• First and last air-cooled Porsches
• Rare Jaguar sports models
• Ultra-desirable Ford Escort RS1600
Europe may be out of favour with many Britons but not at Shannons, with a treasure trove of Euro Classics lining up for tonight’s (July 11) Melbourne Winter Classic Auction.
An absolute highlight for Porsche enthusiasts is the chance to own prized examples of the first and last air cooled Porsche models.
Early Porsche collectors have been eyeing a beautiful and rare Australian-delivered 1960 356B Cabriolet that is coming to auction fresh from an extensive bare metal, multi-year rebuild and restoration only completed last year.
Coming from long-term ownership, the silver with black leather interior 356 is one of just 3,094 T5 models built in the 1959-1961 period and is one of only a handful left in this country.
Adding to its attraction, the Porsche features a number of significant mechanical upgrades to enhance its power and daily usability. These include Digitronic fuel injection system, a counterweighted crankshaft allowing the motor to rev to 6000rpm, custom made ceramic-coated forged pistons and custom extractors.
The 356 was also completely re-wired and converted to 12-volt electrics, while a stainless steel exhaust has also been fitted and the engine tuned to run on 98 octane fuel, offering significantly better performance than a standard 1600 Porsche motor.
Because of its increasing collectability and provenance, Shannons expect the 356 Cabriolet to sell in the $190,000-$200,000 range in Monday’s auction.
Equally desirable for Porsche collectors is one of the last of the Australian-delivered Porsche 993 Twin Turbo models.
Finished in Midnight Blue with matching full leather upholstery, the car is one of just a handful of MY98-plated example to reach Australia and it remains as delivered, with only 105,000km on its odometer at the time of cataloguing.
The Porsche is understood to have had just two previous keepers since new and has always been maintained by recognised marque specialists. As the last and most powerful of the series production air-cooled Porsche models and one of the few of these rapidly appreciating Classics on the market, Shannons expect it to sell in the $270,000-$290,000 range.
Other great British and European Classics in tonight’s Winter auction in Melbourne include:
• an extensively-restored and highly desirable UK-delivered 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL ‘Pagoda roof’ convertible ($125,000-$140,000)
• an ultra-desirable Ford Escort RS1600 homologation special restored to Concours condition that is fully documented with the RS Registry ($100,000-$125,000)
• a stunning circa-1959 split-window, right hand drive Volkswagen ‘Campervan conversion’ Kombi with a unique period-style interior fit-out ($85,000-$100,000)
• a red and rare factory right hand drive 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 ‘Manual’ coupe ($72,000-$82,000)
• a nicely-presented 1957 right hand drive Jaguar XK150 Coupe upgraded with a 3.8-litre engine and manual gearbox ($62,000-$72,000)
• a three-times Concours-winning and locally-delivered 1995 BMW 840ci Coupe, believed to be the best example of its type in Australia ($36,000-$44,000)
• a rare mid-engined 1988 Lotus Esprit S5 Coupe presented in excellent condition ($36,000-$42,000).
Tonight’s Melbourne Winter Auction starts at 7pm at Shannons Showroom at 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham.
View all July 11 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction Lots
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