QUICK GLANCE

1977 Renault 4 TL

Charterhouse, Sherborne, Dorset, UK

6 July, charterhouse-cars.com

We can’t help but love a good Renault 4, and this UK-spec 1977 TL looks like a real delight. Finished in bronze with a tan interior, it’s very original and with just 45,000 miles it appears to have lived an easier life than many of the careworn French examples you’ll find on Leboncoin. It’s apparently been driven daily since the end of winter without any problems, which is hardly a surprise, and it’s estimated to sell for £7000-9000.

1982 Mercedes-Benz SL ‘Trans-Am’

Mecum, Monterey, California, USA 18-20 August, mecum.com

Here’s an SL with a difference. It’s the DeAtley Motorsport/Michelob Trans-Am racer, which was built from the ground up for the 1982 season. The 5.0-litre engine was destroked by Edwin Hatch to the regulation 4.5 litres, and it received a glassfibre widebody. Presented today with the original paint and handlettering, it comes with many spare parts and panels. Mecum has not attempted to estimate a value, however.

1921 Talbot-Darracq V20 16hp Tourer

Silverstone Auctions, Broadway, UK 5 August, silverstoneauctions.com Sometimes we can’t help but point out just how affordable pre-war cars can be. This 1921 TalbotDarracq V20 was formerly part of the celebrated Sword Collection, and is presented in great shape. Not only a fine candidate for many VSCC events, this powerful 3.0-litre Tourer is said to cruise effortlessly at 45mph, which makes it extremely usable. The price? It’s estimated at £18,000-22,000.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

RM Sotheby’s, Monterey, California, USA 19-20 August, rmsothebys.com

The 14th of 29 ‘lightweight’ alloy-bodied Gullwings built, and one of the few with its matching-numbers 3.0-litre NSL engine still in place. This one was previously owned by expert Hans Kleissl of HK-Engineering, and has more recently gone through a comprehensive two-year restoration by Gullwing specialist Robert Platz. A proven veteran of the Mille Miglia Storica and exhibited at Amelia Island, it’s estimated at $7,000,000-9,000,000.