Aussie classics to feature at Shannons Melbourne auction

Of the Australian cars, the top seller is expected to be a HSV VL "Walkinshaw" SS Group A sedan. The example consigned is #479 of the 750 examples produced and is notable for being a one owner car from new. Aside from larger tyres, the Panorama Silver vehicle is in stock condition and the odometer only reads 24,200 kms. Interior looks as new, and the whole car appears to have been very well pampered. With original handbook supplied and Victorian reg to October 2012, Shannons have set a guiding range for this very well presented car at $55,000 - $65,000.

Next Aussie lot of interest is a mildly modified 1962 Ford XK panel van. First thing to be noted with this vehicle is the windows that have been cut into the panel van body. These don't look entirely out of place, with the Venetian blinds adding a nice 'retro' touch. The car still runs its original 170ci Super Pursuit 6-cylinder motor and 3-speed manual.
Restored, the panel van has been lowered, and has also had a number of practical and tasteful period accessories fitted. In addition to the venetians, these include a heater, sun visor, rear wheel spats, a power brake booster and white wall tyres. Since the restoration, the car vehicle has travelled only 3,000 miles and the green exterior, black/grey interior and engine bay still look very clean and tidy.

Currently on club reg, the XL panel van will be sold unregistered, but a set of appropriate '62PVAN' Victorian plates will be included with the sale. Given its recent restoration and mild custom touches, this vehicle is expected to fetch $23,000 - $29,000.

Another Aussie that's sure to sell well is a restored 1958 Holden FC Special 'Station Sedan' wagon. Like the Falcon panel van, the FC wagon has had some subtle modifications. Chief among these is an engine upgrade to a 179ci 'red' motor, with Yella Terra heads and extractors. A 4-speed transmission, heavy duty front sway bar and HT Holden disc front brakes have also been added, but the car looks stock from the outside, thanks to the period-sympathetic 14 inch wheels and whitewalls.

Inside, a set of SAAS bucket seats have been fitted, as well as an aftermarket steering wheel and CD player. Finished in dark blue metallic with white roof and good-quality chrome trim, the FC wagon is expected to sell for $10,000 - $14,000.

Another Aussie that's sure to attract some attention is a 1973 Leyland P76, even moreso given that it's being offered at No Reserve. These underrated Aussie classics appear to be enjoying a resurgence of late, finally shaking off the "lemon" tag that dogged them for decades after their release.

The example to be auctioned by Shannons is finished in 'Bitter Apricot' which was resprayed some years ago, when some panel repair was also undertaken. The interior is a mix of vinyl (rear seats) and cloth (front seats), and has been fitted with the desirable all-alloy 4.4lt V8 engine.

After being in the owner's possession for a decade, and used on many club events and rallies, the P76 still presents in good condition and is expected to make $4,000 - $7,000. Original books, a sales brochure and some P76 paraphenalia will be included with the sale, but the car will be sold unregistered.

The final Aussie car of interest consigned for this auction is a 1964 AP5 Valiant, which is being offered at No Reserve. Believed to be a one family-owned unit from new, the Valiant is in good original condition, and has been fitted with accessories like a sun visor and driver's side wind deflector. The 225ci slant six and 3-speed manual transmission are believed to be the original units. Both the tan interior and Alpine White exterior present well, but the engine bay needs attention for the concours-minded. A rare good condition, bone-stock example of one of the early "Aussie" Valiants, the guiding range for this AP5 has been set at a very reasonable $4,000 - $6,000.

These and other lots will feature at the Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction, which is set to take place at Shannons' Melbourne auction rooms (321 Warrigal Rd. Cheltenham) on Monday, March 5, with the first lot going across the blocks at 7:00pm. For further details, go to www.shannons.com.au