- Stonking 1969 Dodge Charger 440 R/T Coupe
- Stylish 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible
- Sought-after 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sports Coupe=
While ‘Made in America’ may not have the same cachet in car circles today, it’s still a badge of honour when it comes to 1950s and 1960s Classics, with a number of style and performance icons going under the hammer at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction on July 15.
The Stateside standout is a stunning factory left-hand-drive 1969 Dodge Charger 440 R/T Coupe coming to auction fresh from a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration that has left it as nice underneath as on top.
With interest in American models from the ‘muscle car’ era undiminished, this bright white Charger 440 with red R/T stripes wrapped across its tail and matching red interior, is expected to sell in the $80,000 - $90,000 range.
For sheer size and style, it’s hard to go past two comprehensively-restored 1950s GM classics – a rare and stunning 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible and a 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sports Coupe pillarless hardtop presented in previously-restored condition.
Purchased from the Imperial Palace Auto Museum in Las Vegas, the two-tone cream and lilac Oldsmobile with its ‘Wurlitzer-organ’ interior and original left-hand drive configuration, comes for auction in exceptional condition.
As the flagship model of the 1956 range, it is equipped with ‘power everything’, including power steering, power windows, power seats, a powered soft top and even the model’s infamous ‘Autronic Eye’ automatic headlamp dipper, while under its long bonnet is a 240hp ‘Rocket’ V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission.
To protect this glorious Classic, the 98 Starfire Convertible has been extensively rust proofed underneath, with Shannons saying there is nothing for an enthusiast to spend before enjoying this slice of 1950s American automotive excess.
Rare even in the USA, the Oldsmobile is being offered with ‘no reserve’ on July 15 and is expected to be in demand at its guiding range of $65,000-$75,000.
Just as desirable for collectors is a superbly-restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sports Coupe finished in the model’s signature duo-tone colour combination of turquoise and white paint, with a turquoise and black vinyl/cloth interior.
Fitted with the model’s rare factory four-barrel Power Pack 283ci V8 option, paired with Chevrolet’s two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, the Bel Air was meticulously restored to a high standard in Texas in the mid-1990s and remains in lovely condition today.
Complete with rear wheel spats, whitewalls and lashings of chrome everywhere, the Chevy is expected to sell in the $75,000-$85,000 range.
Another great ‘60s survivor is a striking 1963 Chevrolet Impala 327 SS Convertible that has been upgraded with the fitting of a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a rebuilt front end and additional under-carpet soundproofing to make it more enjoyable in today’s traffic.
Still in is original left-hand-drive and with a great street presence, the Impala is expected to sell in the $55,000 - $65,000 range.
Filially from the 1960s is a coveted, hidden-headlight 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS (Rally Sport) SS Coupe finished in classic black paint with red trim.
Retaining its left-hand-drive configuration and supplied with its import papers, the Camaro is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $35,000 - $45,000 range.
View all Shannons July 15 Melbourne Winter Classic Auction Lots
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
