• Well-known and documented 1970 Falcon XW GT-HO Phase II
• One family owned from new Monaro GTS 327 Coupe
• Restored Chrysler E38 Big Tank ‘Bathurst’ Coupe
For Australian Muscle Cars lovers, it’s almost as good as it gets, with three of our most revered supercars crossing the block at Shannons May 8 Melbourne Autumn Auction.
GT-HO, GTS 327 and E38 are ‘Bathurst’ nameplates that make enthusiasts and collectors weak at the knees and there are great examples of each in the second auction at Shannons new Heatherton, Melbourne HQ and Auction showroom.
From the Ford stable, there is a well-known and beautifully-restored 1970 XW Falcon GT-HO Phase II sedan with a very good, well-documented history.
The July 1970-built GT-HO was delivered new by Byrne Ford of Chermside, Brisbane to a local enthusiast, who saw its potential as a Series Production touring car. However, the car was damaged by a mechanic early in its life before being track tested and it never raced.
The Falcon then passed through various hands over the years, during when its 351-CID High Output V8 was updated with Phase III GT-HO cylinder heads, mufflers and 15-inch Globe alloy wheels.
After its engine was rebuilt by Bryan Byrt Ford’s Race Division, the HO ran a 14.5 sec. ET at the Surfers Paradise Drags in the 1970s.
The car was repainted at some time in the mid-1970s in its original Diamond White and was fitted with Orange GT stripes. However, it is being sold with a boxed set of original Gold stripes in the boot and the car has now been refitted with a set of its model-correct riveted 5-slot GT steel wheels with trims and caps.
Because of its extensive receipt file and provenance, including several Ford verification letters including a rare GT-HO Phase II Amendment brochure, Shannons expect this exceptional GT-HO Phase II to sell in the $180,000-$220,000 range on May 8.
The 1969-model Silver Mink HK Monaro GTS 327 Coupe is a rare one-family-owned since new car equipped with several rare options, including dealer- fitted air conditioning and an Air Chief radio – both with original manuals supplied.
Delivered through Lock Motors Pty Ltd in 1969, the car has always lived in South Australia and is offered with its original purchase receipts and books, plus a comprehensive history file.
Most appealing to collectors, the Monaro has never been actually restored, with both its paintwork and interior showing some ‘battle scars’, although it has been repainted at some stage.
With an indicated 72,102 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, this ‘Bathurst’ GTS 327 ‘survivor’ will be coming on the open market for the first time in almost 50 years.
Because of its time warp condition and provenance, it represents an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike and is also expected to sell in the $180,000-$220,000 range.
Equally exciting for Mopar enthusiasts is a beautifully-presented Hemi Orange with Black vinyl interior 1971 Chrysler Charger RT E38 ‘Bathurst’ Coupe coming from long-term ownership.
This original E38 ‘Big Tank Track Pack’ Charger was acquired by the vendor in 1984, who treated it to a full restoration in 1998, replacing its original close-ratio 3-speed gearbox with a four-speed gearbox in the process.
The car currently is fitted with a modified and balanced E38 ‘Six Pack’ engine with forged pistons, Six Pack conrods, a solid camshaft and lifters, a half-inch head stud kit, stainless steel valves, roller rockers and a modified cylinder head and is said to develop 340HP at the flywheel.
However, the Charger’s original three-speed gearbox and E38 engine, complete minus cylinder head, will be supplied with the car, allowing it to be returned to its original delivery specs if required by its future owner.
Because of its presentation, condition and ‘Bathurst’ model collectability, Shannons expect this E38 Charger to sell in the $160,000-$180,000 range.
Not Australian, but equally brawny and collectible, are two great American Fastback Mustangs – a 1966 Shelby GT350H (Hertz) and a 1969 428 SCJ.
Both are restored, offered in their original left hand drive configuration and hence are very collectible on the world market, with the 350H expected to sell in the $180,000-$210,000 range, while the 428 SCJ is expected to draw bids in the $85,000-$100,000 bracket.
View all May 8 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction Lots
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