Buon compleanno
As the humble Fiat 500 marks its 60th birthday this year, this Giannini-tuned 1971 Fiat 500 is one of the finest, and fastest, ways to celebrate the anniversary. Not too dissimilar from AMG and Mercedes, Giannini began tinkering with the original Topolino 500s and tweaking the diminutive city cars for higher performance, and this example was subject to such treatment, turning it into a true pocket rocket…
Pushrod drop top
From that glorious era when dealers could order truly special cars for their most discerning customers, this 1959 Porsche 356 GT Speedster is the last of four ‘Block’ Speedsters ordered by dealer Carl Block in 1959. Aimed at Block’s hobbyist racer clients, these GT Speedsters were specified with 1600 Super pushrod engines, as opposed to the standard four-cam units, due to their simplicity, making them ideal for trackside repairs. In total, Porsche only built seven GT Speedsters with such engines. Now offered for sale by Road Scholars in North Carolina, this lightweight beauty is ready for a new owner to push that pushrod engine to the redline…
Look to the West-falia
When it comes to blending form and function, this 1967 Volkswagen T1 Westfalia SO42 is hard to beat. Featuring the usual refinements of an SO42 specification model, including the oh-so-retro interior cabinetry and pop-top, the previous owner of 26 years not only kept this example in show-winning condition but also amassed a collection of period-perfect accessories to complete the experience. From practical amenities, such as the original Westfalia ‘driveaway’ tent and wood slat roof rack, to more whimsical additions in the form of a vintage picnic set and board game, this wonderful Westfalia has everything you need for a weekend getaway with the family.
Turbo treat
It may not look too different from the GTA that came before it, but this 1991 Renault Alpine A610 Turbo shouldn’t be cast aside for lack of a fresh face. Utilising a rear-mounted, 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, this yellow rarity was the last model to carry the Alpine name and is one of 571 left-hand-drive examples produced. Having covered only 27,748 kilometres from new, this French oddity is ready for a fresh lease on life, perplexing and intriguing every lucky passer-by who witnesses it.
Bahnstormer breadvan
Although others may suit it, it can easily be argued that Estoril Blue is one of the finest colours in which to showcase the curious curves of this 1999 BMW Z3 M Coupé. These quirky ‘breadvan’ shaped, 1,465kg, S50 straight-six-powered M wonders are increasingly sought after, but this example is not a standard model. As one of only 20 examples tuned by Digitec, complete with certification, this M coupé is one for the collector, should the temptation to hear that legendary straight-six sing not consume you, that is…
Photos: Ruote Da Sogno s.r.l. / Road Scholars / Stevies Garage / Classic Youngtimers Consultancy
