Convertible D which was now build by coachbuilder Drauz. In late 1959 the 356 A was replaced by the 356 B. The 356 B was available as a coupe, cabriolet and roadster, with each body style available with a number of different engine options.
The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year.
The 356 remained in production through until 1965 and evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built.

1962 PORSCHE 356B T6 Super 90

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

PORSCHE SPEEDSTER

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this magnificent Maserati 450S recreation.
The current owner is a real enthusiast and has owned some of the worlds great cars. He has a passion for sports racing cars from the 1950s and 1960s and in 2011 decided he needed a Maserati 450S!
He engaged the services of well respected classic car restoration specialists Historic and Vintage Restoration (HVR) in Melbourne and the journey began.
First step was to source a suitable engine to power the car. Obviously, it had to be a Maserati engine. A decision was made to use a Tipo AM107 engine from a 1960s Maserati Quattroporte. The engine was completely stripped by HVR and every element was tested and what needed to be replaced was replaced. When the time came to put the engine back together it was not simply rebuilt the way it was. The owner wanted the engine to look like it would have looked in period. It was modified to have twin plug ignition with a distributor for each bank. The block was also bored out to 5.0 litres. The Weber carburettors were modified and fitted with polished velocity stacks. They have the correct sand cast look. The owner did not go as far as converting the engine to dry sump, however, a correct dry sump tank is fitted in the rear of the car next to the beautiful riveted aluminium fuel tank (fitted with a fuel cell) to complete the look.
The remainder of the running gear came from a modern Maserati 4200, modified to look period correct. It is a six speed gearbox and transaxle which, inside the car, is beautifully disguised to look like a 5 speed gearbox with reverse. Giant, period correct, finned drum brakes are fitted all around.
The front suspension is a classic double-wishbone set-up. On the rear it has the De Dion rear end with transverse leaf springs which are polished steel as per original.
The body and chassis were made in Argentina by Nestor Solerno who is well known for making museum quality recreations. In fact, several of his cars are on display in the Fangio Museum in Buenos Aires.
When the body arrived in Australia HVR checked it and then had it painted by Resurrection Auto Restorers in Melbourne.
The project was finished in 2014 and the car has been used sporadically since. It has made appearances at the 2014 and 2015 Australian Grand Prix and several other events.
It was featured in Issue 367 the September 2014 issue of Unique Cars magazine when John Bowe tested it alongside a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Recreation, then belonging to the same owner. The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, which used a 1960 Ferrari 250 GTE as its donor car, has just been sold by Oldtimer Australia.
Like all nine original 450S built by Maserati, this car is right hand drive.
Walking up to the car you cannot help but being impressed with its presence. This car is stunning and its proportions are just right. Once of the first things you will notice are the ceramic coated exhausts on either side of the car. They immediately tell you this car means business.
Whilst it has been a few years now since the build of this car was completed it still presents exceptionally well. The paint has retained a deep gloss with a strong depth of colour. The car has been used from time to time as its makers intended and as a result when you look closely you will find some small imperfections. All the panel gaps are excellent.
The more you look at the car the more detail you will notice. The devil is in the detail and some of its features are the delicate handles to secure the boot and the bonnet as well as the windscreen which wraps around the cockpit and continues on top of the doors.
The car is fitted with genuine Borrani 16×4½ wire wheels at the front (16×5½ rear) which are shod with soft compound Dunlop Racing tyres size 6.0 16 at the front (6.5 16 rear). The wheels are all in excellent condition.
To get into the car you have to reach over the side screens and pull the leather cord on the inside of the door to open it. The interior itself is very minimalistic as one would expect. It is after all a race car. The seats are covered in period correct leather and are firm and relatively comfortable. Both seats are fitted with a five point harness. The small dashboard in front of you is basic but equipped with enough gauges to give you all the information you need. Right in front of you is the all important tacho. There is also a GPS speedo installed, however, on our most recent test drive that was not working.
We love the exposed chassis frame inside the car, which is a real feature of this era of racing Maseratis.
From the moment this car arrived at our showroom we were just that little bit excited to get behind the wheel. Starting the car is easy. There is a battery isolator key which is conveniently located inside the cabin and within easy reach of the driver. Starting is essentially the same as any other classic Maserati. It is as simple as inserting the key into the ignition and turning the ignition on. You will then hear the fuel pumps starting to pump fuel into the carburettors. After waiting for say fifteen seconds (which seemed more like 15 minutes!), you press the starter button. The big V8 bursts to live almost immediately with an almighty roar. You have to use the throttle to warm the engine up but that doesnt take too long and it quickly settles into a smooth idle. It immediately becomes clear that this engine means business. The engine sounds great and the exhaust note is simply amazing.
The gearbox has a normal shift pattern with first gear being left and forward. Once comfortable in the car and all buckled up it is time to hit the road. We select first gear and ever so cautiously inch the car out of our show room. Trying to be discrete is impossible. Passerbys, hearing the noise, immediately turned their heads the moment the car got onto the road. First impressions are that this car is surprisingly easy to drive. The gearbox is an absolute delight and with a relatively short shift the gear changes both up and down the box are easy and smooth.
Once the engine warmed up and we felt comfortable with the car we were able to find a quiet piece of road to see what this could do. Needless to say, we couldnt test its full potential. For that you need a race track, but what we can say is the car is an absolute delight to drive with more than enough power. The big Maserati V8 also has plenty of torque. The car weighs less than 1,000 kg and according to HVR the engine has around 350hp and 350nm of torque.
The brakes take a little bit of getting used to as they are drums. But once you realise that you just have to apply a bit more pressure on the peddle they do pull the car up quickly and in a straight line when needed.
It is not often a car like this becomes available on the Australian market. Given it was built in Australia makes it even more special.
This truly is a unique opportunity to own a recreation of a fantastic race car from the late 1950s. Accompanying the car is a history file of the invoices and photos from the build. There is also a spare wheel and a (modern) jack.
Highlights:
- Built by respected classic car restoration specialists (HVR) in Melbourne.
- Accurate aluminium body built by Nestor Solerno in Argentina.
- Powered by 5.0 Litre Maserati V8 engine.
- Beautifully presented.
- An absolute delight to drive.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $399,950
Background:
The Maserati story is a fascinating one. It is the story of a family with daring, courageous and forward-thinking ideas. The story starts with Rodolfo Maserati, a railway engineer who was employed by the Italian monarchy and the father of seven sons who all had a passion for engine design and racing cars. The Maserati brothers all became involved in the automotive industry in some way or another, however, it was on the 1st of December 1914 that Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati officially opened Alfieri Maserati Workshop in Bologna, Italy.
Maserati chose the trident logo to adorn its cars. Its design was based on the Fountain of Neptune in Bolognas Piazza Maggiore. The colours chosen for the logo were also the colours of Bologna, red and blue.
The business was focused on repairing, servicing and preparing cars, however, the World War cut business short and it wasnt until 1926 that Maserati built its first car, the Tipo 26.
It was all about motorsport back then and in 1937 the Orsi family acquired ownership of Maserati which was in desperate need of financial backing to be able to survive. During the Orsi years Maserati grew from a boutique but very successful race car builder to one of the worlds leading manufacturers of hand-built sports and GT cars.
Maserati built its first road car in 1946 even though times were tough in post War northern Italy. The car was the Maserati A6 where A was for Alfieri and 6 for the number of cylinders. The initial reception of the car was positive and a production Maserati A6/1500 was then shown at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This was a significant milestone in the Maserati legend and subsequent models included the A6G/2000, 3500 series cars, 5000GT, Mistral. Quattroporte, Mexico, Sebring and Ghibli. Maserati also continued to build very successful race cars that dominated tracks around the world including the 250F, 300S, 150S, 450S and the Birdcage.
The Maserati 250F is unique among Grand Prix cars, as it has longevity that has spanned seven years of racing from 1954 through until 1960. The 250F was first raced at the Argentinian Grand Prix in January 1954 by Juan Manuel Fangio. After qualifying third Fangio went on to win the race. Another famous driver who raced the 250F in 1954 was Stirling Moss. Moss also won several races in the 250F. In 1957 at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring Fangio overcame a 48 second deficit in 22 laps to win the race. In 22 laps he broke the lap record 10 times. The 250F was crucially important in carrying Juan Manuel Fangio to two of his five World Championship winning seasons, in 1954 and 1957. The Maserati 250F is motor racing royalty and in total 26 examples were built.
In 1955 Maserati introduced the Maserati 300S. This car was designed to compete in the FIA World Sportscar Championship. In total 26 were produced between 1955 and 1956.
The 300S was superseded by the 350S, but only 3 of them were produced before it was superseded by the Maserati 450S.
Initially, development of the 450S started in 1954 under the code name Tipo 54. However, after a catastrophic crash at Le Mans in 1955 the project was shelved. It was not until 1956 that the project was revived. The body was designed by Medardo Fantuzzi. It was powered by a 4,477cc V8 with four IDM Weber carburettors and double overhead camshafts. It produced 400hp at 7,200rpm.
Between 1956 and 1962, the Maserati 450S won an impressive 31 races from 119 appearances. Amongst others, the 450S was raced by Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio and Caroll Shelby.
In total 9 were built.

MASERATI 450S RECREATION

Details:
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 $229,950
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

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

1986 LAMBORGHINI JALPA

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

1958 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MK III

Oldtimer Australia is genuinely excited to offer for sale this incredible 1947 Lancia Aprilia Gran Sport Ghia.
We love rare Italian cars at Oldtimer Australia and this bespoke masterpiece is about as good as it gets. This car encapsulates the very best of what Italian engineering and coachwork were capable of in an era when everything was hand made by master craftsmen.
This car was the brainchild of Italian Giovanni Basso who designed the chassis, incorporating Lancia Aprilia running gear. There is some debate as to who designed and built the body. The previous to current owner, who found and restored the car, conducted extensive research into its history and has confirmed that the body was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, built by Rocco Motto and badged by Ghia.
The streamlined body is simply a work of art, its form is perfectly smooth with no edges or interruptions, giving it a clean, uninterrupted flow from every angle. Its features include a sharply raked windscreen, svelte Lancia badged grill, wafer thin bumpers, flush door handles and tail lights as well as an enclosed fuel tank filler.
The standard Aprilia engine was quoted as delivering 48 bhp at 4,300 rpm, however, the Nardi modified engine in the Aprilia Gran Sport Ghia delivered 60+ bhp. The increased power came courtesy of an alloy intake manifold fitted with dual Zenith carburettors (the standard Aprilia used a single unit), along with a modified extractor system and reprofiled camshafts.
It is understood that Basso built eight cars of which there were only two Lancia Aprilia Gran Sport Ghias, this car and another that resides in the UK. Four of the other eight cars were Spiders and two were Berlinettas, both bodied by Stabilimenti Farina.
The early history of this car is not known, however, at some stage it found its way to America. The first known owner was a Mr Gary Schmidt, who was understood to be from New York. Schmidt was working overseas at that time and the car was stored in a restoration shop in Long Beach, California. In 1984 it was acquired by a very well known Lancia enthusiast from Melbourne.
At that time the car was in very poor condition, with its running gear missing.
The car was imported into Australia and painstakingly restored over the next few years (1985 1987). The body work was completed by Brian Hawke and the mechanical work by Don Wright. At that time a Tipo MOT97 1,352cc V4 1st Series Aprilia engine, which came with the car, was rebuilt and installed. A Nardi intake manifold was sourced and dual Zenith carburettors were fitted. The original Nardi water pump was with the car. It was refurbished and also fitted.
The restoration was carried out to an exceptionally high standard and over the following 30+ years, the car has been regularly shown, driven, and enjoyed. It has been a frequent participant at numerous Lancia events, rallies, and other car shows.
The car was sold in 1992 and it has remained in continuous family ownership ever since. It was offered for sale at the Shannons 1996 Melbourne Motor Show auction, but did not sell.
This fabulous car was exhibited at Motorclassica in 2017, as part of the display paying tribute to Lancias 110th anniversary, where it was one of the stars of the show.
Not surprisingly, this car has won trophies everywhere it was shown. Most notably it was the outright winner of the Lancia Concours held in Castlemaine in 1987, it won the Exotic Class at Auto Italia, Canberra in 1992, it was the outright winner of the Lancia Concours held on the Gold Coast in 1993 and it won its class at the 1994 Darling Harbour Concours dEleganace to name but a few.
Over the last ten years the car has been used sparingly. The engine has recently been rebuilt and a new cylinder block installed. The spare block, which also came with the car, is a Tipo MOT99 1,486cc V4 from a second 2nd Series Aprilia.
The time has come for this car to pass on to its next custodian.
Today this 1947 Lancia Aprilia Gran Sport Ghia presents superbly. Whilst clearly now an older restoration, it has been lovingly cared for since it was restored. The paint work is still vibrant and you have to look hard to find any blemishes. There are some small stone chips and defects evident. The external trim, which is minimalistic to say the least, is all in very good condition.
The wheels are fitted with elegant hub caps and dress rings which compliment the look of the car. They are shod with brand new Michelin 165R400 X Stop tyres all around.
The olive green upholstery is a bold colour choice but it just works on this car, contrasting perfectly with the red paint. The leather shows light patina, presenting just like your favourite leather jacket that has been worn regularly but always cared for. There are no rips or tears in any of the upholstery. The seating position is typical for cars of that era, being quite upright, but it is relatively comfortable. The matching green carpet is also in good condition. The timber rimmed steering wheel and the two main instruments, being the counter rotating tacho and speedo, are a real feature. The fuel gauge, operated by a dash mounted button, sits within the tacho and it is a quite something! The level is indicated by how many lights come on. On our test drive all of the instruments looked to be in working order.
The car has a soft top and side curtains, all of which are in excellent condition. The soft top itself is an engineering masterpiece that Porsche would have been proud of! It folds away discretely behind the seats and into the boot.
The boot, which is carpeted like the cabin, presents very well.
Under the bonnet Lancias rather impressive 1,486cc V4 engine takes pride of place. Not surprisingly, the engine bay is neat, clean and tidy.
This car is an absolute jewel, a work of art and it arguably belongs in the Musée du Louvre in Paris! But, it is after all a car and therefore it needs to be driven. Sceptics would say any car built in the late 1940s is not going to be great to drive. A test drive in this car has quickly proved the sceptics wrong! Lancias V4 engine was one of the companys most distinctive engineering achievements, being compact, innovative, and unusually refined for its era. The engine delivered a blend of efficiency, durability, and performance that set the brand apart for decades. The car requires the choke to start and with the ignition on and a firm push of the key (which is the starter button), the engine fires up easily. The instructions are to back the choke off quickly and feather the throttle to warm up the engine. The raspy exhaust note definitely has an edge, which builds the anticipation to get the car out on the open road. After a few short miles, we were impressed by how tight the car is on the roadand how much power it has. Despite the car running a small 4 cylinder engine, it weighs next to nothing and easily keeps up with modern traffic. The non-synchro gearbox takes some getting used to, but that is part of the theatre and enjoyment you get from driving the car. The more you drive it the better you get, which is actually very rewarding. You have to pinch yourself that this is an almost 80 year old car and driven in anger it would be quite something. The brakes are adequate and being so light the car handles with remarkable agility and confidence, responding almost instantly to driver input.
This car has been featured in a number of publications over the year, including various Lancia Club magazines and newsletters, Volume 16 No 1 the March 1998 issue of The Automobile, November 1997 issue of Unique Cars and Volume 30 Number 3 the Spring 1992 edition of the prestigious Automobile Quarterly series. In this book, the author Gavin Farmer, states that the body was designed by Ghias Mario Boano. This information was provided to Gavin by the previous to current owner early in his ownership. It was later found to be incorrect.
Over the years we have had the absolute pleasure to handle some of the worlds great cars, including the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti and the like. But, there is something that is hard to put into words about this 1947 Lancia Aprilia Gran Sport Ghia . . . it is simply magnificent and one of the very best cars we have offered for sale.
Highlights:
- A bespoke Italian masterpiece.
- Eligible for all the worlds great events.
- An older, but magnificent restoration to a very high standard.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
- A true world market
Price AUD $469,950
Background
Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin founded Lancia & C. Fabbrica Automobili on the 29th November 1906 in Turin, Italy. The first car produced by the company was the Tipo 51 otherwise known as the 12 HP, which was in production from 1907 until 1908.
The company quickly became renowned for innovation and is noted for naming many of its cars using letters of the Greek alphabet. The Theta, introduced in 1913, was the first European production car to feature a complete electrical system as standard. The Lambda, produced from 1922 until 1931 was the first car to adapt a monocoque chassis. The Aprilia introduced in 1937 was one of the first cars designed using a wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics. The Ardea (Series 3), introduced in 1948, was the first car to use a five-speed gearbox. The first full production V6 engine was fitted to the Lancia Aurelia in 1950 and Lancia was also the first manufacturer to produce a V4 engine. The Aurelia and Flaminia range were the first production cars to be fitted with independent suspension.
The constant drive for innovation and excellence came at a cost. All Lancias essentially were handmade and the production process was complicated. This led to rising costs at a time where demand flattened.
Fiat made a successful takeover bid for Lancia in late 1969 and set about returning the business to profitability. Under Fiats ownership, Lancia introduced the Beta, Gamma and Startos during the 1970s. The Stratos was particularly important because it started Lancias success in rallying, winning three consecutive World Rally Championships from 1974 to 1976.
The Lancia Aprilia is widely considered one of the most advanced and influential cars of the 1930s. The key features of this car were:
1. Remarkably advanced aerodynamics the car was designed with the help of wind-tunnel testing at the Politecnico di Torino, which was very unusual for the era. It featured a streamlined, teardrop influenced body with a low drag coefficient, contributing to excellent performance and efficiency.
2. Innovative narrow angle V4 engine Lancias signature compact V4 was smooth, light and space efficient. It was of aluminum construction and sophisticated engineering for the time. It provided lively performance relative to its modest displacement.
3. Fully independent front and rear suspension a major technological leap in the 1930s. It delivered superb ride, comfort and exceptional handling precision compared to rivals.
4. Advanced chassis & construction featuring a steel monocoque body (unitary construction), years ahead of most manufacturers. It provided low weight combined with excellent rigidity.
5. Exceptional road manners the car was praised for its balance, agility, and remarkably modern driving feel. It provided the driver with light steering, predictable cornering, and a supple ride.
6. Elegant and functional design with distinctive, compact proportions with flowing lines. The car had superb visibility and an ergonomic, well-designed interior.
7. Engineering innovation that influenced later Lancias the Aprilia set the template for post-war Lancias like the Aurelia and Appia. Many consider it the car that best represents Vincenzo Lancias engineering philosophy.
8. Competition pedigree successfully used in period rallies and endurance events, including the Mille Miglia. It was known for durability and composure over long distances.

LANCIA APRILIA GRAN SPORT GHIA

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this stunning 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC.
This is a European delivery that was understood to have been sold new through Garage Franchorchamps in Belgium. In 1997 the car was offered for sale in Belgium and at that time it was advertised as a two owner car. It was then blue with a black interior. The car then founds its way to Italy.
Oldtimer Australia purchased the car in Rome, Italy in 2002 and subsequently imported it into Australia.
When this Ferrari 330 GTC arrived in Australia it was in need of some TLC and a decision was made to totally restore the car to its former glory. It was also decided to convert the car from left hand drive to right hand drive. For this, a correct steering box was sourced from Lyle Tanner enterprises in the USA. Some of this preliminary work was done by Ferrari restorer David Levy in Sydney. Progress was slow but steady. The car was then sent to well-known and highly regarded Ferrari and Lamborghini specialist Carle Rheinberger in Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast just north of Brisbane.
In January 2007, which was part way through the restoration, the car was sold to an Adelaide based classic car enthusiast and collector. He chose to have Rheinberger continue with the restoration and decided to have the car finished in grigio with a contrasting red leather interior. As part of the restoration Rheinberger completely rebuilt the engine and gearbox. The body was stripped and painted by Steve Cahuns Concours Restorations in Melbourne.
The restoration of this car was completed around 2010.There is a thick file of receipts detailing the work done during the restoration. There is also a large quantity of photographs on file taken throughout the restoration.
Oldtimer Australia was involved in the sale of this car to a well-known Melbourne based classic car enthusiast and multi Ferrari owner back in 2012 and at that time the odometer read 22,766 miles.
The current owner acquired this Ferrari 330 GTC in March 2016 and it has been used sparingly since. The car was last serviced in March 2021 and at that time the odometer read 25,520 miles.
Today the odometer reads 26,302 miles and although this is now considered to be an older restoration, the car still presents fabulously. The colour combination of grigio with a contrasting red leather interior suits the car perfectly. The paint still presents exceptionally well for a car that was repainted fifteen plus years ago. There are some bubbles coming through on the bottom of the passengers door which the next owner should attend to. Other defects are hard to find, however, there is a small stone chip on the left rear guard and if you look very closely, youll see some very tiny marks on the nose.
The body work on this car is sharp and the panel gaps are excellent.
All the chrome work on the car is in very good condition. The same can be said for all the external trim, including the glass, lights and lenses.
The trade mark 330 GTC 14 Campagnolo wheels and chrome spinners are a real feature and in generally good condition. There are a few small paint chips evident. The wheels are shod with Michelin XWX tyres which are date stamped 4503 and 4603 (week 45 and week 46, 2003). These tyres are still in excellent condition but based on age might need replacing if you intent to use the car on a regular basis.
Inside the cabin, this Ferrari 330 GTC is just a very nice place to be. The interior presents exceptionally well and the red leather upholstery is unmarked and beautiful. The seats are in really good condition and provide ample support for both the driver and passenger. As a result, this car is very comfortable.
The wooden steering wheel is in excellent condition and is a real feature and very characteristic for Ferraris of this period. The instruments are all clear and in good working order. The dashboard itself is also in excellent condition. The leather is not showing any signs of wear or sun damage. Behind the seats is space for a suitcase which is held in place by two leather straps. Even the carpets remain in excellent condition.
Under the bonnet, the presentation of the engine bay is consistent with the rest of the car. Everything is neat, clean and tidy. Importantly, everything also looks to be correct. Even the under bonnet matting is correct and it still presents like new! The boot is equally well presented and there is a spare wheel as well as the often missing jack and tool kit.
One could spend a very long time just admiring this Ferrari 330 GTC. It is after all a true work of art! But we are equally keen to see what it is like out on the open road! After making yourself comfortable behind the wheel, you flip the switch to turn on the fuel pump, insert the key into the ignition and turn the ignition on. After waiting a few second to allow the fuel pump time to prime the six Weber carburettors, you give the accelerator a few pumps and turn the key. You are instantly welcomed by that wonderful sound of a Colombo Ferrari V12 engine bursting to life.
You sit for few minutes taking it all in as the engine warms up. First impressions are good . . . really good! The V12 symphony is just fabulous and the engine sounds really healthy. Once the engine has warmed up sufficiently, select first gear and you are away.
If the first impression was good, then the second impression is even better! After a few short miles it is quickly apparent this car does everything it should. And it does everything so easily and so well! The car feels very solid on the road and there are no rattles or squeaks. The steering is direct and is not too heavy. The gear changes are easy and precise. Then back to that engine . . . it revs freely through the range and there is plenty of power on tap. The car just wants to go!
All too soon our test drive comes to an end and we arrive back at our showroom with a big smile on our face. This car is a real pleasure to drive and its presentation today is a credit to all those people involved with the restoration and its subsequent keepers.
The Ferrari 330 GTC is one of Pininfarinas finest designs. The proportions on the car are just right and the thin A and B pillars give the cabin an open feel and provide exceptional visibility. It is regarded as one of the very best driving Ferraris and as a result they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts the world over.
There are only a handful of Ferrari 330 GTCs in Australia and as a result the opportunity to acquire one in this condition presents a very unique opportunity.
Accompanying the car is a history file, restoration receipts & photos, an original owners manual (in very average condition), an original parts manual as well as a jack and tool kit.
Highlights:
- Beautifully restored matching numbers Ferrari 330 GTC.
- Finished in a STUNNING colour combination.
- Rare car, being one of only 598 built.
- Ready for its next owner to show, use and enjoy.
Price $889,950.
Background:
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940.
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
The Second World War halted Ferraris dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125 S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Motor racing, even back in those days, was not a cheap business to be in and Ferrari needed to find ways to fund it. The answer was an obvious one. Enzo discovered there was a burgeoning demand for high powered grand tourers bearing his prancing horse badge. The lucrative profits from building these cars benefited the racing team. At the same time these GT cars would benefit from the racing program. The engines to be used were civilised versions of the engines which had proved themselves in racing. It also meant all Ferraris would share in a rich competition heritage which would make them even more special.
The 125 S evolved into the 166 Sport which was then adapted for road use and sold as the 166 Inter in the late 1940s. The 166 was Ferraris first true GT car. It made its debut at the Paris motor show on 6th October 1949.
The Ferrari road cars from the 1940s and early to mid-1950s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTEs were built from 1959 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250 LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO.
The Ferrari 250 series cars built from 1953 through until 1964 really put Ferrari on the map. The race cars dominated on tracks all over the world and their road cars were without peer and very successful. Ferrari was on a roll and his clientele were the rich and famous.
The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3967cc capacity.
Without doubt one of the best cars to come from Maranello during this time was the subtle, yet beautiful 330 GTC.
The Ferrari 330 GTC debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. The car was designed to fill the gap between the four seater 330 GT and top of the range 275 series cars. The 330 GTC was built on the same chassis as the 275 and was powered by the same, slightly enlarged 3,967cc V12 wet sump unit with a single overhead cam per bank of cylinders which delivers around 300 hp.
Fitted with fully independent suspension, the 330 GTC was regarded as the best gran turismo car in the world at that time. Many viewed the 330 GTC as a closed version of the 275 GTS.
In total just shy of 600 cars were built from 1966 to 1968 before being succeeded by the 365 GTC. These cars are rare in Australia with perhaps only ten examples known to remain in this country.

1967 FERRARI 330 GTC

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this beautiful, low mileage and incredibly original 1972 De Tomaso Pantera.
This car was built in February 1972 and was sold new through Uptown Motors Inc, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA in May 1973. The Marti report on file confirms that this relatively early, chrome bumper Pantera was delivered new in red with a black interior, which is how it is presented today.
It is understood that the original owner was something of an eccentric recluse who, after driving the car for just a few years and travelling only 9,000 miles, parked the car up in a barn in 1979. It remained there for over 30 years until it was discovered by Gregory Kreiger, a retired race car engineer from Wisconsin, in 2010.
It was in remarkable original condition with no rust or any evidence of any accident damage. Importantly, it had the original Campagnolo wheels fitted, which remain on the car today.
Kreiger subsequently acquired the car and there is a Wisconsin Certificate of Title on file dated the 28th September 2011. The original Wisconsin number plate is still with the car. It was registered as EN6688.
The previous owner acquired the car on the 16th September 2012 and subsequently imported it into Australia. There is an import approval on file dated the 2nd October 2012. The car departed the USA onboard the Kota Wangi on the 17th December 2012 and arrived in Australia on the 6th January 2013.
The car was then treated to a sympathetic restoration, whilst importantly preserving its originality. The car was repainted in its original colour and at that time new door and window rubbers were installed. The chrome was also replated. The car was in excellent mechanical condition, however, the engine had a noisy lifter which prompted a complete strip down and rebuild. When the engine was stripped everything inside was 100% original and consistent with a low mileage car right down to standard bores and original Ford bearing shells. The air conditioning system was also reconditioned. The interior was in very good condition and was not touched.
Once back on the road and registered in Victoria the car was regularly seen at various events throughout Victoria. It was voted Best Car on Display at the Winton Festival of Speed in 2018.
The current owner acquired the car in August 2023 and it joined a diverse collection of Aussie muscle cars and modern supercars.
The car has been sparingly used over the last two and half years and today the odometer reads 17,199 miles. In his ownership the front brake calipers and hand brake have been overhauled.
The current owner has now decided to go in a slightly different direction with his collection and as a result this wonderful Pantera is being reluctantly offered for sale.
Weve always had a soft spot for the De Tomaso Pantera particularly the early chrome bumper cars and when one comes along like this, completely stock with its original interior, factory wheels, ID plates/tags still in place and even the toolkit intact, it truly gets us excited!
This car is one out of the box and walking up to it gets the heart racing . . . it has an incredible presence!
Although the car was repainted some 12 years ago, the finish still retains a rich, even tone and a deep, high gloss finish, presenting to a very high standard. The previous owner used and enjoyed this car as Mr De Tomaso intended and as a result there are a few small, fine stone chips here and there. They are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall presentation of the car.
The external trim is delicate and minimalistic. The trims, small chrome bumpers and badges (which are most likely original) all present really well. The lights and lenses are all in good condition and appear to be original. The side reflectors still have the Ford logo on them. All the glass appears to be original and shows the Sicursiv etching. All the rubbers are as new and present accordingly.
The original De Tomaso branded Campagnolo wheels are a real feature. They are made from a lightweight forged magnesium alloy and as such present with a textured finish. They are not perfectly smooth like an alloy wheel. They have been repainted at some stage but are still in a good condition with no evidence of any kerb rash. The wheels are shod with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres, size 205/60/R15 at the front and 225/70/R15 at the rear. These front tyres are date stamped 0511 (week 5, 2011), the rear tyres are date stamped 1712 (week 17, 2012).
Opening the rear hatch reveals a tray and the original Campagnolo spare wheel. To get to the engine both have to be removed. The engine bay is exceptionally clean and everything looks to be very original.
The interior presents beautifully. We just love its originality and everything is just the way it was when the car left the factory back in 1972. The only exception is the timber steering wheel and whilst its suits the car it is not original. The original steering wheel is of course with the car and that can easily be refurbished (a relatively simple task) and refitted. The seats, which are in excellent condition, are still firm and provide plenty of support. The dashboard, centre console, door cards, carpets and headlining are also in very good condition. The instruments and controls also present really well and on our test drive everything appeared to be in good working order. Even the radio still works!
In the front of the car you will find a very well presented, small storage compartment which contains the original toolkit and jack for the car.
Italian design with American power is a proven formula and it certainly delivered for De Tomaso. We were keen to fire up the Ford 351ci V8 engine and find out if the car sounds as good as it looks. There was only one way to find out and after flipping a coin to see who would get the honour of driving the car first, it was time for our test drive. The starting procedure is simple insert the key into the ignition, turn it to engage power, wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to prime the carburetor and then turn the key fully. The big V8 roared to life almost instantly on the first crank and it quickly settled into a remarkably smooth idle, but with a distinctive baritone rumble. It just sounds so good! There are no rattles, or other mechanical noises, it just sounds like it would have when its first owner picked the car up in 1973.
The gated gear shift is another feature and after notching the lever into first gear, which is a dog leg left and towards you, it is time to go! Any De Tomaso Pantera is a great car to drive but this one is particularly special. It becomes immediately obvious that this is one very well sorted car. The engine revs freely and it just begs to be let loose! The throttle is surprisingly responsive and a firm press on the accelerator pushes you back in your seat. The gear changes are firm and direct and once the gearbox warms up they they become even smoother. The car feels tight and composed on the road, handles beautifully, and the brakes provide confident, straight line stopping power whenever needed.
Whilst we all love the high revving Italian V8s and V12s, there is just something about that deep rumble from the Ford V8 that sits behind you that is highly addictive. Additionally, the Ford V8 offers arguably a more reliable and cost effective power plant to its Italian competitors.
De Tomasos are good news and in recent times we have seen Mangusta and early Pantera values sky rocket. This is also the case in North America, where Panteras are relatively easy to find. That said, it is not often that you will find a car like this!
One thing is for sure, wherever you go, this De Tomaso Pantera will attract plenty of attention. And, yes you will well and truly hear it coming before it actually arrives!
Accompanying the car is a good history file with some American paperwork, including a US title, an owners manual, spare parts catalogue, ZF gearbox manual, Pantera service bulletin, its original toolkit, jack, spare wheel as well as the original steering wheel.
Highlights:
- Desirable early chrome bumper Pantera.
- Incredibly original, unmolested, low mileage example.
- Matching numbers & original colours.
- Sympathetically restored.
- Ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.
Price $229,950
Background
Born on 10th July 1928 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alejandro De Tomaso grew up among a family known to be quite politically influential and very wealthy.
From an early age racing and race cars had been a real passion for De Tomaso. In 1945 he drove his first race in a modified Bugatti Type 35. In 1954 he was offered the opportunity to race for Maserati in the 1,000 km race of Buenos Aires and returned to win that race in 1955 a Maserati A6GCS.
That same year De Tomaso moved to Italy and started working for OSCA in Bologna as a test driver. In the meantime, he kept racing. In 1957 he won the 1,500cc class at the Buenos Aires 1,000 km race driving a new OSCA. In 1958 he drove an OSCA with a 750cc engine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished a very credible 11th overall, averaging over 140km/h.
In 1958 De Tomaso built his first car. It featured the 750cc OSCA engine mounted in front of the rear axle, quite an unusual design for that time. Unfortunately, the car never raced as the Maserati bothers, who owned OSCA, forbid him to use the engine.
In 1959 De Tomaso moved to Modena and built his second car, an F2 race car, again which an OSCA engine which this time he was allowed to use. The car made its debut at Sebring in 1959. The car was called Isis after his wife. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced the car to retire from the race. After many more adventures and attempts to produce various race cars, De Tomaso introduced their first production car in 1965, a two seater coupe named Vallelunga. The car remained in production until 1967 and 59 examples were built including the prototype.
In 1966 De Tomaso opened a new factory which allowed him to follow his dreams and expand production of his cars. In 1967 the De Tomaso Mangusta was introduced. The stunning Mangusta, which was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro whilst working for Ghia, remained in production through until 1971 and 401 examples were produced. In 1967 De Tomaso acquired Carrozzeria Ghia and 1969 he acquired Carrozzeria Vignale. These acquisitions were not financially successful, however, they did provide an introduction to Henry Ford II, which ultimately had a big impact on his future.
The Ford Motor Company subsequently took a controlling stake in De Tomaso as well as Ghia and Vignale.
This relationship led to one of the worlds most iconic sports cars being developed the legendary De Tomaso Pantera. Designed by Carrozzeria Ghias American born Tom Tjaarda, the Pantera was built with the American market in mind. De Tomaso had the rights to sell the Pantera, except in North America, where Ford sold the car through their Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The Pantera was a huge success, with more than 7,000 cars built before production ceased in 1992.
Models included the standard Pantera, Pantera L (for the US market), Pantera GTS, Pantera GT5, Pantera GT5S and Pantera 90 Si.

DE TOMASO PANTERA

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.
There is a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card on file which confirms this to be an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example. It was originally finished in dunkerrot (dark red), colour code 542G with white grey upholstery and cream carpets (trim code 221). The car has a number of options, including air conditioning (option code 306).
Interestingly, the cars data plate notes option code 901, which is for a flagpole right, so perhaps this was either an embassy or government owned car.
The cars history file dates back to the early 1980s and at that time the car was owned by a Mr Ian Haggerty from Sydney, NSW. It is understood that Haggerty was a long term owner of this Mercedes-Benz 600 and the documentation on file suggests he sold the car in June 1990.
The car was acquired by a classic car enthusiast from Noosa on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, most likely in the late 1990s. He wanted to restore the car and in 2001 engaged the services of Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane, one of Australias leading high end restoration shops. Sleeping Beauties are classic Mercedes-Benz specialists and they have restored cars that have been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.
The journey was a slow one and over the next five years the car was cosmetically restored and the interior was refreshed. In conjunction with Sleeping Beauties the owner chose to have car repainted in Mercedes-Benz light ivory (a very light yellow) and retrimmed in light olive green.
The major mechanical components were checked and deemed to be in very good order, hence, not rebuilt. Three Point Classic in Mount Gravatt were engaged to overhaul the air suspension, hydraulics and other mechanical ancillaries
The work was completed in 2015 and the end result was simply stunning. The colour combination is unique and a refreshing change from the more common palette of black, white and silver often seen on these Mercedes-Benz grand limousines! The car was shown at the Mercedes-Benz Club of Queenslands 2015 Concours dElegance where it was very well received, winning its class.
In 2016 the cars owner relocated overseas and made the difficult decision to sell his car collection, including this Mercedes-Benz. In August of that year it was sold to a prominent Brisbane based motor trade executive and classic car collector. At that time the odometer read 76,544 miles. He used the car sparingly but as with all his cars decided to go on a journey to take an exceptional motor car to the next level. Additional mechanical work was undertaken by Three Point Classic along with other adoc jobs by his own private mechanic/restoration specialist.
In August 2022 the car was sold to the current owner who lives in country Victoria and at that time the odometer read 77,000 miles. He is another classic car tragic who has a significant collection of cars. He is a fussy owner who regularly services his cars and if something needs to be done, he gets it done. Throughout his ownership the car has been maintained by the highly respected Auto Projects in Ballarat, Victoria. They recently completed a complete overhaul of the braking system.
The current owner has enjoyed his time with this Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser, travelling over 3,000 miles in his three years of ownership. He is taking his collection in a different direction and as a result this car is now offered for sale.
At the time of photographing the car the odometer read 80,286 miles.
Today this car presents essentially as it did back when the restoration was completed in 2015. The light ivory paintwork presents beautifully, complimented nicely by all the chrome trim which is in excellent condition. Defects are hard to find. The balance of the external trim, including the lights and lenses as well as the glass is all in equally as good condition. The panel gaps are excellent and the doors shut with that thud exactly as they would have back in 1966!
Inside the cabin it is all luxury. Whilst the exterior of this car is stunning, we think the interior is even better! Everything presents essentially like new. It is most likely that no one has even sat in the rear seats since the car was restored. The upholstery, the timber, the headlining and even the carpets are all beautifully presented. At the time of our test drive all of the instruments and controls looked to be in working order. The air conditioning has just been regassed and blows cold air. The cockpit is aeroplane like with all of its switches and buttons that operate the various accessories such as the windows, front and rear seats, the suspension and more. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today.
Under the massive bonnet the engine bay presents well and everything is neat, clean and tidy.
The boot is also clean and tidy. The hard plastic lining looks to be original and it is in good condition with no cracks evident. The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and the spare wheel lives in its own compartment.
Unfortunately, many of our test drives are over too quickly! However, on this occasion we had this car out and about for well over an hour and as a result were able to get a really good feel for how it performed.
The car was ready for us when we arrived so the engine was warm. At the turn of the key the stonking V8 cranks over and soon fires, catching on all cylinders. As you would expect, the engine is incredibly smooth. It is also incredibly quiet. With a wheel base of 3.2 metres and an overall length of 5.54 metres make no mistake this is a big car. Interestingly the length kind of disappears once you are behind the wheel but seated in the back its hard not to be somewhat overawed by the size of the car. This fabulous Mercedes-Benz just goes about its business in a very efficient and considered manner. The ride is quite unbelievable for a fifty year old car . . . it just glides along the road without any fuss. You push the accelerator and the car proceeds effortlessly, you turn the steering wheel and the car just follows in the direction you want it to go, you apply the brakes and the car slows or rather decelerates effortlessly again . . . the whole experience is just so incredibly refined. Even thoughit weighs in around two and half tonnes, the big Benz pulls hard when needed. Mercedes-Benz quoted a top speed of near 130 mph (210 km/hr) and a 0-60 mph (100 km/hr) sprint of under 10 seconds!
This Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser is truly outstanding and its presentation today is a testament to the build quality of the car as well as the quality of the restoration work completed.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess. Finding one in this condition is rare.
Accompanying the car is a thick history file with some pre restoration documentation, a wad of restoration receipts & photographs, two owners manuals (reproduction), a maintenance booklet (reproduction not used), hydraulic service kit and spare wheel.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD example.
- Restored by highly regarded Sleeping Beauties & Three Point Classic.
- Presented in a unique and STUNNING colour combination.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $299,950
Background:
Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!
Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.
In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. It was succeeded by the Type W180 series cars in 1954, which like its predecessor was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible.
In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.
In the early 1960s Mercedes-Benz also wanted to go back to their roots of the 1930s and build the worlds best saloon car.
First introduced back in 1963 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser or Grand Mercedes was a luxury car with few peers at that time. The new Type W100 set about re-establishing Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the finest automobiles in the world. The car was powered by a thumping 6.3 litre V8 engine delivering 250bhp that was capable of taking a car that weighed in excess of 2.5 tonne to well over 200 km/hr.
The car was an engineering marvel and its air suspension gave the car a ride that was smooth on just about every surface. The car also featured a very complex hydraulic system that powered the windows, seats, the sun roof and even an automatic close on the boot lid.
The car was produced in two main models being the 600 Grosser (short wheel base) and 600 Pullman (long wheel base). Interestingly the short wheel base cars were intended to by driven by the owners whereas the long wheel base cars were intended to be driven by chauffers.
Incredibly the Mercedes-Benz 600 series was in production for almost twenty years from 1963 through until 1981 during which time 2,677 cars were built. The breakdown of cars is:
Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser 2,190 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (4 door) 304 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (6 door) 124 cars
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet 59 cars
These cars were very popular with royalty, world leaders, celebrities, movie stars, rock stars as well as the rich and famous. Today these cars, and particularly the Pullman, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
To quote Mercedes-Benz . . . in the illustrious history of automobiles, few vehicles have left their mark like the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 600. Designed by revolutionary French designer Paul Bracq and launched at the International Motor Show in Germany, the 600 transcended the boundaries of luxury.
Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess.
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz 600 beats a powerhouse the formidable and iconic M 100 6.3-litre V8 engine (the first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car) that set a new standard for performance in the luxury segment. The M 100 V8 became legendary, eventually forming the foundations of Mercedes-AMG but thats another story.
The true marvel of the 600 extended beyond its engine to an innovative hydraulic system that powered various aspects of the vehicle, redefining automotive engineering. From the adjustable air suspension that ensured a smooth ride, to the power-assisted brakes and the automatic door-closing system, the 600 was a technological marvel. It represented an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation from Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 transcended mere transportation and became a cultural icon. The interior was a masterpiece, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its owners. Personalisation options abounded, with a selection of wood trims, premium leather upholstery and a spectrum of interior colours. The rear compartment, a sanctuary for passengers, could also be equipped with a privacy divider an option that heightened the exclusive feel of this already prestigious vehicle.
Many were drawn to the unmatched luxury and performance of the 600 including iconic figures such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley making it not just a symbol of status, but a cultural icon.

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this lovely restored Alvis Speed 20 SC Sports Saloon by Charlesworth.
In total Alvis built 1,165 Speed 20s from 1932 to 1936. This includes 289 Speed 20 SCs, of which 165 cars were bodied by Charlesworth and 131 of them were sports saloons.
According to documentation on file from the Alvis Speed 20 SC Register, this particular car was originally bodied by Charlesworth and dispatched from Alvis factory on the 13th January 1935.
This car retains its Alvis ID plate, Charlesworth body number plate and retains all its original and correct factory stampings for chassis and engine numbers. The above mentioned documentation confirms that this cars chassis, car, body and engine numbers all match.
This cars history is not documented, however, it is recorded in the Alvis Car Club of Victoria Newsletter from January 1992 as attending an Alvis Day in NSW on the 9th November 1991. At that time the car was dark green in colour and it was owned by Gary Coxon.
It was then understood to have been owned by a south east Queensland based Alvis enthusiast who was an aviation engineer. He restored the car himself over a long period of time. There are photos on file of the car from 2008 and 2009 and at that time it was light green in colour. The photos from 2009 were taken at the David Hack Classic held in Toowoomba.
The current owner acquired this car at Shannons Autumn Classic 2015, held in Sydney on the 2nd March, 2015. At the time Shannons noted that the car had a substantial Australian history.
A short time after purchasing this Alvis, the owner quickly realised it was not at the level he wanted it to be and he decided to go on a journey to completely restore the car.
For the mechanicals he engaged the services of Alvis specialists Red Triangle in the UK. The engine and gearbox were packaged up and sent to the UK to be fully rebuilt. The body, paint and assembly were completed by Dion Willcox at The Kustom Shop in Brisbane and the interior was retrimmed by Lee Brothers in Brisbane.
The restoration was essentially an open cheque book and a significant amount of money has been spent. There are invoices on file from Red Triangle for in excess of £50,000.
The car has been subject to some sympathetic upgrades during the restoration, including the fitment of an electric water pump and electronic ignition.
The restoration was completed some years ago and the car has been kept in static storage ever since. As a result, the current owner has decided the car should to an enthusiast who will hopefully use this fabulous motor car. Prior to coming to us to sell the car was recommissioned and checked over.
This car has an incredible presence. The owner decided on the most stunning and very Alvis bold colour scheme of black with a red sash. You will note from the photos the black front wheels and the red rear wheels, which essentially are a continuation of the sash. The colour scheme looks great and coupled with the low waist line it also creates a visually sleek and very sporting profile. The overall look is further emphasised by the imposing Lucas headlights and mesh radiator grill.
Whilst the car now carries an older repaint, the paint work still presents well having a strong depth of colour and a nice gloss finish. We only noticed some very minor defects. The most noticeable defect is where the paint has peeled off in certain areas on the bonnet hinge. The majority of the external trim is all chrome and it is excellent condition. The same can be said for all the glass, which is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks evident. Unfortunately, the front Alvis badge has two chips of red colour missing.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a very good looking interior. You can immediately tell this car has not been used since its restoration. Everything looks new, most notably the red upholstery, carpets and head lining. The timber has been refurbished and along with the black dash full of typically British Smiths instruments, it provides a nice contrast with the red upholstery.
The engine bay is neat, clean and tidy but its presentation is probably not quite at the level of the rest of the car. The boot is very small but presents well.
The wire wheels are in excellent condition and are shod with Excelsior tyres, size 525/550 -19. They are date stamped 1715 (week 17, 2015).
Getting into the car can be a bit of a challenge with the hand brake being positioned on the right side of the drivers seat but you quickly get used to that. The driving position is quite upright which actually helps with the visibility. The view out over the long bonnet is very impressive!
Once we have familiarised ourselves with the car and got comfortable behind the steering wheel, it is time for a short test drive. Starting the car is easy, even from cold. Firstly, there is a battery isolator hidden under the dash. You then turn the ignition switch on and you will hear the electric water pump start up. For a cold start you will need the choke, which you pull out . . . then it is simply a push on the starter button. The 2.8 liter inline six cylinder engine fires immediately and sounds good. We let the car warm up for a little bit, then turn the choke off.
The Alvis Speed 20 was a modern, advanced and very sophisticated car in its day and from the Speed 20 SB model used a constant mesh gear box. This model was also the first British car with independent front wheel springing and steering. And with 95hp available the car was quoted as having a top speed approaching 160 km/hr or 100 mph in the old money.
We were keen to see how this all stacked up out on the open road. First impressions were positive. The car feels tight on the road and there is ample power available to ensure you are able to keep up with modern traffic. For a mid 1930s car the gear changes are very good and they are smooth both up and down the box. The steering feels precise. The car still has mechanical brakes and whilst they do pull the car up nicely and in a straight line, they do take some getting used to. All in all the car performed very well.
There is no doubt this Alvis Speed 20 is a car that the more you drive and get accustomed to the better it will get.
Accompanying the car is a good history file, which contains a huge amount of documentation from the restoration as well as an owners handbook (copy) and a spare parts catalogue.
In period Alvis advertised their cars as The Silent Speed 20 and . . . now with all silent performance setting a new fashion is sports car design. The Alvis Car & Engineering Company Limited was certainly a competitor for Britains best, being Rolls-Royce and Bentley, companies that have always been synonymous with engineering excellence.
The Alvis Speed 20 was one of the most respected and successful pre war cars. The later Type SC and SD models with the smooth constant mesh gear box and more powerful 2,762cc litre straight six engine are the best of the breed. We think these sporting pre war grand tourers present great value in todays market.
Highlights:
- 1 of 131 Charlesworth bodied Alvis Speed 20 SC Sports Saloons.
- Beautifully restored.
- Huge money spent on the restoration.
- A well presented car that has just been recommissioned.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $134,950
Background:
In 1919 naval architect TG John took over a small Coventry based carburettor manufacturer named Holly Bros and founded the company TG John and Co Ltd. The company initially focused on making stationary engines, carburettors and motor scooters. Shortly after founding the company, John was approached by Geoffrey de Freville who was looking for a company that could manufacture and potentially use his advanced designs for a 4-cylinder engine with aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication.
Many people think de Freville was ultimately responsible for the name Alvis, something he himself has always denied.
In 1920 the first Alvis was introduced to the world, the Alvis 10/30. The car was available with a range of different body styles and was powered by a 4 cylinder engine designed by de Freville with a capacity of 1,460cc. The car was an instant success and it gained a reputation for quality workmanship and performance, something for which Alvis became famous. The Alvis 10/30 remained in production until 1923 and in total 770 were made. The Alvis 10/30 was succeeded by the Alvis 11/40, the Alvis 12/40, the Alvis 12/50 and the Alvis 12/60.
On the 14th of December 1921 the company name was officially changed to The Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd.
Like many car manufacturers in those days, Alvis wanted to go motor racing. Their greatest achievement came in 1928 when their team finished 1st and 2nd in class at Le Mans and a highly creditable 6th and 9th overall. The car was powered by a 1.5-litre 4 cylinder supercharged engine with a single overhead camshaft. Interestingly, it was front wheel drive. Building on their success in racing, Alvis decided to offer a production Super-Sports front wheel drive for the experienced driver. The Alvis 12/75 was an instant success and achieved high acclaim in the press. Unfortunately, the cost of producing such an advanced vehicle was high and with the great depression looming Alvis decided to stop the production in favour of more profitable models. In the end, only 143 were produced.
In 1927 Alvis introduced their first 6 cylinder model, the Alvis 14.75. The engine in the 14.75 became the basis for a long line of luxury 6 cylinder cars. The 14.75 was succeeded by the 16.95 in 1928 which was renamed Silver Eagle in 1929. In those days Alvis didnt produce their own coachwork, instead they relied on the many available coachbuilders in the Midlands area. Companies like Car bodies, Charlesworth Bodies, Cross & Ellis, Duncan Industries, E. Bertelli Ltd, Grose, Gurney Nutting, Hooper, Lancefield Coachworks, Martin Walter, Mayfair Carriage Co, Mulliners, Tickford, Vanden Plas, Weymann Fabric Bodies, and Arnold of Manchester.
In 1931 Alvis introduced the Speed 20. It featured a heavily modified version of the 6 cylinder engine featured in the earlier Silver Eagle. By now it had increased to 2,511cc. In October 1933 Alvis introduced the Speed 20 SB which featured a new, all-silent gearbox that featured a synchromesh on the bottom gear, a worlds first. This model was also the first British car with independent front wheel springing and steering. The car also had a built-in jacking system. In 1935, with the third iteration of the Speed 20, the SC, the engine size increased to 2762cc. Later that year Alvis introduced another iteration of their 6 cylinder engine, the 3 ½ Litre. Initially, the car was named 3 ½ Litre SA, but in 1936 it was renamed Speed 25.
In total 1,164 Speed 20s were produced, 289 were SC versions, 165 of them were body by Charlesworth and 131 of them were saloons.

1935 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC

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