Amelia Island 2016 Dream Picks

By: Nikesh Kooverjee

The 2016 Amelia Island Auction hosted by Gooding & Co features a vast selection of classic automobiles including the 16 Porsches that Jerry Seinfeld has decided to get rid of. We asked members of the staff to pick out some of their favourite selections and what they would go home with if money were not an option.

Steve Smith – Editor:

1965 Lamborghini 350 GT
I’ve always loved the smooth, flowing lines of the first car Lamborghini ever made. There’s a hint of 50s futurism in Carrozzeria Touring’s design that clothes a race car-like spaceframe chassis and detuned race-bred, alloy V12.  Only 131 examples were ever made, making this a very rare bird.

1963 Porsche 356 B 2000 GS/GT Carrera 2 Coupe
One of the most desirable 356 models. Unlike the earlier 1,6-litre Carrera, this one has the Type 578 2,0-litre motor. There were two models, the road-going Carrera Deluxe… and this stripped-out racing version. Matte grey and no wheel covers shows the 356’s purity of line in all its glory. And Jerry Seinfeld owned this example.

Terence Steenkamp – Deputy Editor:

1940 Buick Estate Wagon
I considered one of the Porsches, but couldn’t divert my eyes from this quirky wooden-bodied wagon with coachwork by Biehl. The colour combination is perfect, offset by the period white-wall tyres.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe
My love for the German brand’s older cars is well known, and this large W111 two-door is one of my favourites. Wonderfully elegant lines hide a creamy V8 engine delivering a stout 150 kW.

Sudhir Matai – Associate Editor

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
In my eyes, this is the most beautiful Ferrari ever penned. Power, pace, handling are all minor details when you slide behind the oversized wheel and head along the French or Italian coastline with your bella donna alongside. In a Lusso la bella e vita.

1990 Porsche 962C
Arguably one of the most successful sportcars of all time, which right-minded petrolhead wouldn’t want to own the legendary 962. It seems as though this car has never been raced, which makes it even more rare among 956s/962s.

Nicol Louw – Technical Editor

1995 Ferrari F50
This choice does not need an explanation – just look at it! Naturally aspirated V12 engine connected to a manual ‘box making the best F1 impression on the road I have ever heard. Was lucky to ride shotgun in one with the owner giving it beans – a moment in life I will never forget…

1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder
I actually know very little about this car but remember I had a pack of trump cards when I was still a boy where this car was the joker. It trounced everything else with speed and power so it would be nice to experience it for real during a track day!

Peter Palm – Road-Test Engineer:

1947 Alfa Romeo 6C Super Sport Coupe
With bodywork by Touring of Milan, this appeals to me because one usually associates Alfa Romeo with racing cars and the great modern cars such as the Giulia Sprint GTs. To drive a classic like this with that great straight-six engine is a different experience.

1973 Maserati Bora
This is an early example with a 4,7-litre V8 and bodywork designed by Giugiaro at Italdesign. I have a soft spot for the Trident since the Maserati brothers loved design and racing like their compatriots at Ferrari and Lamborghini but never achieved the same fame. These cars really stand out and must be preserved and enjoyed.

Wilhelm Lutjeharms – Journalist:

1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder
Why is this so difficult? Since this auction is Porsche heavy, I’ll narrow it down to this manufacturer. With such special race cars on offer, I’ll have to pick one. The Can-Am cars were known for their abundance of power, and this model is undoubtedly one of the best known with its Sunoco livery.

1997 Porsche 993 Cup 3.8 RSR
Probably not meant for the road, but I’ll try to register it anyway. Having driven one, it is one of the rawest air-cooled 911 experiences you could wish for, and left a lasting impression on me… and those wheelarches!

Nikesh Kooverjee – Journalist:

1931 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe
Had this luxury American manufacturer not run itself into the ground in 1937 I’m sure we would have seen some fine examples to tackle Rolls-Royce and Bentley. However, what we have to remember this brand is this 198 kW 7,0-litre straight-eight bed of luxury.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
A joint collaboration between England and Germany’s finest saw this one of a kind brute-cruiser hybrid make its way to an exclusive market with a supercharged 5,4-litre V8 and a somewhat acquired design. The fact that it’s a roadster makes it that much more desirable.

 

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