European Collectors at Ault Park

Picking up on some of the photos I wasn't able to post from shows earlier this year, I'm going to spend a few days publishing photos from the Ault Park Concours d'Elegance, particularly from the European Collectors area of the show. The first is one of my all time "dream" cars, a 1971 Dino (Ferrari) 246 GT. The mid mounted 2.4L V-6 powered car was designed by Pinifarina with a body by Scaglietti. Since Enzo Ferrari didn't want his name on any car that didn't sport a V-12 it was named Dino in honor of his deceased son.

This is a 1970 Opel GT. This German designed and built car is almost like the blending of two of that country's best machines from that era. It has a sporty feel and drive, low to the ground, turn hugging ability, that doesn't quite match the 911 but rivaled the Porsche 914. It also got over 50 miles per gallon which actually topped the famed VW Beetle.

Here is a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe. Dubbed the Daytona because of its initial success at that track, the car was introduced in 1968 with beautiful styling by Pininfarina. In all 1406 of these machines were built during its run (this model being from the final year). It roared to life with a 4.4L V-12 that churned out 352 horse power. With a top speed of 174 it could go from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds.

The follow up to the 365 GTB is seen in this example of the limited edition 1972 365 GTC. With similar design by Pininfarina and also sporting a 4.4L V-12, this Ferrari pushed only 340 horse power. Still, it was one of only 505 ever built.

An epic luxury car is this 1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II. This series was produced from 1959 until 1962 and this particular model was purchased by the current owner's grandmother in 1960. It is powered by a massive 6.2L V-8 that generates 230 horse power.

Another example of British luxury from that era is this 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupe. Only 125 S2 Continentals were built and of the 62 left had drive models made, only 20 were exported to the USA. The car is powered by a 6.2L aluminum V-8.