Tag Archives: cars

New car review – Mercedes-Benz E300

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The long-running mid-size E-Class range has been tremendously successful for Mercedes-Benz for decades. Today though, sales of all cars in its category are diminished by the popularity of SUVs.

So it’s heartening that some companies still design and manufacture traditional sedans (and wagon versions), and in this case, a high quality, beautifully engineered ‘proper car’.

There’s no shortage of modern technology in the new E-Class, which is immediately evident from the carefully streamlined body shape to the fill-width dashboard of screens – known as the MBUX Superscreen.

Australia gets a limited selection of E-Class models. It starts with the E200 at $117,900 through the E300 at $130,414 and the very special, range-topping AMG E53 4Matic+ plug-in hybrid which sells for $199,900.

I reviewed the E300, which has a 190kW, 400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can allow the engine to coast under low load conditions, or provide a handy 17kW/205Nm boost under acceleration. There’s plenty of performance available, but when pushed, the 4-cylinder doesn’t sound quite premium.

That said, the car is beautifully quiet, with excellent noise suppression as a luxury car should provide.

And proper luxury is what the E300 provides. There’s a full-size panoramic glass sunroof, head-up display, 17-speaker sound system, leather upholstery on plush multi adjustable, heated and ventilated seats, flush door handles which pop out when you approach…

In Australia, the E300 includes AMG-line external fitments. Surprise and delight features abound. In addition to the instrument screen and central control navigation screen, there’s 12.3-inch panel in front of the passenger offering all kinds of entertainment and capabilities. Atop the dashboard is a camera that can operate as a selfie-taker and as a face recognition authenticator to log you into your Mercedes account. It can also be used for participating in video conferencing on the run. Interestingly, the same camera keeps an eye on the passenger, and if it determines they’re feeling unwell, it will adjust airflow, their seat and even the interior lighting…

The strip-light around the interior pulsates to the music you choose.

Optionally, a Plus Package offers air suspension, power-closing doors, heated rear seats, an illuminated front grille, and rear-wheel steering – plus a heated front armrest.

On the road, the E300 excels. The low centre of gravity (unlike SUVs) provides confidence. The ride is beautiful, and the comfort level doesn’t compromise the impressive handling and roadholding.

The boot is very large at 540-litres and rear seat space has been increased significantly over the previous model.

With over 120 years of creating high quality cars it’s evident everywhere in the E300, with quality, careful consideration of so many elements of the design and joy in use. This is a special car.

FOR SALE: 1960 Volkswagen Beetle – SOLD

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This is an exceptional example of the iconic Beetle, having been purchased – with some excellent accessories – being well-enjoyed and maintained and only sold 64 years later…

Fitted from new with an under-dash parcel shelf, white side flashes, towbar and radio as well as white sidewall tyres among other accessories, the car’s full service history with Volkswagen dealers appears in the service booklets.

The owner cherished the car, drove it across Australia several times towing a small trailer of luggage for extended family holidays and always kept the Beetle… Some ten years after he died, his family let the car go, selling it to neighbours over the road who also knew the car for many decades.

They lavished a lot of attention on the car which had sat unused for many years – rebuilt engine and gearbox – electrical items, brakes, suspension all received attention. New tyres and battery and special numberplates V1960W were fitted.

However, the owner is aging and finds driving a manual, non-power steer car a challenge, so has decided to sell. The car has recently had a license inspection which gives confidence. Aside from the surface of the bumpers, no rust is visible anywhere and the car starts instantly and runs particularly smoothly.

Here’s an opportunity to buy an excellent, cherished example of the iconic Volkswagen, with much work done and ready to be enjoyed.

Please request an email with detailed description 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.

1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 DHC LML557 – $349,000

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  • Earls Court Motor Show car
  • Very rare worldwide – one of 73 made
  • Known history
  • Ex-museum car
  • Extensively restored

This actual car was displayed as a running chassis at Earls Court at the British Motor Show, illustrating the quality and finish the company was proud of. The car featured the company’s twin-overhead camshaft 2.6-litre 6-cylinder motor, giving tremendous performance for the era.  Following the show it went back to the works and was completed, with bodywork by highly respected coachbuilder Mulliners.

This was a very expensive car when new, very much hand-built with the best materials and technology available. Featuring leather upholstery and wire wheels, it was a glamorous car too. The buyer of the car took delivery on March 11 1954.

The car’s history of ownership and servicing is mostly recorded by the factory in documentation with the car today.

In 1980 the owner undertook a restoration program, which included stripping the bodywork, replating all chromework, new interior including dashboard, seats, carpets, overhauling the instruments, rewiring the car and work on the brakes. Details of the companies which undertook the work are with the car’s history.

UK registration certificates show the car back on the road on May 22 1986. In June 1987 the car was advertised for sale and the purchaser was Peter Briggs’ York Motor Museum and the car was shipped to Western Australia, arriving in July 1988. It was sometimes displayed at the museum and other times kept at the Briggs’ home garage when it was enjoyed on the road and in car club events. Some additional work was carried out during the next thirty years to ensure the car’s usability. It wore York numberplates Y 03.

In March 2017 the Aston Martin changed hands, remaining in Western Australia. The owner undertook more work on the car to bring it up to a high standard. This included new leather upholstery and carpets, work on the steering, suspension, and the fuel tank and nozzle. A set of new (correct) tyres were fitted. Some bodywork was required with new door frames and inner pillars plus work on the window winder mechanisms and partial repaint.

The car has seen limited use, being a part of a collection. It was exhibited at the invitation-only Celebration of the Motorcar show in 2022.

It presents beautifully throughout. In 2025 the soft top and its cover were replaced and the steering wheel re-covered.

The DB2/4 starts immediately from cold and fairly soon thereafter runs very smoothly, with the distinctive twin-cam 6-cylinder sound and slightly rorty exhaust note.

It wears numberplates AM DB2 which will be sold with the car if bought by a Western Australian buyer.

This car is Mille Miglia eligible should such an adventure appeal.

Opportunities to buy any of this model are very few worldwide. This well-sorted car with excellent, known history makes a particularly attractive proposition.

Please request an email with full details 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.

1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe – UNDER OFFER

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Certainly one of the most iconic coupes of the 1950s through to the 1970s was the Karmann Ghia. The car was applauded for its elegant styling and enjoyed by many for its simple, reliable running gear. The model remained in production for twenty years.

This 1970 car is from the era where the original clean shape and details remain.

This fine example was a US market car. A Perth collector with a broad variety and large number of classic cars sought a good Karmann Ghia and he purchased this car in early 2013, in Nevada – a dry state. The car was imported and being an excellent, original car, required little to gain registration.

A close look through the car shows it is in fine condition.

It is finished in an attractive shade of blue called Pastel Blue, which suits the car very well.

Inside, the car is very tidy throughout and its originality stands out. The odometer shows just 32,000 miles, though the car may well have been ‘around the clock’ once.

This Karmann Ghia with its 1600 engine, runs very well, starting instantly and offering a good level of fun in its performance. Recent work involved cleaning out the fuel tank and fitment of a new battery. The owners advise the car has always been reliable – a typical Volkswagen trait.

It’s not a show pony, but a very well presented car which is sure to give the next owner a lot of pleasure at a very realistic price.

Registered 1EKG991

Please request an email with a detailed description and more photos.

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.

1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur – $32,500

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The SZ series brought Rolls-Royce into the 1980s with a modern and improved design which proved very successful. The Silver Spur is the desirable long wheelbase version of the much admired SZ range.

This car is finished in a very attractive metallic Cotswold Beige finish with brown Everflex roof. Inside, a light beige colour scheme for the trim and carpets are offset by beautiful polished burl walnut, in excellent condition. The rear passenger compartment boasts folding occasional tables in the same burl walnut, a feature of the long wheelbase cars.

This car shows just under 42,000km on its odometer, and from looking through the car, it’s not hard to see it’s a car which has had little use. The UK-delivered car came to Perth from Melbourne in 2009 and has seen minimal use, but regular servicing. Most recent servicing was completed in January 2025.

Aside from a couple of very minor marks in the paintwork the car presents well inside and out. The original books including handbook are in the compendium, with a later service booklet, partially stamped.

The car starts immediately from cold and drives as smoothly as a Silver Spur should – giving great driving pleasure.

The SZ series cars offer exceptional value for money these days. this will make an excellent addition to a collection or be a fine weekend car in addition to your everyday transport. The SRJ numberplates are to be retained by the owner and standard plates will be fitted.

Please request an email with a detailed description and more photos.

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.

1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor – $11,500

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The SLK – a compact, luxurious sports model with folding hardtop roof and a perky supercharged engine was a formula for success.

Standard equipment in Australia included leather upholstery, power windows, power steering, dual-zone climate control and alloy wheels. Safety features include front and side driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. 

In October 1997 this car was delivered new in Sydney and features the ‘sport package’ upgrades. This includes an optional design of alloy wheels, slightly lowered suspension, dual exhaust outlets, sideskirts and the lower section of the bumpers and grille colour-coded.

Ten years ago the owner purchased the SLK as an ‘extra’ car for weekend open-top motoring, to go with his vintage MG. The SLK saw little use in his decade of ownership and today the odometer reading is 128,000km. I sold the car recently and the new owner has since found a unique SLK with just a few hundred km on it from new. Hence this car’s back on the market.

The car starts instantly, runs smoothly and is completely easy to drive. The owner assures that everything works as it should.

These SLKs enjoy Mercedes-Benz quality and luxury and this two-seater sports model ads a lot of fun to the equation. This is a good, straight, well-presented example in above average condition. Unbeatable value…

Please request an email with more detailed information and a set of photographs, 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. MD28143

1953 Alvis TC21 Saloon

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Alvis has a rich history, having produced a range of high quality, good performing models.

Their postwar sporting saloons, including this car, featured an elegant, sweeping body style and a comfortable interior. Important news from 1950 was the introduction of a new 3-litre 6-cylinder engine. This was introduced along with coil sprung independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, ahead of most cars on the market. An Alvis was more exclusive than a Jaguar or Rover.

The extensive records with this car show that it was originally supplied to New Zealand and registered on September 17 1953, in Napier. The history file with the car shows it was still in New Zealand in 1992. By 1998 the car had moved to New South Wales and was in long term ownership.

The car was displayed at the big Motorlife car museum in rural New South Wales for a period and featured on a promotional postcard for the museum.

The car then moved to Perth to a new owner and in 2015 was the subject of a comprehensive mechanical rebuild.

The car is resplendent in glossy black and silver two-tone paintwork with the wheels in matching silver, looking very smart. The bodywork is excellent and boasts a large sliding steel sunroof.

Inside, the Alvis has lovely leather upholstery and polished woodwork adorns the dashboard and doors – all in excellent condition.

The car wears desirable numberplates 53 ALVIS which will be sold with the car if purchased by a West Australian buyer.

The car starts well and once warm, the engine exhibits its excellent torque and easy performance on the road. The ride is comfortable for people in the front and rear.

Its regal, yet sleek styling certainly gets a lot of positive attention.

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

2025 Aston Martin Vanquish review

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Aston Martin Vanquish

By Paul Blank

It’s not every day one gets a chance to drive a car like this to review… Elite British car manufacturer Aston Martin’s range topping model – of their regular production models – is the Vanquish, having now been built in three generations.

My recent drive was the all-new Vanquish – the first example to land in Australia.

There are high expectations for this car, as Aston Martin raises the bar in the way they’ve done continuously since 1913. The company has had its ups and downs, but they’ve always produced very exclusive, very high-performance cars.

With a lot of carbon fibre in its unique construction, the new, bigger Vanquish boasts a 5.2-litre V12 engine with two turbochargers, providing 614kW (824 horsepower). 0-100km/h takes 3.2 seconds! Needless to say, when you put your foot down, even in standard GT mode, there’s plenty of oomph. It can do 344km/h… apparently.

Around town it’s as docile as you could wish for. The test car had racy carbon fibre seats, which were properly comfortable as well as body-hugging. In fact, it was a ‘well-optioned’ car, with $236,820 of options, including a titanium muffler ($26,640), and some $80,000+ worth of carbon fibre finishes inside and out… The satin black paintwork – not to my taste – costs an additional $35,820. There’s a vast range of selections to make when you place your order, which can make the car even more spectacular. The reality is no buyer will order a standard car at $737,000. This car ‘as tested’ rang up at $1,072,725. Not the most valuable car I’ve driven, but a lot of dollars’ worth to punt around when there are black Ford Ranger drivers tailgating and Camry drivers vaguing-out ahead.

The Vanquish boasts a lot of nice details beyond all the immaculately finished carbon fibre parts. A little centrally mounted pull-tag for seat slide adjustment, the swan neck opening doors, now an Aston tradition and plenty of adjustability for the drive (different modes, adjustable ride, exhaust, etc) which add to the experience. The old Aston Martin waterfall-style centre console has gone. All the controls feel beautifully measured in their operation as do the carbon brakes, which can be difficult in some cars, but are ‘easy as’ in the Vanquish.

If you’re in the stratosphere of such buyers and want something not quite as low and flat as a Lamborghini or McLaren, the Vanquish offers a much more Grand Tourer style of car, with proper supercar performance.

Text and photos copyright Paul Blank 2025

1969 Triumph 2.5 PI – $16,750

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From my own collection:

One of the great executive sporting saloons of its era, this model boasted fuel injection to spice up the performance of the 2.5-litre 6-cylinder engine.

Renowned for their performance, handling and comfort and styled by Michelotti in Italy, the design was widely admired.

This car has the optional automatic transmission.

This car was delivered new by State Distributor for Triumph, Premier Motors. It was purchased by a Triumph enthusiast in 2005. It lived a life as a collectors piece, being taken to car shows and used for club runs.

The owner made a few key upgrades. These included a new set of five Triumph Stag alloy wheels, the rear axles have been upgraded to Mk2 versions, and possibly most significantly, power steering has been added. This is the Dutch-made EZ electric power steering system, specifically made for this model of Triumph.

The car was always properly maintained and cherished. Unfortunately with ageing, his health deteriorated, he stopped driving and the Triumph sat in his garage for a year before the family decided to let it go.

On my buying the car, a Triumph specialist company went over the car, checked everything, replaced some hoses and made adjustments to ensure the car was good after its year of slumber. A new battery and accelerator cable have been installed.  

A modern sound system with Bluetooth has been added and inertia reel seatbelts have been fitted. It drives very nicely, the torquey engine giving ample performance.

The car presents beautifully throughout. It has been to many events such as Classic Cars & Coffee where it’s always admired.

Unfortunately a house move to a place with less garage space means the car has to, very reluctantly, go.

Included is a history file, original handbook and service booklet, a manual for the sound system and a workshop manual. Some spare belts and hoses are with the car. The number plates 69 INJ go with the car to a WA buyer.

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.

2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports – REDUCED: $287,000

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  • One of two in Australia
  • Australian compliance
  • One owner from new
  • Special order from Morgan
  • Supercar performance
  • Luxurious cockpit

This is a very special car, for the individualist. It features the modernized construction and styling of the Aero with unique targa roof construction, ‘boat-tail’ rear styling and a higher than previous level of cabin luxury. Here was a weather-proof, lockable Morgan, with a boot, and all the accoutrements of luxuriousness – combined with impressive supercar performance.

The modified 270kW 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine gives the SuperSports exhilarating performance. 0-100km/h is achieved in just 4.2 seconds – along with an awesome soundtrack. The car is fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox, also BMW sourced.

Tremendous handling is a highlight of this Morgan, with its bonded aluminium structure and Superformed aluminium panels keeping it light weight yet strong.

The interior features hand-finished polished woodwork surrounding the dashtop, door panels and rear area, with beautiful handcrafted leather elsewhere making the cockpit a very cossetting environment.

In this car’s history file are letters from the Australian importer and Morgan in the UK, with details of the options and order specifications. Morgan provided a beautiful boxed, leatherbound album showing the build of the car through many stages to completion.

With options, the car cost the buyer considerably in excess of $400,000 and the importer covered $13,426 of options over and above this amount. While he’d ordered the car from Perth, he had the car delivered to Tasmania where it was used for a period before shipping to Perth, where it’s been ever since.

Ultimately Morgan built 132 examples of the Aero SuperSports, and just two came to Australia. Today, the car has covered just over 15,000km.

If sold to a Western Australian buyer, the number plates MOG AERO go with it.

The condition of the car can fairly be described as pristine throughout. It is a blast to drive when demanded with huge performance, yet easy to cruise around in.

This is a very rare opportunity to buy an incredibly rare model from one of the greatest sports car makers of all time.

Please request an email with more details and 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. 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.