Tag Archives: cars

New car review – Nissan 400Z

One of the all-time great sports cars – and for a time, the biggest seller, was the original Datsun 240Z. Built from 1969 to 1973, the 240Z is still highly sought after by collectors today due to its tremendous combination of style and performance.

Datsun’s parent company Nissan steadily developed their sports model over the years, with a continuous series of models. The latest model, the 400Z sticks to the tried and true formula which pleases enthusiast drivers well. It’s front-engined, with a 6-cylinder motor, rear wheel drive and in strictly 2-seater configuration.

To look at, there are styling cues taken from the original Z, but reinterpreted in a modern way rather than clumsily copying the earlier style. The rear is reminiscent of the 300ZX. And it works well – the 400Z I had to review for a week got positive comments everywhere I went.

The engine is a highlight of the 400Z – a 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6, it provides plenty of grunt – 298kW (which equals 400 horsepower). In the relatively light body, this gives ample acceleration, even in the higher gears… of which it has six in the manual gearbox, or 9 in the automatic.

Inside is where the compromises of sports cars are most apparent. It’s just two seats with a small storage space behind. There are shallow central storage spots and the boot doesn’t hold a lot. Pretty much the story of most 2-seater sports cars…

The view out to the rear three quarters is very restricted, which many modern cars of all types suffer from. The answer car makers give is to fit cameras and a screen (which I find frustratingly inadequate for this form-over-function problem). However in the 400Z, the screen is angled out at the bottom, and not set back enough to be shaded – at many times of the day, the sun shines directly onto the screen making it virtually unreadable.

As a sports car the bar is set high for driving expectations and the 400Z doesn’t disappoint. While it’s an easy car to cruise around town in, when the Sports mode button is pressed, it takes on a more aggressive feel and provides very strong performance.

The low-set car handles very nicely, taking curves in its stride – and notably, the ride has finesse, compliance and comfort. The harshness in other cars can be wearing, especially on a long run, so the 400Zs suspension setup works very much in its favour.

In a time when SUVs dominate the catalogues of almost every car maker’s offerings, it is very pleasing that a car like the 400Z is available. Any sports car sells to a niche market, and uptake in Australia is traditionally smaller than many other parts of the world.

Nissan had a launch price for 400Z at $73,300 in manual or automatic form. Its natural competitors are the Toyota Supra ($87,000) and Ford Mustang 5.0 ($65,290), so it fits nicely in that range. As Nissan Australia’s only non SUV or 4WD model, the 400Z has a lot of appeal.

Paul Blank

New car review – Jeep Avenger

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The new Avenger is a most unusual Jeep. First, it’s not available in the USA. Second, it’s not four-wheel-drive. Third, it’s electric.

The Avenger’s story is one of the complexity of the modern car industry. The huge Stellantis group is a merging of the Fiat Chrysler group of companies (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Maserati, Lancia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM) with the Peugeot group PSA (Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall). Plus there’s a slice of some Chinese brands involved too – Dongfeng and Leapmotor…

The Fiat Chrysler group of companies were in enormous trouble, having had terrible management making poor decisions. Only Jeep was making money for the group. And very little of that was outside the US market.

A small Jeep Renegade model which shared its platform and Italian manufacture with a Fiat model had been moderately successful in Europe. So when the decision to replace it with a new electric model came about – it’s one that just about every one of the Stellantis brand names has a car based-on, a Jeep was obvious. So far, only Abarth, Maserati and RAM have not got a car on this platform.

Each has its own characteristics, styling inside and out, but shared technology and much of the structure and running gear. The Jeep model, built in the Polish factory which used to build the incredibly popular 500 (which unbelievably Fiat somehow managed not to have a direct replacement for), the Avenger is aimed primarily at the European market. There a Jeep doesn’t have to be as big as a truck or have the capability to climb Mt Rushmore.

So the electric Jeep is a compact, front wheel drive model – and Australia gets the Avenger as its smallest Jeep. It’s quite a tidy design, harnessing the Jeep look without appearing unnecessarily aggressive or utilitarian.

Inside, it’s clear some of the systems and tech are familiar from other Stellantis brands, it mostly comes together pretty well. It handles nicely, with sure-footedness, and has decent performance.

It’s just as well the Avenger isn’t aimed for rough work and long country drives, because that’s where electric vehicles are at their most inept. As an around town compact family car, it does quite well. Electronic aids are nicely calibrated and unobtrusive – other makers could learn from this…

There are three versions starting at $49,990 for the Longitude, but the base model is lacking in features. The Limited is set at $54,990 and the Summit $60,990. All are comfortable and fit five easily despite the compact exterior dimensions.

If we got the all-wheel-drive and engine-driven versions that Europeans car buy, sales of the Avenger would undoubtedly be stronger, given the Australian market for EVs has yet to get to ten percent.

Paul Blank

New Car Review – Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy

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This week I’m testing the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy – a 7-seater luxury EV. It’s certainly big, plush, quiet and well equipped. At a smidge under $120,000, it’s pushing well into Genesis territory, but that can probably work for the company.

There’s strong acceleration – 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, with much less intrusive electronic nannying than many other recent models from Hyundai – seems they’ve been taking the feedback on board.

The Ioniq 9 feels well planted on the road, handles well for a 2.5 tonne SUV. The WLTP claim is a 600km range.

The top of the line Calligraphy has everything they can throw at it. Except Australia doesn’t get the option of swivelling centre row seats that other markets do. There are special finishes, heated and cooled front and rear seats, dozens of cup holders, 21-ich wheels (of a rather dated, fussy design), triple zone climate control, panoramic glass roof, lovely feeling suede-like roof lining and many more details.

But the $3000 option gimmick cameras and screens in place of door mirrors is frustrating at best – dangerous at worst. You have to focus on the screen, not using the depth of field as with a normal mirrors or looking through the windows. Loses a fraction of a second. Terrible for anyone who needs glasses. And hard to judge gaps (when reverse parking for example). The image doesn’t give the additional information a brain can take on board by moving your head a bit. I’ve used this in several cars now. More car makers will use this expensive gimmick to seem high tech. It’s a retrograde step.

The boot floor is crazy high, like almost every new SUV, especially EVs. And it’s not concealing a spare wheel. Boot space with seats up is not generous. There is a small frunk.

Space in the front two rows is excellent – almost limousine-like for the centre row passengers.

There’s an 8-year warranty – and unlike sone of the unknown new brands, Hyundai will still be around to honour it – while parts availability and servicing will be to their usual good standard.

And I don’t mind the styling, especially the back end.

Paul Blank

1951 Allard K2 Roadster – $49,000

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Australian Grand Prix history
Hidden away for 40 years
Much restoration completed
A very rare opportunity…

This is a car with a remarkable history.

Allard cars are pretty special… A forward-thinking car creator of the post-war era, Sydney Allard saw opportunity in fitting American V8 engines into light, British-built bodies. Allard found immediate success producing racing and sports cars. Competition success followed, at Le Mans and the Monte Carlo rally among many others.

Various models were offered. The K-series sports touring cars was more road-usable than its J-series sibling but offered equal performance and excitement. Allards were fast, lightweight roadsters, with a more sophisticated chassis than most US offerings at the time. From 1949-52, 117 K2s were sold. Very few made it to Australia, though a handful were sold new here, including this car which was sold new in NSW.

Its owner entered the car in the 1953 Australian Grand Prix, held at Albert Park, in Melbourne. This is one of few 1953 AGP cars surviving today, over 70 years later.

In the 1950s the Allard became the property of Bob Dykes in Sydney. Dykes was well known in hot rod circles and was one of the founders of the Thunderbirds Rod & Custom Club in the early 1960s (which still exists). The history file with this car shows photos of the car at events and includes various documents from the early 1960s.

The Allard came to WA, then in July 1983 became a long term project for a well-known professional restorer. In the ensuing 40 years, considerable work was done on the car. Much mechanical work was done, the chassis restored, bodywork was renewed where necessary and repaired elsewhere, readying the car for paint. The steel wheels were replaced by a set of wire wheels. The car ran under its own power at one point for testing during the rebuild.

However, several other cars were restored by the owner while the Allard took a place in the background. Parts were sourced and work on it was occasional. Unfortunately, the owner passed away before he could complete the work on his cherished Allard.

Today the car sits in primer. Clearly there is much to be done, but a great deal of the hard work has already been completed, to a high standard.

Caroll Shelby of AC Cobra and Ford GT40 fame and Zora Arkus-Duntov, father of the Chevrolet Corvette were “Works Drivers” for Allard in the 1950s and there is no doubt that Allards influenced their cars. Light weight alloy body, V8 power, torque and simplicity, roadster styling and compact size made ideal and successful competition cars. Many cars of this era are underpowered, ponderous, overweight and not a lot of fun to drive. However this Allard with its light weight, lusty Cadillac V8, independent front end and well-located rear axle – that V8 soundtrack – will be tremendous to drive.

Once completed it’s sure to prove an exciting car – and with its Australian Grand Prix competition history and rarity would be welcomed at exclusive events around the world. Equally it would be a great fun car for use in club events, historic motorsport and shows anywhere it attends. An unusually rare opportunity…

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143

1997 Jaguar XK8 Coupe 1CYD388 – $36,500

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This elegant V8 Jaguar coupe was delivered new in Melbourne.

It has comprehensive service history supported by stamped service booklets from new. By 1998 the car had moved to Western Australia and was regularly serviced by Barbagallo Jaguar, Wilf Chambers Jaguar and Roadbend Motors and the details in the service books verify the car’s low mileage of 101,000km today.

The present owner has had the car for 17 years. He added chrome tail light surrounds and driving lights.

In 2024 and early 2025 major work was undertaken. This included a new power steering pump, engine and transmission mounts, new hoses, pipes and expansion tank for the cooling system, new adaptive rear shock absorbers and other minor items – some $15,000 spent.

The owner used the Jaguar as an extra car not in everyday use, hence its low mileage.

It sits on good Continental tyres, the alloy wheels free of kerb damage. There are a few stone chips and small scratches in the paintwork, but the body is straight and finish excellent. Inside, the car presents well too. Luxuriously fitted out, the light-coloured upholstery suits the car well, with the polished woodwork in excellent condition.

Easy to use around town and wonderful on the open road, with elegant styling and high comfort levels, it offers a great deal for a very reasonable price. This example has excellent service history and especially low mileage.

Please 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.

2003 Renault Sport Clio V6 Phase 2 – $93,500

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Renault’s ultimate hot hatch, the Clio V6 was a remarkable car. Built in the Alpine factory in Dieppe, this car boasts a mid-mounted 3-litre V6 engine, with a 6-speed manual gearbox. With 188kW (252 horsepower), the compact Clio V6 was a quick – and nimble – sports car.

Standard equipment included power steering, rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, air conditioning, six speakers and a CD changer as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

191 vehicles were finished in Illiad Blue out of total production of 354 RHD Phase 2 cars. This car was delivered new in England. It was imported to Australia in February 2010.

In August 2013 the car was sold to a Western Australian enthusiast. During his ownership the car has covered about 1000km per year, mainly being used for club events and the occasional Sunday run. The car has been invited to be exhibited at the exclusive Celebration of the Motorcar show several times. Today the odometer shows just 55,000km.

As soon as he bought the car, the owner began scouring the world seeking spare parts for the car – just in case… and to ensure he had everything possible. In excess of $20,000 was spent. Quite a number of these parts have been fitted to the car to make it as good as possible.

Of the twelve such cars believed to be in Australia, this is the sole example in Western Australia.

It has been thoroughly maintained and beautifully kept. Its presentation is thoroughly impressive.

The car is a dramatic and outstanding car in all respects – and a real rarity anywhere in the world.

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

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143 http://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.

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.

1965 Chrysler Newport Pillarless Sedan – SOLD

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The last time this car was on the market was 60 years ago! Sold new in March 1965 Robert L Curtis of California took delivery of his new Chrysler Newport with options, for US$3555.00.

The 1965 Newport featured Chrysler’s 383 cu in V8 engine (6.3-litres), well-known for its power and smoothness. With 270 horsepower, it gave excellent performance for 1965 – and with TorqueFlite automatic transmission and power steering, the Newport was a breeze to drive and good for 110mph. The 4-door sedan of generous proportions and luxurious fit-out was sharp-looking in the post fins era.

Mr Curtis ensured his car was regularly serviced, as shown in the handbook and glovebox plaque showing service dates. By the end of 1969 the car had covered 37,991 miles. A file with the car has a lot of servicing and repair documentation dating back over four decades

The cherished Chrysler was transferred to his son in 1990. He moved to Australia in 1997 and arranged for the Chrysler to be shipped out. In preparation for moving, a considerable amount of work was done to the car. At that time the odometer showed some 46,000 miles.

With good foresight, Mr Curtis also took the opportunity to purchase a large quantity of service parts for the car before it left the US. Today, the boot of the car is filled with many new parts.

After so many years with the car, Mr Curtis donated the car to the Motor Museum of WA. The Museum management has been undertaking a review of its cars and decided that the Newport is not sufficiently relevant to Australian motoring history and should be sold. It has been kept maintained and in September was checked over and serviced in readiness for sale.

Today the car presents very well – it’s certainly an impressive vehicle. The paintwork shows wear in some places, a few small scratches and past localized repairs in some spots but is mostly original. The bodywork is straight and rust free. Inside, the car is very tidy. Everything appears to be in fine condition, in place and operational.

The odometer today shows just over 51,400 miles, which when looking over the car and through servicing documentation looks verifiable as correct.

The car starts instantly and immediately shows the smoothness of its powertrain. The brakes are quite sensitive and the car handles very nicely, given its proportions and intended characteristics.

Please request an email with full description and more 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.

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.

1973 Holden Torana GTR XU-1 – Withdrawn from sale

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One of the greatest of Australian muscle cars, the GTR XU-1 built its reputation with motorsport wins and quickly became a favourite with collectors.

This car came into the family selling it now, over 20 years ago, spending much of that time garaged, awaiting attention. The owner has had the car carefully checked over and is confident that it’s the real deal, not a replica XU-1. A well-known and respected expert has verified this for him. The numbers show the car was assembled in GMH’s Queensland plant. Other early history is unknown. The car has its original build plates.

Its original engine was sold many years ago and another, period correct motor (verified 1973) has been fitted, with the triple carburettors and other correct fitments.

The XU-1 was registered until 2009, then deregistered and has passed inspection this year, being re-licensed on club registration.

The car was repainted to a high standard over twenty years ago, but it has not been on the road for most of that time, so presents very well. The bright yellow suits the car particularly well.

Inside the car presents very well throughout. A modern sound system has been installed recently, with no holes cut in the rear parcel shelf for speakers. The original AM radio will be sold with the car also.

Under the bonnet, in the boot and underneath the car also present very well. New tyres are on correct alloy wheels which show no kerb damage.

Considerable work has been undertaken recently to bring the car up to its excellent standard. Almost $30,000 has been spent doing this work. Much of the work done by a highly regarded expert workshop in these cars. The car has been serviced and dyno tuned – it starts instantly and runs very well.

It’s not going to be a concours winner, but is a very impressive example, which gets a great deal of positive attention when out and about. And it’s realistically priced.

If sold to a Western Australian buyer, the number plates MUSTARD can go with the car.

Please request an email with full description and more 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.

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.

1988 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 – $19,500

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Recognized as one of the all-time-great hot hatches, the later version of the 205 GTi featured a 1.9-litre, fuel injected motor. This car’s from the sweet-spot in GTi production, with the most powerful (130bhp) motor. From 1992, the power output was reduced.

Genuine, original cars are very sought after. An Australian-delivered example, finished in Alpine White with cloth upholstery and the GTi’s signature red carpet, plus optional sunroof, this car recently arrived in Perth from Victoria.

The previous owner in Melbourne had spent over $6000 between 2023 and 2025 on maintenance and repair work on the car. This included the cam belt, and since this was changed, the car has just covered 100km. The odometer shows 313,000km.

On purchasing the car in August and having it shipped to Western Australia, and underwent a license inspectoin. Fortunately very little was required – and the car sailed through its registration inspection. The owner has also replaced the battery.

The GTi presents well, though there are a few blemishes and a couple of scratches. Inside, the upholstery is excellent. The car has the original Peugeot stereo and power windows. The owner advises that the sunroof does not work and he has not investigated why it doesn’t operate.

Under the bonnet, everything is as it should be. The car starts instantly and performs well showing the fun driving characteristics that this model is renowned for.

The car is registered (1IST538) to March 2026. It is eligible for club license.

This 205 GTi is very realistically priced, this is an honest, neat example which retains tremendous 1980s fun factor.

Please request an email with full description and more 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.

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.

1987 Porsche 944 Turbo – Was $37,500 – now $29,500

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Porsche did a lot of development in the 944 series and the Turbo is deservedly recognized today as a desirable version.

Australian delivered examples were well-equipped, with standard features such as power steering, power windows, air conditioning, central locking, power seats, etc.

This car was delivered new in Melbourne by the Porsche importer, Hamiltons of South Yarra. The car’s history file includes a large quantity of invoices dating back to the 1990s, confirming that the car has always been maintained by Porsche specialist workshops.

Two years ago the present owner bought the car. He had plans to adapt the car for use in club level motorsport, but the idea never progressed – the car remaining unmodified and little used.

The owner had a service completed in September this year. He notes the report of several minor items would benefit from attention: predominantly cosmetic and wear and tear items. Given it’s an almost 40 year old car, none of this is out of the ordinary or requires major work. The car is very realistically priced taking into account that these items require attention.

The car is a straight, sound rust-free Australian-delivered car with comprehensive service history. It has the original books, documents and jack. The tyres are good Yokohama Advans. The odometer shows the car has covered 228,000km – an average of 6000km per year.

The engine bay presents very well – which is a testament to the excellent maintenance record the car possesses.

If sold to a Western Australian buyer a new set of numberplates will be fitted as the owner intends to retain those on the car.

The car presents well, in an attractive colour scheme and is well-equipped. Features include power steering, leather trim, “Teledial” alloy wheels and a big removable sunroof. The car will be supplied with a different – functional – sound system.

The 944 Turbo is a model with an excellent reputation, whether for road use or adapting to motorsport as the owner had planned.

Please request an email with full description and more 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.

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.