Great Value Grand Tourers

SYDNEY – January 19, 2011: Enthusiasts have a great opportunity to put an iconic European Grand Tourer in their garage at Shannons Sydney Summer Classic Auction on February 7, where a keenly-priced 1967 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 2+2 Coupe and a 1977 Ferrari 400 Coupe are amongst the 26 vehicles on offer.

Jaguar enthusiasts have already showed considerable interest in the four-speed manual E-type, which has been in the same ownership since 1975.

The original RHD car was delivered new in the UK market and was comprehensively overhauled in 1978 when the odometer clicked over the 100,000-mile (160,000km) mark. In the process, the car’s engine, gearbox and clutch were all rebuilt, the space frame repainted and the front suspension restored.

Since then it has seen little use, laying dormant in garage storage for 10 years and only covering 36,000 miles (58,000km) in the last 33 years.

In 2008, Brookvale Mechanical Repairs were employed to bring the car up to a drivable standard, which involved replacing fluids and rubbers along with overhauling the E-Type’s brake and clutch systems. Later work has seen the installation of twin cooling fans and sports air filters, along with a new starter motor and a set of Chrome wire wheels with suitable tyres.

While now in good mechanical and structural order, the E-Type requires bodywork and interior renovation and is priced accordingly with a guiding range of $20,000-$24,000.

The four-seater V12 Ferrari fitted with the optional 3-speed automatic transmission is a very correct car from a private collection and has been fully serviced with new belts, badges and a new exhaust fitted recently.

The Ferrari’s body and paint have been restored and according to Shannons it presents beautifully, while the interior is still in original condition with a lovely patina.

At its guiding range of $36,000-$40,000, the Ferrari represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a genuine front-engined V12 Ferrari with the very desirable six Weber carburettor 5.0 litre engine at a realistic price.

Another great pathway into ‘Ferrari’ ownership is via the 1972 left hand drive Fiat Dino Coupe in the auction.

Powered by the same 2.4 litre V6 engine fitted to the Ferrari 246GT Dino Coupe and GTS, the Fiat Dino offers the same aural pleasure, similar performance and exclusivity as the Ferrari, but at significantly lower cost, with its expected selling range of $26,000-$32,000 contrasting with the Ferrari Dino’s $160,000-$220,000.

Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon believes the Fiat Dino is a much under-rated classic that is destined to further appreciate in value.

“It will have great appeal to enthusiasts wanting a distinctive and charismatic Italian sports car for classic rallies and club events at a fraction Ferrari cost,” he said.

Other great Grand Tourers in Shannons Sydney Summer Auction include a concours award-winning red left hand drive 1964 Corvette Stingray Coupe ($66,000-$74,000), a recently-restored red 1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 manual coupe ($52,000-$60,000), a 1971 Jensen Interceptor Mk III coupe in great mechanical condition ($25,000-$30,000) and a 5-speed manual 1987 BMW M5 sedan that has had a documented $50,000 spent on servicing and repairs to every major component since it was privately imported from England six years ago ($18,000-$24,000).