OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this fantastic 1983 Aston Martin V8 Oscar India.
The Heritage certificate on file confirms this car was built on the 7th September 1983 and it left the factory on 11th October 1983. The car was originally delivered in storm red (paint code 9017) with a fawn pipe burgundy interior (trim code VM.3234/DV6171), a colour scheme the car still carries today. The car retains its original matching numbers engine.
The Heritage Certificate also states this car was delivered with Weber carburettors, Avon tyres, beige with burgundy edged carpet, beige leather headliner and a miles per hour speedometer.
This car is a highly desirable later model Oscar India with the V580 Series engine and BBS wheels. It also has the blanked out radiator grill that was standard on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Like the majority of the Aston Martin V8s built, this car is equipped with a Chrysler Torqueflite three speed automatic transmission.
The documentation on file confirms that this Aston Martin was delivered through Victor Wilson Limited in Edinburgh, Scotland to its first owner, Mr M Carney from Glasgow, Scotland. It was first registered as MAT 78.
Around 1989 the car was sold to Mr M Blackall, an Englishman temporary living and working in Belgium as the Area Director of Operations for a major hotel group. At that time the car was registered as A946FSF. The car spent the next two years in Belgium before the owner moved back to the UK and took the car with him. In 1993 he upgraded to an Aston Martin V8 Volante and this car was sold to Mr M Walker from Edinburgh in June 1994. In September 1996 the car was advertised for sale by the Murray Motor Company in Edinburgh and sold to Mr R Forrester from Cairneyhill, a small village just north of Edinburgh. In 2000 the Murray Motor Company advertised the car for sale again and subsequently sold it to Mr Keenan from Apperley, Gloucestershire, UK. The car was registered with the registration A4 SFK. These UK plates are still fitted on the car.
The current owner, who has an extensive and eclectic collection of cars, acquired this Aston Martin in the UK in mid 2006 and subsequently imported it into Australia. There is an Import Approval on file dated 31st July 2006.
Shortly after arriving into Australia the car was repainted in its original colour of storm red. The car has not been driven any distance since arriving in Australia. It has essentially been in static storage for some fifteen years, though from time to time it was started and driven a short distance. It was last started and driven about five years ago prior to arriving to us.
Since arriving at Oldtimer Australia the car has been recommissioned by classic car specialist Steve Ward from SJ Classics and it runs and drives well. It may require some further fettling to be a reliable driver, but the car has done everything as expected when we have had it out on the open. From the first turn of the key when awoken from its hibernation, the big V8 engine burst to life and it sounds fantastic. Not surprisingly the car seems to get better and better the more it has been driven. The oil pressure is good and engine has loads of power on tap. The gear changes are smooth up and down the box and the car handles, steers and stops as one would expect.
Today the odometer reads 69,688 miles, which based on the information on file, is genuine.
Even though the car carries what is now considered an older repaint, the paint still presents very well. As a result of the car not being driven since it was repainted, the paint has never been exposed to the harsh Australian sun. It retains a deep gloss and a strong depth of colour. There are only two small defects in the paint. There are two very small chips on the boot lid and there is also a small scrape on the edge of the drivers door. Subsequent to our photo shoot, these defects have been touched up using original touch up paint supplied with the car.
All the glass, which looks to be original, and external trim is in very good condition. The same can be said for the bumpers and the other bright work on the car. It is all in very good to excellent condition.
The BBS wheels, which are a real feature on these later Aston Martin V8s present like new with no curb rash. They are shod with Avon Turbosteel 70 tyres, size 235/70/15. The thread on the tyres still present like new, however they are date stamped 4400 (week 44, 2000), and should really be replaced on age.
Open the door and you feel like you are stepping back in time. The interior has been beautifully preserved and is in beautiful condition. It is also very English! The fawn leather seats are in excellent condition with no cracks or tears in the leather. They are comfortable and still provide plenty of support. The rear seats appear to have hardly been used. All the carpets are in excellent condition. The dashboard presents like new. The timber veneer inserts are in excellent condition as is all the leather. Even the top of the dash is still in excellent condition. The instruments are all clean and present well. There is a row of push switches on the centre console and you often see these with faded text. Not in this car. The text is as clear as it was on the day the car left the factory.
In the boot everything is clean and tidy and there is an original spare wheel present.
Open the bonnet and you are presented with a magnificent looking V8 engine. It is hard to miss the Aston Martin Lagonda text on the valve covers and of course there is the plate with the name of the person who assembled the engine. The engine in this car was built by Fred Walters. All very Aston Martin! Everything presents as one would expect. The engine is bay is neat, clean and tidy.
The underside of this car presents well. There is light surface corrosion on some of the components, however, this is not a typical English car underneath. The overall presentation is consistent with a 41 year old car that has been well cared for.
Accompanying this car is a comprehensive history file dating back to new, which includes the original service book.
This car has an incredible presence and it presents fabulously in the striking colour of storm red.
A unique opportunity.
Highlights:
- Rare and desirable example of one the iconic Aston Martin V8 series.
- Beautifully presented example of a quintessential British GT.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Known history from new.
Price $289,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years business, was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the sixties producing the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models.
The first of the Newport Pagnell designed cars, the DBS, was introduced in 1967. The DBS was initially powered by Aston Martins tried and true 6 cylinder engine as the companys new V8 engine was not ready.
From September 1967 through until May 1972 Aston Martin produced 829 DBS chassis. One of these was used in a crash test and 26 of these were later fitted with a V8 engine which leaves a total of 802 six cylinder Aston Martin DBS. Of these 802 cars, 621 were right hand drive and 181 left hand drive. The DBS was available with a five speed ZF manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox or. Interestingly, 317 of the right hand drive cars were fitted with the five speed manual gearbox. It is understood that Aston Martin only built circa 70 right hand drive examples equipped with the Vantage engine.
In September 1969 the DBS was superseded by the DBS V8, powered by the all new 5.3 litre V8 engine which was finally ready for production. The DBS V8 remained in production through until April 1972 and circa 400 cars were built. It was then renamed and became the Aston Martin V8, which became a great success for the marque. The Aston Martin V8 was produced for 17 years, with production finally coming to an end in 1989. Just over 2,000 cars were built, plus the Volantes and Vantages.
In October 1978 Aston Martin introduced the Aston Martin V8 Series 4, otherwise known as the Oscar India (Oscar India = October Introduction, from the phonetic alphabet). The car now sporting burr walnut trim, a blanked off bonnet scoop and a revised boot lid and rear wings to create a sculpted spoiler was visually very similar to the Vantage. The car remained in production through until 1985 and only 352 examples were produced.

1983 ASTON MARTIN V8 Oscar India

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this lovely factory right hand drive 1968 Triumph TR5 PI.
The Heritage Certificate on file confirms this car was built on the 14th March 1968 with a date of despatch of the 29th March 1968. The car was sold through Lambs Limited, Woodford Green, UK. The car was delivered to its first owner with the following options fitted: heater, wire wheels, Jasmine hard top and 165x15 SP41 tyres.
The Heritage Certificate confirms that this car was originally delivered in jasmine (primrose yellow) with black upholstery. It also confirms the car retains its original engine.
The early history of this car is not known but it must have come to Australia fairly early in its life. The documentation on file confirms this TR5 to be a long term Perth car. The history file starts in 1986 when on the 1st April 1986 Edward Podolski acquired the car from Lynda Kostera. At that time the car was registered as 6LW967. Podolski only kept the car for a few months before selling it on the 13th October 1986 to Richard Lindsay, The car was then sold through Alf Barbagallo Motoring Excellence in Osborne Park to Ian Barrett on the 29th December 1990.
Barrett was to be a long term custodian of this TR5 and he kept it for the next 25 years. At the end of 2001 he engaged Motormend - The Triumph Centre in Perth to repaint the car. In 2004 Motormend replaced the original gearbox with a 5-speed Toyota Supra gearbox. At the same time the starter motor was overhauled. When all this work was done the odometer read 02,867 miles.
Barrett sold his beloved TR5 in January 2016 to Barry Ogston from Rockingham. In June 2016 he had Motormend install a surrey top. In February 2017 he had a custom stainless steel exhaust system installed and in March 2018 he had the seats rebuilt and retrimmed in leather.
The current owner, who lives in northern NSW near Newcastle, acquired the car from Barrett in July 2020.
In his ownership the engine has been completely rebuilt in December 2023 by British car specialists Moxham Garage in Wyong, NSW. At that time the engine bay was also repainted.
Incredibly, it has been 23 years since this car was repainted and in that time the car has travelled some 25,000 miles. Today the paint on this TR5 presents exceptionally well, which is credit to the quality of the repaint carried out all those years ago. It has retained a strong depth of colour and a smooth, deep gloss finish. On closer inspection there are a few minor defects here and there, but the overall condition belies the fact this car was repainted many years ago.
The bright work is generally in a good condition. The bumpers, grill and the headlight surrounds present well. The indicator surrounds, the badges and the door handles show some very minor pitting.
The chrome wire wheels are in excellent condition with no curb rash. They are shod with Maxxis 185/65/15 tyres all around, which are date stamped 4508 (week 45, 2008). Whilst the tyres are still in good condition, they should probably be replaced based on age. From the photos it looks like the car is running white wall tyres, but it is not. The wheels actually have a white ring fitted, which gives the appearance of white wall tyres.
Open the door and you are welcomed by a fresh, really smart interior. The seats, which have been retrimmed some 6 years ago, present well and there are no rips or tears in the leather. The dashboard presents well and the instruments are all clear and appear to be in good working order, with the exception of the speedo which is not accurate. It most likely has not been recalibrated when the 5-speed gearbox was installed. There is, however, a digital speedo with a heads up display installed on top of the dashboard which looks to read correctly. The car is fitted with aftermarket steering wheel, which is slightly smaller in diameter than the original. This is in excellent condition, looks great and feels just right when driving the car. Behind the seats youll find a carpeted storage area with two after market speakers. Throughout the cabin all the carpets are in good condition. The same can be said for the door cards.
Under the bonnet everything looks neat, clean and tidy which is no surprise given the recent engine rebuild and engine bay repaint.  In the boot everything is also similarly presented. There is a spare chrome wire wheel which is also shod with a Maxxis 185/65/15 tyre.
Theres no doubt this TR5 is a goodn! It presents beautifully and after a recent test drive we can confirm that it also drives really well.
The car starts easily, even from cold and only requires a little bit of choke to start.  The engine quickly settles into a smooth idle. That raspy exhaust note is just right, which just teases the driver to get moving!
We were curious to see how well the five-speed gearbox would suit the car and we were not disappointed. In short, it is fabulous and improves the drivability of the car.  The gear changes are easy and really smooth. The engine has plenty of power on tap and just the car just wants to go. It accelerates quickly throughout the gears and all too easily you are well and truly exceeding the speed limit!  At the same time the car feels very solid and predictable on the road. The suspension is firm, yet it easily absorbs minor bumps in the road. When needed the brakes pull the car up easily and in a straight line.
The current owner has ticked a bucket list and thoroughly enjoyed his time with this quintessential British sports car.
Over the years we have sold quite a few TR5s and none drive any better than this car. It is one of those cars that you can just jump in to use and enjoy. You wont win the concours, but this TR5 is beautifully presented and drives every bit as good as it looks.
Accompanying the car is spare wheel, a Heritage Certificate and a very good history file.
Today the odometer reads 27,087 miles.
Highlights:
- A well presented example of a quintessential British sports car.
- A fabulous driving car.
- Upgraded with Toyota Supra 5-speed gearbox.
- Matching numbers engine and chassis
- Recent engine rebuild.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $94,950.
Background:
In 1885 Siegfried Bettmann, a German living in London, founded S. Bettmann & Co and started importing bicycles from Europe. Initially, he was selling them under his own trade name, however, in 1886 the name changed to Triumph. In 1897 the company was renamed as the Triumph Cycle Co Ltd and in 1902 the company started producing motor cycles at their factory in Coventry. Business was booming, thanks to big orders from the British Army which needed motor cycles during the First World War and by 1918 Triumph had become Britains largest manufacturer of motor cycles.
In 1921 Bettmann acquired the assets of the defunct Dawson Car Company and started producing cars. The first car to wear the Triumph name was the Triumph 10/20. This car and its immediate successors were only produced in small numbers, however, that all changed with the introduction of the Triumph Super 7 in 1927. This car was a success and it was sold in large numbers through until 1934.
In 1930 the name of the company was officially changed to the Triumph Motor Company. Times were tough and Triumph was struggling to compete with larger car companies. The company started having financial problems and in 1936 the bicycle and motorcycle business were sold to Jack Sangster of Arial. In 1939 the Triumph Motor Company went into receivership and the factory, equipment and goodwill were offered for sale. They were sold, but the Second World War stopped production and the Triumph factory was completely destroyed by bombing in 1940.
After the Second World War, what was left of the Triumph Motor Company and the trade name were purchased by the Standard Motor Company. In 1946 the first new Triumph, the 1800 Roadster, was released to directly compete with Jaguar. In 1950 the company decided to use the Triumph name for all sports models and the Standard name for saloon cars. History now says that this was a strategically brilliant move as it signalled the birth of the Triumph TR series cars.
The TR series Triumphs stand as iconic British sports cars that are well known and loved by enthusiasts all over the world. It started back in 1952 when the Triumph 20TS, a prototype sports car which later became known as the TR1, was shown at the London Motor Show. Reactions were mixed, however, Triumph thought they were on to a good thing and the prototype evolved into the TR2 that was subsequently shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1953. Triumph built over 8,500 of these 1991cc 4 cylinder sports cars from 1953 - 1955 and as they say the rest was history. The model evolved into the TR3 (produced from 1955 - 1962), the TR4 (built from 1961 - 1965), the TR4A (built from 1965 - 1967), the TR5 (built from 1967 - 1968) and ultimately the TR6 (1969 - 1976). Subsequent TR models were interesting cars, but its fair to say the evolution of the TR2 finished at the TR6.
Perhaps the most interesting and certainly the rarest of all of the TR production cars is the TR5 with only 2,947 cars built. The most significant change from the TR4 was the introduction of a 6-cylinder 2.5 litre fuel injected engine that boasted an impressive 150 bhp that could propel the car from 0 50 mph (80 km/hr) in just over six seconds and a top speed of just under 120 mph (200 km/hr).
Today the TR5 remains the most sought after and collectible of the TR series cars.

1968 TRIUMPH TR5 PI

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 $279,950
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 very rare and highly desirable 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 MKII.
The factory records on file confirm that this is an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that was delivered new to the Penfold family in South Australia. The car was delivered through Aston Martin agent D Brown (Australia) on the 8th July 1957. The original colour choice for this car was stunning. It was originally finished in sea green with a green interior, which is how the car is presented today.
This particular car is fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 engine quoted as delivering 165 bhp, being 25 bhp more than the standard engine. It is also fitted with a larger sump.
The factory records note that a replacement engine, with the same number, was despatched to David Brown Australasia on the 13th November 1957.
It is understood that the Penfold family owned the car for many years. The history file picks up the ownership of the car in the 1980s when it was owned by former politician John Goss from Brisbane, Australia. It may well be that Goss acquired the car from the Penfold family. Goss used and enjoyed his Aston Martin for many years before selling to Donald Lane from Buradoo, near Bowral in the NSW southern highlands in 2001. The current Melbourne based owner acquired the car off Lane in c2005.
Over the last 20 years the current owner has used and enjoyed his Aston Martin as its makers intended. Even though the car presents beautifully, he is unashamedly a driver and not a polisher! To ensure the car is a reliable classic and available to be driven on a whim, he has had it maintained and regularly serviced. In 2017 the front Alfin brake drums were overhauled by TypeCast in the UK. In 2018 the cylinder head was overhauled. The car has been upgraded with a Jaguar differential to enhance drivability.
Today this Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII presents resplendently in its original colour scheme of sea green with a green interior. The current owner chose to remove the bumpers for two reasons. Firstly, to give the car that Aston Martin GT look and secondly to reduce the cars weight. The bumpers are heavy! The paint work, which was refreshed by Lane some 20 years ago, is in very good condition with some minor blemishes and stone chips evident. Its presentation is totally consistent with a well cared for car that gets driven. The external trim is minimalistic, particularly with the bumpers removed. The trademark Aston Martin grill is in excellent condition and a real feature.
The chrome wire wheels and spinners really compliment the paintwork beautifully. All of the wheels are in reasonably good condition with no kerb rash or damage. The chrome has started to pit/peel in places. The wheels are shod with Michelin X tyres, size 185R16 all around.
The cabin of the Aston Martin DB2/4 is quintessentially British. It is relatively simple, elegant and beautifully presented. The timber steering wheel is a feature and in excellent condition. The timber dash facia houses the cluster of Smiths instruments and both are also in excellent condition. The leather upholstery is soft and supple with no splits or tears. The seats are comfortable and provide good support. An Aston Martin DB2/4 has occasional rear seats which look to have been sparingly used.
Opening the rear hatch provides access to a large boot area. This area can be expanded by folding a panel down over the rear seats. There is plenty of room for the golf clubs here! The boot presents well, with very minor wear evident.
The massive bonnet hinges forward to reveal a beautifully presented engine bay, revealing the unique independent coil spring front suspension and chassis components as well as the 2,922cc Lagonda twin cam engine. The engine itself is a work of art, resplendent with polished aluminium features, traditional red cylinder head and proper finishes. Everything is neat, clean and tidy.
This Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is a drivers car. The car starts easily, settling into a smooth idle without hesitation. Out on the open road it performs superbly offering a very spirited and rewarding driving experience. The engine has loads of power on tap and it pulls strongly through the rev range. The gearbox is tight and with a relatively short shift it provides slick gear changes. The car delivers a firm yet comfortable ride, direct steering and excellent braking.
Accompanying the car is an original leather bound Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II handbook, an original and well used workshop manual, a copy of a parts catalogue, a factory sales brochure, Aston Martin factory records and a thick history file with many service receipts.
There are also the original bumpers, which are in excellent condition, the original differential, a spare wheel as well as the jack and basic tools which are stored in the engine bay.
If you are looking for an early pre DB4 Aston Martin it would be hard to find a better example.
Aston Martin only built 199 DB2/4 MkIIs, of which 146 were saloons. Of these 146 cars only a small number would be factory right hand drive with the high performance engine.
This car presents exceptionally well and drives superbly.
Highlights:
- Rare Australian delivered, factory RHD example.
- Sold new to the Penfold family in Adelaide.
- Fitted with the desirable special series VB6J/***/L1 high performance engine.
- Fabulous, original colour scheme.
- Great driving car.
Price $399,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years, business was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. Some 411 cars were built from 1950 to 1953, of which circa 100 were the convertible or drop head coupes. Its successor, known as the DB2/4, was first shown at the London Motor Show in 1953 and production started soon thereafter. Initially the car had the same engine as its predecessor, however, it was enlarged to 2,922cc in April 1954. Compared to the DB2 the DB2/4 had an extended roof line with a larger rear window, a one piece curved windscreen and real bumper bars. The biggest difference between the two cars was inside the cabin where the successor had far more roomwith two small occasional rear seats. The DB2/4 sold well through until 1957. In total 764 DB2/4s were built which included 565 of the Mk Is and 199 of the Mk IIs. The biggest change for the Mk II was that the bodies were made in-house by the recently acquired Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell, otherwise the differences between the Mk I and Mk II were subtle. The DB2/4 was available as a four seat fixed head coupe or two seat drop head coupe from the start of production with a two seat coupe introduced on the Mk II. The DB2/4 MkII was succeeded by the DB MkIII and 551 examples were built from 1957 through until 1959.
The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the iconic early DB series cars of the 1950s paving the way for the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models of the 1960s.

1957 ASTON MARTIN DB 2/4 MKII

Details:
Oldtimer Australia delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly desirable Australian delivered 1936 AC 16/80 Sports Tourer.
It is understood that AC built only 42 16/80s to special order from 1935 to 1939.
These cars were purchased in period by wealthy customers who were more often than not weekend racers.
This particular car was delivered new to its first owner Richard Wilkinson from South Yarra in Melbourne. The car was originally black in colour and it was first registered on the 21st November 1936. Wilkinson entered the car in the 1936 South Australian Centenary Grand Prix, retrospectively referred to as the 1937 Australian Grand Prix (even though run in 1936!). The event was held at Victor Harbour in South Australia on the 26th December 1936.
Wilkinson, who lost a leg in a motor racing accident at the 1932 Australian Grand Prix was intending to drive the car, but ended up handing the reins to George Martin. Interestingly, Martin is noted in the event catalogue as driving a supercharged Alfa Romeo, but that car was withdrawn with a mechanical issue.
Racing with number 26, the AC driven by Martin was understood to have diced for the lead for the majority of the race before spinning off the track and ultimately finishing twelfth.
Wilkinson didnt keep the AC for long and it is noted as being advertised by Select Used Cars in Melbourne in December 1937. The car passed through a number of owners over the forty years before being acquired by well known classic car enthusiast Geoff Dowdle.
Dowdle acquired the car in May 1977 and restored the car over a 16 year period.
The current owner acquired the car some 24 years ago. Back in 2003 the engine was rebuilt by the Delage Garage in Cremorne, Melbourne. There are detailed receipts and a number of photographs on file of the work undertaken.
This car has a huge history file with documented ownership from new. Dowdle restored the car to a very high standard with a number of sympathetic upgrades. The upgrades included fitting hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, 16 wheels running 205R16 tyres (for safety) in lieu of the original 19 wheels running 4.75 5.00 19 tyres, an upgraded steering box from a Jaguar MkV, upgraded rear axle and differential as well as other improvements. It is also understood that when the body was restored the original timber frame was replaced with a steel frame.
Today this fabulous AC 16/80 Sports Tourer presents resplendently. The dark blue paint work is in very good condition, with some very minor blemishes here and there. The trademark tall AC grill and greyhound of the road mascot are a real feature. These, along with the headlights and horns are all in very good condition. The painted wire wheels with chromed AC embossed wheel spinners are in similarly good condition and subtly compliment the dark blue paint.
The interior is simplistic but very businesslike. The polished aluminium dash fascia looks fabulous and houses a well laid out cluster of instruments and switches. The upholstery and carpets are all in good condition, showing light patina.
Under the bonnet everything is neat, clean and tidy. ACs 1,991cc six cylinder engine along with ancillaries takes up most of the space. There is also a timber covered compartment that sits against the firewall which houses the battery and provides two storage compartments for tools.
The devil is in the detail and on this car you will find AC logos everywhere. In addition to the wheel spinners, they are on the pedals (like the early Alfa Romeos), the gear lever and on different parts of the engine.
Once you fire the car up the cars competition pedigree is obvious. The engine and exhaust note are fabulous. Our recent test drive around inner suburban Melbourne streets was a far cry from how George Martin would have been driving the car between the seaside towns of Port Elliot and Victor Harbor back on the 26th December 1936. But, we did manage to find a few quiet streets where the car could stretch its legs. The engine pulled strongly through the rev range and the gear changes up and down the box were relatively smooth. The car felt surprisingly firm on the road and the hydraulic brakes give the car far better stopping power than you would expect.
The documentation on file includes a list of all AC 16-80s built and it confirms that this car retains its original matching numbers engine.
Accompanying this car is an exceptional history file which includes some fabulous period photos of the car at various events, an owners manual, the original 19 wheels and drums brakes as well as many spare parts.
It is noteworthy that a 1937 AC 16/80 Sports Tourer was exhibited in the European Classic Sport Class at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. A very similar car to the example we have on offer was exhibited in the British Prewar Sports Late class at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.
Highlights:
- Australian delivered.
- One of only 42 ever built.
- Quintessential British sports car.
- Good history file.
- Ready to be used and enjoyed.
Price $289,950.
Background:
The AC story is a fascinating one. In 1903 a 20hp four cylinder motor vehicle, known as a Weller, was built. It was the brainchild of John Weller, a talented engineer and designer, and John Portwine, a butcher and talented businessman who financed the venture. The Weller never made it into production and the duo decided to focus their attention on building a cheap and reliable three wheeled commercial vehicle. The Auto-Carrier as it was known was powered by a single cylinder 631cc engine, it had chain drive from the engine to the single rear wheel and it had tiller steering. The Auto-Carrier proved to be more efficient than the traditional horse and cart of the day and the vehicle was a resounding success.
In 1907 a passenger version of the Auto-Carrier was built and it was called the Sociable. The Company was renamed Auto Carriers Limited in 1911 and had to relocate to new bigger facilities in Thames Ditton in Surrey. The company went from strength to strength and whilst the First World War temporarily derailed the car business it was post war that really defined AC. Weller designed a six cylinder alloy overhead cam engine that with ongoing development remained in production from 1919 to 1963.
AC continued to grow and it built some wonderful cars throughout the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. During this time ACs cars achieved a number of significant time and distance records as well as race results.
AC built around 850 cars throughout the 1920s, with the 16/40, 16/56 and 16/66 models offered at that time. Their cars evolved into the 1930s, spawning the 16/60, 16/70, 16/80 and 16/90 models. It is understood that AC built just over 600 cars in that time.
Perhaps ACs most significant prewar model was the AC 16/80. It is understood that AC built only 42 16/80s to special order from 1935 to 1939. Of these 42 cars, 28 were fitted with the slab tank body with the squared off back and two spare wheels attached to the fuel tank. The other 14 cars were fitted with a sloping tail body. The AC 16-80 was built on a relatively short chassis of 8 10 designed for competition use. They are light and nimble to drive and in period always very competitive in their class in motorsports events.
Subsequent AC models that were introduced post the Second World War were the AC 2.0 Litre, AC Petiti and the John Tojeiro designed AC Ace that as first introduced in 1953. Powered by ACs proven two litre overhead cam straight-six engine now good for 100 hp, this elegant aluminium bodied two seat sports racing car proved to be a huge success. It was soon joined by a coupe or hard top version called the Aceca and later a 2+2 version called the Greyhound. By the mid 1950s the AC power plant was seen as inadequate and by 1956 AC offered the car with the option of Bristols two litre six cylinder engine with triple carburettors giving significantly improved performance. In the early 1960s American automotive icon Carroll Shelby needed a new platform to race and approached AC with the idea to install a big American V8 engine in their AC Ace. Ford came to the party and agreed to supply their Windsor V8 engines for the car. The rest, as they say, is history and the Shelby Cobra went on to become a legend.

1936 AC 16/80 Sports Tourer

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

BUGATTI TYPE 51 Grand Prix by Pur Sang

1960 Goggomobil Dart Restoration Projects

GOGGOMOBIL DART

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this incredibly original and very correct 1928 Bentley 3.0 Litre Speed Red Label Vanden Plas Tourer.
This well known and highly regarded car retains all its original components including engine, gearbox, differential, front axle, dashboard and even some of the leather trim from 1928! It also retains its original Vanden Plas body.
This particular example has a known history from new and it is well documented in the fabulous book Vintage Bentleys in Australia.
The car was delivered in May 1928 to WG Dugdale from London in the UK. It was first registered as UX2474. The car spent the next 43 years in the UK, passing through the care of a small number of appreciative owners, including Innes Ireland who owned the car from 1968 to 1971. Ireland was a prominent race car driver who most notably won the 1961 US Grand Prix in a Lotus Type 21.
In 1971 the car was purchased by Dr James (John) Ebney, a Canadian doctor who had been working in Englands North. Ebney later returned home to Ontario, taking the Bentley with him.
This Bentley is well travelled and following Ebneys ownership the car spent time in the USA before heading back to the UK. It was then acquired by Gavin Sandford Morgan from Adelaide who imported it into Australia.
Robert McDermott facilitated the sale of the car to the current owners father in 1982. Over the next twenty one years this fabulous Bentley was used and enjoyed exactly as its makers intended. The current owner reflects nostalgically over great family memories made with this car. The current owner has written a document summarising the history of the car and in that he writes . . . our Bentley was very much a part of the family and it was regularly used for weddings, picnics, club events, various rallies and generally any conceivable excuse to drive this car. It featured in many wonderful weddings of family & friends, welcoming children & grandchildren, providing sights & sounds at picnics as well as evenings out in the country air. It formed a strong part of the ties that keep family & friends together through generations.
Following the passing of the cars owner in 2003 the decision was made to sell his beloved Bentley. It was sold to Peter Crauford from Moyston, Victoria in 2004. Crauford used and enjoyed his fabulous Bentley for over a decade before selling to well known UK based Bentley enthusiast and dealer William Medcalf in 2016. Through an incredible set of circumstances and a story too complicated and too long for this write up, the current owner was able to acquire his late fathers Bentley from Medcalf before it was shipped to the UK. And so began another chapter of the story of his involvement with this car that first started over forty years ago!
A few weeks later, it was time to bring the old Bentley home. He reflects . . . it was a freezing morning and my wife and I drove up to Moyston in her Jaguar XK120 Roadster to collect the car from Peter Crauford. After laying eyes on his car he couldnt believe how pleased he was to see it again. . . . I felt as though I had seen my fathers ghost, smiling at me, with the particular look of peaceful happy pride that I had almost forgotten. After a short drive it all came flooding back. I suppose thirteen years is a fairly long time not to drive a car like a 3.0 Litre Bentley, but in an instant I felt at home again with the central throttle and hand controls of timing and mixture . . . we roared along the Moyston Great Western Road, with the wind in our hair, the sun in our faces, the howl of the engine in our ears and the glow of joy in our hearts: It was great.
The car had been beautifully preserved and well maintained throughout Craufords ownership, however, the current owner decided to give the car a birthday. It was sent to Simon Elliot and his team at Derby Works who went through the car from one end to other to ensure it was ready to be reliably used and enjoyed for the foreseeable future.
The car was collected from Derby Works Mt Waverly workshop in March 2017.Over the next seven years the car has been regularly used and enjoyed. . . . we have had more miles, more adventures and more grateful pleasure than I could ever have hoped for. We have made many new friends and enjoyed sharing the car with so many people, from elder statemen who know exactly what the car is, to young boys and girls that just love the noise and theatre of seeing an old car on the street.
The car was displayed at Motorclassica as part of the celebration of 100 Years of Bentley in 2019. From the display of some twenty Bentleys, this car was awarded the Iron Ladies Trophy for the Bentley that best represented the spirt of WO Bentley.
After being part of the current owners family for almost thirty years he has decided the time is right for this wonderful Bentley to start a new journey.
We are absolutely delighted that he has entrusted Oldtimer Australia to find the next custodian for this car.
Today this 1928 Bentley 3.0 Litre Speed Red Label Vanden Plas Tourer presents and drives superbly. The car presents with just the right amount of patina. This is a car that has been used and enjoyed over the years. It has never been restored, rather beautifully preserved and regularly maintained.
The first thing you will notice is of course the colour. Finished in maroon with black guards and a maroon fabric body, this car is a refreshing change to the ubiquitous green so often seen on WO Bentleys. The paint work presents well, with minor wear and tear evident, its overall presentation being consistent with a car that does get driven. The fabric is in excellent condition. All of the external trim, including the brightwork presents similarly well.
The black wire wheels and plated Bentley spinners are in good condition and present well. The wheels are shod with Excelsior 5.00 / 5.25 21 tyres all around.
Inside the cabin this car is also beautifully presented. The condition of the interior is consistent with the exterior. Everything is just nice, showing light wear and tear consistent with use. Whilst the front seats and door cards have been reupholstered at some stage, the rear seats look to retain original leather from 1928! There are no rips or tears to the refreshed upholstery, though the original leather shows some cracking and minor damage. You wouldnt touch it though . . . so cool! The carpet like material on the back of the seats may well also be original and it shows some wear and tear. The carpets are in generally good condition. The instruments and controls are well presented and look to be in working order.
The soft top would have been replaced at some stage and whilst it has had a few repairs it is in reasonably good condition. It fits quite well and is relatively easy to put up and down. The cover that fits over the soft top when down is old and in average condition. There is a replacement that will come with the car, though the current owner prefers the patina of the original.
Simon Elliotts Derby Works has recently completed an engine rebuild and as a result the car drives superbly. Even prior to the rebuild this car had a reputation as being a great performer, often mistaken for having a 4¼ litre engine. The car goes hard and it has the most fantastic and very distinctive baritone exhaust note. For its day this was a fast car, but even today its performance is lively and the car has absolutely no trouble keeping up with modern traffic. The brakes are certainly nothing like what you are used to on a modern car and the gear changes take some getting used to, however, once you do it provides the driver with a very rewarding driving experience. The car handles well and it feels surprisingly tight on the road.
This is a car that has many stories and if only it could talk!
As part of the rich tapestry of its history it is noted that Innes Ireland drove Denis Hulme around Silverstone for the Drivers Parade at the 1969 British Grand Prix. Hulme had qualified his Cosworth Ford DFV powered McLaren M7A in third place, but unfortunately was forced to retire after 27 laps with electrical problems. 31 years later the Bentley appeared in another Grand Prix Drivers Parade when the current owner drove Heinz-Harald Frentzen around Albert Park at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix. The Bentley brought more luck to Frentzen than it did for Hulme all those years ago. After qualifying second on the grid Frentzen drove his Williams-Renault to 8th place.
Incredibly, this Bentley is now close to 100 years old.
WO era Bentleys are rarely offered for sale in Australia, so this very original, correct and beautifully patinated 1928 Bentley 3.0 Litre Speed Red Label Vanden Plas Tourer presents a unique opportunity.
Highlights:
- Genuine Bentley 3.0 Litre Speed Red Label
- Retains all original components.
- Retains original Vanden Plas tourer body.
- Known history from new with impeccable provenance.
- Recent engine rebuild.
- Drives better than most 4½ Litre cars.
- Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $579,950
Background:
The Bentley motor car company was founded back in 1919 by brothers WO and HM Bentley. The Bentley brothers were involved in the motor industry having acquired the agency to sell French built DFP (Doriot, Flandrin & Parant) cars in 1912, however, they desperately wanted to build their own cars.
WO Bentley had established himself as a brilliant engineer during World War I when the French made DFP in which he competed, achieved a number of wins in various races and hill climbs. He was one of the first engineers who realised the advantage of using aluminium to create pistons. W.O Bentley was discharged from the army in 1919 and he set about creating his own car. His experience with aircraft engines proved an excellent starting point. He was also heavily influenced by two pre-war designs, the 1914 Grand Prix Mercedes and the 1913 Coupe de lAuto Peugeot.
Bentley developed a 3.0 litre monobloc engine which featured four valves per cylinder, twin spark plugs and twin magnetos. He made extensive use of aluminium and magnesium which were quite exotic materials in the 1920s, especially for road going cars. The first prototype, EXP1, was tested by The Autocar and received a glowing report. It was described as For the man who wants a true sporting type of light-bodied car for use on a Continental tour where speed limits are not meant to be observed the 3 Litre Bentley is undoubtedly the car par excellence.
The second prototype, EXP2, made its debut at the 1919 Olympia motor show. The new Bentley 3.0 Litre attracted a lot of attention however it wasnt until September 1921 that the first model rolled of the production line. Between the 1919 motor show and September 1921 much work had been done to further refine the chassis. EXP2 was the first Bentley to record a race win at Brooklands on May 16th 1921. Bentley continued to use it for further testing in 1921 and 1922 before it was sold in 1923. EXP2 still exists today and is the oldest surviving Bentley.
Initially, production of the Bentley 3.0 Litre was slow but they got the formula right and their cars proved to be luxurious, reliable and fast thus attracting buyers from the elite of society. it didnt take long for the order books to be filled with names of wealthy and aristocratic clients, including Prince George (later the Duke of Kent), the Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) and the Duke of York, later King George VI.
Just like other manufactures in that period, Bentley supplied the engine, drive train, suspension and chassis, letting the client decide which coachbuilder they wanted to use to supply the body. Bentley offered three versions of their 3.0 Litre and they were identified by the colour of the badge on the radiator the blue label, the red label and the green label. The blue label was the standard engine, the red label was powered by a higher compression engine and the green label was the high-performance model. Bentley had great confidence in their cars and offered a five year warranty on the blue and red label model. The green label, however, only came with a one year warranty because it really was a race car.
The cars were also incredibly successful on the race track with Bentley achieving the ultimate success winning Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The Bentley 3.0 Litre was able to beat the the much smaller and more nimble Bugattis, prompting Ettore Bugatti to call it the fastest lorry in the world.
The difficult economic times in the late 1920s had a major impact on Bentley and they stopped motor racing soon after winning Le Mans in 1930 and ultimately fell into receivership in 1931. Rolls-Royce acquired the assets of Bentley in late 1931. In this period Bentley produced some fabulous motor cars including the 3.0 Litre, 4½ Litre, Blower Bentley, 6½ Litre and 8.0 Litre models that are all today highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors all over the world. The first new Bentley produced following Rolls Royces acquisition was the Bentley 3½ Litre which evolved into the Bentley 4¼ Litre. Bentleys of this era are also known as Derby Bentleys as they were built at Rolls Royces factory located in Derby in the north of England.
The Bentley 3.0 Litre was built from 1921 through until 1929 and in total 1,622 examples were built. This included three experimental models, 1,088 3.0 Litre models, 513 Speed Tourers and 18 Super Sports.

1928 BENTLEY 3 LITRE Vanden Plas Sports Tourer

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