Quirky classics headed for Sydney

Heading the quirky classics is a rare three headlight, rear engined 1963 Czechoslovakian Tatra 603 Series saloon that is part of a deceased estate. Powered by a 2.5-litre, air cooled all aluminium V8 engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, the unconventional and aerodynamic Tatra also featured rear swing axles as part of its all independent suspension. This car being auctioned was imported for the Czechoslovakian Consul General and it is the only known example of the model in Australia.

The Tatra is in very good original condition and has just undergone a full engine rebuild, with invoices totalling over $13,000 for the work completed late last year. It has been in storage since and will be sold with a number of rare books, workshop manuals and some spare parts as well as extensive documentation on the car's history. Shannons expect this head turning and highly collectible classic to sell with no reserve in the $16,000- $22,000 range.

Also offered with no reserve is a 1990 model Citroen 2CV6 Charleston sedan in showroom condition. Believed to be one of only seven late model 2CV Charleston models sold new in Australia, the car is powered by a two cylinder, air cooled 600cc engine and presents as well underneath as its original unblemished burgundy and black paintwork. Shannons expect it to sell with no reserve in the $12-$16,000 range.

At the other end of the Citroen range in style and technology is a nicely presented 1972-model right hand drive Citroen SM 3.0-litre coupe - one of just 12,920 Maserati V6-engined examples built before the model was discontinued in 1975. This collectible classic has a guiding range of $33-$38,000. Equally unusual is the retro-styled two-door Pao coupe introduced by Nissan at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show.

Designed as a fashionable city car requiring just 4.4 metres to turn and delivering up to 3.4-litre/100km in country driving, the Pao was only sold on order between January and April 1989. The right hand drive Pao being auctioned is believed to be the only one for sale in Australia. Shannons expect bids in the $6-$9,000 range.

Also quirky, but for its adherence to tradition rather than technical innovation, is the beautifully presented 1955 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster in the auction. Fitted with a new fabric top, side curtains and tonneau cover, this inland country car has been fitted with fibreglass mudguards and its motor has been modified to Triumph TR4A specifications. It comes with a Chassis Record Certificate from Morgan and four boxes of spares including twin Webers on a manifold. Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $30,000-$35.000.

Other quality lots include a Ford ZA Fairlane sedan, Willy's Overland Tourer, De Tomaso Longchamp, Lincoln Continental Mk. 5 and two Mercedes-Benz 450's.