A hugely diverse group of classics will be sold at Coy’s Ascot auction on 16 May, with lots ranging from sublime Italian roadsters through to replicas, modern classics and even a couple of tractors.
Top of every Alfisti shopping list is an Alfa Romeo TZ2 evocation built by Giordangengo in the 1970s. The chassis was created using an original drawing, while original Alfa Romeo components were used to complete the rest of the build. The car spent a number of years in the Milan Telecommunications Museum and is now described as running smoothly following its recommissioning.
Only 12 Alfa Romeo TZ2s were ever built, and their value makes the £155-180,000 pre-sale estimate look like great value for money.
Estimated at slightly more – £180-220,000 – is a 1995 Porsche 993 RS, which has just over 26,000 miles on the clock. The German-delivered car is in excellent condition and, being one of the quickest naturally aspirated Porsches ever built, is sure remain collectible in the future. It has never been modified and remains as it was when it first left the factory.
Lotus enthusiasts will be drawn to a 1956 Lotus Eleven that is estimated at £85-95,000. The Club-spec short-door model was built over the course of six months by its first owner, Captain Archibold Colville of Melrose before passing to a friend and neighbour of Jim Clark, Stephen Grant. Grant upgraded the car to Le Mans specification, including fitting a De Dion rear axle and disc brakes all round, but sold it shortly after Clark’s final race at Hockenheim.
The car has enjoyed a continuous history since the 1950s and was restored in 2004, while the engine was given an overhaul by Barry Sheraton in 2014.
More striking is a 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ – one of just 1036 examples produced. Originally a German market car, the SZ has covered 7150km since new and was imported to the UK in 2012. With values on the march, such a low-mileage car is likely to find its way into a private collection. It is expected to fetch between £30-35,000.
If you like your classics a bit older than the SZ, you’re sure to be intrigued by a 1918 Bianchi Sport. The Italian-registered open roadster has formed part of a private collection for the past 10 years and is in good working order. Though not the most practical of classics, its right-hand-drive configuration is sure to be a drawn for UK bidders. It is estimated at £85-100,000.
A number of more affordable classics will also be crossing the block, with one of the most appealing also coming from Italy. The 1971 Fitat 500L is expected to sell for as little as £5000 and, as well as enjoying the benefits of its ‘L’ specification, it’s also been upgraded with a number of performance parts. Disc brakes have been fitted, in addition to a larger carburettor, a trick exhaust and a sump guard, all from tuning specialist Nanni.
A former Chequered Flag 1966 Brabham BT18A offers greater thrills. The car has recently been recommissioned by Peter Denty, including an engine and gearbox rebuild. It has since seen the track four times, including at the 72nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting last year. It is estimated at £55-75,000.
Usually, we’d advise that you steer clear of a cheap Lamborghini. However, this 1960 2241R tractor is an exception to the rule: it looks fantastic. Again, it has spent a number of years in private collections, and is sold with Italian papers. It could be yours for £7000.
