Euro Sports Car Classics in Shannons Sydney Autumn Sale

SYDNEY – Feb 21, 2014: Exotic sports cars from Italy, Britain and Germany will turn Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction into a European retro motor show on Monday March 3.

The star of the show is a highly desirable, original right hand drive Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, presented in stunning condition in trademark Rosso Corsa (red) with tan leather interior.

Originally delivered new to a British enthusiast in 1973, the Dino eventually made its way to Japan in 1990 where it is understood to have covered just 160 miles in a private collection for the next 18 years.

The current owner purchased the car from the collection in 2008 after a worldwide search for the best-available Dino 246 GTS.

Adding to its attraction, the Dino is fitted with power windows, headlamp covers and its removable Targa roof has new seals.

Because of its condition and the proven investment value of Dino 246 models, Shannons expect it to attract international interest in the $290,000-$330,000 range.

Much rarer and equally desirable to British sporting car collectors is a spectacular 1960 AC Aceca-Bristol Coupe that has been restored to a very high standard.

Only 171 of these beautifully-styled Acecas were made with the optional 2.0 litre in-line Bristol six cylinder engine and just 86 of these, like the example being auctioned, were sold in right hand drive.

Although originally fitted ex-factory with the 2.0 litre Bristol engine and painted red, the Aceca was carefully and comprehensively restored at great expense in Sydney in the 1990s following its arrival in Australia.

In the process it was fitted with a slightly larger 2.2 litre Type 110 engine from a later-model Bristol 406 and has also been repainted stylish Silver Blue.

Stunning and collectable, Shannons expect it to also interest International buyers at its projected $160,000-$175,000 guiding range.

Also for British sporting car enthusiasts is a well-maintained and nicely original 1984 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster, offered in ready-to-enjoy condition.

Hand-built in small numbers – just over 4,000 were completed from its introduction in 1968 until production ceased in 1996 – the 3.5 litre rover V8-powered Plus 8 is a British icon that has proved an excellent vehicle for production sports car racing and classic rallies and is today sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors as a unique and charismatic road car.

The Metallic Green example offered by Shannons was one of the last Plus Eights built with Stromberg carburettors and benefited from 15-inch rims introduced in 1983 to take advantage of the latest low profile tyre technology.

It arrived in Australia in 2002 and while it is not in concours condition cosmetically, the current owner has kept the car in first class mechanical condition, upgrading it to electronic ignition for improved reliability.

Because of its collectability and mechanical condition, Shannons believe it will sell in the $60,000-$65,000 range.

Finally the March 3 auction offers German sports car enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase two iconic Porsche models offered with no reserve.

The final lot of the auction is a very original and believed two-owner, Australian-delivered 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo 3.3 litre Coupe showing just 150,000km on its odometer.

Coming from a small private collection, the Grand Prix White Porsche has not been modified and sits on its correct period Fuchs 16-inch rims. It is fitted with a sunroof and while the leather upholstery is showing some wear, it is remarkably original, with its period radio and original door trims and dash pad in good order.

Currently registered in New South Wales, Shannons expect this very desirable flagship Porsche Turbo to sell in the $45,000-$55,000 range.

Also offered with no reserve is an Australian-delivered, well-maintained and always garaged Guards Red 1984 Porsche 928S Coupe with four-speed automatic transmission that has travelled just 150,000km in the past 30 years.

The tidy and very original car remains much as it left the factory in 1984, save for its modern CD/radio unit, with Shannons expecting this very attractive 928S to sell in the $15,000-$18,000 range.