It is said that “variety is the spice of life;” a single glance at the diverse collection of automobiles Mr. Sáragga has assembled in the picturesque town of Alcácer do Sal and one can’t help but agree with the old adage. The Sáragga Collection consists of over 100 rare and highly collectible automobiles ranging from the Brass Era to modern-day sports cars and marques from every corner of the globe. Among a number of instantly recognizable, time-honored automobiles are an equal number of examples of lesser-known gems—vehicles full of character that are sure to provoke a second look and bring smiles to the faces of the public and enthusiasts alike.
Scroll down to explore ten examples of the charming, weird and wonderful vehicles from the Sáragga Collection, offered entirely without reserve 20–21 September near the scenic beach resort region of Comporta, Portugal.
1933 BSA TW33-10
Estimate: €20,000 - €30,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
The Birmingham Small Arms Co was best known for firearms but entered into the automobile market in 1907. In 1929, the marque developed a front-wheel drive, three-wheel design powered by a Hotchkiss vee-twin engine. For the 1933 model year, a water-cooled four-cylinder engine replaced the vee-twin engine. A resident of Portugal since at least 1996, this would be a charming addition to any pre-war collection.
1936 Austin Seven
Estimate: €10,000 - €20,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
Regarded by newspapers of the era as “motoring for the millions” and “the first civilized motor car of really small size,” this example presents in fantastic condition, despite being over 80 years old, and includes an original UK buff log book, chronicling ownership history in the UK before being imported to Portugal.
1947 Peugeot 202 BH Cabriolet
Estimate: €20,000 - €25,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
The Peugeot 202 was vastly popular during its production from 1938 to 1949. The convertible iteration of the 202 is a rare find, produced in much smaller quantities perhaps due to the significant price premium over the coupe. The 1133-cc water-cooled engine produces approximately 30 horsepower and has a top speed of 62 mph.
1950 Austin A90 Atlantic Sports Saloon
Estimate: €20,000 - €30,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
Austin’s post-war sports saloon was the marque’s attempt to produce an upscale sports saloon for the American market. This sports saloon was supplied new to Lisbon and is accompanied by its original registration documents. It has remained in Portugal ever since and retains its original number plate.
1951 Jowett Jupiter Sports
Estimate: €30,000 - €50,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
Following the launch and motorsport success of the Jowett Javelin, the British marque made the decision to incorporate their power train into a sports car. The handsome body is mounted atop a steel tubular chassis, with the 1486-cc flat four-cylinder engine mounted over the front axle line. The compression of the Javelin-derived engine was increased from 7.2:1 up to 8.0:1 and received two Zenith carburetors for a total of 85 hp.
1955 WD Denzel 1300
Estimate: €380,000 - €450,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
The Viennese Denzel Automobile Company was formed in 1948 and created the 1300 after approximately five years of development. The Denzel was an early competitor to Porsche and only produced open roadsters—similar in style to the first prototype Porsches after the Second World War. This particular example, one of approximately 65 built and roughly 30 believed extant, was delivered new to Portuguese Denzel agent Antonio Guedes Heredia. It was owned by him from 1954 until 1988. It boasts a period competition history in Portugal and has remained in Portugal from new.
1959 Vespa 400
Estimate: €20,000 - €30,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
The world may know Piaggio’s iconic Vespa scooter well, but many may likely be unaware of its microcar sibling. Introduced to Monaco in 1957, the 400 microcar was built in France by ACMA in Fourchambault to the Piaggio design and saw great success in its first year with over 12,000 cars sold. The rear-engined microcar featured a roll-back roof and space for two passengers plus luggage or small children in the rear.
1961 Messerschmitt KR201 Roadster
Estimate: €25,000 - €35,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
One of approximately 300 produced, the KR201 addressed the KR200’s issues with the clear Perspex roofs that were being experienced by drivers in warmer climates by the addition of a scissor-style roadster convertible top. The 191-cc Fichtel & Sachs engine featured an increased compression ratio of 8.0:1, resulting in an additional two horsepower and an increased top speed of 65 mph.
1983 Sado 550
Estimate: €5,000 - €10,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
At a maximum width of 1,345 mm, the 28-horsepower Daihatsu AB20 two-cylinder-powered Sado 550 was highly capable of navigating the narrow city streets of Portugal. The diminutive Sado 550 was manufactured in the city of Setúbal, less than an hour away from the Sáragga Collection. One of only approximately 500 Sado 550s produced, this example is among the early models as characterized by its flat windscreen.
1963 Willys Interlagos Coupé
Estimate: €25,000 - €35,000 EUR | Offered Without Reserve
The Interlagos is approximately the size of a Fiat Abarth Zagato 750, based upon the familiar shape of the famed Renault Alpine, as Willys of Brazil was partially owned by Renault at the time. Mounted in the rear, the tiny 845-cc overhead-cam Ventoux inline four-cylinder that was designed and used in the Renault 4CV was tuned to 60 horsepower and 70 lb-ft torque by increasing compression to 9.2:1 and incorporating a single one-barrel Solex 32 cfm carburetor.