Coys’ counterweight

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If you are in for classic Mercedeses, Opels, VWs, Porsches and BMWs – Techno Classica in Essen is all yours. There is no doubt that the focus of over 2,500 cars exhibited, spread out over 20 halls, is on German origins. Still then, the organizers are working hard to present some attractive counterweight. One theme of this year’s show is cars of the Irish Tourist Trophy, while Rolls-Royce is contracted to give their view on 90 Years of the Phantom.

And then there’s auction house Coys, which organizes a comprehensive sale during the show weekend and bring over some interesting cars from abroad. How about not one but two remarkable Russian limousines? The first of which is a ZIM-12, built by the Gorky Automotive Plant (GAZ) in 1954. Clearly inspired by 1950s American iron, the car comes with a delightful red interior including soft bench seat with slightly less comfort for the servants. Least as interesting is a bomb-proof ZIL 114 – ‘the ultimate in Soviet motoring luxury’ and built for officials only. This one dates back to 1977 and is believed to be used by Leonid Brejnev at one point or another.

Coys have plenty of Italian wheels on offer, too, but none of them is as interesting as the Vignale bodied and Nardi tuned Fiat 600 ‘Rendez-Vous’. A stunner on itself, this particular one is said to have had just two owners from new and comes with 8,500kms on the clock. We also like the Alfa-Romeo 6C 2500 ‘Freccia d’Oro’ of 1949 with its massive rear end. Strangest though, is this Evanta seen above. A sort of DB4 Zagato ‘Sanction 3’ (another way of avoiding the R-word), but not as we know it. This most unusual car was built in 2013 in the shape of a DB4Z Barchetta. It is powered by a modern 3.4-litre Jaguar engine with 3 double Webers and has a composite body! Even more attractive then the real thing? We don’t think so. But at least it’s a fresh view on an all too well known concept. And don't we just love that?

(Words Jeroen Booij, pictures courtesy Coys)

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