US classics up for grabs
American “idols” spanning more than five decades will be centre stage at Shannons Spring Auction in Melbourne on Monday.
The spangled star of the auction is a stunning, factory four- speed manual 1967 Shelby GT500 ( Mustang) Fastback, offered in fantastic condition.
Delivered in Colorado in April 28, 1967, the left- hand drive Brittany Blue with black trim Shelby ( production number 01788) is fitted with many factory extras, including a shoulder harness, an extra cooling package, power disc brakes and power steering.
The Shelby was apparently stored for almost a decade by its first owner before arriving in Australia nearly 15 years ago. It was fully restored to a high standard in 2004 and since 2008 has formed part of a large collection owned by a Melbourne enthusiast. Shelby ( Mustang) GT500 1957 Chevrolet Belair Pillarless Sports Coupe
Because of its desirability, exceptional condition and provenance, it is expected to sell in the A$ 250,000-$ 280,000 range ( NZ$ 272,000-$ 305,000).
A more affordable alternative is an extensively refurbished and professionally converted righthand drive C- Code 1967 V8 Mustang Hardtop.
Mechanically upgraded with front disc brakes, power steering, twin exhausts and Pedders suspension with gas shock absorbers, the Mustang is expected to sell in the A$ 26,000-$ 32,000 range. From the “red corner”, there is a superbly restored, left- hand drive 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sports Coupe. This desirable pillarless hardtop, fitted with a factory 283- cid V8 paired with the model’s two- speed Powerglide transmission, was restored in Texas in the mid- 1990s to a high standard, before being sourced by a Victorian collector and brought to Australia about 12 years ago. Finished in the model’s hero colours of turquoise with duo- tone blue/ black vinyl/ cloth upholstery, the Belair is equipped with the rare factory four- barrel “Power Pack” option, air conditioning and power steering, making it a useable and crowd- stopping classic at its guidance of A$ 75,000-$ 85,000.
From the same maker and era come two ultra- desirable, lefthand drive Corvette C1 Roadsters — a rare, white 1954 model restored to a high standard.
Equally stunning in its own genre is a nicely restored and modified left- hand drive 1956 Chevrolet Pick- Up coming from a private collection. Running a small- block 350- cid V8 with automatic transmission, the Chevrolet boasts numerous mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. This head- turning, customised classic should sell in the A$ 42,000-$ 48,000 range.