OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

A new arrival at Oldtimer Australia is this evocative 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined.
Singer Vehicle Design has firmly established itself as the definitive authority in air-cooled Porsche 911 enhancement. In essence, a Singer Porsche is a reimagined 911 at its absolute zenith a seamless blend of heritage, engineering excellence and bespoke craftsmanship.
The demand for these cars is unprecedented and it has also generated huge interest in other re-engineered interpretations of the air-cooled Porsche 911.
This 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined represents a compelling fusion of classic Porsche heritage and modern upgrades (including a tuned 3.6 litre 993) that has been meticulously built by Porsche specialists.
If ever a car arrived at our showroom with a story to tell, it has to be this 911. It clearly boasts a fascinating and colourful history. It started life as a road car, was rebuilt into a very successful competition car and more recently Reimagined.
The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity on file confirms this 1971 (MY 1972) Porsche 911E 2.4 Litre Coupe originally left the factory in Gemini Blue Metallic (paint code 8686) with a black leatherette interior (trim code 11). The car was delivered with a sunroof and a rear wiper.
Porsche has confirmed this car was originally destined for the UK market, however, it is fitted with an Australian compliance plate. Therefore, it may well have been ordered by an Australian in the UK who planned to immediately export the car to Australia or it was perhaps a tourist delivery ordered through a UK dealer. Regardless, the car must have found its way to Australia very early in its life. The Australian Compliance Plate is dated 6/72.
We have to assume the car led a rather normal until the late 1980s or early 1990s when it was acquired by Garnet Luckins from Melbourne, Victoria. Luckins, who was one of the founding members of the Porsche Club in Victoria, had highly respected Porsche specialist Mike Tankard turn this 911E into a race car.
In the mid 1990s the car was sold to John Saunders from Perth, Western Australia. He further developed the car and a CAMS log book was issued on the 19th June 1997. In the early 2000s the car was purchased by Porsche racer Brett Bedggood from Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat in Victoria. He purchased the car for the engine which was fitted in it at the time. As a result, he really didnt use the car.
In October 2006 Bedggood sold the car to a well-known Porsche tragic Larry McFarlane from Brisbane in Queensland. At the time, McFarlane had been racing his rare and quit valuable Porsche 964RS and decided that the risk to continue and race that car was too great. He had been on the hunt for the right track car for some time and when this came to market it met most of his requirements.
This car looked good and it appeared to be in a reasonable condition. It had previously been converted into a 2.8 RSR clone including the massive wheel arches, a roll cage, 930 turbo brakes and a light weight interior.
Unfortunately, the car had a few issues, most notably the engine was tired. With the help of local Porsche specialist Don Munro from T&D Automotive a decision was made to make the car as good as it could be and the first step was to install a type M64 engine from a Porsche 993. The engine was sourced from Wayne Hennig in Noosa, rebuilt and fitted to the car. That wasnt the only modification which had to be made to the car. The car was essentially rebuilt with various improvements made along the way. A staggering $290,000 later a new race car was born!
Once the car was completed it was campaigned successfully at various events. The car performed exceptionally well and Mr Consistency was a regular podium finisher. McFarlanes crowning achievement, which made the project worth every cent, came in 2013 when won the won the Queensland Motor Racing Series Productions Sports Car title and the CAMS Queensland Production Sports Car Championship in this car. After that, the car was used occasionally until 2016 and then more sparingly at odd events until 2018.
This Porsche 911 was effectively retired from racing some 5 years ago.
The current owner acquired this car in 2021 and at that time it was in a reasonable condition for an ex-race car.
Even though he is a very accomplished race car driver, he did not want to extend the cars racing career. Restoring the car back to original was not an option as too many original parts had been removed, making it an unviable project. He wanted to restore the car and totally rebuild it, giving it the Singer treatment. His vision was to restore the car to his taste and importantly make it a better car to drive.
The car was given to Totally Classic Restorations in Warana, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. They stripped it down to a bare shell and performed various body repairs before painting it in its original and stunning colour of Gemini Blue Metallic. Once painted, the car was assembled to the point where it could be easily transported.
The next challenge was to find the right person to take care of all the mechanicals and finalise the project. After due consideration the owner entrusted the project to Jye Pawley at Specialised Autowerk in Heidelberg (Melbourne). The car was transported to him and he started the work in August 2022.
The first job was to remove everything from the car, unpack all the boxes and detail an inventory of all of the parts that were with the car. This was never going to be an easy project! Pawley was up for the challenge and after discussing various options with the owner, a plan was agreed and the work began in earnest.
There is a substantial file containing detailed invoices documenting the work carried out, along with 2,249 photographs on record.
Some of the highlights are:
- The 993 3.6 litre engine was stripped, assessed and reassembled with new seals etc. It is fitted with mild cams and mechanical rockers. The engine recorded 250.4 kw (approx. 335.8 hp) and 384.7 nm on the dyno.
- The 915 gearbox has been completely rebuilt to standard specifications with a PSJ shift coupling for a more precise feel.
- Upgraded 930 brake system.
- A limited slip differential has been fitted with later model drive shafts.
- A Sachs clutch has been fitted.
- A KW V3 coil over kit has been fitted.
- A new half roll cage was installed.
- The fuel system has been upgraded and modernised.
- Adjustable sway bars have been fitted.
- All the wiring has been replaced and upgraded.
- Superlite style wheels, 15×8 front and 15×10 rear were fitted.
- A lightweight RS style carpet kit and RS style door trims were fitted.
The end result is simply outstanding. This car is so much more than a hot-rodded 911 with flared guards! The car stands as a true testament to the vision of the owner and the craftsmen who brought it together.
Walking around the car, its impossible not to be impressed! From the front the additional fog lights immediately remind you of the Porsches that used to participate in various rally events in the 1970s. The flared wheel arches remind you of the 911 RSR which famously won the 1973 Targa Floria in Sicily. The look is quite imposing and it all just works.
The colour combination of Gemini Blue Metallic with the gold wheels and decals is striking and the spot lights coupled with its aggressive stance complete the look perfectly.
The car was completed in 2025 and it has only travelled some 700 miles since it was built. As a result, everything essentially presents as new. The paint is in excellent condition, though it has picked up a stone chip/star on the left rear guard. The external trim is minimalistic and what there is also presents as new. The glass is also in excellent condition.
The gold Superlite wheels are in excellent condition and they are shod with a fresh set of MichelinTB5 tyres, size 225/50R15 at the front and 285/40R15 at the rear. They are date stamped 2924 (week 29, 2024) and 3825 (week 38, 2025) respectively.
When the car was completed, it felt as though something was still missing. It was then decided to add the gold striping to the sides and rear, which finished the car perfectly.
The interior of the car had a tough act to follow and we think that the style choice and colour combination chosen is just perfect. Everything has been beautifully finished. The seats are a real feature and the light blue upholstery with bright blue piping and the blue/black herringbone inserts really makes its own statement. The detail of matching the seat belts and door pulls to the piping is clever and another feature.
Not surprisingly, the engine bay and boot under the bonnet also present as new.
From the moment we first laid eyes on this car down in Melbourne, we have been champing at the bit to get behind the wheel. How would it drive was the million dollar question! Would we be disappointed given the hype generated by its look? The short answer is a definitive NO!
Theres no doubt the look of this car is something special, however, when you start the engine it also obvious that it is powered by something special. Yes, it is louder than your everyday 993, but not too loud. It has an edge and it sounds angry . . . courtesy of the mild cams and customised Fabspeed exhaust system.
Out on the open road all your senses converge at once as you take it all in. The first thing you notice is how direct the steering is and shortly thereafter how tight the gearbox feels. The short throw and weight of the gear knob have created a perfect feel and the gear changes are so easy and incredibly smooth up and down the box. As we expected the suspension is hard, but surprisingly comfortable. The car feels extremely tight and just glued to the road. It handles like a go cart and corners like its on rails.
This 1971 Porsche 911E Reimagined is one of the most exciting cars to drive that we have ever offered for sale. We really cant fault the car . . . if only we could keep it!
The current owner has a significant collection of cars and whilst he has thoroughly enjoyed the journey to create this masterpiece, he has gone in a different direction with his collection focusing on Italian cars.
It is therefore with a heavy heart he has made the difficult decision to part with this car and it is now looking for its next custodian.
Needless to say, building a car of this quality required a significant financial investment and what we are asking is way under cost.
Accompanying the car is an excellent history file, that most importantly contains detailed invoices documenting the work carried out, along with 2,249 photographs of the build.
You wont park next to another one at your local Porsche Club event or cars & coffee!
Highlights:
- an incredible Reimagined Porsche 911.
- powered by a tuned type M64 Porsche 993 engine.
- a superbly presented car in a fabulous colour scheme.
- just a magnificent car to drive.
Price: $389,950
Background
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsches son. Ferdinand junior, or Ferry as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmündbefore relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany. The rest they say is history as the 356 evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built. A hard act to follow indeed . . . but its replacement, the Porsche 911 went on to become a legend!
The evolution of the Porsche 911 is probably the greatest sports car story of all time. First introduced in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and then designated as a 901, the successor to the 356 took the world by storm. To avoid conflict with Peugeot, who claimed exclusive rights to car names with three digits having a zero in the middle, the car was renamed as 911. The first production 911 was built in 1964 and it was powered by an air cooled 1991cc 6-cylinder engine.
For 1969 Porsche made the single biggest change to the 911 thus far by lengthening the wheelbase 2.5 inches to reduce the oversteer characteristics inherent to rear-engined cars. Pre 1969 cars are often referred to as the short wheel base cars (SWB) and 1969 onwards called the long wheelbase cars (LWB).
The car evolved with increases in engine capacity to 2.2 litres, 2.4 litres, 2.7 litres, 3.0 litres and 3.3 litres. There were styling changes also, but one always recognised the car as a 911. Today the first series of 911s is recognised as the cars built from 1963 to 1989 and include the very popular Porsche 911 and 930 Turbo models. Of these the small bumper or pre impact bumper cars built up to 1973 are today regarded as the real classic 911, however, that comes at a price. In the last few years astute collectors and enthusiasts have seen great value in 1970s and 1980s model 911s.
From 1967 Porsche offered the 911 with four different variants. the base model 911T, the more luxurious 911L, the mid range 911E and the top of the range 911S.
First released in 1967, the Porsche 911T was basically a replacement for the 912. The 911T was a slightly less expensive and a more basic version of the 911L. It was introduced with a 1,991cc engine with Weber carburettors, which produced 110hp, mated to a 4 speed gearbox.
The 911L only remained in production for a short period, from 1967 to 1968, before being replaced by the 911E in 1969. The E stands for Einspritzung, which is German for injection. The 1,991cc engine remained but it was now fitted with Bosch mechanical fuel injection which provided a significant increase in power to 140hp. The engine capacity was increased to 2,195cc for all 911s in 1969 and 911E 2.2 generated 155hp. The final iteration of the F Series 911s saw the engine capacity increase again, this time to 2,341cc. The 911E 2.4, introduced in late 1971 and built through until 1973, now produced an impressive 165hp.
In total, 12,159 Porsche 911Es were built from August 1968 through until July 1973, comprising 7,517 Coupes and 4,642 Targas.

1971 PORSCHE 911 E SERIES

Details
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

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 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

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

1930 PACKARD 740

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

1924 BENTLEY 3 LITRE

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

ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE

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

1979 MASERATI KYALAMI 4.9 Manual

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT.
The documentation on file confirms this UK delivered, factory right hand drive example was ordered by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd in Egham By Pass (Surrey) on the 21st March 1972. This E Series Dino was completed and despatched from the Ferrari factory in Maranello on the 26th April 1972.
The car left the factory in the unique and stunning colour of Giallo Dino (paint code 20-Y-348 Salchi) with a Nero Plastica (black vinyl trim code 161) interior. The car was ordered with the optional electric windows.
Many people think Ferraris should be red, however, Dinos were delivered new in just about every colour of the rainbow! In fact, according Matthias Bartz Dino Compendium, Dinos were delivered in 52 colours! Interestingly, only 21% of the total production of the Dino 206 GT / 246 GT and 246 GTS were finished in Rosso Corsa.
Dinos carry colour exceptionally well and many were finished in different hues and its always refreshing to see one finished in one of the less obvious colour choices. Only 35 Dinos (246 GT & and 246 GTS) were delivered new in the unique and stunning colour of Giallo Dino and we have two of them, including this car, in this country. This colour looks absolutely beautiful in the photos, however, we think it is even more impressive in the flesh. It is elegant and sophisticated.
Maranello Concessionaires delivered the car to dealer Sidney Marcus Ltd on Dorset Square in London on 16th May 1972. Further documentation on file suggests the first owner of the car was Mr B Cassini Esq from Chertsey, Surrey. The car was first registered in the UK on the 16th August 1972.
The UK Vehicle Registration Documentation on file dated 11th May 1983, states the car had 4 former keepers since February 1976. That same document notes James Fitzgerald from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire as the current owner and Pat Crawfords from Saltash, Cornwall as the previous owner. Crawfords acquired the car on 30th November 1981. He only owned the car for a short period before selling it to Fitzgerald on the 21st February 1983. At that time the car was registered as VXA 324L.
Fitzgerald sold the car to John Rossi from Greystanes, Sydney Australia on the 7th November 1984. It was subsequently imported into Australia on the 23rd December 1984, arriving on board the ship the Tolaga Bay.
The car was sparingly used during Rossis ownership and it was sold to Oldtimer Australia in July 2004. At that time the car was finished in Rosso Corsa and the odometer read 76,223 miles.
The car required recommissioning and it was then sold to the current owner in July 2005. At that time the odometer read 76,423 miles.
After having enjoyed his Dino for a number of years, the decision was made in 2012 to restore the car back to how it left the factory all those years ago. This included returning the car to its original colour of Giallo Dino.
The cosmetic restoration was entrusted to the very talented Steve Cahun from Concourse Restorations in Geelong, Victoria. The mechanicals were the responsibility of classic Ferrari specialist Marc Jones from Enzotech, based at Caboolture on Queenslands Sunshine Coast and the trim work given to Peter Blakemore from Blakemores Automotive Upholstery in Ninderry, also on Queenslands Sunshine Coast. The restoration was project managed by Oldtimer Australia.
Jones stripped the car and removed the engine as well as all other mechanicals and the body/rolling chassis was subsequently sent to Victoria. The body was removed from the chassis and stripped to bare metal for the necessary repairs. The chassis was placed on a jig and measured to ensure it remained correct to original specification. Once the metal work was completed the car was repainted. All the chrome and external trim was also refurbished and the car subsequently reassembled.
All the mechanicals, including the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes and more were stripped, assessed and rebuilt.
This restoration was a major project and everything was either refurbished or replaced to ensure the car was restored to a very high standard.
The project was finally completed in 2020.
Since then, the car has been used occasionally and at time of photographing the odometer read 77,111 miles. One of the last invoices related to the restoration from 2019 notes an odometer reading of 76,805 miles.
This wonderful Dino made its first public appearance at the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival in 2023, taking home the Shannons Rolling Art award. Its second public appearance was at the 2024 Noosa Concours dElegance.
Given the cars limited use since it was restored, it is not surprising that it still presents like a fresh restoration.
This is obviously a car well known to us at Oldtimer Australia, however, we were like kids in a lolly shop when the truck arrived to our showroom to drop it off.
The paint is in excellent condition in both finish and presentation. On close inspection, the quality of the restoration is immediately evident. The paint has been applied to a very high standard, with a deep, even gloss and excellent clarity throughout. Out in the sun the pale yellow seems to glow across the cars sculpted curves, perfectly accentuating the flowing Pininfarina design.
All the bright work, badges and other external trim is also in excellent condition, complimenting the paintwork perfectly. The lights and all the lenses are all clean and in excellent condition.
All the glass on the car is most likely original and in good condition. There is a very small area in the left lower corner of the front windscreen that is showing signs of delamination. It is almost hidden by the rubber, but it is there.
Lift the rear lid and the engine bay presents every bit as impressively as the exterior. The compact mid mounted V6 engine sits proudly on display, its intricate mechanical details clean, crisp, and beautifully arranged. The restoration has been carried out to a very high standard, with all components either correctly refurbished or replaced as required. The cam covers and ancillaries are finished to an excellent standard, their surfaces sharp and well defined, while correct finishes and coatings have been faithfully maintained throughout.
Under the front lid the correct spare wheel is stowed, sitting snugly within its recess. The surrounding heavy duty plastic mouldings are often a weak point on a Dino and often let the presentation of a freshly restored car down. On this car everything is beautifully presented.
The Cromodora wheels are in excellent condition with no signs of any damage or kerb rash. They are shod with period correct Michelin XWX tyres, size 205/70VR14 on all four corners. The tyres are date stamped 5217 (week 52, 2017) and are still in very good condition. The Dino branded centre caps are also in excellent condition.
We have had the car on the hoist and it presents as well underneath as it does on top.
Inside the cabin is just spectacular. Blakemores work is world class and the interior of this Dino is just sublime. The seats are in excellent condition, they are comfortable, and provide ample support. The seating position in a Dino always takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you are it is quite comfortable. The door cards, centre console and the carpets are all similarly well presented. The dashboard is also in excellent condition and all the instruments are crisp and clean. Everything is as you would expect it to be in a freshly restored car.
Theres no doubt that the Ferrari Dino 246 GT is one of the most beautiful cars ever built, but they are also exhilarating to drive. From the moment you are seated behind the wheel, that view forward is framed by the front guards that rise into your eyeline. Starting a Dino is no different from any other carburetted car from the 1960s and 1970s. You turn the ignition on and allow the fuel pumps some time to provide the carburettors with sufficient fuel. You then pump the accelerator a few times before turning the key further to start the car. This Dino fires up easily and the 2,418cc V6 engine quickly settles into a smooth idle. Theres a subtle rasp in the exhaust note, layered with a faint Italian singing quality that hints at whats to come as revs rise.
Driving a Ferrari Dino 246 GT is best understood as a fully analogue conversation between driver, machine and the road light, mechanical, and intensely involved. It is certainly not the fastest car but that is not what a Dino is all about. The Dino doesnt overwhelm with power, rather it draws you in through balance, sound and feel, creating a driving experience that is as emotional as it is engaging.
Like most classic Ferraris, the more you drive a Dino and allow the engine and gearbox to warm up properly, the better they are to drive. This one is no exception and after half an hour behind the wheel once everything is warmed up the car drives superbly.
When you clear the traffic and find a nice open road you really do appreciate what an absolutely fabulous car this is to drive. The engine has plenty of power on tap and it responds instantly to the slightest movement of the throttle. The gear changes are smooth and precise. It is mechanical and deliberate, requiring care and precision, but rewarding that effort with a satisfying sense of connection every time a gear engages cleanly. The steering is beautifully direct, with just enough weight and feedback to let you read the surface beneath you. The car is very tight on the road, with no rattles or squeaks.
The current owner has thoroughly enjoyed his 20+ years of ownership of this Ferrari Dino 246 GT and the journey that it has taken him on, but he feels that the time right for it to move to a new home. He is simply not using the car and life is taking him in a different direction.
Dinos come and go, but freshly restored cars are hard to find and finding one in Giallo Dino is like bumping into a unicorn.
This car is ready show, use and enjoy and it would be welcomed with open arms at any concours d'elegance or Ferrari Club event.
Highlights:
- Factory RHD É-Series Dino.
- Beautifully presented example in a unique and stunning colour combination.
- 1 of only 35 Dinos delivered in Giallo Dino.
- Restored by marque experts to a very high standard.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price $999,950
Background
Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named The Worlds Strongest Brand in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.
Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeos race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferraris dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!
The Cavallino Rampate or prancing horse was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the golden arches it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!
The Ferrari road cars from the 1940s and early to mid-1950s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTEs were built from 1959 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3967 cc capacity.
Ferraris iconic Dino was first shown to the world as a prototype at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. The car morphed into the 206 GT of which only 150 cars were built from 1967 to 1969. This car was built with an all alloy body and had a 1,987cc V6 engine. In 1969 the 246 GT was released, which whilst a similar looking car in many ways was actually quite different. The car sat 3 taller than its predecessor and the body was now built from steel. Mechanically the new car was powered by a 2,418cc V6 engine. Enzo was keen to tackle Porsche head on and to do this he needed to increase production. The Dino was a hit and incredibly 3,569 of these cars were built from 1969 to 1974, 2,295 246 GTs and 1,274 246 GTSs.
Concerned at how the world would accept his lower priced, affordable 6 cylinder sports car and concerned that a cheaper car may diminish the Ferrari brand, Enzo Ferrari decided the car would not carry the badge of the prancing horse. Rather it would simply be known as a Dino to also commemorate the life of his son who designed the 6 cylinder engine.
Today the world knows the Dino as a Ferrari, and a real one at that! These beautiful cars are adored by car people across the world and good ones are most sought after.

1972 FERRARI DINO 246 GT

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this fantastic 1983 Aston Martin V8 Oscar India.
The Heritage certificate on file confirms this car was built on the 7th September 1983 and it left the factory on 11th October 1983. The car was originally delivered in storm red (paint code 9017) with a fawn pipe burgundy interior (trim code VM.3234/DV6171), a colour scheme the car still carries today. The car retains its original matching numbers engine.
The Heritage Certificate also states this car was delivered with Weber carburettors, Avon tyres, beige with burgundy edged carpet, beige leather headliner and a miles per hour speedometer.
This car is a highly desirable later model Oscar India with the V580 Series engine and BBS wheels. It also has the blanked out radiator grill that was standard on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Like the majority of the Aston Martin V8s built, this car is equipped with a Chrysler Torqueflite three speed automatic transmission.
The documentation on file confirms that this Aston Martin was delivered through Victor Wilson Limited in Edinburgh, Scotland to its first owner, Mr M Carney from Glasgow, Scotland. It was first registered as MAT 78.
Around 1989 the car was sold to Mr M Blackall, an Englishman temporary living and working in Belgium as the Area Director of Operations for a major hotel group. At that time the car was registered as A946FSF. The car spent the next two years in Belgium before the owner moved back to the UK and took the car with him. In 1993 he upgraded to an Aston Martin V8 Volante and this car was sold to Mr M Walker from Edinburgh in June 1994. In September 1996 the car was advertised for sale by the Murray Motor Company in Edinburgh and sold to Mr R Forrester from Cairneyhill, a small village just north of Edinburgh. In 2000 the Murray Motor Company advertised the car for sale again and subsequently sold it to Mr Keenan from Apperley, Gloucestershire, UK. The car was registered with the registration A4 SFK. These UK plates are still fitted on the car.
The current owner, who has an extensive and eclectic collection of cars, acquired this Aston Martin in the UK in mid 2006 and subsequently imported it into Australia. There is an Import Approval on file dated 31st July 2006.
Shortly after arriving into Australia the car was repainted in its original colour of storm red. The car has not been driven any distance since arriving in Australia. It has essentially been in static storage for some fifteen years, though from time to time it was started and driven a short distance. It was last started and driven about five years ago prior to arriving to us.
Since arriving at Oldtimer Australia the car has been recommissioned by classic car specialist Steve Ward from SJ Classics and it runs and drives well. It may require some further fettling to be a reliable driver, but the car has done everything as expected when we have had it out on the open road. From the first turn of the key when awoken from its hibernation, the big V8 engine burst to life and it sounds fantastic. Not surprisingly the car seems to get better and better the more it has been driven. The oil pressure is good and engine has loads of power on tap. The gear changes are smooth up and down the box and the car handles, steers and stops as one would expect.
Today the odometer reads 69,688 miles, which based on the information on file, is genuine.
Even though the car carries what is now considered an older repaint, the paint still presents very well. As a result of the car not being driven since it was repainted, the paint has never been exposed to the harsh Australian sun. It retains a deep gloss and a strong depth of colour. There are only two small defects in the paint. There are two very small chips on the boot lid and there is also a small scrape on the edge of the drivers door. Subsequent to our photo shoot, these defects have been touched up using original touch up paint supplied with the car.
All the glass, which looks to be original, and external trim is in very good condition. The same can be said for the bumpers and the other bright work on the car. It is all in very good to excellent condition.
The BBS wheels, which are a real feature on these later Aston Martin V8s present like new with no curb rash. They are shod with Avon Turbosteel 70 tyres, size 235/70/15. The thread on the tyres still present like new, however they are date stamped 4400 (week 44, 2000), and should really be replaced on age.
Open the door and you feel like you are stepping back in time. The interior has been beautifully preserved and is in beautiful condition. It is also very English! The fawn leather seats are in excellent condition with no cracks or tears in the leather. They are comfortable and still provide plenty of support. The rear seats appear to have hardly been used. All the carpets are in excellent condition. The dashboard presents like new. The timber veneer inserts are in excellent condition as is all the leather. Even the top of the dash is still in excellent condition. The instruments are all clean and present well. There is a row of push switches on the centre console and you often see these with faded text. Not in this car. The text is as clear as it was on the day the car left the factory.
In the boot everything is clean and tidy and there is an original spare wheel present.
Open the bonnet and you are presented with a magnificent looking V8 engine. It is hard to miss the Aston Martin Lagonda text on the valve covers and of course there is the plate with the name of the person who assembled the engine. The engine in this car was built by Fred Walters. All very Aston Martin! Everything presents as one would expect. The engine is bay is neat, clean and tidy.
The underside of this car presents well. There is light surface corrosion on some of the components, however, this is not a typical English car underneath. The overall presentation is consistent with a 41 year old car that has been well cared for.
Accompanying this car is a comprehensive history file dating back to new, which includes the original service book.
This car has an incredible presence and it presents fabulously in the striking colour of storm red.
A unique opportunity.
Highlights:
- Rare and desirable example of one the iconic Aston Martin V8 series.
- Beautifully presented example of a quintessential British GT.
- Fabulous original colour scheme.
- Known history from new.
Price $239,950
Background:
Aston Martin has produced bespoke sports cars for over 100 years. The company began in 1913, when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford realised their desire to build distinctive, high quality sports cars that were both exhilarating to drive and a beauty to behold. Martin regularly competed in hill climb races at Aston Clinton, and a simple combination of the name of the event and the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques. Source: www.astonmartin.com.
Whilst Aston Martin produced some wonderful cars in their early years business, was always a struggle and the company was severely disrupted during both World War I and II. The company went bankrupt on more than one occasion and has endured many different owners throughout its history.
David Brown acquired Aston Martin in February 1947 and the first car produced during his ownership was the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports, later known as the DB1, which was built in extremely limited numbers from 1948 to 1950. This was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, which featured a new double overhead cam straight six engine of 2.6 litre (2580 cc) capacity, and was a car that really put post war Aston Martin on the map. The David Brown era was arguably Aston Martins finest with the company winning LeMans in 1959 and the sixties producing the legendary DB4, DB5 and DB6 models.
The first of the Newport Pagnell designed cars, the DBS, was introduced in 1967. The DBS was initially powered by Aston Martins tried and true 6 cylinder engine as the companys new V8 engine was not ready.
From September 1967 through until May 1972 Aston Martin produced 829 DBS chassis. One of these was used in a crash test and 26 of these were later fitted with a V8 engine which leaves a total of 802 six cylinder Aston Martin DBS. Of these 802 cars, 621 were right hand drive and 181 left hand drive. The DBS was available with a five speed ZF manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox or. Interestingly, 317 of the right hand drive cars were fitted with the five speed manual gearbox. It is understood that Aston Martin only built circa 70 right hand drive examples equipped with the Vantage engine.
In September 1969 the DBS was superseded by the DBS V8, powered by the all new 5.3 litre V8 engine which was finally ready for production. The DBS V8 remained in production through until April 1972 and circa 400 cars were built. It was then renamed and became the Aston Martin V8, which became a great success for the marque. The Aston Martin V8 was produced for 17 years, with production finally coming to an end in 1989. Just over 2,000 cars were built, plus the Volantes and Vantages.
In October 1978 Aston Martin introduced the Aston Martin V8 Series 4, otherwise known as the Oscar India (Oscar India = October Introduction, from the phonetic alphabet). The car now sporting burr walnut trim, a blanked off bonnet scoop and a revised boot lid and rear wings to create a sculpted spoiler was visually very similar to the Vantage. The car remained in production through until 1985 and only 352 examples were produced.

1983 ASTON MARTIN V8 Oscar India

Details:
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this 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

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

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

Find Unique Cars For Sale from OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L.

New & Used Unique Cars For Sale in Australia

OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Sale Price

1971 PORSCHE 911 E SERIES

PORSCHE SPEEDSTER

LANCIA APRILIA GRAN SPORT GHIA

1935 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC

1930 PACKARD 740

1924 BENTLEY 3 LITRE

ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE

1979 MASERATI KYALAMI 4.9 Manual

1972 FERRARI DINO 246 GT

1983 ASTON MARTIN V8 Oscar India

1974 BMW 2002 Turbo

1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 Grosser

OLDTIMER GARAGE AUSTRALIA P/L

Dealer Address