Euro Visions – Continental Classics Collection

Currently up for grabs via the Car & Classics auction platform is the latest compilation in a distinguished line of collections. This cornucopia of continental classics is available now and features a whole host of premium, high end vehicles all from outside of the UK. In this carefully curated selection you’ll find rare gems, track-prepped race cars and beautiful GT cars alongside a couple of American muscle icons. So, let’s cut to the chase and dive right in to the Continental Classics collection.

1968 FORD SHELBY MUSTANG FASTBACK GT500

We’re still very much in muscle car mode after our recent top five muscle cars feature and the Shelby GT350 got an honourable mention in our write-up. Well, what we have here is the 350’s big brother, the GT500. With its original 428 (7-litre) ‘Police Interceptor’ V8 it certainly packs a punch and having been comprehensively restored to rare, 1 out of 48 factory specification in the late ’80s/early ’90s this “Eleanor” Shelby is in superb condition throughout.

Fitted with a three-speed automatic gearbox, factory competition handling package, as well as optional power brakes and steering this GT500 is everything you could want from a late-sixties era muscle car. Powerful, stunning and immensely collectible this is unicorn motoring at its finest, carrying with it an inherent nobility, and a supreme glory. We should all be so fortunate.

1969 PORSCHE 911 2.2S MARTINI

There are three glorious Porsches in the collection, including a rare, 1 of 1,106 GT3 RS but we’re s ticking with the US theme for now with this wonderfully storied racing 911. Although obviously and inherently German this particular Porsche’s American connection comes from the fact that it was built by famed Yankee racer Monte Shelton for heritage competition. Originally a 1969 US-spec model the car was purchased by Shelton in 1990 and refitted to a period racing spec with a specially built 2195cc SOVREN engine by Dick Elverude with an estimated 225bhp on tap.

Make no mistake, this is a car built specifically for racing with myriad upgrades and modifications to make it an absolute weapon on the track. It’s a unique slice of automobile heritage making for a rare opportunity. Buy it, take it racing, and continue Monte Shelton’s legacy. You will not be disappointed.

1953 BMW 327 CABRIOLET

It’s safe to say you don’t see many BMW 327s on the road simply because the German manufacturer didn’t make all that many. It’s a rare beast and one that deserves more attention. Somewhat unfairly overshadowed by the 328 the 327 remains a beautifully elegant tourer with a proper six-cylinder under the bonnet. Not only that but this is a cabriolet model and we can think of few better ways to spend a Sunday than pootling about in this Bavarian Belle.

Restored in the 1990s and complete with a declaration of originality from BMW this 327 is in fine condition throughout. From its excellent red leather interior to the fabulous two-tone red and cream paint it’s certainly a looker, there’s no doubt about that and the 2.0-litre, straight-six engine with twin carburettors is a smooth operator. What a glorious little thing.

1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé

Another convertible in this fine collection of European fare is a rather stunning and beautifully and recently restored XK120. Professionally rebuilt from the ground up in 2016 and with a photographic record this sporty cat retains its matching numbers engine and looks drop dead gorgeous. The car benefits from some choice upgrades too, including the addition of a five speed gearbox and a modern alternator and starter motor. This Jaguar has been restored to be driven, not just admired from afar which is of course the right thing to do.

The red leather interior is immaculately presented and once you ease yourself behind the wheel we guarantee you won’t want to get back out. It is truly sumptuous and compliments the silver bodywork perfectly. Alongside the magnificent straight-six XK engine a brand new hood completes the package making this already highly desirable model a real collectors item.

1962 LANCIA FLAMINIA TOURING 2.5 3C

Heading to Italy now on our European tour of excellence brings us to this rather lovely Lancia. Surviving Flaminia GTs in ready to drive condition are becoming increasingly hard to come by. Those that remain are quickly snapped up by classic car fans and collectors alike and it’s no surprise when the car in question is a ’60s grand tourer with a sublime Superleggera hand-built aluminium body by Touring of Milan. Combine that with a recommissioned original interior and an exquisite 2.5-litre V6 engine with triple, twin choke Weber downdraft carburettors and you have something truly special.

The car has been steadfastly maintained and serviced in recent years with the current owner carrying out a whole host of work including a complete brake and transmission overhaul. The result of which is a car that you can buy, collect and drive to wherever you need it to be, and then carry on driving it. Yep, we would daily this. We currently can’t think of a single reason not to.

1999 DODGE VIPER GTS

Another burly brute from across the pond and currently residing in Poland the Dodge Viper needs little introduction. Unveiled back in ’91 to rapturous applause this second generation coupé comes complete with the desirable ACR (American Club Racing) package, which includes various performance and handling upgrades. Not that the Viper’s V10 engine really needs any additional oomph but suffice to say this particular car produces a staggering 460bhp to the rear wheels allowing for a 0-60 dash of 4.5 seconds. So fast was the Viper that it was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and if that’s not a glowing endorsement of the car’s capabilities then we don’t know what is.

Subject to a recent recommissioning this particularly violent Viper is in incredible condition and with limited mileage is a fine example. If you have a penchant for the provocative and a insatiable need for speed then this is most definitely the beast for you.

But this is just a taste of the premium metal available in the Continental Classics collection. An amuse bouche, if you will – antipasto, vorspeisen, tapas – whichever way you cut it it should serve as a way to whet your appetite for the larger ensemble we have for your bidding pleasure, so click here to check out all of the beautiful cars in the Continental Classics collection. You never know, you may just end up owning your dream ride.