Classic wagons circle for Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction
• Three great Aussie family wagons from Ford, Holden and Chrysler
• Cute 1963 Fiat 500 Giardiniera in distinctive colour scheme
While the ubiquitous Australian ‘station sedan’ and ‘people movers’ have today been replaced by seven-seater SUVs, classic Wagons are circling again for Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction on Monday (February 18).
The standout in terms of rarity is a largely original 1964 Chrysler Valiant AP5 Safari Wagon that had just two owners from new – the first for 53 years.
Seldom seen today and increasingly sought-after by Australian car collectors, the Safari was one of a raft of station wagons of the era offered by Chrysler, Holden and Ford in the late 1950s and 1960s because they made very practical family cruisers for expanding families, their dogs and toys.
The distinctive white with brown highlights Safari being auctioned was purchased from the original West Australian owner’s estate just months ago and is fitted with Chrysler’s muscular 225ci six cylinder engine with push-button automatic transmission.
It is also fitted with a number of period accessories, including a wire-mesh sunvisor, a rear window dirt deflectors, a metal stone guards behind the front wheels and Pacer hubcaps.
Because of its rarity and great provenance, it is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $8,000 - $12,000 range, a very affordable entry into the classic wagon genre.
Another great Aussie family vehicle in the auction is a 1970 Holden HG Kingswood Station Wagon offered in substantially original condition.
Purchased from its original owner when just months old, this Kingswood has been a cherished family member ever since.
It’s the typical family wagon of its time, so up front there’s a bench seat, the floors are vinyl-covered, there are brakes drums all-round, and the transmission is a ‘three-on-the-tree’ manual, while the original 161ci ‘six’ was replaced with a reconditioned 202ci six in the mid-1980s.
Fitted with period alloy wheels and offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to bring $14,000 - $18,000.
From the Blue Oval there is a two-owner 1978 Ford XC Fairmont V8 Manual Station Wagon fitted with the desirable and optional GS Rally Pack, consisting of special paint treatment, bonnet scoops, bumper overriders, a sports steering wheel and enhanced instrumentation. Additionally, it has been fitted with a chromed roof rack and the very desirable two-way rear tailgate option.
Adding to its desirability, its 302ci V8 engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
The Fairmont has lived all its life in a Victorian high-country town and Shannons say its overall condition makes it an appealing, classic reflection of the period.
It is expected to sell in the $22,000 - $28,000 range.
Not a Big Australian, but small, Italian and very appealing, is a restored, bright yellow with contrasting red interior 1963 Fiat 500 Giardiniera Wagon fitted with a full-length sunroof, that is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $18,000 - $24,000.
All 82 vehicles, number plates and memorabilia lots in Monday’s (February 18) Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction are available for inspection this weekend at Shannons Melbourne Showroom, 40 Corporate Drive, Heatherton, from 9am-4pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. Monday’s auction starts at 7pm.
View all Shannons February 18 Melbourne Summer 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.
