Charger pair consigned for Shannons MotorEx auction

Held in conjunction with Meguiar's MotorEx (in Sydney this July 19 - 21), the Shannons auction has attracted a diverse range of cars, everything from a Mazda RX3 Group C racer to a Borgward Isabella coupe, Jaguar C Type replica and C1950s Maserati special, but the two 1971 Chargers will likely be amongst the stars at the July 21 auction.

The premium Charger of the two consigned is a 1971 E38 R/T 'Bathurst' coupe powered by the powerful 280HP (209kW) triple Weber version of the 265-cid straight six. Just 316 of the E38 'homologation special' Chargers were built and they remain amongst the most collectible of all Aussie muscle cars.

Identified as the 31st E38 built, and the first of the 316-run painted in Mercury Silver, the car is also stamped 'SO A 898', which means 'Special Order Adelaide'. The car is thought to have been the original press demonstrator vehicle, and as such, was fully loaded, with the prized E38 engine, 'Track Pack' big tank (that occupied most of the boot), power brake booster, plus the bonnet, mudguard and interior dress up packages - the latter including the optional transistor push-button radio.

The well-presented and tidy E38 has been part of a large collection since it was purchased at a Shannons auction in 2007. Because of its iconic, collectable status and condition, it is expected to sell in the $80,000-$90,000 range, despite the car running a non-original R/T engine.

Slotting in behind the E38 is a 'timewarp' 1971 Chrysler VH Valiant R/T 2 Barrel 265-cid coupe, painted in Vitamin C, one of the Charger's trademark colours.

Only 1,300 of the 17,918 VH Chargers built were R/T models and Shannons believe this example to be one of the best and most original available. Over its 90,365 recorded miles (believed genuine) every wearing part has been replaced or overhauled except for the engine, which is still running strongly.

The body retains its original paint and there is no evidence of any rust repairs, while the interior is also largely original (dash pad, roof lining and door cards), bar reupholstered seats. Offered with its original log books, Shannons expect this R/T Charger to sell in the $42,000-$48,000 range.

If either of these two are outside your budget, the MotorEx auction will also feature a very tidy 1965 Valiant AP6 Regal sedan, which carries a pre-auction estimate of $8,000 - $12,000.

This three-owner AP6 features a 225-cid Slant Six and three-speed auto, with the odometer showing just 105,644 miles, and has been subject to recent repair and mechanical refurbishment work to make it a safe and reliable classic driver.

Away from the Mopars, this auction will also feature a 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327 ($90K-$100K guiding range), 1972 LJ Torana GTR XU-1 (No Reserve $65K-$75K guiding range), 1968 Camaro RS 327 convertible ($52K-$58K) and 1976 LX Torana SL/R 500 replica ($25K-$30K guiding range).

Additionally, even Mopar fans will be impressed to see that the ex-John Goss and Kevin Bartlett 1975 Bathurst XB GT Falcon has also been consigned for Shannons' MotorEx auction, with a guiding range of $330K - $360K. See more on this car in a separate article.

Shannons MotorEx auction takes place on Sunday, July 21, at MotorEx, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, NSW. For more auction information, go to www.shannons.com.au