Euro rarities to be auctioned in Melbourne
Lancia Flaminia
The most interesting, and also the rarest of the trio, is a gorgeous 1963 Lancia Flaminia GTL 3C 2.8L Coupe - one of only 297 fitted with the high-spec, three-carb 2.8-litre V6 engine.
The Touring of Milan-bodied 2+2 Coupe has long been regarded by enthusiasts as an Italian masterpiece - both in aesthetic terms and for the artistry of the engineering.
Finished in white with black leather, the Flaminia being auctioned is believed to have been sold new in Italy. The vendor purchased it in Switzerland in 2010 and drove it through the Tuscan countryside in Italy before shipping it to Australia.
It remains in original left-hand drive configuration and is offered in lovely condition, with its fitting Victorian reg plates 'GTL-001' included in the sale. Offered with no reserve price, it's anticipated this rare Lancia will sell in the $45,000-$60,000 range.
Fiat 124 Sports
Also being offered with no reserve in Melbourne is a 1970 Fiat 124 Sports Coupe that is believed to be a two private-owner car from new.
Fitted with a 1.4-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox, the 124 is one of Fiat's more stylish offerings from the 1960s-70s, and this example presents well, according to Shannons. The car was repainted in its original white livery before being acquired by the vendor approximately eight years ago.
It comes with a long service history dating back to the 1970s and sits on rare Cromodora alloy wheels. Shannons expects this stylish Italian to sell in the $5,000-$8,000 range.
Mercedes-Benz 220SE
Finished in white with a Deep Red roof and matching red leather interior, the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE is arguably the most stunning of the Euro lots on offer.
Owned by a doctor for the last 10 years, the 220 SE automatic coupe is fitted with the popular 'Americana' stacked headlights and front fog lights. It has been maintained throughout the vendor's ownership by a marque specialist, garaged when not in use and has an alarm, power aerial and CD player to make it enjoyable for daily or weekend motoring.
Given the enduring popularity of these Mercedes-Benz coupes, Shannons expect the 220 SE to sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.
Also consigned for this auction is a VW 1500 Beetle Karmann cabriolet, upgraded to 1640cc and fitted with polished Fuchs wheels, and carries a guiding range of $22,000 - $28,000.
A French-built 1921 Th. Schneider 41/2lL tourer is also consigned, and will join a number of cars from the collection of Ted Hider-Smith in making for a very good vintage representation at Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic auction.
Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction will take place at Shannons Melbourne auction house, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, on Monday, April 29, from 7:00PM. For further details, go to www.shannons.com.au
