Great 'projects' in Shannons Online Winter Auction
- Rare 1972 Aston Martin V8 project
- Australian-assembled Mini Cooper S MkII
- Desirable MGTF 1500 roadster
Every Petrol Head loves a ‘project’ – something that can be tinkered with in private with the promise of a butterfly emerging from a grub.
Shannons have always got top money in their auctions for classics that need ‘finishing off’ - witness the 1967 Aston Martin DB6 that drew the top money of $226,000 for a vehicle at Shannons' recent timed online Autumn Auction in May this year.
History may repeat in Shannons upcoming Winter Online Auction from August 15-22, with the DB6’s successor – a highly desirable 1972 Aston Martin V8, heading the list of ‘projects’ on offer.
Aston Martin's replacement for the ageing DB6 was always intended to have Tadek Marek's impressive new all-alloy 320 HP 5.3 litre V8 engine that elevated Aston Martin's flagship to true supercar status.
Just 288 of the rare ‘Series 2’ V8 models with Weber carburettors replacing the first V8 Aston’s Bosch mechanical fuel injection were produced, making the example in Shannons’ Winter auction properly rare and an ideal restoration candidate.
Originally finished in Tudor Green with black leather upholstery and supplied to Eastern Motors Co. for the Japanese market before ending up on static display in an expansive private collection in the Middle East, this rare Aston Martin V8 with its three-speed automatic transmission is now presented for sale as an ideal restoration candidate.
The car’s original fuel injection system has been replaced with a single four-barrel Holley carburettor and while car starts and can be moved under its own power, it certainly requires further work to return it to a truly drivable state.
The exterior has been repainted silver at some stage and the paintwork is flaking, cracked and scratched in many places but the panels underneath are substantially free of major damage. The rubbers are largely perished and there are some rust bubbles and holes showing in places.
The interior, while generally clean and tidy, will need some work, but plenty of the trim could be saved.
Sold unregistered, the Aston Martin was showing 94,710 km on its odometer at the time of cataloguing and comes with its import papers.
Expected to sell affordably in the $30,000-$40,000 range, the car makes a very appealing project, with the potential to create an impressive supercar in the process.
Slightly less ($20,000 - $30,000) could purchase a very desirable Australian-assembled Mini Cooper S MkII saloon.
One of just two, 419 Mark 2 Cooper S that were assembled in Australia between 1969 and 1971, the car was driven regularly for many years and has avoided any rust issues thanks to always being garaged. However its interior its interior requires attention.
Its 75HP, 21275cc motor, although not the original unit, the motor is a period-correct 1275cc Cooper S unit with the right 9FXEY prefax that underwent a rebuild in the early 1990s.
After another period of storage, this two-owner Mini is now being offered for sale as an ideal restoration candidate, Showing 79,436 miles on the clock, it starts and runs well enough, but will require some further recommissioning before being used.
Another British classic for the mechanically handy is a desirable MG TF 1500 ‘garage find’ coming from long term ownership.
Originally part of an extensive collection belonging to a Southern Highlands enthusiasts for many decades, the MG is finished in burgundy with contrasting black upholstery and has full weather equipment in fair condition.
While its interior has been well preserved, the MG’s paintwork has suffered a little over the years, with micro-blistering present on most panels.
Showing 97,517 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, with it pre-sale estimate price of $20,000-$24,000, the car hadn’t been driven for some time and while it starts and drives, it will require some recommissioning before being driven on the road.
A very worthwhile project, the MG TF would make a wonderful club car once back on the road
