CHICANE AUCTIONS’ MARCH CLASSIC CAR AUCTION IS LIVE

Chicane Auctions’ 21 – 28 March online auction is underway. The second auction presented by the premium classic car auction house for 2024 features a selection of quality collectable cars and is timed to coincide with the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. So, if you’re in Melbourne for the GP, call Chicane to arrange an inspection of the consignments at their Braeside showroom. You may spot something to take back home with you!

Founded in 2020, Chicane Auctions may be a relatively new player in the auction space, but the team brings a lot of experience to the field. Managing Director, Daniel Lamprell, has more than a decade in prestige, luxury and classic car sales under his belt and an even longer tenure in the automotive industry generally.

A professional approach and attention to detail are hallmarks of what Daniel and the team at Chicane Auctions do, all with the goal of delivering the best results. Being a boutique family business, personal service is guaranteed, too.

For Sellers

Consigning a car for auction can be a new – and sometimes daunting – experience for many, but Chicane Auctions aim to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. There’s no charge to consign your car, with this seller-friendly approach even extending to suggesting your vehicle be offered to overseas buyers if Chicane feel there’s more potential for a better return outside of the Australian collectable car market.

To find out more, click HERE.

For Buyers

Registering to bid in a Chicane Auctions’ sale is a simple process, with Chicane staff available to walk you through each step. Buyers’ premium is a reasonable 6.5 per cent and every vehicle on offer is comprehensively photographed and filmed, so if you can’t inspect in person, you will have an accurate idea of what’s on offer. Descriptions for each lot are detailed, too, including general history of the model, to give context to the individual vehicle’s importance and its guiding range.

Vehicles are available for inspection weeks before the auction date in most instances, while Chicane can also assist with transport ] from their Melbourne showroom for successful bidders located interstate.

To find out more, click HERE.

Premium Process

Naturally, the premium service that Chicane Auctions offer extends to the vehicles themselves, with each unit evaluated by a specialist team to confirm authenticity, provenance, overall condition and value. Unlike some other auction houses, Chicane are selective in what they choose and limit the size of the auction. This boutique approach ensures each vehicle can be thoroughly and competently assessed before being listed, while also ensuring quality across the auction remains high.

To find out more, click HERE.

March – Lucky 13!

The Chicane Auctions March online auction runs from Thursday, 21 March to Thursday, 28 March inclusive. Bidding opened at 12 Noon on the 21st and closes in increments from 7:00PM on the 28th.

A total of 13 cars have been consigned, covering a wide range of eras, marques, models and market segments. From Aussie muscle to British luxury, American performance and Japanese classics, there’s something to suit most automotive tastes. Here are some of the highlights:

1977 Holden LX Torana A9X

Genuine A9X sedan, matching numbers
Rare colour/trim combination, remarkable condition
105,434km odometer reading

Replacing the Monaro as GM-H’s weapon in Australian Group C Touring Car racing, the Torana is an icon today, thanks to its performance on the track, particularly at the annual Bathurst enduro. At the top of the Torana tree is the A9X, which was produced specifically for racing homologation and identified by its large wheelarch flares and a reverse bonnet scoop.

The first Holden fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, the A9X Torana also benefitted from other GM-H engineering improvements of the period, like Radial Tuned Suspension. Just 305 A9X sedans and 100 hatchbacks were released to the public, with a further 52 going direct to race teams.

The A9X on offer is one of only eight finished in Tuxedo Black with a black/grey vinyl interior from the factory. Sold new in Waikerie, SA, with air conditioning dealer-installed, the car has passed to four other owners since, most of whom have been cogniscant of the car’s value and significance.

Coming to auction in near-original condition from a Tasmanian collector, this A9X still has its factory L31 5.0-litre V8 and M21 four-speed manual transmission, with only the typical consumables and wear items in the driveline, suspension and brakes replaced.

The interior is described as mostly original (an aftermarket radio has been fitted) and the exterior has no apparent rust, with only one known respray, which was done approximately 20 years ago. The original owner’s manual, a history file and other documents are included.

Guiding range is $230,000 - $260,000. For more details, click HERE.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Factory supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8
Factory option leather interior, professional RHD conversion
One Australian owner, only 1,407km from new

With production of the V8-powered Dodge Challenger coming to an end late last year and no certainty of the nameplate’s return (unlike the Charger), expect this All American muscle car to rise in value.

While the original Challenger from 1970 was only produced for five years, the modern, retro-styled version that hit the market in 2008 stayed around for 16 years and saw ever increasing power outputs in its latter years. That trend started back in 2015 with the release of the Challenger SRT Hellcat.

Replacing the stock 6.4-litre, naturally aspirated HEMI V8 with a supercharged 6.2-litre version, the Hellcat offered up to 527kW and 850Nm, but using one of two available key fobs could limit power to a more street-friendly 373kW. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with an eight-speed automatic optional.

Other changes over the stock Challenger included a new bonnet design, restyled grille, lower ride height, more aero elements and replacing the nearside driving light with an air intake for the supercharger. Brakes were upgraded and wheel openings reprofiled to allow for larger 20 x 9.5-inch wheels and tyres.

In 2015, the SRT Hellcat was the most expensive new Challenger you could buy and remained in the range until the end of Challenger production in 2023. Along the way, it spawned the Hellcat Redeye and indirectly led to the creation of the SRT Demon.

When the SRT Hellcat launched, premium Laguna leather seats and the eight-speed auto were amongst the few extra-cost options. Both have been fitted to this car, which was imported here in 2016.

Professionally converted to RHD and personalised by its sole Australian owner, this Hellcat wears aftermarket wheels, a silver fuel filler cap and orange vinyl stripes over the factory Granite Crystal metallic paint (the stripes are removable and the original 20-inch wheels will be provided in the sale).

Described as being in close to new condition with only 1,407km on the odometer, guiding range on this first-year Challenger SRT Hellcat is $180,000 - $220,000. For more details, click HERE.

1951 Fiat 500C Topolino

13-year comprehensive restoration
Rebuilt 569cc engine and 4-speed manual trans
Interior makeover and upgrade

The third “little mouse” offered by Fiat, the 500C Topolino debuted in 1949, following the original 500A from 1936 and the 500B of 1948. Against its immediate predecessor, the 500C offered revised front and rear styling, but the same running gear, which meant a 569cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, producing just 16hp (12kW), but this was an improvement on the 500A’s 13hp (9.7kW). The engine was matched to a four-speed manual transmission, which was a rarity for the time, with most manuals still only three speeds.

Available body styles on the 500C included a 2-door fixed roof sedan and 2-door sedan with a roll back fabric roof that was a bit more than a targa and a bit less than a convertible. A 500C van and station wagon were also produced. The latter originally used genuine timber in its construction, but this was later replaced with fibreboard or painted metal panels.

The introduction of the Fiat 600 in 1955 marked the end for the 500C, but there was still enough cachet in the name for a ‘Nuova 500’ (New 500) to be launched in 1957. That proved to be a smash hit and remained in production until 1975.

This 500C is the subject of a 13-year restoration by a Fiat Car Club member and carries the name of ‘SofiaT’, referencing a pair of Italian icons in Fiat and Sophia Loren. The engine and transmission were both rebuilt to factory spec, while the body was stripped to bare metal and repainted Verde Scuro (Dark Green), with the roll-back canvas roof replaced, too.

Inside is where this particular 500C deviates from standard, with leather upholstery on the seats and doorcards, full carpeting, a pearl finish steering wheel, lap seatbelts, a timber dash and period ashtray.

In the rear seat space is an His Master’s Voice record player that matches the period of the car and is functional, as are the semaphore indicators outside.

A rarity in any form and especially the condition presented here, this 1951 500C Topolino has a guiding range of $25,000 - $35,000. For more details, click HERE.

1965 Ford Mustang fastback

Factory A Code car
GT upgrades, RHD conversion
Only two owners in past 32 years.

Within months of its release in April, 1964, the success of the Mustang was assured. American buyers flocked to the sporty-looking new car, snapping up more than 400,000 of them in the first year (four times Ford’s original projection), with one million sales reached less than two years after launch.

Available in coupe and convertible form initially, the sportier 2+2 fastback body style was added from September, 1964, and formed the basis for many of the most desirable Mustangs that would follow, including the GT350, GT350H, GT500, Mach 1, Boss 302/429 and various regional specials.

While the base Mustang was very basic, it could be optioned up with all manner of performance, luxury, convenience and cosmetic parts. This approach was successful for Ford, too, with most buyers spending hundreds more than the vehicle’s sticker price on options.

The Mustang on offer was factory-fitted with an A Code engine, meaning the 289 ‘Challenger Special’ V8 that offered more power than the base (C Code) ‘Challenger’ 289, thanks to the addition of a 4-barrel carburettor and higher compression ratio. The result was 225hp (167kW), versus 200hp (149kW) for the C Code 289 with a 2-barrel carb. Both were under the 271hp (202kW) offered by the K Code version of the same engine, which achieved its extra grunt via solid lifters, revised cam timing, a modified exhaust manifold and upgraded carb. Most Mustang V8 buyers in period went for the C Code, though, making the A and K Code engines relatively rare.

In 1965, Mustang fastbacks with the optional A and K Code engines could also be optioned as a GT, which meant a dual exhaust system, upgraded suspension and front disc brakes. Cosmetic additions included fog lights in the grille, sill stripes and GT badging, while the interior received an upgraded steering wheel and special ‘Rally Pac’ gauges.

While not a GT from the factory, the Mustang in this auction has been upgraded to GT spec in many areas as part of a comprehensive, bare metal rebuild completed by the previous owner that included an RHD conversion. Ceramic-coated headers and a stainless 2.5-inch exhaust have been fitted, the 289 is bored 30 thou over, with an Edelbrock Torker intake manifold and Holley 600 carb fitted. The transmission is now a Toploader 4-speed manual and a 9-inch LSD has been fitted, along with larger rear drum brakes and new springs, shocks and sway bars.

The factory Springtime Yellow paint was redone and Deluxe black vinyl trim (aka the Pony interior) fitted, along with a GT steering wheel, dash and reproduction Rally Pac gauge set, new carpets and more. Around 5,500 miles have been covered since the rebuild was completed.

Combining classic looks with modern performance and practicality, guiding range on this ’65 Mustang fastback is $90,000 - $110,000. For more details, click HERE.

1967 Toyota KE10 Corolla sedan

One of the earliest Australian-delivered Corollas
31 years with first owner
Recent repaint and interior restoration

While Toyotas were sold in Australia prior to the Corolla’s local release in 1967, none have been as impactful, or as long lasting. Still in production today, the Corolla was Australia’s top-selling car as recently as 2015 and saw almost 20,000 local sales last year.

The Corolla story starts with the ‘KE10’ series which was launched in Japan in 1966 and offered in 2-door sedan, coupe, wagon and van bodies. All were powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine, matched to either a 4-speed manual or 2-speed automatic transmission. Of the first-generation Corolla (which was replaced by the KE20 in 1970), the sedan was the most common body style, but any KE10 is rare in Australia today.

In an effort to avoid heavy import tariffs on complete cars, local assembly of the KE10 by Australian Motor Industries in Melbourne began in 1968, with Corolla assembly continuing here until 1999. Even by 1967 standards, the Corolla was a small car, but it was reliable, well-equipped and cheap, which is a big part of why it became a top-seller in Australia.

This KE10 sedan is the classic “little old lady” car that was bought new in June, 1967, and retained by the female owner until 1998, when it was passed on to her grandson. He later sold it to Peter Robinson (aka Captain Corolla), who attended to the brakes and steering as part of a mechanical refurbishment that was completed by the vendor.

Recent work includes a bare metal respray in factory red and all-new interior trim, including seat upholstery, doorcards and carpet. The steering wheel, dash and instrumentation are believed to be original and said to be in near-perfect condition.

The car comes to auction with a set of 13-inch Bathurst Globe-style aftermarket alloys fitted, but the original 12-inch steel wheels can be supplied.

Currently on non-transferable club registration, the original Victorian number plates and a Toyota toolkit are included, along with owner’s books. Guiding range for this rare Japanese classic is $20,000 - $30,000. For more details, click HERE.

1969 Plymouth GTX

Show-quality rotisserie restoration
426 Hemi engine swap
Factory cream vinyl interior

A muscled-up mid-size model introduced for the 1967 model year, the GTX was part of Plymouth’s ‘Rapid Transit System’ (RTS) of powerful cars that was in the vein of Dodge’s ‘Scat Pack’ and Ford’s ‘Total Performance’ range. Based on the Belvedere and available as a two-door hardtop or convertible, the GTX’s Belvedere origins meant it offered better trim and more standard appointments than the Satellite-based Road Runner that Plymouth added to the RTS range a year later.

Identified by bonnet scoops, striping, fog lights and a pop-up fuel cap outside, with a revcounter added inside, the GTX came with a 440 cubic inch V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission as standard. A 426 Hemi V8 and 4-speed manual were optional, which continued when the redesigned GTX debuted for the 1968 model year as part of Plymouth’s new look mid-size range.

Although the GTX survived a second redesign that came for the 1971 model (its last year on the market), it’s the 1968 through 1970 versions that are the most desirable today thanks to their brawnier styling. Across those three years, not much changed, but in 1969, functional ‘Air Grabber’ scoops were added to funnel fresh air into the engine. Standard with the 426 Hemi and optional with the 440, the Air Grabber was followed by faux rear brake scoops and a redesigned bonnet in 1970, when the convertible GTX was dropped.

This 1969 GTX hardtop was sold new in Texas and received a high-quality restoration in the USA in 2006 before being brought to Australia by its second owner in 2013.Originally fitted with a 440 V8, the switch to a period-correct 426 Hemi was presumably done during the rebuild. Here in Australia, the standard of the restoration saw it win trophies at multiple car shows and score an invite to the 2018 Motorclassica concours. Since then, the car has seen little use, but was treated to a full rebuild of the 426 Hemi in 2023 that cost a reported $25K and included many modern components.

An extensive receipt file for both the 2006 resto and 2023 engine rebuild, along with other documentation, is supplied, with Victorian ‘GTX 69’ plates available by negotiation. A GTX of this standard is a rare sight in Australia, so the guiding range for this one is $95,000 - $115,000.

For more details, click HERE.

Inspections and Upcoming Auctions

The Chicane Auctions showroom is located at 67 Industrial Drive, Braeside (approx. 40 minutes south east of Melbourne CBD) and is open for inspections – by appointment only – from 10:00AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 10:00AM to 2:00PM Saturday. For the F1 Grand Prix weekend, the showroom will be open this Saturday AND Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.

Following the completion of this auction, the next classic car auction will be a live event, on 25 April, with monthly auctions to follow. The auction of a private collection, comprising cars, automobilia and race-related items, is coming up, too.

For details on all upcoming auctions, click HERE.