Coys have assembled an interesting collection of cars for their forthcoming Essen ‘Techno Classica’ Auction next week. Competition cars certainly form a significant sub-theme, the highlight of which is a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, the subject of a meticulous Aubrey Finberg restoration in 1998. Like so many interesting entries at the sale it is ‘Refer Department’ so we shall have to wait for the post-sale results to get a better appraisal of the market value of these cars.

Also featured is a complete private collection of Alfa Romeo sports saloons including a pretty FIA papered racing 1956 Giulietta Sprint Veloce (estimate €13,000-15,000), a restoration project 1955 Giulietta Sprint (estimate €3,000-5,000) and a 1971 Junior ‘Z’ Zagato (estimate €8,000-10,000).

Higher priced Italian exotica include a fabulous looking 1965 Bizzarini 5300GT in silver with blue interior (Refer Department) and a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 (estimate €40,000-50,000). This particular car may appeal to Scottish fans of the Italian marque, featuring as it does seats with a tartan inlay. A Dutch registered Ferrari 275 GTB/4, in Rosso Corsa/Black hide looks gorgeous, having benefited from an American restoration in the 1990s but its price will only be relived to the bidder on the day – it too is ‘Refer Department’.

Fans of small engined early 60s racing class winners will like the 1963 Simca Abarth 1300 GT Coupe (estimate €37,000-42,000). This little jewel of a car would be a nice entry for Goodwood or the retrospective Le Mans events, and is a vastly cheaper alternative to the similarly styled Porsche cars of the period.

The auction commences on Saturday 12th April with Automobilia at 01.00pm and the Cars following on at 03.00.

For a full listing, see the Provisional Auction Entries.

The Techno Classica event, to which we strongly recommend a visit, is held in Essen from 10th-13th of April.

Story: Steve Wakefield