- Two sought-after XA Falcon GTs
- Rare John Goss Special XB Hardtop
- 2,203km young 2017 HSV GTS-R Sedan
Those after a local performance car will be spoilt for choice in Shannons upcoming timed online Autumn Auction from May 23-30 with a range of nearly 20 potent Holden, Ford and Valiant models amongst the 240-plus lots on offer.
Heading the 'hotties' are three fabulous Falcon 'GTs' a sought-after 'as new' Holden HSV GTS-R sedan and a very desirable Valiant 245 Pacer sedan.
The two Falcon GTs are both 1972 XA models, one finished in Yellow Fire with what is believed to be original white vinyl seats with black cloth inserts and the other from a deceased estate in desirable dark Ivy Green with black trim are expected to sell for $130,000-$150,000 and $90,000-$110,000 respectively.
The unique Yellow Fire GT was the 682nd of the 1868 XA GTs built and it 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.
Now indicating 19,166 miles (at the time of cataloguing), this '72 GT's factory specification combination makes it a 'one of one' build, further enhancing its collectible value.
The XA GT was a rare car anyway, with just 1868 sedans and 891 coupes made and it has since gone on to become one of the collectible Australian muscle cars of its era.
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.
Now indicating 306,581km (at the time of cataloguing), the late vendor clearly loved his car and carried out some carefully-conceived modifications, among them adapting a sequential manual gearshift to the factory 4-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.
If you want an even rarer Falcon, you'll also be looking at the 1975 Ford XB Falcon 'John Goss Special' Hardtop that was one of fewer than 800 built to commemorated Goss's outright victory in the 1974 Bathurst 1000.
Any Falcon hardtop of the XA/XB/XC era is highly coveted these days, but aside from the GTs, it is the John Goss Special of the XB range that is super desirable.
Recently restored and presents to a high level throughout, the original steel wheels have been widened to fill out the guards better with more than $50,000 spent recently on its refurbishment.
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. Owned by the same family from new, it was delivered personally in Queensland by Peter Brock, who signed the four head rests ($20,000-$30,000).
There is also a 1998 Ford AU Falcon XR6 VCT Sedan (one of just 417) that has been well-loved from new ($10,000 - AU$15,000, plus a limited edition ( No 0061) 2004 FPV BA II GTP 'manual' sedan ($48,000-$58,000) and a well-presented one owner from new and well-equipped 1998 Ford AU Falcon XR6 VCT Sedan ($10,000- $15,000).
Even earlier, Ford's answer to the Brock Commodore was the 1982 Ford XE Fairmont ESP '351 V8 Enhanced' Sedan. Coming from a small private collection, the car in the auction was originally sold as 4.1 litre six cylinder model, but has been brilliantly re-imagined and is now fitted with a 351V8. As the nearest alternative to a factory XE Fairmont Ghia ESP 5.8 and very well engineered, it is expected to sell in the $30,000-$40,000 range.
Another Falcon 351 V8 alternative in a similar price bracket is a one owner, four-speed manual 1978 Ford XC Falcon 'Rally Pack' that has been freshened up mechanically for extra performance, but otherwise presents as it left the factory and is offered with 'no reserve', ($55,000-$65,000).
A third Cleveland 351 V8 Falcon option is a four speed manual 1975 Ford Fairmont XB GS Sedan that has been mechanically upgraded to GT spec, with its 351V8 now fitted with 4V heads and other genuine Ford performance parts, including a tagged RPO 780 Holley carburettor.
Factory optioned with a sunroof, the GS has been in its second owner's hands for 48 years and has had all its mechanicals rebuilt over the last 20 years
Nicely presented on its set of original square-lip Globe 'Bathurst' alloys, with 80 per cent of its Red Pepper paintwork untouched and its odometer Indicating 306,581km (at the time of cataloguing), the GS with its S-Pack side stripes, three-spoke steering wheel, twin bonnet scoops and bonnet-locking pins looks the real deal at $80,000-$100,000.
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 and presents as brand new.
As its low km indicates, the GTS-R has had limited use, although its engine has regularly been turned over and 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). One for the serious Holden collector or Australian muscle car enthusiast at its estimated selling price of $140,000-$160,000.
Also for Holden collectors is a mint condition HRT Edition 2006 HSV VZ Clubsport – one of just 50 built to mark the of a glorious era for Holden Special Vehicles.
The car comes with everything the serious collector could want: full books, an HSV folder containing the Certificate of Authenticity, original Vehicle Inspection & Drive Evaluation Report, plus a second CoA (framed), HSV cap and umbrella and even a dyno sheet produced for a previous owner. For the serious collector it will be keenly sought after at its predicted selling range of $70,000-$80,000.
Another great modern collectible Holden is an unmodified 2002 Holden Monaro CV8 'Manual' Coupe that has had one ultra-careful owner for 14 years and has travelled just 66,243km from new despite being unregistered since 2009.
It is expected to attract a hoard of enthusiasts in the $40,000-$50,000 range.
Back in time there is a fabulous 1975 V8 Holden LH Torana V8 SL/R5000 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, who carefully converted original factory 3-speed automatic transmission to a five-speed manual, as well as fitting a new high-lift camshaft.
Presented with Bronze paintwork withy 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 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 sedan is today is a sought-after Australian Supercar that is expected to sell in the $50,000-$65,000 range.
Further back in time, there is a classic 1962 Chrysler Valiant S Series sedan that has recently been upgraded mechanically with triple Weber carburettors by Sydney Mopar tuning specialists, the Tilley brothers.
Showing 18,355 miles on its odometer and in great running condition, the Valiant is expected to sell in the $20,000-$30,000 range.
To view all Shannons May 23-30 online Autumn auction, visit www.shannons.com.au
For media information and publication-quality photos, please contact: Michael Browning 0418 324 328 or email michael@browning.com.au.