Euro classics and performance for Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction

Shannons say the 'star' of the show is a concours-winning 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL roadster that comes with restoration and maintenance receipts exceeding $200,000. Originally a UK car, the SL is finished in the eye-catching colour combination of red with beige leather trim. After arriving in Australia, the car was restored by New South Wales-based O & S Restorations.

Aside from its folding fabric roof and detachable 'Pagoda' hard-top, the SL is fitted with the rare transverse rear seat option, effectively making it an occasional three-seater and adding to its desirability. 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.

1959 190SL
The second SL consigned for this auction is a cream with red leather interior 1959 190SL Roadster. 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.

Audi quattro
Another Euro performer that's expected to draw attention is a 1980 ur (original) Audi Quattro turbo coupe.

Originally owned by Australia's Le Mans winner, Vern Schuppan, the car was brought to Australia and converted to RHD in the 1980s, and is believed to be one of the first of these iconic all-wheel-drive performance cars brought into the country.

The 94,000kms indicated are believed to be genuine, the car has been regularly serviced by marque specialist, Ron Eagle, and comes with all receipts and workshop manuals. Shannons have set a guiding range for this car of $15,000 - $20,000.

Ferrari Mondial
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.

Information provided with the vehicle says the Australian-delivered Mondial spent its early years in Melbourne, and has covered just 67,000kms from new. Serviced regularly by specialists from new, the car has just received a major ($12K spent) engine-out service.

A former Ferrari club concours winner, the Mondial carries a guiding range of $44,000-$52,000.

Porsche 911T Targa
Given 2013 marks the 50th Anniversary of Porsche's iconic 911, a beautiful 1971 Porsche 911T 2.2 Targa consigned for this auction is expected to draw additional interest.

Fitted with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox option, the Targa just emerged from a thorough body, interior and mechanical restoration by renowned Porsche specialist Ian Hamilton.

Originally delivered to the USA, 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.

Guiding range for the 911T is $26,000-$34,000.

TVR Tuscan
For something completely different, a rare - at least for Australia - 2003 TVR Tuscan MkI Targa convertible is also set to go over the block at this auction.

Finished in special order 'Chameleon Blue' paint, Shannons say the TVR is a '9 out of 10' car, while its light weight and 270kW 4.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine ensures it 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.

Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic auction is being held at Shannons Sydney showroom at 65 Reserve Road, St.Leonards, on Monday, May 6, from 7:00PM.

For more auction information, visit www.shannons.com.au.

Images: Shannons