Auction update
And so we nd ourselves well into 2019 now, a perfect time to bask in the golden anniversary nostalgic glow of 1969. What better way to get into the 50th anniversary spirit than to splash out at Shannons’ Melbourne Summer Classic Auction on a 1969 HT Monaro GTS 350.
This car, an auto, has had just two owners across its 48-year life. It was repainted (white – inside, the original black and white houndstooth upholstery presents like new) about 15 years ago but is otherwise original. With early original-series Monaros becoming increasingly popular among collectors, Shannons anticipates this example to sell in the $160,000$180,000 range.
A similar sum is expected for the 1985 Holden Commodore VK SS Group A that’s also going under the hammer on February 18. This ‘Blue Meanie’ has been barely used and presents like new, the odometer showing what is believed to be a genuine 10,387km.
With only 200 Group 3 and 500 Group A VK Commodores produced by HDT, Group A Brock homologation specials are becoming rare and sough-after – and the ‘Blue Meanies’ are certainly the most collectible of all the Brock-era high-performance Commodores.
In addition, there’s a unique ’96 Commodore VSII BT1 Police Pack. This one-of-a-kind VSII includes the 185kW upgrade for the 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine, FE2 suspension and 3.07/3.08 diff ratio. It also has Holden by Design enhancements, including a body spoiler kit, alloy wheels and Group A SS trim. It’s not a sought-after HSV or mint SS but it’s an unusual and unique VSII which Shannons expects to attract $12,000 to $18,000.
Also on offer is a 2008 HSV W427. This is a one-owner W427 with 55,925km on the clock. It’s had extensive paint and stone protection in order to maintain its ‘as delivered’ appearance, and it comes with an HSV- tted car cover.
The 7.0-litre 375kW LS7 V8-powered W427 was at the time of its release the most powerful car ever made in Australia – and, at $155,500, also the most expensive. Shannons conservatively expects to see it reach between $80,000 and $90,000, which may well prove a bargain given that rare top-end HSVs like the W427 are only set to appreciate with the passing of time.
As is the case with the Blue Meanie, HT Monaro and the VSII BT1 Police Pack, the W427 is being offered at no reserve.
AMC will also be keeping an eye on Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on March 4 at its St Leonards base. While the ‘ eld’ was still to be nalised as this issue closed for press, it will feature a number of rare numberplates.
Visit www.shannons.com. au/auctions to see the tasty treats on offer.