Aussie muscle at the Shannons Autumn Auction

There is some sought-after Aussie muscle from Ford, Holden and Chrysler set to go under the hammer at Shannons’ Autumn Auction.

Story: Staff Writer

Aussie muscle at the Shannons Autumn Auction

Fanciers of Aussie muscle classics will be spoilt for choice in Shannons’ May 23-30 timed online Autumn Auction, with a range of nearly 20 potent Holden, Ford and Valiant models amongst the 240-plus lots on offer.

Among the standouts is a pair of XA Falcon GTs, an ‘as new’ Holden HSV GTS-R sedan and a Valiant 245 Pacer sedan.

The two Falcon GTs are both 1972 models; one finished in Yellow Fire (above) with what is believed to be original white vinyl seats with black cloth inserts, while the other (from a deceased estate) is finished in desirable dark Ivy Green with black trim. They are expected to sell for $130,000-$150,000 and $90,000-$110,000 respectively.

The unique Yellow Fire GT was the 682^nd of the 1868 XA GTs built and was equipped with the rare five-spoke ‘Sports’ alloy wheels offered at the time, rather than the Globe ‘Bathurst’ wheels so often retro-fitted, as well as a number of factory performance parts originally earmarked for the cancelled Phase 4 GT-HO.

It was also well factory optioned with regular comfort extras, including automatic transmission, power steering, air-conditioning, electric windows, dual exterior mirrors and retractable seat belts.

Along the way the original three-speed floor shift automatic transmission was replaced by a four-speed Top Loader manual. Other work has included a thorough mechanical refurbishment, with all running gear rebuilt, reconditioned or replaced, to bring the GT back to a very useable example.

Alternatively, there is an Ivy Green XA GT in the auction that was in the hands of its long-term owner for many years before now being offered by his estate.

The late vendor clearly loved his GT and carried out some carefully-conceived modifications, among them adapting a sequential manual gearshift to the factory four-speed transmission.

Recent work has included a thorough mechanical refurbishment by Competition Engines, with all running gear rebuilt, refurbished or replaced, to bring the GT back to as original as possible.

Also set to go under the hammer is a rare 1975 Ford XB Falcon 'John Goss Special' Hardtop – one of fewer than 800 built to commemorate Goss’ outright victory in the 1974 Bathurst 1000.

Recently restored and presented to a high level throughout, the original steel wheels have been widened to fill out the guards better, in a refurbishment that all told has cost more than $50,000.

With values of these rare limited-production XB Hardtops rising, it is expected to change hands in the $140,000-$170,000 range.

Other rare ‘time capsule’ Ford classics in the auction include a rare 1989 Ford EA 'Brock' Falcon S-Pack Sedan with independent rear suspension. It's been owned by the same family from new, and was delivered personally in Queensland by Peter Brock, who signed the four head rests.

Holden fans are also well catered for in the auction, with the jewel in the crown being a one-owner 2017 HSV GTS-R GEN CF2 Automatic Sedan that has covered just 2,203km since delivery.

As its low km indicates, the GTS-R has had limited use and presents as brand new. It comes with exclusive HSV personalised owner paraphernalia – including the numbered gift key tag in its original box. The GTS-R also has a full set of original books and an owner CD and comes with an $1100 HSV car cover (still in unopened packaging). This is one for the serious Holden collector or Australian muscle car enthusiast. The estimated selling price of $140,000-$160,000.

Further back in time there is a 1975 Holden LH Torana SL/R 5000, the model that was the basis of the L34 option that turned it into a multiple Bathurst winner.

The Torana has been in the hands of its current custodian in Toowoomba for 23 years. The current owner converted it from original factory 3-speed automatic transmission to a five-speed manual, as well as fitting a new high-lift camshaft.

Presented with Bronze paintwork with brown trim and in lovely condition throughout with 55,380km on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, it is expected to sell in the $110,000-$140,000 range.

Finally for Mopar fans there is a highly collectible VG Valiant Pacer in Hot Mustard that has been upgraded with the fitting of a worked-over 245-cid six cylinder engine and a rare the four-speed transmission, matching the spec of the later E34 Pacers that brought Chrysler its Bathurst glory in 1970, when examples finished fourth and fifth outright.

Built in December 1970 and finished in the model’s hero colour of Hot Mustard, this very original VG is one of only 1,162 four-door Pacers completed and importantly retains its original matching numbers drivetrain. Currently showing 65,556 miles, the three-owner Pacer today is a sought-after Australian classic muscle car and is expected to sell in the $50,000-$65,000 range.