Author Archives: celebrationofthemotorcar

FOR SALE: 1987 Bentley Turbo R – SOLD

These are impressive cars. The Mulsanne Turbo model paved the way in bringing the Bentley marque to where it is today. The Turbo R brought more performance, equipment, refinement and desirability. Hand built and very expensive, 199 were made RHD in 1987. For that year the Turbo R gained more power – 328bhp – as well as anti-lock brakes.

This car was delivered in the UK – the strongest market for Bentley – and it then made its way to New South Wales and to the ownership of a lawyer who had the car for thirteen years.

He sold the car four years ago to the Western Australian owner who has it to today.

Since then a Head Up Display speedometer has been installed as has a reversing camera and a hands-free system for phone use.

The Turbo R has been maintained by a well-respected Bentley specialist. We can email you details of jobs completed. The car’s mileage today is 144,000, the owner having done about 10,000km in his four years.

It’s a smartly presented car, in a very attractive metallic dark blue finish. There are a few minor blemishes, in keeping for a car of its age.

Inside the Bentley is a truly luxurious environment, beautifully finished and well kept. Light coloured leather upholstery (with optional contrasting piping) complements the rich polished woodwork – which is in excellent condition.

There’s great driving pleasure on offer here, from a comfortable, smooth and ‘wafting’ driving experience to the wild side that 328 horsepower can offer – that’s more power than a Porsche 930 Turbo had in those days…

The owner will retain his number plates IRISH TWO and will have new standard plates fitted upon sale.

These are impressive cars, and although forty years old, offer ample performance and luxury with old world charm – at a very reasonable price.

Request an email with more details and photos 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.

1974 Citroën DS23 Safari – SOLD

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Citroën’s ground-breaking DS design was manufactured for two decades. It came out in 1955 when we were making new FJ Holdens in Australia.

The wagon version followed and remained in production to the end.

This car has the most desirable seating combination; separate front seats with folding rear seat plus two sideways mounted ‘strapontins’, folding single occasional seats, with footwells in the boot.

The adaptability, spaciousness and self-levelling suspension made a formidable package.

As the final version of Safari, this car has the 2.3-litre carburettored engine and 5-speed gearbox, power steering as well as turning headlights.

This car was sold new in Australia and its Australian Compliance plate bears the date December 1974, with the importer being Citco in Sydney.

Its early history is unknown, but the car moved to Queensland. It was purchased by Alec Howe who was well known as working with Jim Reddiex, owner of Maxim Motors, a separate importer of Citroën and extremely highly regarded as an importer, dealer and Citroën rally driver – he won the 1974 World Cup Rally in a DS23.

Howe purchased the Safari with a view to preparing it for a leisurely drive around Australia (not a rally). He selected this car as it was sound and completely rust free.

He kept a detailed log of work undertaken on the car (which goes with it). Included were: an engine rebuild, suspension work, steering rebuilt, new clutch, electrical work, new upholstery and a myriad of minor items attended to. A full list is in the description which can be emailed.

Clearly a tremendous amount of work was done, by someone with vast experience in DSs. Parts availability was, and still is excellent, with several specialist companies in Europe able to provide anything necessary for a DS.

Sadly Alec Howe passed away and the Safari became available. It had never done the drive around Australia.

A Western Australian enthusiast purchased the car and had it shipped across the country. The car was taken to Stuart Pekin, who runs a Citroën workshop in Perth specialising in classic models. He undertook work on the car as follows: Steering rack rebuilt, new spheres and accumulator, exhaust flexi pipe, various boots and window tint added as well as some minor items. Stuart assured the owner that this car would be the best Safari in Western Australia.

The car certainly drives nicely for a DS. It performs well, has the magic carpet soft ride and feels solid. All the controls feel as they should.

The exterior presents very well inside and out. The odometer shows just over 186,700km, which tallies as correct.

Less than ten percent of all DSs made over 20 years of production were the wagon. In 2026, they still attract attention wherever they go.

A Safari is a rare car today with its classic looks, comfort and drivability combined with tremendous practicality – a very rare combination. You’d be very hard pressed to find a better sorted example.

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 B 17886

SOLD – 1999 Audi TT Turbo Coupe

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The TT was developed from a concept car which had wowed audiences at motor shows. Its ultra-modern, sculptured lines set a new precedent for sporting coupes and it received accolades around the globe.

This car is the 5-valve per cylinder turbocharged model.

Australian TTs were well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows, heat insulating glass and leather upholstery as standard equipment. Traction control, ABS brakes, electronic differential lock, and unusually, synchromesh on reverse gear, were signs of the high-tech specifications.

The service booklet confirms that the car was regularly serviced by Audi dealerships through to 2022 after which specialist workshops have continued the car’s regular maintenance. Most recently the car received a major service in December 2025.

At 161,000km, the car has covered about 10,000km in the last three years and has been 100 percent reliable, and the owner advises – always fun.

The rear hatch struts were weak and have been replaced, the centre console screen renewed and the car had its paintwork ceramic coated early this year.

The exterior is blemish-free, the silver paintwork showing the TTs dynamic styling well. All exterior trim is in fine condition, bar a couple of small kerb marks on wheels.

Inside, it’s the same story – clearly a well-kept car with nothing broken and everything functioning as it should – it all presents very nicely. And it’s a cracker to drive, with excellent performance and handling.

The TT has its original books, tools and jack as well as two keys.

This fine example of an early, iconic Audi TT offers great style, fun and affordability.

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1FAJ060

2003 Lotus Elise Sport 111

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This car is the fourth Elise the present owner has enjoyed over the years – and being a very rare, genuine Sport 111 – the best.

In the records with the car a letter from Lotus Cars describes its rarity:

19^th out of 76 cars worldwide

5^th out of 23 cars in Mirage Mica paintwork

4^th out of 6 Sport 111 cars for Australia

1 of 2 Mirage Mica cars for Australia

The letter describes the specifications: “The Lotus Sport 111 was a track biased option based on the Elise 111 for export market. Some changes included: Lotus Sport 135R suspension, adjustable anti-roll bar, repositioned steering rack, 16-inch OZ wheels, T45 rollbar and back stays, lightweight untrimmed interior components, yellow Lotus Sport decals (and embroidery) and numbered plaque.” Special interior fitments were installed, but ensuring road use ability, air conditioning and a Kenwood sound system were fitted.

In previous hands, the Lotus has had some subtle upgrades too. It’s always had regular servicing, which included a new head gasket – addressing a common Elise issue – in 2013 and again in 2023.

The present owner bought the car in March 2023 and had it shipped from Melbourne to Perth. It came with black alloy wheels, but the owner preferred the standard Elise 6-spoke wheels in silver finish, so he bought a set. The car is to be sold with both sets of wheels.

Like every Elise, the car is an absolute joy to drive – being a Sport 111, adds to the factors that make these cars so revered by drivers and enthusiasts.

With the car are the removable, body coloured hardtop, plus black soft top. Also, there is a set of brochures for the Sport 111, two keys plus a Unikey, all the factory booklets in their Elise compendium, build certificate and even a Lotus flag. The odometer shows the car has covered just over 89,000km.

This is a very rare Elise, on steroids from the factory, making an exceptionally desirable, special car. Don’t miss this opportunity…

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1HWB741

1977 Pontiac Trans Am Special Edition – SOLD

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A 1977 Trans Am featured in the movie Smokey and the Bandit which brought great demand and notoriety to the model, especially in black.

The look became iconic, making this model very collectable today. The top performance engine offered was the optional 400-cu in (6.6-litre) V8, as denoted by a special badge on the shaker hood scoop.

This top of the line WS-6 version included uprated suspension, improving handling considerably. The original 15×7 “Snowflake” wheels have the correct finish and all are in excellent condition.

The interior of the Trans Am Special Edition was treated to the Midas touch with a gold-tone engine-turned dash panel and a three-spoke Formula steering wheel with gold spokes. These Special Edition cars included more gold stripes too…

This car was sold new in Michigan but had moved to Miami, Florida, where the previous owner bought the car in 2011, before shipping it to Western Australia. The interior was a little worn, so new carpets, seat upholstery and door trims were fitted before the car left the USA.

After arrival, the car sailed through licensing and the owner obtained personal plates BANDDIT, which can go with the car if sold to a WA buyer.

A new old-style radio has been fitted, which has DAB and blue tooth, and fits the style of the car perfectly. There’s also the original 8-track player which is disconnected.

The original owner’s handbook and build sheet and books are with the car, as well as invoices for work done. It’s a very original, matching numbers car.

This Trans Am retains its original removable glass Hurst Hatches for the roof, often replaced with inferior units.

It’s an original and correct car, which starts easily, drives very smoothly and feels tight on the road, with ample performance.

Please request an email with more details of the car and photos 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.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 Designo Edition – SOLD

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This car is the update version, which had several minor styling changes inside and out, but significantly had an improved harmonic balancer for the V6 engine, solving a problem area the early version had.

Having the Designo Edition option added even more to the already well-equipped CLS. This car boasts a rare colour of paintwork – metallic Periclase Green – with Chablis leather as well as the special Designo trims and finishes inside.

This is a very highly equipped car, details available in the email description.

New, this car sold for $155,000, plus extra for the Designo trim and optional 5-spoke 18-inch wheels. The V6 350 had 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque giving very good performance. The owner has used the car for several country runs and reports it’s a very impressive cruiser on rural roads.

The car was delivered new in Queensland, then by 2017 had moved to Melbourne before the present owner brought the car over to Perth in 2020.

The owner, a long-time Mercedes-Benz enthusiast (he’d been Secretary of the Mercedes-Benz Car club), has had this car for six years and has enjoyed it so much that he’s recently bought a newer AMG version of the CLS.

The owner is pleased to report that the car has been very reliable. There’s good service history in the service booklet and a file of invoices. The car has been regularly serviced throughout, as the documentation shows.

There’s little to criticize – it’s a beautiful example, which presents and drives very nicely.

A full set of books is with the car plus two keys. The odometer reads just under 200,000km.

This is a far above average example of a desirable model. It presents very nicely inside and out and is sure to provide a lot of joy for the next owner – for a very reasonable outlay.

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1HAG130

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.

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.

Driven – Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

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I test drive and review many new cars in my capacity as a motoring writer. Occasionally a quite outstanding car comes my way… Recently I was invited to try out the latest Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge.

The Black Badge name describes a special version of the big electric coupe launched not long ago. The differentiations include its higher performance and sportier visual features.

With 485kW of power (that’s 650 horsepower) it’s the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever offered. The torque figure of 1075Nm is even more impressive. The company and salespeople are keen to link inspiration from Rolls-Royce’s World War 2 aircraft engines…

To unlock the most performance, a steering-wheel mounted button for Infinity Mode needs to be operated. Along with gargantuan performance and acceleration is a subtle in-car noise as if an engine is smoothly thrumming away. Many people find this comforting and well in keeping with big performance (a few other electric cars have it too). The Spectre’s 0-100km/h sprint can be achieved in just 4.2 seconds – mightily impressive for a 2.9 tonne car.

There’s also a launch control mode, mainly for the sons of owners to use at make-shift drag strips in certain countries.

There are special 23-inch alloy wheels and uprated suspension for a sportier feel.

Being a new Rolls-Royce, it’s beautifully built and appointed. The sky’s the limit for customisation at the factory. Speaking of the sky – there are over 5500 ‘stars’ in the roof lining and side trims…

The Sceptre Black Badge is quite rewarding to drive, with good on-road feel and unrivalled ride. The huge power helps diminish the car’s considerable size on the road. Controls are all easy to use and there are more electronic aids than any previous Rolls-Royce.

The down-sides are the very small boot, with no spare wheel and the price – one and a quarter million dollars, before any personalisation…

The Spectre has been a success for Rolls-Royce, becoming the company’s second best selling model, behind the Cullinan SUV.

There’s a vast range of options and bespoke choices – an immulinated Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet – $10,000 – and the lit-up grille is an extra $5500. Colour-coded leather seat piping ($8500) and stitching ($4500), Sindora timber veneer dashboard inlays ($6000), lambswool foot mats ($3200) and special Commission Collection umbrellas add $3000… Special colours and other accoutrements are virtually unlimited.

For a buyer at the very top end of the market, who likes the idea of electric propulsion, the Spectre makes a good case for itself.

1951 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Deluxe Sedan WITHDRAWN

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This is a strikingly attractive car from an era long gone – with a smooth V8, plenty of style and in beautiful condition, it’s a real head turner.

Oldsmobile’s Rocket Eight V8 engine gave tremendous performance and durability – and in fact in 1951 Oldsmobile won the NASCAR championship. The extravagant hood ornament reflects the Rocket theme Oldsmobile boasted.

This was the top-of-the-line 4-door model, with the 98 on a longer wheelbase than lesser versions and the Holiday Deluxe, the best equipped.

The original sales document remains with the car, showing that this fine example was sold new in Chicago with delivery on May 9 1951.

It was ordered with a suite of options, which added $398.85 to the purchase price, making a total cost of $2969.78 – when a base Chevrolet sedan cost $1600. The Oldsmobile was finished in a very attractive metallic Palm Green colour, which shows-off the brightwork really well.

The Oldsmobile remained in Chicago for many years before being shipped to Alberta Canada, then to Australia, arriving in Queensland in 2021. The present owner has had the car in Western Australia for a little over a year.

Records with the car show a thorough strip-down and repaint – and notably excellent condition of the bodywork when stripped, with no rust evident anywhere. The original motor and transmission were rebuilt – it’s a matching numbers car.

The interior has been refurbished including new carpets. The inside is as stylish as the exterior, with a fabulous dashboard design, featuring a multitude of chrome fittings and hardware.

It has button start and the car starts instantly, with the OHV V8 engine purring smoothly. Automatic transmission makes the Oldsmobile an easy cruiser, with the transmission well-suited to the plentiful low down torque the engine produces. The odometer’s 70,400 miles appears to be correct.

The car sailed through WA licensing inspection with no issues. The number plates JADE 51 can go with the car if sold to a WA buyer.

The Oldsmobile advertising catch phrase for 1951 was “Rocket Ahead in Glamorous Style!”, which captures the essence of the car so well.

This is a car which gets a lot of positive attention – plenty of waves from admirers wherever it goes. It’s a stylish, comfortable and very rare car, ready for the next custodian to start enjoying it.

Please request full details and more photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au

1951 Bentley Mk VI Saloon – REDUCED – $48,900 was $54,500

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In 1951 Bentley introduced a bigger 4.6-litre engine, as this example has, for its luxurious sporting saloon. With twin carburettors, it offers good performance for the era.

This very smart example was delivered new in Melbourne, on November 5 1951. In 1987 it sold to a Western Australian owner.

Detailed records are with the car showing work done and parts bought throughout the car’s 75-year history. Specialists have always looked after the car, with many invoices in the car’s history file.

In 1988 the car was re-trimmed in “Astley” burgundy leather by renowned Crawfords of East Perth.

The most recent owner purchased the car in 1997. A keen enthusiast – and for a period of his ownership, President of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club – the owner decided to treat the car to a comprehensive upgrade. This work took five years.

The car had been well maintained and was in good condition, however the owner wanted to bring the car up to a very high standard. It was stripped and repainted in a very attractive burgundy colour. And the result was a class win and Best Restoration in the RROCWA Concours in 2013.

Today, it still presents beautifully. The paintwork is excellent and gleams, external trim also. There are a few small marks in the paintwork, consistent with it being fifteen years old. The regal colour is vastly more attractive than the black which many were painted. The car boasts dual driving lights and the large steel sunroof.

Inside, the age of the upholstery is evident, however there’s no damage or undue wear. The woodwork presents very well as does the other hardware. The rear compartment has folding tables, mirrors in the C-pillars and all the comfort a Bentley possesses.

This is certainly one of the better examples of this model in Australia and would make an excellent club or weekends car for any collector.

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1IWN979

1992 Lincoln Town Car – SOLD

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This is a very rare opportunity to buy a rare, late model Lincoln, professionally converted to right hand drive, with excellent provenance – and at a very realistic price. A Lincoln Town Car Congressional Town Sedan by B&G.

The Town Car was already a lavishly appointed luxury car, but this example has some added touches.

Imported thirty years ago to Western Australia, this car was the personal car of Terry Priestly – who from the 1950s to the 1980s was Perth’s guru of right hand drive conversions. His last car was this Lincoln. After he gave up driving, Terry’s daughter and her car enthusiast husband took over the car and have kept it to this day.

This was the final car that Terry Priestly converted to right-hand drive. It wears an Australian low volume compliance plate and is fully licensed in WA.

Technically, the Town Car was quite advanced, boasting a 4.6-litre overhead camshaft V8 engine, disc brakes all round with ABS and rear air suspension. The Lincoln offers effortless, smooth performance.

The Lincoln drives very impressively. The whole car feels tight on the road, with good handling for a car of its bulk. The braking is impressive and the car runs quietly as a luxury car should.

The car has covered just 113,000km since new, only being used occasionally since arrival in Western Australia.

The car presents very well. The paintwork and body are excellent. The genuine alloy wheels with white sidewall tyres suit the car well.

Inside the car is the plushest lounge room in wheels. The leather upholstery is in good condition and the seller advises that all fittings work as they should.

Please request a more detailed description and photos by email from paul@classicrally.com.au Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 1APS040

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.

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.