Best of British...and Italian
While it can be argued that no DB4 GT is lacking history, this 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT has a past that’s as storied as the car is beautiful. One of only 75 DB4 GTs produced, this example was sold new to Sir Max Aitken, before passing to Bobby Buchanan-Nielson, who had Aston Martin Works produce a custom body with DB5 and DB6 elements and many other custom touches. Aston Martin legend and former owner Victor Gauntlett then owned the car, before its next owner sent it to RS Williams to receive a full Zagato conversion, with coachbuilding by the Milanese firm themselves. Quite the story, and quite the car…
Copper coupé
At odds with the unassuming grey paintwork covering the boxy bodywork of this 1978 Fiat 130 Coupé, the vibrant copper velour interior is perhaps a startling reminder of the somewhat garish aesthetics of the 1970s, but, surprisingly, it’s actually a very captivating colour combination. This manual right-hand-drive example has covered only 18,000 miles from new and was previously part of a varied collection of exotica. Unsurprising, given the charisma of the car, the Fiat 130 Coupé was even the choice of Enzo Ferrari himself in years gone by.
Fascinating fastback
A handsome yet less celebrated entry in Volvo’s back catalogue, this 1960 Volvo PV544 has benefitted from a recent restoration. Not only are these quirky Swedes renowned for their lightweight bodies, rear-wheel drive, and spritely driving characteristics, but the PV544 model was also the first car to be fitted with three-point seatbelts. It may be the P1800S that is remembered as the voluptuous Volvo, but the PV544 is one not to miss.
Got the blues
Lauded as one of the most beautiful Italian cars of all time, this 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 Gran Turismo sets itself apart from the red examples with its beguiling blue paintwork. Restored by renowned specialists, this example boasts a Touring-style Le Mans body and full matching-numbers status. As such, it’s a sure-fire entry into some of the finest events around the world, where its combination of stunning looks and supercharger sounds are sure to captivate.
Topless Turbo
As the flames of the Porsche market continue to burn, über-rare special-order 911s, such as this 1995 Porsche 993 Cabriolet Turbo, continue to top the must-have lists of car collectors worldwide. Following a request to build a convertible version of the 993 Turbo from respected Porsche dealer Fritz Haberl, Porsche Exclusive agreed to build the car, provided he found buyers first. The result was just 14 cars, of which this right-hand-drive example was one. Built to the exacting specifications of the Brunei Royal Family and highly specified, as with all their cars, the car has been cherished since new and has covered just 9,150 miles.
Photos: Desmond J Smail Ltd / Avantgarde Cars / Ardor Cars / William I'Anson Ltd / DK Engineering
