Auction update

Top-

shelf American muscle delivered impressive results at Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic auction in March, with two Fords each bringing six-figure results.

A 1969 Ford Torino Talladega 428ci coupe in left-hand-drive was the show-stopper, selling for $112,000.

Based on the Torino, just 754 of the roadlegal Talladega were built at Ford’s Atlanta plant in January 1969 to homologate the car for that

wyear’s NASCAR season. The model featured an extended nose with a flush grille for better aerodynamics on ovals, such the Alabama super speedway it was named after, adding six inches in length. These were fabricated by the Holman Moody shop in Charlotte then trucked down to Atlanta and fitted on the assembly lines over the weekends. It was sold in just three colours – Wimbledon White, Royal Maroon and Presidential Blue – all with a matte black bonnet.

The Presidential Blue example auctioned by Shannons featured the Talladega’s trademark stripped-out interior, three-speed auto and a 335bhp 428 Cobra Jet engine.

Matching the Talladega’s extraordinary result was another 1969 model from Ford’s Total Performance range – a Ford Mustang 428ci ‘Super Cobra Jet’ Mach 1 Fastback. This Acapulco Blue, four-speed manual LHD ’Stang was also snapped up for $112,000.

Notable results for Aussie classics included a 1971 Chrysler Valiant VG Regal hardtop which sold for $20,500, pipping a 1978 Holden HZ Premier 4.2-litre V8 sedan by $500. An XC Falcon Ute brought $12,500. Meantime, a 302-powered Bolwell Nagari sold for an impressive $60,500. Passed in was a rare 1965 Cortina GT 500. The auction action switches now to Victoria, with Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction scheduled for May 2. Four weeks later, on May 30, the Sydney Winter Classic Auction will see the Brock prototype Monza up for grabs (see last issue).