Shannons Autumn classic auction in Sydney on March 4 will present sought-after collectible cars from the 1950s through to the 1980s.
Three German cars will be battling for bragging rights: a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible, a two-owner factory right-hand-drive 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Coupe and a right-hand- drive 1988 BMW E30 M3 Evolution II Coupe.
The 190SL is understood to have been a US market car when new that was converted to right-hand-drive in Australia some years ago.
Finished in period-correct red with contrasting black leather upholstery and showing 30,503 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, this well-maintained Mercedes ‘sports’ comes with both soft and hard tops and with world clues of these models continuing to rise, is expected to sell in the $160,000 – $180,000 range.
The silver metallic Porsche with contrasting green leather interior was delivered new in the UK before making its way to Australia when its original owner emigrated in 1982. After a comprehensive restoration, the Porsche is in the hands of its second and current owner.
With values of early Porsches remaining consistently high, Shannons predict conservatively that this well-documented 356B 1600S Coupe will sell in the $150,000 – $180,000 range.
Jaguar’s E-Type remains one of the most desirable sporting classics and the Signal Red 1970 4.2 Series 2 Fixed-Head Coupe being auctioned with an extensive history file, represents a special opportunity.
Originally an American market car, this E-type was converted professionally to right-hand-drive on arrival in Australia. It has subsequently been restored both mechanically and cosmetically by marque specialists, with the present owner alone investing $75,000 in the Jaguar’s condition.
The E-Type is expected to sell in the $120,000 – $140,000 range.
The 1988 BMW E30 M3 Evolution II Coupe on offer is build number 276 of only 500 examples made for racing homologation.
When created in 1985 by BMW’s Motorsport division, the original M3 with its 2.3 litre engine, Getrag close-ratio five-speed gearbox, firmer suspension and additional aerodynamic downforce was regarded as one of the world’s most desirable performance cars.
To homologate further updates, BMW in 1987 introduced the Evolution II M3 incorporating mechanical changes that increased its power from 195 to 220hp.
This Misano Red BMW Evo II M3 was optioned with a factory sunroof, power windows and the on-board computer. It was delivered new in the UK and was one of a small number of M3s converted to right-hand-drive by a local specialist prior to its delivery.
This Evo II is expected to sell in the $100,000 – $120,000 range.
A 1965 ‘Stepnose’ Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Coupe that has been upgraded mechanically to Veloce specification is also on offer.
Presented in its factory-correct white paint and contrasting black vinyl upholstery, an early Alfa Romeo 105 coupe is expected to command $70,000-$85,00 when it crosses the auction block on Monday.
As an alternative there is a right-hand-drive 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint Coupe in older restored condition that is expected to sell for $28,000 – $36,000.
From the United States and expected to sell for similar money ($75,000 – $85,000), is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe.
This example of Chevrolet’s classic ’57 model has been comprehensively restored and upgraded to show-level condition.
Finished in period-correct two-tone Surf Green and India Ivory, the Chevrolet’s drivetrain has been upgraded, with a rebuilt 350-cid V8, Turbo 350 transmission and disc brake front end.
For Maserati enthusiasts, there is a very low kilometre 1996 Ghibli 2.8 Litre coupe on offer.
Finished in original Grigio Silver Metallic with blue leather upholstery, this Italian GT with its 2.8-litre, twin turbo V6 engine comes to auction showing 29,195km on the clock.
Because of its rarity as one of just 2,303 Ghiblis built (only around half were 2.8 litre models), the Maserati is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $40,000 – $50,000 range.
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