Author Archives: celebrationofthemotorcar

1984 Honda Prelude XX Coupe

This second generation Prelude features the 1.8-litre, twin carburettor engine giving 92kW – 125bhp. The five-speed gearbox shifts very nicely and complements the peppy engine.

The XX was the highest spec version, with power windows, glass sunroof, power steering, central locking, disc brakes, ABS, air conditioning, cruise control and even a wiper on the rear window.

This very smartly presented example was delivered new in Japan. It was imported in 2023 as a car to have some fun with, was complianced and registered but has seen very little use.

It is clear on inspection that this Prelude is far above average. The car’s very low mileage of 109,300km is no doubt a part of the reason. It presents exceptionally well inside and out.

On the road the car is a pleasure to drive, completely easy and stress-free.

With interest in Japanese classics soaring, this very tidy, low mileage car will be certain to provide many years of pleasure ahead.

A pristine example such as this would be very hard to find anywhere in the world and as such, offers a very rare opportunity.

Please request an email with more details and photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete. Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided. Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1IEX548

1985 Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet

The Cabriolet version of Jaguar’s V12 grand tourer, this is the later model “HE” High Efficiency version of the XJS identifiable by its 5-spoke “Starfish” alloy wheels.

The XJ-SC has a ‘targa-type’ open roof, configurable in different ways. Only 3863 XJ-SCs were made with production ending in 1988. Most were produced for the US market with only a small proportion 950 right-hand drive – with just 191 coming to Australia.

This car was delivered new in Perth, to the daughter of WA tycoon Alan Bond in 1985. She took the car to New South Wales and later sold the car to a Sydney doctor. It then spent several years in Sydney, changing hands a couple more times.

The current Perth owner purchased the car in 2020 and had it returned to Perth. After arrival in Perth, major work was undertaken on the car. Some $14,000 was spent to ensure everything worked as it should. More work and servicing followed up most recently, in February 2025, the car had a minor service and oil change and fluids and safety check by a Jaguar specialist workshop.

This Jaguar drives well, with the engine pulling progressively and well with smooth gearchanges. Engine operating temperature and oil pressure are within specifications. The XJ-SC provides a smooth and relaxed drive – just as Jaguar intended.

The interior of the car presents well, with the burgundy leather upholstery and polished woodwork on the dash and doortrims.

Externally the car would benefit from some attention in small areas to return the car to a high standard.  Most of the paintwork presents well, so only localised repairs would be in order.

The air conditioning compressor and associated fittings have been removed. Some of the parts will be provided at sale. With the car is a set of correct boot lid (V-12 and XJ-SC) badges, original toolkit and two workshop manuals.

This car has seen minimal use over the past five years. It shares a garage with another Jaguar. The odometer shows 176,000km. This lack of use has precipitated the car’s sale. This is not a show car and has been priced accordingly. The cosmetic items needed could be done over time, or at home by an enthusiast.

It’s the owner’s intention to retain the number plates GR 003.

The XJ-SC should provide a new owner many years of motoring pleasure. A usable everyday classic, with all the luxury and performance which the model stood out with back when it was new. There is excellent service and parts support for the model and an active Jaguar Car Club to help you maximise your enjoyment.

Please request a more detailed description and more photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete. Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided. Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1967 Porsche 356 Speedster Replica – SOLD

One of the most iconic sports car designs of all time is the Porsche 356 Speedster. Several companies have built accurate replicas over the years, utilizing the floorpan and running gear from the Volkswagen Beetle, not dissimilar to the original Porsche. With fibreglass bodies and many specially produced hardware items these make excellent replicas.

The early history of this car is unknown to its owner. Importantly, it is registered as a Roadster, meaning the appropriate approvals were sought for licensing the car, not merely carrying over registration from a Volkswagen donor car.

In 26 years of current ownership, the car has provided a lot of fun. It has been the subject of several upgrades over the years.

The Speedster was treated to a new 1700cc engine in 2004. Fitted with twin Weber carburettors and a sports exhaust, it boosted performance of the Speedster.

The car was repainted in a high quality finish. The colour suits the car well, being subtle enough to show off the curvaceous styling well. New leather upholstery was fitted, with a new soft top and carpets.

Two years ago the car had major servicing work undertaken, when the carburettors were rebuilt and a new clutch installed.

This little sports car presents well. It’s not a trailer queen, but a sound, tidy and smartly presented example.

It starts immediately and drives well, exhibiting the 1950s sporting characteristics the Speedster is renowned for. The combination of sporty engine sound, low driving position and open cabin give a feeling of performance and speed beyond reality! Great fun.

This car offers a great experience and an accessible price point. A well-loved example, thoughtfully upgraded, this Speedster is sure to offer the next owner years of fun.

Please request a more detailed description and more photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 Registered 1AEP073

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete. Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided. Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC – SOLD

When new, this was the top of the line Mercedes-Benz, a chic grand tourer with a 4.5-litre V8 engine.

This example has had just two owners from new. Delivered in Perth on 31 October 1980 to a high profile owner, in 1985 the car was sold to the present owner who has enjoyed it ever since – for 40 years.

It was initially driven frequently, for the last fifteen years the car has seen little use.

The owner advises that the car has been remarkably reliable – surely one of the reasons to buy a Mercedes-Benz. No major work has ever been needed on the car. The invoices show typical items such as brakes, bushes, air conditioning servicing, minor electrical items and the like. As well as a stamped service booklet, the original handbook and additional paperwork from Mercedes-Benz remains with the car in its pouch.

There are a few items which could be attended to, mostly cosmetic, both inside and out – hence the very reasonable asking price. The odometer is not working, though the car’s mileage would not be far beyond the 165,313km showing.

It should be noted that everything seems to work – electric sunroof, windows, air conditioning, etc. The car drives very nicely, the V8 providing ample performance and the automatic transmission changing gears smoothly. With all the windows down and the large sunroof open, the car has a great feel.

This 450SLC remains largely original – wearing its original paint, upholstery, and is a matching numbers car. And being a 2-owner from new example is a notable rarity.

For the Australian market, the 450SLC came very well equipped, boasting electric steel sunroof, leather upholstery, “Bundt” alloy wheels, air conditioning, driving lamps, cruise control and a Becker Mexico stereo as well as power windows, central locking and power steering.

With excellent parts availability and practicality – a family can fit – as well as club support, the 450SLC still makes a compelling case for itself today.

Please request a more detailed description and more photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete. Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided. Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1947 MG Y Saloon – SOLD

The MG Y opened up a new market in compact sporting saloons for the company, by combining the mechanical elements of their TC sports car and body from the Morris 8.

With a 4-speed floor gearchange, coil-spring independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering it was considered quite a sporty saloon for the era.

This car was sold new in what is today’s Malaysia, then a British colony. The old registration document appears to show the car having had just 4 owners over 78 years. It came to Australia in the early 1980s, was last driven in 1983 and has remained in dry storage ever since.

The car appears sound, complete and correct inside and out, but in need of some love and attention having sat for over 40 years. It is not registered. There are manuals and a small amount of spare parts with it.

The car is very realistically priced. Please request an email with a more detailed description and more photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker – MD28143 www.paulblank.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1955 MG TF 1500 Roadster – SOLD

MG built its post-war reputation with the T-series roadsters, which sold in record numbers. The small, nimble sports cars were great fun to drive.

This TF 1500 is understood to have been sold in Perth. The previous owner had it shipped the car to New South Wales when he moved there temporarily. Whilst in Sydney, some major work was undertaken on the car before returning with it to WA. He owned the car for 19 years.

The engine was completely rebuilt, and at the same time considerable other work undertaken. This included work on the electricals, new clutch, water pump, new hoses and a stainless steel exhaust system being fitted. A figure in excess of $20,000 was spent on this work, detailed in the car’s history file. This was carried out by a well-respected marque specialist.

In the ensuing years maintenance and minor work was undertaken.

The car changed hands in early 2023 and since then has had a few items attended to. The carburettors were sent to a leading expert company in Sydney and completely rebuilt (at a cost of some $2500). The dynamo and tachometer drive were rebuilt by a Perth MG specialist. The grease point for the rear of the dynamo and the tacho drive is for decorative purposes only. It is now a sealed bearing but the grease point is there reflecting the original. And lastly a number of gaskets were replaced to tackle some minor oil leaks. This most recent job in January 2025.

The car runs like a gem, the sporty exhaust note matching the car’s good performance.

The interior is very good with leather seats and the car has a cloth (not vinyl) soft top, side curtains and full tonneau, all in very good condition as can be seen in the accompanying photos.

About twenty years ago the MG was the subject of a body restoration, which has stood the test of time well. A couple of parts are showing some ageing and there are a couple of small marks in the paintwork, but generally, the car presents very nicely – see the photos.

This car would make a great fun car for weekend fun, or could equally be used in historic motorsport events. Parts availability is excellent and several car clubs cater enthusiastically for MGs.

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1953 Citroen Light 15 project – SOLD

Citroen’s Traction Avant model was a world leader in design, construction and driving characteristics.

The most popular version was known in English speaking markets as the Light 15. Citroen’s factory in Slough, UK produced the car, in a slightly different version to the French cars. This car is a British-built example. As a late model, it has the larger and more useful boot.

This car was sold new in British Malaya – Malaysia today – first registered on April 9 1953. Original registration documents with the car chart its history of ownerships before the last owner bought the car 44 years ago. He shipped it to Perth along with several other vehicles in 1982.

In April 1982 the car was licensed in Perth. The owner had several classic vehicles and the Citroen saw limited use but was enjoyed by the family. Its registration expired in 2000 and the car has sat in dry storage ever since, for the last 25 years.

The car is complete and straight, appears to be rust-free but in need of attention having sat for so long untouched. In particular the mechanicals should be looked at.

These are very rewarding cars and excellent support in the way of parts and clubs exist for the Light 15.

Please request an email with a more detailed description and more photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker – MD28143 www.paulblank.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1926 Morris Cowley Roadster barn find – SOLD

The Morris Cowley, often referred to as the Bullnose Morris for its unique radiator shape, was the car that put the Morris company on the map. With a sound design and straightforward mechanicals providing great reliability, the Morris built an excellent reputation.

Available in many body styles, this car wears attractive Roadster coachwork, with a dickey seat to the rear, made by Holden’s.

The owner bought this car 32 years ago and it has remained in much the same, the owner passing away in 2018, followed by his wife last year. Hence it’s now on the market.

It is evident that this Morris has never been restored and as such makes a good basis for an accurate restoration project. It has been dry stored for decades and thus has not suffered any further deterioration.

A small quantity of spare parts is with the car.

Next year this Morris will be 100 years old – surely time for it to be brought back to its former glory.

Please request an email with a more detailed description and more photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker – MD28143 www.paulblank.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1993 Mercedes-Benz 320CE – SOLD

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of making elegant coupe versions of its luxury sedan models. This is a fine example of the W124 series, being the late version 320CE, which is quite rare and desirable.

The W124 series is legendary for its high quality of engineering and build quality. The 3.2-litre 6-cylinder engine is known for its smoothness and this car doesn’t disappoint. The car drives exceptionally well, with a nice tight feel that a well-kept example can exhibit. This beautifully kept pillarless coupe has covered just 196,000km.

An Australian-delivered car, it was first sold in Sydney. The stamped service booklet, among all the factory booklets, shows the car’s service history prior to being purchased by the current owner who shipped the car to Perth three years ago. He undertook some minor work since, details of which can be provided.

The car has had rear parking sensors added as well as a dimming interior mirror. It wears good Michelin Energy tyres.

This 320CE is a beautiful example in excellent condition. The bodywork is straight with very good paint. The external hardware is all good.

Inside, the comfortable interior is also excellent with all fittings in very good condition.

The colour scheme suits this elegant coupe very well too. It’s the desirable updated model with the larger engine and several other tweaks with which Mercedes-Benz kept the model at the top of the W124 ladder – and these come onto the market rarely. Don’t miss your chance…

Please request an email with a more detailed description and more photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.

1979 Renault 5 GTL 5-door – SOLD

FOR SALE: 1979 Renault 5 GTL – $3490

Renault’s ground-breaking R5 was amongst the first of the modern hatchbacks. Cheeky, modern styling, peppy performance and excellent practicality made the car a No1 seller. Never sold in Australia, this is a very rare car here.

This GTL features the second round of updates to the R5, including the upgraded dash and seats plus four doors. It has the larger 1300cc engine and 4-speed gearbox.

This car was in Victoria and in the hands of an enthusiast who had it on club registration until 2019. The current owner shipped it to Perth and undertook some work. This included renewing all the hydraulics of the brakes, having the radiator re-done and replacing the gearbox seals. The wheels were refurbished and new old stock Michelin tyres fitted.

It should be noted that there is considerable body panel rust in the car. The sills, floor and boot floor and doors look sound. There’s no structural rust. Nothing missing and all the hardware is in good condition.

Inside, the car presents very well, with the cloth upholstery, carpet, dashboard, roof lining, etc, in good condition. The odometer reading of 96,800 miles appears to be correct.

The little Renault starts instantly from cold and on a short run for these photos, drove well. The spare wheel belongs in the engine bay, but for these photos has been put into the boot. There’s an original handbook and the jack are with the car. It is not registered in WA.

This is a very rare and very ‘70s funky French car. It does require some work to the body panels, which is taken into account with the low asking price.

Please request a more detailed description and more photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete.

Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided.

Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.