Quirky Classics
Return to News

Quirky Classics

25K Views
By Shannons - 15 November 2019
1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Sedan
  • Rare second series Austrian Haflinger
  • Charming Autobianchi Bianchina ItaIian Microcar
  • Lovely ex-Pro Hart family 1974 Citroen D Special
For many enthusiasts, their classic vehicle is a conversation starter, whether at a club gathering or ‘cars and coffee’ morning: ‘What is it?; Where’s it from; What’s its story?

Based on this, Shannons have hours of conversation crossing the auction block at Monday’s (November 18) Spring Classic sale in Sydney.

Right up there for interest is a left hand drive 1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Sedan – one of an estimated 10,000 built in total, of which only a handful ever reached Australia.  
1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Sedan
This restored 1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Sedan based on a Fiat 500’s platform, is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $25,000 - $35,000.
Using the Fiat 500’s platform, the Bianchina retained the same rear-engined layout, but the air-cooled twin was tweaked for more power and the Trasformabile was finished to a higher standard,  with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors and a sliding fabric roof perfect for sunny climates.  

As a result, the Trasformabile remains a stylish, chic machine today, with the restored example being auctioned potentially enhancing any Italian car collection at is expected ‘no reserve’ selling price of $25,000 - $35,000.
1973 Haflinger 700 AP
This quirky 1973 Haflinger 700 AP that is one of few examples left in Australia is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $10,000 - $14,000.

Of similar eclectic interest is a four-wheel drive 1973 Haflinger 700 AP – one of few examples left in Australia.

Originally developed for the Austrian Army as a Post-War replacement for their ageing fleet of US Army surplus Jeeps, the Haflinger was powered by a rear-mounted 643cc horizontally-opposed and air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, had a remarkably low weight of 600kg and with its low centre of gravity, front and rear locking diffs and long-travel fully independent suspension, had exceptional off-road ability. 

Later models, like the 700 AP being auctioned, received more powerful motors and a new five-speed gearbox with a Krawler gear.  As a result, the Haflinger enjoys a cult following around the world today and there is even an active club in Australia with a strong network of owners. With just 21,793km showing on its odometer, this example is being offered with ‘ no reserve’ and is expected to sell for $10,000 - $14,000.

When it comes to series production classics, it’s hard to get more quirky than Citroen’s futuristic D Series and the late model 1974 Citroen D Special Sedan previously owned by the son of prominent Broken Hill artist, Pro Hart, ticks all the boxes.

Kept garaged and well-maintained by the same Sydney specialist workshop since it was purchased by the vendor in 2002, the Citroen was used as daily transport until 2018 and has since benefited from a refurbished interior.

Now showing 60,384 miles on its odometer, this very useable example is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $20,000 - $25,000.
1969 Elan S4 SE Coupe
This low mileage and recently refurbished 1969 Elan S4 SE Coupe being offered with ‘no reserve’ is expected to sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range.
Any Lotus is intriguing and this fabulous,  low mileage and recently refurbished 1969 Elan S4 SE Coupe being offered with ‘no reserve’ is no exception.

Painted Carnival Red, this original Stromberg carburetted SE model with power windows. has covered just 3,000 miles over a 30-year period, making it fresh and ready to enjoy at its expected selling price of $40,000 - $50,000.

Grand Touring car enthusiasts will never be lost for an audience if they arrive in the rare, nicely well-documented and authentic 1959 Jensen 541R Coupe that is expected to sell with for $60,000 - $75,000 at Monday’s auction.
1950's 'Jeep' pedal car
This circa 1950's 'Jeep' pedal car offered with ‘no reserve’ is expected to bring $300 - $500.
Meanwhile, if your budget is more modest, put your hand up for either of two classic pedal cars being offered for ‘no reserve’ on Monday – a circa 1950's 'Jeep' or a 1960's CCMC Custom Coaches Manufacturing Company pedal car – each offered with ‘no reserve’ and expected to bring $300 - $500.

All lots offered in  Shannons November 18 Sydney Spring Auction can be  inspected at Shannons Showroom, 43 Reserve Road, St.Leonards, between  9am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday, with Monday’s auction commencing at 7pm, or visit www.shannons.com.au

View all Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction Lots

For more information on the auction contact Stuart Roberts (02) 8019 4179 Damien Duigan (02) 8019 4180, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.

Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.