Classic Porsche trio at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction
• Concours-winning 356B T6 Roadster
• 'Ready to drive' rebuilt 1969 911T Targa
• Superb McRae 550 Spyder replica
2018 is a good year to own a Porsche, as it celebrates the legendary sports car maker’s 70th Anniversary and Shannons presents several perfect opportunities to join the party at its upcoming Melbourne Winter auction.
Three classic Porsches will be crossing the block on July 16, headed by a rare and stunning 1962 Porsche 356B T6 'Twin Grille' Roadster – one of just 248 built.
Prior to winning a Gold Award at the 2012 Porsche 356 Register Concours d’Elegance, the Roadster was imported into Australia in 2010 and converted to right hand drive by renowned Porsche 356 authority Brian Jones.
As part of a full restoration completed in 2011, its engine was rebuilt to Super 90 specification and enlarged to 1720cc in the process, while the body was stripped back and repainted Aquamarine Blue with contrasting red leather trim, offset by a black soft top.
The Roadster features a period-style woodrim steering wheel, an original toolkit with Bilstein jack, plus its drivers manual and sales brochure and comes complete with an Import Approval and Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche.
With early Porsches highly sought-after and given the condition of this very desirable 356 model, Shannons conservatively expect it to sell in the $200,000 - $240,000 range, but it could easily exceed that because of its rarity.
The new six-cylinder 911 introduced just three years later in 1965 cemented Porsche’s place in history as perhaps the world’s greatest sports car maker and the 1969 model 911T Targa offered in the July 16 auction captures the spirit of the new model.
Targa models were once worth less than their Coupe counterparts, but the trend has stopped in recent years as enthusiasts discover the joy of open air early 911 driving.
Originally left-hand drive, this 911T Targa has been built as a real driver’s car, with the emphasis on driving fun, rather than concours originality.
As a result, a more modern 3.2 litre 911 Carrera engine with electronic engine management replaces its original carburettored 2.0 litre air cooled engine, while the car is also equipped with a later and more user-friendly Type 915 five-speed gearbox. Both have been fitted by Melbourne’s Motion Automotive, one of the Australia’s most revered non-factory Porsche service specialists, who have been maintaining the car.
The Porsche underwent a body restoration and repaint in its original factory silver around seven years ago, with a retrim to the interior at the same time that includes the iconic early 911 hounds tooth cloth trim to the front bucket seats.
With the same caring owner for the last 10 years and in very presentable condition throughout, this early 911 is expected to sell in the $80,000-$100,000 range.
Finally, for enthusiasts wanting the raw thrill of Porsche’s first customer race car, there is an outstanding 1998 McRae 'Porsche 550 Replica' Spyder in the auction.
Assembled in Sydney from one of 38 similar kits built by renowned New Zealand racing driver and engineer Graham McRae, the McRae 550 Spyder replicates the no-frills mid-engined racing sports car produced by Porsche from 1953-1956. The model’s most famous owner being Hollywood screen legend James Dean, who lost his life in a road accident driving his beloved ‘Little Bastard’.
With only 90 genuine 1955 Porsche 550 Spyders built in period and with surviving examples commanding multi-million dollar prices on the global collector car market, accurate replicas such as the McRae offer an affordable alternative.
Replicating its heritage, the 550 replica being offered is powered by a four-cylinder Porsche engine and transaxle from a later-model mid-engined 914 model, with a high level of mechanical and cosmetic detail, with its silver paintwork and red leatherette trim replicating Dean’s Spyder.
With an indicated 20,153km showing at time of cataloguing, this Spyder replica has been maintained carefully and is in great condition according to Shannons, who say it is one of the best they have seen. As a result, it is expected to sell in the $50,000 - $65,000 range on July 16.
View all Shannons July 16 Melbourne Winter Classic Auction Lots
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.
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