1Game-Changers' at Shannons May 7 Sale

SYDNEY – May 4, 2012: They may be small in size, but three mini cars going under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction on Monday (May 7) were all game-changers in their day.

From Italy there is a 1971 model Fiat 500F Coupe – the culminating model of the Nuova 500 or ‘Bambino’ introduced in 1957.

Over its lifespan of nearly 20 years, the Fiat 500 provided mass transportation for millions of Italians, but while build-quality on early cars was suspect, it improved markedly over the years.

The 500F produced from 1965 until 1972 saw the biggest changes, with front-hinged doors replacing the suicide doors of the original, a deeper windscreen, thicker pillars and a taller body shell to improve safety and interior space.

Performance from the 499cc twin cylinder air-cooled engine was further improved, allowing the 500F to achieve a genuine 100km/h – previously an illusive dream of many Italian would-be Ferrari chasers.

As the ultimate ‘Bambino’, the 500F is today sought-after by enthusiasts and the eye-catching Purple example with after-market alloy wheels being auctioned by Shannons is expected to sell in the $18,000-$24,000 range.

France’s small car equivalent was the Citroen 2CV, which first appeared at the 1948 Paris Salon. The quirky Citroen has since epitomised French eccentricity on four wheels, with good examples always find willing buyers.

Development of the 2CV continued for 40 years until production ceased in February 1988, by which time its flat-twin air-cooled engine had grown from its initial 375cc to 602cc.

The 2CV Dolly Sedan was the final iteration of the 2CV and was distinguished by its attractive two-tone Cream and Maroon paintwork. Shannons expect the rare factory right hand drive 1988 model in the auction to sell in the $12,000-$16,000 range.

The final small car in Monday’s sale comes from Japan – a rare 1989 Nissan Pao 2 Door Coupe that is believed to have covered just 62,710km since new.

Virtually unknown in Australia, the retro-styled three-door hatchback Pao with its 987cc four cylinder engine and five-speed manual gearbox, was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1987 and sold out in just three months, making it a highly sought after and collectible car.

Amongst its novel features was its removable radio that was designed to be taken out for picnics.

Very few were made and an example is on permanent display in the Museum Of Modern Art in New York.

The Pao being auction was personally imported to Australia in 2004 by a noted artist and comes with all appropriate import paperwork including engineers report and receipts. It is expected to sell in the $7,000-$9,000 range.