- Restored and 'Project' Messerschmitt 3-wheeler microcars
- Fabulous restored Mini Cooper S MkII
- Great Citroen 2CV 6 'Dolly Special'
If you want to step outside the square and draw a crowd at you next Cars & Coffee gathering, Shannons have a range of small and quirky classics that are guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd the next time you meet with other vehicle enthusiasts.
A star attraction of their Timed Online Summer Auction from February 21-28 is an Australian-assembled 1970 Mini Cooper S MkII that was stripped back to bare metal and rotisserie-restored by an Albury enthusiast with no expense spared during its four-year rebirth.
In the process its colour was changed from white to racing green with a white turret; its interior was re-trimmed in black and its mechanicals were all completely overhauled.
The aim was to keep the car as original as possible, using – with very few exceptions – only correct parts wherever possible.
Showing just 370 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing the car has been shown once since its completion and was awarded 'People's Choice' at the 2021 Minis on the Murray Muster, also earning a Top 6 Winner award.
Offered with 'no reserve', the car is expected further cement the appreciating value of these early Cooper S models and sell in the $60,000-$70,000 range.
Other desirable Minis in the auction include a very nice 1966 Morris Mini Deluxe ($20,000-$32,000) and a 1999 Rover Mini Cooper '40' Saloon ($40,000-$50,000), while if you'd prefer an open Mini experience, there's a yellow 1980 Leyland Mini Moke Californian that is expected to bring $25,000-$35,000.
Small cars from Germany start with a two-tone 1966 Volkswagen Beetle sedan in everyday useable condition for $15,000-$20,000, but it's the turquoise and white with tan vinyl interior 1958 Messerschmitt KR200 3-wheeler microcar that steals the show here.
Enthusiast-owned for the past seven years and fully restored about four years ago, it has the all-important tinted plastic 'bubble' roof and Sachs 200 191cc single cylinder engine.
Everything is in very good condition and with values of European microcars rising in recent years and the quality of its restoration , it is ready to go or to join a display of the more unusual classics at its anticipated selling priced of $40,000-$50,000.
As a cheaper option, Shannons have a similar 1958 KR200 without the bubble roof in 'project condition' that is expected to bring $10,000-$15,000.
If you prefer French classics, there is an irrationally cute 1988 Citroen 2CV6 'Dolly Special'($10,000-$15,000), a 1968 Renault R8 Gordini sedan, or a couple of 'pocket rockets' – a 1993 Peugeot 205 GTi 'hatchback ($30,000-$35,000) and a 1993 Renault Clio Williams hot hatch ($40,000-$50,000). Potentially much cheaper is a very tidy 1969 Renault 10 sedan in fair condition at $4,000-$8,000).
If you plan to have some fun, there's a fully 'bash-prepared' Volvo 122S in the auction ($25,000-$30,000) or alternatively a circa-1967 Morris Mini Cooper that has been built as a faithful replica of one the BMC team cars that won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally ($70,000-$90,000).
A small and rare classic from Japan is is a 1967 Honda S800 Convertible that has been in the same family ownership for more than 32 years.
Now re-powered by a 3K Toyota 1166cc four cylinder engine and matching five-speed Corolla gearbox, it has covered less than 3,000km since its conversion.
Offering affordable fun, the Honda could simply be enjoyed as is, or given a full back-to-factory original restoration to attract the growing demand by Japanese sporting car collectors at its 'no reserve' guiding range of $15,000-$25,000.
Finally and small by British standards is a 1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2 coupe.
With an indicated 61,812km showing at the time of cataloguing, this is a lovely and largely original car with an outstanding history.
As numbers of these cars continue to dwindle, this could be the time to grab a slice of motoring history at its guiding range of $40,000-$48,000.
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, call the 1300 078 500.