In case you are in bad need of a classy E Type for your collection, or an Isetta to distinguish yourself on the grass of your golf club, there is hope for you. Noble Auctions gives a few more days to bid for those cars that were not snatched off during InterClassics Brussels.
InterClassics managed to show something new every time during its five-year short existence. This year, Noble Auctions had a premier at InterClassics in addition to the stage of Bonhams that showcases a few gems every year.
For this special occasion, Noble Auctions showcased an exquisite selection of cars that were on display in the Brussels Expo Hall throughout the weekend of the event.
The fleet encompassed every possible aspect of motoring, from pre-WW II limo to modern-day Ferrari F12 and from Isetta to a Bentley Continental. Here are some of my favourites (not all might be still up for grabs).
There is a corner with barn finds in various conditions. The one requiring the most work is a 1960 Alfa Romeo 102 series 2000 Touring Spider, “ready for restoration” (which quite the opposite of ready : ) ).
This car was initially delivered to Belgium, and even the brochure admits that it is in obvious need of restoration (oh, really? : ) ).
Although there is quite some corrosion, at least the bodyshell wasn’t ruined by botched repairs. Some of the exterior trim items like door handles, rear lights and side trim are missing. Still, a proper restoration would anyhow require pieces that conform the original.
The other barn find is a 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster with racing history. William (‘Bill’) Love had been racing this XK120 in many races in the 1950s, competing against other legendary cars.
The car is so much a barn find, that it was actually discovered in a barn in California. In 1975, the racing car was sold for a mere 600$ (!), and the vehicle probably raced throughout his entire life. The 1990 San Diego Grand Prix was the last evidence, and since then, it had been standing still in a barn until recently rediscovered.
Only slightly speed is possible with the microcars showcased in mint condition. This Messerschmitt KR200 has been completely restored with original parts.
It looks absolutely stunning in its two-tone red over cream paintwork. The current private owner decided not to fit a plexiglass canopy, simply because of the pleasure of open-top motoring in the summertime.
Introduced in 1953 the FMR Kabinenroller micro-car was soon marketed under its manufacturer’s name, Messerschmitt. The Plexiglas canopy, so reminiscent of those of Messerschmitt’s wartime fighter aircraft, hinged sideways to enable access for the two occupants, who sat one behind the other, tandem style.
The BMW Isetta must be one of the quirkiest yet charming modes of transport ever produced, and the stage featured two of them. It was originally developed by ISO, a refrigerator manufacturer that would soon shock the world with supercars like the Iso Grifo.
Although the maximum speed remained the same as the earlier 250cc engine at 85 km/h, the 300cc engine introduced in 1956 meant a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on up- and downhill roads.
The red one is a 1960-model equipped with a 300 cc engine. The two-tone red/cream paintwork, trim and chrome fittings of this charming microcar have been restored with a colour-matched interior that suits the car’s two-tone paintwork.
The blue BMW Isetta is another fully restored specimen, accompanied by photographic restoration record. The two-tone paintwork seems flawless, shows no dents, scratches or stone chips.
This Isetta also has a renewed interior, combining blue leatherette seats with red/grey checkered fabric. In February 1956, a 300cc engine was introduced. The maximum speed remained at 85 km/h, yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, mostly noticeable on gradients.
Sticking with the blue side, the car next to the Isetta is a personal favourite of mine, the Alpine A110 is one of the first 1600 models built.
The car showcased was an early 1600 model that was upgraded to 1600S specifications and fitted with two twin-Weber 40 carburettors.
The Red 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce is another virtually perfect specimen with a typecast red paintwork.
According to the info sheet, this Alfa was repainted red around 10 years ago. It was originally marketed by a US importer from New York. It spent its life in Nevada until it was imported into Germany in 1986.
There was also an Alvis 4.3L Charlesworth DHC (one of only two cars ever built). The 4.3L is one of the most distinguished pre-war passenger cars, this specimen was first registered in 1938.
Another car that was striking out of its surrounding was a Corvette C3 Stingray. It’s a stick-shift model and has the optional T-roof, guaranteeing loads of fun.
The car’s fibreglass body is finished in factory Ontario Orange. Interior-wise, the car doesn’t disappoint. The brown leather seats are in good condition, as is the rest of the interior. This Corvette was fitted with the standard 5700 ccs small-block engine.
I could quite many details from the lovely Mercedes roadsters of various generations. Still, I will cut this short here, and recommend a visit to Noble’s website. The photos on the website are truly astonishing.
The odd one out is a Studebaker Avanti II, one of only 175 examples produced in 1979. It was bought new in California and remained at the first owner for 40 years.
As for the modern cars, I only single out a few like the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 EVO was designed and developed with the help of Cosworth. It was sold in a limited number of 500 models for homologation purposes it is one of the ultimate DTM-era cars.
The rare Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster model that was sold new in the Netherlands. The bodywork has recently been repainted, and the datasheet stresses that it is an original Blu Scuro colour.
With only 25,090 kilometres and the original Targa roof registered, the Diablo VT Roadster offers the prospect of genuine driving experience.
As far as model history is concerned, the Diablo had big shoes to fill: after 17 years in production, it had to replace the legendary Lamborghini Countach. At the time of its introduction, the Diablo was the fastest, most advanced and most expensive Lamborghini ever built. The name “Diablo” was inspired by the world of bullfighting, the company’s emblem is a fighting bull and founder Ferruccio Lamborghini being born under the Taurus constellation. “Diablo” was a bull in the 19th century that reportedly fought several hours against a famous toreador.
If I can highlight just one recent car, that would be the blue Ferrari F12 equipped it with a V12 engine, putting out an astonishing 740Hp.
This made the F12 their most potent road car ever at the time. The F12 Berlinetta showcased at the action is a low-mileage car in a rarely seen new ’Blu Pozzi’.
FOR SIMILAR EVENT REPORTS, CHECK OUT MY ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE EVENTS CALENDAR:
The ultimate European automotive events calendar for 2019 – DECEMBER UPDATE
