European sporting greats at Shannons Sydney Winter Auction
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European sporting greats at Shannons Sydney Winter Auction

By Shannons - 31 July 2015

• Rare Australian delivered factory right hand drive Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe

• Three superb 1950s and ‘60s MGs – all with ‘no reserve’

Great European sporting nameplates from Italy, Germany and the UK will go under the gavel at Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 10 – many offered with ‘no reserve’.

Because of its ‘world-market’ appeal, this Australian-delivered 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe could exceed its pre-sale guiding range of $260,000-$320,000.

The standout vehicle of the auction is a beautifully presented Australian-delivered 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe that has been maintained to a very high standard since new.

The special-order Dino, chassis 07074, was of the last right-hand drive 246 GT Coupes imported into Australia (most subsequent cars were Targa-topped GTS models) and was delivered new to its original Sydney owner through the NSW Ferrari distributor Scuderia Veloce.

It has had only three subsequent owners since, including its current long-term custodian, who bought the Ferrari in September 1984 with just less than 55,000 miles on its odometer.

The car’s substantial records show that he has maintained it carefully since, repainting it in its unique metallic green, re-trimming it in leather rather than its original vinyl and having it serviced regularly by Automoda in Five Dock, Sydney, with all receipts available.

The Dino’s engine was fully overhauled in 2006, while the car’s five-speed gearbox was rebuilt in June this year.

Because of its exceptional provenance and the rapid appreciation of early Dinos on the World market as Ferrari prepares to reintroduce the ‘Dino’ nameplate on a new entry-level model, Shannons expect this 246 GT to appeal to an International audience and are quoting its price range conservatively as $260,000-$320,000.

A great sporting car from Germany in the auction is a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL ‘Pagoda Roof’ Convertible that was personally imported to Australia by its UK owner in 1991 and is presented in lovely condition.

Offered with just 34,519 miles currently showing on its odometer – believed correct based on service records – this early Pagoda with both hardtop/soft top until recently formed part of a private Mercedes collection and was used sparingly over the 26 years during this time.

Because of its universal desirability and excellent condition, Shannons expect it to sell in the $82,000-$88,000 range.

As an alternative, there is a refurbished 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350SL with both hard and soft tops in the auction that is being offered with ‘no reserve’ and expected to bring $15,000-$20,000.

This nicely refurbished 1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series II Coupe is expected to sell affordably in the $62,000-$68,000 range.

British enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the auction, with a range of sporting greats led by a nicely refurbished 1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series II Coupe.

The Jaguar is one of the last of 600 Series 2 E-Types built and is the more desirable two-seater variant. It arrived in Australia approximately a decade ago and since been extensive refurbishment and converted to RHD, with many documented mechanical improvements, including power steering, made during this period.

According to Shannons, the E-type has a lovely period feel in Sable Brown metallic paintwork with Tan leather upholstery and is expected to sell affordably in the $62,000-$68,000 range.

For MG enthusiasts, Shannons has three very desirable examples from the 1950s and 1960s – all offered with ‘no reserve’.

The earliest of the trio is a well-restored 1951 MG TD Roadster that has come from a small, well cared for private collection of a NSW enthusiast and is expected to sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.

This fully restored 1962 MGA 1600 MKII Roadster is one of three MGs from the 1950s and 1960s being sold with ‘no reserve’.

Next in chronology is a fully restored 1962 MGA 1600 MKII Roadster presented in wonderful condition following a comprehensive and fully-documented body-off rebuild in 2008.

The MGA has travelled minimal mileage since then and would be ideal for concours or club events according to Shannons, who believe it is one of the finest MkII models currently available and expect it to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $24,000-$30,000.

This third MG in the auction is a nicely presented 1964 MGB Mk1 Roadster that has been set up for track work with some engine work and larger 15-inch wire wheels.

It is offered from a private collection and is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $14,000-$18,000 range.

This smart and desirable later-1977 Triumph Stag Mark 2 is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $12,000-$15,000.

Also appealing to enthusiasts of British ‘GT’ cars is a nicely presented 1977 Triumph Stag MKII Convertible that is being offered with ‘no reserve’ and is expected to bring $12,000-$15,000.

This smart and desirable later-1977 Mark 2 model has been the subject of considerable mechanical refurbishment by Triumph specialists in recent years, including rebuilding its V8 engine, brakes and suspension.

View all August 10 auction lots

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