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ON THE SHORES OF LAKE COMO, DREAMS OF A CLASSIC AUCTION

This is the time of year when my imagination takes me to Europe, as a spectator at the Monaco Grand Prix, and as an admirer of great classic cars at the Villa d'Erbe concours on the shores of Lake Como. I won't be attending either one due to a slight problem known as "lack of funds" but that won't stop me from dreaming. And it won't stop me from making fantasy bids at RM's Villa Erba auction, held in association with the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 25th.

The auction will be one to remember with only 40 of the very best classics sourced from around the world. I've chosen to feature four in today's blog, four that I'd be delighted to own, each one rare and unique. Leading off is the car shown up top, a 1929 Bentley 6½-Litre Sedanca de Ville by H.J. Mulliner. I have a special affection for any car born in the same year that I entered this world (yes, I'm that old/young) and this Bentley appeals to me for its elegance and for the statement it makes about its owner. It was Bentley's 1929 Olympia Motor Show car.

It has a single overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine with three SU carburetors, producing 180 bhp from 6,597 cc. A four-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic front and rear suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes are part of the specification. The coachbuilder was H.J. Mulliner, of Chiswick, who designed it as a Sedanca de Ville with a Barker-patented "de Ville extension." Since 2007 the car has been on display at the Bentley factory in Crewe, as well as being shown in the Bentley Company's heritage museum.

No less than five Ferraris will be offered, including this 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta 'Competizione' by Pinin Farina, a car with a fabulous racing history. It was one of three works 375 MM competition cars entered at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans as an integral part of Ferrari’s manufacturer's championship team. It raced at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Carrera Panamericana, and won the 12 Hours of Pescara. It is the only works race car to have been driven in the World Sports Car Championship by three World Champions: Hawthorn, Ascari, and Farina.

The impressive specifications include a 340 bhp, 4,494 cc overhead camshaft V-12 engine with triple Weber 40 IF/4C carburettors, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs, live axle with parallel trailing arms and semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel drum brakes, and tubular steel frame. This fabulous Ferrari, a concours winner, has appeared at Pebble Beach, the Louis Vuitton Classic, and the Goodwood Revival.

If I were to bid on a car purely because of its appearance, I'd surely choose this 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Coupé Superprofilée. It was designed by Jean Bugatti, Ettore's son, who created some of the most beautiful cars the world has ever seen. It is based on the Type 41 Royale, a massive, ultra-luxurious car that Bugatti intended as the ultimate statement in motoring. The Type 46 retains some of the Royale's styling but in a more manageable size and a more affordable (relatively) price.

"La Petite Royale," as it is sometimes called, features a 140 hp, 5,359 cc SOHC inline eight-cylinder engine with three valves per cylinder, three-speed manual transmission, front semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, rear inverted quarter-elliptic leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel cable-operated drum brakes. It rides on a substantial wheelbase of 138 inches.

While it's not unusual to see a Mercedes 300SL at an auction, you won't see one like this twice. The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster has not only enjoyed a 5-year comprehensive restoration, it has been upgraded with contemporary technology to make it suitable for everyday driving. This includes changes to the valves and valve seats for use with unleaded fuel; a "123" electronic ignition system developed by a Dutch firm for F1 racing; and "Easydrive" electric power steering. Easydrive uses a hidden computer-controlled electric motor to assist steering effort and is manually adjustable according to the driver’s preference.

Originally delivered in Switzerland, it also includes a factory hard top and a new set of fitted luggage by Karl Baisch. The 2,996 cc overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine produces 240 bhp, delivered through a 4-speed manual gearbox. A coil spring independent front suspension, coil spring single-point swing axle rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes complete the basic specifications. Some 300SL collectors may baulk at the changes made to this car but if it means being able to drive it almost anywhere, anytime, well, that makes sense to me.

As mentioned, these are just four outstanding classics out of forty to be auctioned, but RM has been wise enough to make the entire catalog available for downloading. So click here and enjoy yourself and if fortune allows you to be a real, live bidder, good luck. I can, by the way, make myself available for a ride in that beautiful Bentley, born in the same year.

COMING TO RODEO DRIVE: A MOST ELEGANT FIAT

The big Fiat 130s, both sedans and coupes, were true Grand Touring cars, intended for high speed cruising across Europe or other places with minimal speed restrictions. Elegant and fast, they represented Fiat's finest, apart from the Dino. Unfortunately these desirable automobiles were never sold to North Americans so you're not likely to see one on Rodeo Drive. However you could if you were the new owner of a 1973 Fiat 130 Coupé with coachwork by Pininfarina, offered by Bonhams at their sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon, April 29.

It was one of two large coupés styled by Pininfarina in the 1970s, the other being the Rolls-Royce Camargue. Some will insist that the Fiat 130 was the more successful design and perhaps that's true although, having just seen an absolutely gorgeous Camargue convertible in Sidney, BC, last Sunday, I won't take sides in that argument.

Based on the 130 sedan that appeared two years previously, Fiat's flagship coupé was introduced in 1971. A two-door four-seater, the 130 Coupé used only the larger (3.2-litre) of the sedan's two overhead-cam V-6 engine options (with Dino origins) while retaining the latter's all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Three-speed automatic or ZF five-speed manual were the transmission options. Top speed for the auto was 115 mph, for the manual 118 mph. Three mph isn't much but I would think the 5-speed was more entertaining when navigating the Alps en route from Milan to London.

The Coupe being auctioned by Bonhams underwent a body restoration and re-spray in 1990/91. The cam belts were changed in 2007, the brake lines recently. Said to be in excellent condition, with 58,975 miles on the odometer, it has been in classic vehicle shows and driven in several rallies. If you can find a more enticing grand touring car for less than the estimated US$ 6,100 - 7,600 selling price my suggestion is... buy it. I'd buy the Fiat myself if I could afford the flight to England. And the hotel room. Oh, and the car. And the cost of shipping it home. Ah well, Philip... dream on.

CLASSIC FERRARI WAS MEANT FOR ROAD AND RACING

If an all-new Ferrari is exciting then a 61-year-old Ferrari must be even more so. At least it is for those of us who remain fascinated by the marque's early history. In 1952 the company was still in its infancy, producing less than 200 cars each year, most of which could be driven in competition as well as on the street. Bear in mind that Enzo Ferrari looked on his road cars primarily as a means of supporting the factory's racing efforts. The 2.7-litre V-12 225 Sport seen above was a car as suited to competition as it was to cruising down the Champs d'Elysée.

Some exceptional talent was involved in the creation of the 225 Sport. Carrozzeria Vignale had become the main provider of competition bodywork for Ferrari, with the brilliant Giovanni Michelotti at the drawing board. The engine was a Colombo-designed V-12 which had been increased from the original two liters to 2,715 cc's for the 1952 225. Where some of the 225S cars differed was in a variation of the chassis tubes, known as Tuboscocca. By adding tubes to the periphery of the chassis, the car was not only strengthened but the bodywork became an integral, rigid part of the structure.

The 225 S took the first three places at the Monaco Grand Prix (held that year for sports cars) and with a 3.0-liter upgrade a Vignale coupé finished first overall in the Mille Miglia. The car seen here was a Tuboscocca which competed in the Liège-Rome-Liège rally, Reims, and Montlhéry. And with the dirt and dust of racing wiped clean was entered in a concours d’elegance at the Parc de Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris.

It will be showing off its lovely lines once again at the 25th Techno-Classica Essen, the world's greatest indoor show for Vintage, Classic and Prestige Automobiles, scheduled for the 10th through 14th of April, 2013. Meanwhile, if you'd care to own this very rare road-and-race Ferrari, I'm pleased to inform you that it's for sale by E. Thiesen Berlin GmbH. Worth the trip to Germany if only to see the show, which attracts over 185,000 visitors each year. An indoor classic show? Are you listening, America?

[Photos: E. Thiesen, Berlin]

THE FASTBACK IS BACK. BUT WILL IT SUCCEED?

Have you noticed that those "touring" and "grand touring" models that various manufacturers announced over the past couple of years have one thing in common? They're fastbacks. Why? Because aerodynamically and aesthetically the fastback has always been a symbol of speed and these new grand tourers are meant to suggest quick, comfortable, performance driving. (Which would be fine if slower cars got out of the way and if there wasn't a radar-equipped officer hiding behind every tree.)

That led me to comment on this week's Classic Driver newsletter. Its lead story is all about fastbacks, both old and new. Being an English site, Classic Driver includes a number of British and European cars, ignoring, with one exception, North America, where the fastback once reigned as top model for several major manufacturers, convertibles excepted. Well, perhaps we can forgive them since no Detroit manufacturers are currently offering a fastback, nor are they advertising a grand touring option.

Classic Driver begins with the following: "The fastback bodystyle delivers the rare phenomenon of adding practicality and sporting intentions in one fell swoop."

I would agree although it can have some disadvantages, primarily reduced rear seat headroom along with a less spacious trunk. Our friends then continue with appropriate praise for six outstanding fastback designs. (Classic Driver's text has been abbreviated here.)

France: Citroën SM
"The SM was a variation of the lauded DS, and featured a similarly aerodynamic profile and 'magic-ride' self-levelling suspension. However, it also had a V-6 Maserati engine. Its characterful, Robert Opron-styled body also means it possesses the same contemporary coolness as the DS."

Italy: Lamborghini Espada
"The quirky Espada was penned by Bertone’s Marcelo Gandini, who had partially desensitised the public to its unconventional proportions with the Marzal concept a year earlier."

Great Britain: Bentley R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner
"The elegant Mulliner-bodied R-Type Continental is arguably one of the sweetest spots in the distinguished heritage of the Crewe-based manufacturer. With just 207 built, each is special in its own right."

Czechoslovakia: Tatra T87
"As a successor to what is commonly known as the first aerodynamically-focused production car, the Tatra T87’s evermore streamlined shape made it the 'bahnstormer' of its day, with near-100mph capabilities."

Germany: Porsche 356 Coupe
"As the car that put Porsche on the map, the 356 needs little introduction. This Pre-A, centre-creased windscreen example might not offer quite the same rear headroom as some of the other fastbacks we've unearthed, but the panache it provides in return plays its part as a counterweight."

USA: Ford Mustang Fastback
"The fastback has since become one of the most desirable iterations of the archetypal pony car, and was apparently the main design inspiration behind the contemporary version."

Preparing this blog found me wondering which car I would select as a fastback favorite. Difficult, because there are many to choose from, right down to the humble Volkswagen Beetle. But after a few minutes reflection there was no doubt about the winner, the fastback coupe that Enzo Ferrari once described as "the most beautiful car in the world." That car is the Jaguar E-Type (top).

[Fastback photos: Classic Driver; Jaguar: takeyoshimages.blogspot.ca]

A FORGOTTEN "FIRST" AT THE SEBRING 12-HOUR RACE

This is the weekend we've been waiting for, friends. The first race of the F1 season and, by co-incidence, the annual Sebring 12-hour endurance race. Fortunately TV viewers get a break as Sebring is held on Saturday while the Australian GP takes place on Sunday.

I'd be reluctant to pick a winner at Melbourne, equally reluctant to predict a world champion at the end of the 2013 season. Last year there were seven winners in the first seven races and while that's not likely to happen again, pre-season testing suggests the cars, drivers, and teams are closely matched. I, like millions of others watching on television, will be cheering when those five red lights go out to start the race in Melbourne.

The Sebring sports car race, held on the Florida town's former military airport, is America's longest-running endurance race, with a history that goes back to 1952 when the inaugural 12-hour contest was held. Over the years many of the world's best drivers have competed and won at Sebring, while it has often been the scene of classic battles between manufacturers.

For me and my racing buddies in the early 1960s the Sebring race was an excuse for our own version of a March break. Although the Florida circuit is 1300 miles from Toronto that didn't stop us from driving down, watching the race, then driving back non-stop except for fuel and food, all in one long weekend. The trick, of course, was to take turns at the wheel while the others slept. I can recall doing it in an MG Magnette and again in a Peugot 504 station wagon.

In one memorable year I was hired to announce the race live for CBC radio. Instead of sending a production crew the network decided it would be cheaper to assign a local station to handle the technical end. Since no one had ever done a "play-by-play" the locals didn't quite know know what to make of it. Consequently there was no producer to assist, just a technician to turn on the switch and make sure I was hooked up to the Toronto network.

The photo above was one of many that I took at Sebring although it's a poignant one, for it shows the great Wolfgang von Trips waiting patiently for his turn in a Ferrari team car during a night pit stop. Later that year he would be killed during the Mille Miglia, in an accident that took the lives of several spectators and led to the permanent cancellation of that historic race.

Nowadays age limits my own endurance so I won't be attending any long distance events. But when I see the Sebring television announce team I'll be whispering to myself, "yes, guys... but I was there first." A forgotten pioneer, maybe?

SMALL DRAWS SURPRISING BIG BUCKS AT MICROCAR AUCTION

I'm not sure whether I should smile or cry. As a student of post-war automobile history I've a natural affection for microcars, those mini-minis that for a few years were the first affordable vehicles for Europeans made destitute by the conflict. More fortunate North Americans driving cars wider than their own driveways may have laughed at these tiny machines but the rest of the world did not. That makes me smile.

What makes me cry is that, having created the world's finest and largest collection of rare microcars, the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum in Nashville, Mr. Weiner decided to retire. And in doing so, gave RM Auctions the opportunity to sell every one of his microcars at auction. Needless to say it was a huge success, generating more than $9.1 million with 100 percent of all lots sold. Top price went to a 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500 “Tiger”, the rarest Messerschmitt of all and the fastest microcar ever built with a top speed of 78 mph. It went for $322,000 – an all-time record for a microcar sold at auction (shown up top).

Indeed, the tandem seat Messerschmitt was a popular item among buyers. A 1955 Messerschmitt KR 200, formerly owned by American circus personality and entertainer Vic Hyde, went for a remarkable $115,000... a 1957 Messerschmitt KR 201 Roadster for a fantastic $103,500. These cars were very inexpensive when new yet faster than you might think. When I was racing modified sedans a competitor showed up with one, leading to a lot of laughs in the pits. He finished among the last five but was much quicker than anyone expected.

Small must surely be beautiful because the world’s smallest production car, a 1964 Peel P50, sold for an incredible $120,750 to applause from the crowd. Also breaking six-figures, a 1966 Peel Trident realized a remarkable $103,500 while a 1951 Reyonnah (a what?) drew $184,000.

So I'm happy for Bruce Weiner. I'm smiling for all those lucky buyers who put down big bucks for such small cars. Nevertheless I'm rather sad when such a rare and important collection is dispersed. Microcars were an important yet oft overlooked part of automobile history and I doubt we'll ever see another museum like this.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT YOU GET BORED WITH LOOKING AT CLASSIC CAR BODIES...

When I was a kid we used to sneak a peek at the nude and semi-nude girls in Esquire magazine and from them we formed our opinions of what the female body should look like. This was long before the days of Playboy so the girls were illustrations, not photos. Two very talented artists made themselves famous for their work, which had a unique yet similar style. The girls were named after the artists, hence we had both the Petty Girls and the Varga Girls.

I'd almost forgotten about those impossibly perfect ladies until I saw the photos of two vintage illustrations that Nigel Matthews sent from Barrett-Jackson's automobilia auction in Scottsdale, where he was attending auction week. What amused me, though, is that they were being sold at a classic car event. On the other hand, why not? Pretty girls have always been used to sell cars in advertising, right back to the turn of the century, and they still do in today's TV commercials.

But if the appearance of these ladies on Marque1.com startled you, wait until you see the other surprise in today's blog. As Nigel said, he would have bought it on his credit card: A 1976 Datsun 280Z coupe in superb condition, sold at the Russo & Steele Sports and Muscle Car Auction for just $9800!

This is a BRE Tribute car, painted like the #3 BRE team car which won the 1970 and 1971 SCCA championship. It features a rebuilt 2.8 liter engine, 5-speed transmission, rebuilt suspension with a custom exterior, a completely restored interior, factory air, plus a set of new Falken tires. Receipts for all the work came with the car. And get this folks; its after-restoration mileage was a mere 2000! How the potential buyers could have overlooked this stretches my imagination but I'll bet the seller regrets offering it at no reserve.

So yes, Nigel, you should have put it on your credit card. You and I could have had great fun driving it in retro-rallies in California and Nevada. Instead I'll go to sleep dreaming of Petty Girls and Varga Girls. And being twelve again.

[Photos: Nigel Matthews]

NIGEL SPIES A BARGAIN AT SCOTTSDALE

If there's anyone who can spot a bargain at a classic car auction it's our correspondent Nigel Matthews. As an international concours judge and national Sales and Marketing Director for Hagerty Classic Car Insurance in Canada he certainly knows vintage automobiles and their value. So when Nigel made his annual trip to the Scottsdale auctions I knew he'd whet my appetite with some cars that either of us would have bid on if our wallets had been in the right places.

Take, for example, the beautiful 1947 Cisitalia Aero Coupe shown above. It sold at the Russo & Steele auction for (are you ready?) a mere $31,900. Okay, it's a replica, but the car is beautifully built and worth far, far more. While not a candidate for international-level concours and competition events, this lovely coupe would be quite enjoyable on local rallies and tours, or just for fun blasts through the countryside. How on earth did this get overlooked? It's worth at least twice as much. As Nigel said, he'd have bought it in a heartbeat.

At first glance I might have overlooked this one, simply because I've little interest in trucks. But after perusing its history I can see why it caught Nigel's attention. And why, if I'd had the ready cash plus a suitable garage, I might have bid on it myself because this 1970 GMC Suburban is an ambulance conversion made for the Hiram Walker & Sons Okanagan Distillery in Winfield, BC. Hiram Walker produces the famous Canadian Club whiskey and being a Canadian I'd love to drive this baby in parades where I could have fun with the siren. Then go home and have fun with the whiskey.

But why did a distillery have an ambulance? During the late 60s and early 70s the province of British Columbia had a law stating that if a business was located more than 15 miles from a hospital it must have an ambulance standing by. I'm assuming, of course, the law referred to businesses of a certain size and not the corner store.

The truck is loaded with accessories including positraction, power brakes and steering, 3-speed automatic, block heater, heavy-duty battery, dual electric horns and "custom comfort equipment." The engine is a 350 c.i. V-8 putting out 255 hp. It has just 39,000 miles on the clock and is mostly original as restoration was never needed. It went for a mere $15,400. Enough to buy over 600 liters of Canadian rye whiskey. Hmmm... tough choice!

[Photos: Nigel Matthews]

1947 CISITALIA SPIDER: SWEET AND LOVELY

The number of truly spectacular cars to be seen at the upcoming Scottsdale auctions is enough to make you wish you were rich. Or even richer if you already are among the wealthy. Nevertheless my fantasy world rarely includes those lavishly expensive classics, beautiful though they may be. I find more delight in viewing cars that, if not exactly affordable, are truly unique. One such car is this 1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Spider Nuvolari being offered by Gooding & Co, Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19.

The coachwork is by Stabilimenti Farina. It is not only different from other racing cars of the immediate postwar period (notice the faired-in rear fenders and subtle tail fins) but in my opinion quite lovely, especially considering the period. The photo is a bit misleading, for this Cisitalia is quite small. The inline 4-cylinder OHV engine is a mere 1,089 CC in size but with twin Weber carburetors it produces an estimated 60 hp at 5500 rpm. Bear in mind that it is light in weight so such power is adequate for class racing.

The transmission is a 4-speed manual, the brakes are 4-wheel hydraulic, front suspension is by transverse leaf spring, at the back is a rigid axle with longitudinal leaf springs. Cisitalia actually built 28 of these streamlined beauties; it is not one-of-a-kind although obviously rare. Apparently it has been driven in VSCCA vintage races and comes with a noteable competition record, having raced at Lockbourne, MacDill, Sebring, Thompson, and Vero Beach. Of course it is eligible for important historic events such as the Mille Miglia Storica.

If you know your racing history you'll immediately recognise the "Nuvolari" name, for he was one of the all-time greats and a former Cisitalia driver. Appropriately the car was named to honour him. To own the Cisitalia you'll need between $700,000 - $850,000. No, it's not cheap, but the price is way less than many of the Ferraris and Duesenbergs that Gooding and the others will be auctioning. Small it may be but in this case small is definitely beautiful.

RIVIERA GLAMOUR CAPTURED IN ALFA ROMEO ARTWORK

As my friend Peter Aylett of CarArt.us quite rightly says, female car artists are rare and portrait artists that paint cars are rare, too. Which makes Chris Osborne extra rare. And no I'm not talking about how you like your steak. Chris is the newest addition to CarArt's stable of renowned automobile artists and judging from her introductory series portraying music and movie stars with cars they owned or are associated with, we can look forward to seeing more of this talented lady's work in the future.

The stars and cars featured in this series are a diverse group. James Dean (Porsche), Jimi Hendrix (Corvette), Steve McQueen (Mustang), Paul Newman (240Z) and Marilyn Monroe (Thunderbird) are among them. I found all of those works enticing and would have had difficulty choosing one for my living room but finally selected Chris Osborne's rendering of Rita Hayworth with her 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport. The car was a gift from Prince Aly Khan on the eve of their 1949 wedding.

What made this painting irresistable is its combination of Hollywood glamour, Italian automotive styling, and the magnificent Riviera setting. The stuff of dreams. Which, incidentally, I once lived (for a week). Beautiful woman, the use of a Ferrari, guest in a luxury villa, reserved waterfront seats for the Monaco Grand Prix. Well, that was then and those days are long gone but some 250 of you can enjoy your own Riviera dreams by way of a limited edition Giclée on paper, 17" x 23", for $200.00, simply by clicking here.

Incidentally the Alfa Romeo still exists, restored, in Scotland. The original painting was commissioned by the owner.