SL's in the Spotlight at Shannons Sydney Sale

SYDNEY – April 11, 2013: There are some very special European entries lining up for Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on May 6, topped by two very desirable early Mercedes-Benz SL models.

The ‘star’ of the show is a former concours-winning 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL roadster that comes with restoration and maintenance receipts exceeding $200,000.

Originally a UK car, the SL with its folding fabric roof and detachable ‘Pagoda’ hard-top is a stunner in its eye-catching colour combination of gleaming red with beige leather trim.

After arriving in Australia, the car was restored by New South Wales-based O & S Restorations and a comprehensive history file including photographs is supplied with the car. Adding to its desirability, the SL is fitted with the rare transverse rear seat option, effectively making it an occasional three-seater.

It has since won several concours events since its restoration and because of its condition and investment value, Shannons expect it to sell easily in its $68,000-$78,000 guiding range, or most likely, more.

Equally desirable to many SL enthusiasts is the cream with red leather interior 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster in the auction.

Part of a collection from a deceased estate, this Australian-delivered car was originally sold at auction by Shannons in 2006 and has had very little use since.

According to Shannons, the 190SL presents nicely, although there are some humidity blisters under its paint as a consequence of its lengthy storage. It is expected to sell in the $55,000-$70,000 range, making it a very attractive prospect for SL enthusiasts and collectors.

Also from Stuttgart, Germany comes a beautiful 1971 Porsche 911T 2.2 Targa with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox option that has just emerged from a thorough body, interior and mechanical restoration by renowned Porsche specialist Ian Hamilton.

Originally delivered to the United States, this 911T Targa was professionally converted to right-hand drive during its restoration, during which it also received new yellow Glasurit paint, a new Targa fabric top, plus new roof and door rubbers, while the instruments, steering wheel and 14-inch Fuchs forged alloy road wheels were restored.

With prices of early ‘round-bonnet’ 911 models rising in the model’s 50th Anniversary year, it would be hard to find a smarter-looking 911 at its estimated selling range of $26,000-$34,000.

However, if you would prefer to stand out even a little further from the crowd, then the rare, Blackpool UK-built 2003 TVR Tuscan MkI Targa Convertible in the auction could be even more appealing.

Finished in the special order paint ‘Chameleon Blue’ that looks better in real life than in photos, the TVR is a ‘9 out of 10’ car, according to Shannons and with its 4.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine producing 270kW, goes as well as it looks.

The car being auctioned was specially built for the 2003 Newton Motor Show in the United Kingdom to replicate the Tuscan used in the movie Swordfish, which starred John Travolta, Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry.

Presented in near-new condition, Shannons expect the TVR to command $56,000-$66,000.

Finally, if you want to make a statement, it’s hard to top a red Ferrari and the beautifully-presented red with tan leather 1984 Mondial Quattrovalvole Coupe has the added advantage over its Euro rivals in the auction in having four seats.

Adding to its appeal, the Ferrari has covered just 67,000km from new and has just received a major engine-out service.

At its guiding range of $44,000-$52,000, it’s a real Italian V8 stallion for the price of a V6 Commodore Calais.