Euro sporting cars to warm Shannons Winter Auction

• Rare and collectible Jensen 541R

• Stunning Mercedes-Benz 250SL sports

• Sought-after local delivery 560SL

• ‘No reserve’ BMW 3.0CSi and Maserati BiTurbo

A cluster of desirable British and European sporting cars are sure to warm the hearts of local and overseas collectors at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction on July 17.

This 1959 Jensen 541R Coupe – one of just 193 examples built and one of only 53 with the 'higher output’ six-cylinder engine – is expected to appeal to International collectors.

Jensen enthusiasts world-wide will be looking at the very rare 1959 Jensen 541R Coupe that has come to Australia via the UK and the USA in the care of its current owner.

One of just 193 examples built between 1957 and 1960 and a rival to the Aston Martin DB4 in its day, the 541R being auctioned presents a rare opportunity for collectors of Post War British Grand Touring cars.

With its stylish and aerodynamic fibreglass body and low-revving 3993cc straight-six cylinder Austin Sheerline engine, the Jensen was one of the world’s fastest four-seater cars in its day, with Britain’s Autocar magazine achieving a top speed of more than 125mph (201km/h).

Later 541R models were fitted with a twin carburettor ‘higher output’ engine with a reworked cylinder head delivering 112kW and the car being auctioned is believed to be one of just 53 examples factory built with this engine, making it even rarer and more collectible today.

Because of its condition and place in British Post War automotive history, Shannons expect this classic Grand Tourer to sell in the $75,000-$90,000 range.

This beautiful factory right-hand-drive 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL convertible with both factory soft top and ‘Pagoda Roof’ hardtop is expected to sell in the $160,000-$190,000 range

Mercedes-Benz sports enthusiasts have the choice of two sought-after sports convertible examples at the July 17 auction.

The star attraction is a superb factory right hand drive 1967 model 250SL convertible finished in burgundy with tan leather upholstery that is supplied with both its original folding soft top and its removable ‘Pagoda Roof’ hardtop.

Presented in wonderful condition, the 250SL is expected to sell in the $160,000-$190,000 range.

This fine Australian-delivered Mercedes-Benz 560SL from the final R107 series is expected to sell for $80,000-$95,000.

The other very desirable Mercedes-Benz is an Australian-delivered 1988-model 560SL convertible that is offered similarly with factory soft and hard tops.

As the last of the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL models, 560SLs have been increasing in collectible value in recent years, with this excellent local example expected to sell in the $80,000-$95,000 range.

Two special European sporting cars will also cross the Shannons auction block with ‘no reserve’ on July 17.

This restored and collectible manual-transmission 1973 3.0 CSi Coupe is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $55,000-$70,000 range.

BMW enthusiasts will be interested in the restored 1973 3.0 CSi Coupe equipped with the preferred four-speed manual transmission that is expected to sell in the $55,000-$70,000 range.

This rare 1990 Model 228 BiTurbo coupe that is believed to have covered just 20,000 miles since a major engine rebuild, is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $15,000-$20,000 range.

Meanwhile, for Maserati aficionados there is a rare 1990 Model 228 BiTurbo coupe that is believed to have covered just 20,000 miles since a major engine rebuild.

The 228 is noteworthy as the world’s first production car with a twin-turbocharged engine and three valves per cylinder.

Good examples, such as the car being auctioned, are now gaining collectible value, with Shannons expecting the Maserati to sell in the $15,000-$20,000 range.

View all July 17 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction Lots

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