Chicane Auctions’ May auction now open for bidding

Chicane Auctions’ latest classic car auction is underway and runs through to May 16, closing from 7:00PM.

In line with Chicane’s March auction, this one features a specially curated selection of classics, with the majority of lots being American cars. Inspections are available at Chicane’s showroom - 67 Industrial Drive, Braeside (approx. 40 minutes south east of Melbourne CBD), from 10:00AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 10:00AM to 2:00PM Saturday.

Chicane Auctions’ Managing Director, Daniel Lamprell, is particularly proud of this latest boutique offering, which includes some Chevrolet rarities, a classic Aussie Holden for the family, a pair of desirable Mustangs and a big Ford of the type that made in impact in racing, both here in Australia and the USA.

See the highlights below, along with more information on how to buy and sell with Chicane Auctions.

1964 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray coupe

• 327 V8, 4-speed with Big Block-style bonnet
• Four-wheel disc brake upgrade
• One Australian owner since 2011

Introduced for the 1963 model year, the second-generation (C2) Corvette was an improvement on the original in almost every area. With all-new styling inspired by a series of GM race cars and concepts, the new Corvette featured pop-up headlights for the first time and also gained a new suffix to its name – Sting Ray. Available as both a fastback coupe (a Corvette first) and convertible, the C2 Corvette featured more structural steel and a lighter, thinner fibreglass body than the previous generation, which improved weight distribution, body rigidity and handling.

After the one-year-only ‘split window’ rear for 1963, Corvette Sting Ray coupes from 1964 featured a one-piece rear window. Other changes for ’64 included removing the faux air intakes on the bonnet, but the exhaust vent on the B-pillar was made functional. Other minor detail changes were also made, while under the skin, suspension was improved.

A 327ci V8 was the only engine available in 1964, but it could be had in four different states of tune - from 250hp up to 375hp with fuel injection. A three-speed manual was the standard transmission, with a four-speed manual and two-speed automatic optional. Other options included leather seat trim, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, an AM/FM radio and multiple trim and cosmetic items.

This example is finished in Silver Blue metallic and wears the bonnet from a 1967 Big Block Corvette. The engine is the standard 327 Small Block, but it’s the 360hp version, which was the most potent carburetted version available. Transmission is a four-speed manual, matched to the standard diff. Imported by the vendor in 2011, this car’s upgrades and alterations beyond the Big Block bonnet include four-wheel disc brakes, side pipes, period knock-off wire-look wheels and a higher rpm tachometer.

The car was fully repainted four years ago and still presents very well, while the interior is described as excellent, including the hoodlining and carpets. Coming to auction on non-transferable Victorian club registration, this Corvette has all the looks - and the performance to back it up.

Guiding range is $110,000 - $130,000. For more details, click HERE.

1964 Holden EH Special station wagon

• Concours-quality restoration completed in 2018
• 179 six-cylinder and three-speed manual, believed to be matching numbers
• Accented with period accessories

In automotive terms, the EH was Holden’s first smash hit. The 48-215 and FJ had made Holden a favourite with new car buyers, but by late 1963, there were a lot of competitors to choose from, not least of which was Chrysler’s Valiant, while Ford’s Falcon had overcome its initial flaws to be a bona fide contender. That meant what Holden brought out next had to be exceptional to succeed.

Introduced in August, 1963, the EH was an evolution of the EJ stylistically, with design tweaks front and rear, but there was a revolution under the bonnet, with the all-new six-cylinder “red motor” replacing the “grey motor” that had powered all Holdens since 1948. At 149 cubic inch capacity, the red motor was only fractionally larger, but more economical, stronger and significantly more powerful, with its 100hp being around 33 per cent more than the grey motor’s output. On selected EH models, a 179ci version was available which was more powerful again.

More than 250,000 EH Holdens were sold in a little over 18 months, making it not only the fastest-selling Holden, but the fastest-selling Aussie car of any type at that point in time. Buyers could choose from Standard, Special or Premier, with station wagon versions for each grade, too, as well as utes and panel vans. There was also a hot ‘S4’ 179 Special sedan.

The EH on offer is a Special wagon that was comprehensively restored six years ago. Finished in period-correct Fowlers Ivory over Gibson Beige, this car runs a fully rebuilt 179 six and column-shift three-speed manual. It’s believed to be a matching numbers car, with the brakes and suspension period correct, too.

Exterior trim and badging was either replaced or rechromed during the restoration, with a number of period accessories fitted – sunvisor, roof rack, passenger side mirror and rear venetians, as well as white-stripe tyres.

The interior trim is Aztec Gold and Jamboree Brown vinyl – an unusual treatment, but factory correct for an EH. Headlining is in ivory and the carpets black. The latter was rare on a Special and more commonly seen on the Premier. Like the exterior, the interior was all replaced or refurbished during the restoration and still presents as new today.

Ready to take to Car shows – and win - the guiding range on this immaculate restored Aussie classic is $40,000 - $60,000. For more details, click HERE.

1966 Chevrolet Nova SS

• Rare 'Super Sport SS' option in Tuxedo Black and Red Interior
• Disc brake upgrade, 2 sets of wheels included
• Imported in 2015, very rare in Australia

After their radical, rear-engined Corvair was snubbed in the US market, Chevrolet responded with a more conventional car – the Chevy II. With a front-mounted, water-cooled engine, rear-wheel drive and simple (some may say bland) styling, the Chevy II was very much modelled on Ford’s Falcon, which had heavily outsold the Corvair from day one.

Introduced for the 1962 model year, the Chevy II featured a semi-monocoque design with separate front subframe – an approach that would later be applied to the Camaro and Holden’s HQ Series. Offered in sedan, hardtop, convertible and wagon body styles, the Chevy II also came in three trim levels, the top of which was the ‘Nova 400 Series’.

Engine choices were a 153ci four-cylinder and 194ci six-cylinder initially, with no V8 offered until 1964. When introduced, the 283ci V8 was often paired with the Nova Super Sport (SS) option that had been introduced the year before as an appearance package. In 1965, a 327ci V8 was added to the option list and output from the 283 was increased.

The Chevy II was restyled for 1966, but dimensions remained mostly the same, as did the choice of engines and transmissions. The SS package was now exclusive to the Sport Coupe (two-door hardtop) body, with the 194ci six standard and any larger engine, including a 350hp 327, optional. By 1969, the popularity of the Nova trim level saw it replace the Chevy II model name entirely and it would carry this moniker until it was discontinued in 1979.

Because the Chevy II was never officially sold in Australia (although it was raced, most notably by Norm Beechey), it’s largely unknown here, but performance enthusiasts appreciate what the light, compact car can deliver. In second-generation form with the hardtop bodystyle, as presented here, it’s an attractive car, with the SS package adding to the good looks.

The car on offer is a 1966 ‘Super Sport’ example, with a factory Tuxedo Black and Red Bucket Seat Interior. Powered by a Chevrolet 283 V8, painted in era correct Chevy Orange and connected to a Powerglide Auto Transmission. Imported from the US in 2015, this car’s Victorian owner has serviced it regularly, with an RWC completed in 2019 and less than 1,000 miles covered since.

The factory black paint is said to be in outstanding condition, with minimal blemishes, while the bold red interior, including vinyl-trimmed bucket seats, a centre console and full carpeting, is equally impressive. A full set of original Rallye Wheels/ hubcaps/ trim rings and BFG Redwall tyres all in perfect condition, come with the sale for factory appearance.

A rarity in Australia, this high-quality Chevy compact has a guiding range of $65,000 - $85,000. For more details, click HERE.

1967 Ford Mustang fastback

• Factory S Code car
• Enhanced 390 V8, C6 auto, 9-inch diff
• Mild custom interior with retro-look Bluetooth radio.

Following its introduction in April, 1964, the first re-design of the Mustang came for the 1967 model year, updating what was one of the most successful new cars of all time. All body types were restyled, but the fastback received the most change, with its sloping roof now running all the way to the tail. At the back end, tail lights now sat in a concave panel and faux side scoops were added. Interior styling was modified, too. An increase in external dimensions resulted in more interior space, with a number of changes made to meet US safety regulations. These included redesigned steering wheels, dash pads and switchgear.

The ’67 Mustang’s larger dimensions also allowed Big Block V8 engines to be factory installed for the first time. Initial offerings were 390ci and 428ci V8s. The latter was exclusive to the Shelbys, with the most potent engine available for a “regular” Mustang being the 320hp 390. Known as an S Code when so equipped - and made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1968 movie Bullitt - a 390-powered Mustang could be had with a three-speed manual, three-speed automatic (a first for the GT) or four-speed manual, along with a wide range of cosmetic, performance and handling options.

Despite new competition in the form of the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, a restyled and expanded Plymouth Barracuda range and even an in-house rival in the Mercury Cougar, more than 470,000 Mustangs were built in 1967. The notchback coupe accounted for three quarters of production that year, with fastbacks only making up around 15 per cent of the total.

The Mustang on offer is a factory S Code fastback, but the engine has been enhanced with Edelbrock alloy heads and an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley Mighty Demon carburettor, MSD ignition, distributor and coil, extractors, an alloy radiator with twin thermo fans and more. Matched to this is a period correct Ford C6 automatic, which has also been enhanced with a performance high stall torque converter and connects to a 9-inch diff.

The body is straight, but would benefit from some paint correction and detailing. Wheels are Halibrand-style 17-inch alloys with faux knock-off centres, wrapped in Yokohama tyres.

Inside, the seats have been retrimmed with cloth inserts but the door cards are stock. A tachometer has been added atop the steering column and an aftermarket Grant steering wheel is fitted. There’s a retro-look radio (with Bluetooth) in the dash, too. Like the exterior, the interior is in very good condition.

S Code Mustang fastbacks are relatively rare here in Australia, especially 1967 models. This enhanced version has been set up for more ‘go’ than ‘show’ and carries a guiding range of $80,000 - $100,000. For more details, click HERE.

1957 Chevrolet Handyman wagon

• Rare two-door wagon, enhanced with Bel Air trim
• 305 V8, T5 manual, set up for cruising
• Disc front brakes, power steering, air conditioning

The 1957 Chevrolet is an icon today, but most of the love for this archetypal piece of automotive Americana goes to the sedans, hardtops and convertibles. Wagons are less popular, with perhaps the exception of the two-door Nomad and Handyman version as shown here.

While the Nomad was the top Chevrolet wagon available in 1957, it wasn’t the only one, with the Beauville, Townsman and Handyman also available. The Beauville was a longroof equivalent of the mid-level Chevrolet 210, with four doors and seating for nine. A six-seater version was the Townsman, which was available in 210 and Bel Air trim. Below that, the Handyman was the entry-level wagon for 1957, available in 150 or 210 trim, and as a two-door six-seater only, but lacking the distinctive door styling and pillarless look of the Nomad.

Engine options for these wagons ranged from the venerable ‘Blue Flame’ 235.5ci inline six, through a 265ci V8 and 283ci V8 that was available in two levels of tune. The standard transmission was a three-speed column shift manual, with a two-speed Powerglide auto and Turboglide CVT optional, although the latter proved troublesome and was discontinued. Various engine upgrade kits and a four-speed manual were also available in period, although not always offered or approved by GM.

This Chev Handyman has a lowered stance and rolls on a set of Weld wheels, but the Bel Air side trim and Ivory over Larkspur Blue paint keeps the ‘50s vibe alive. The bonnet’s large “V” (denoting a V8) and dual “rocket” details are factory features, but the “dagmars” in the front bumper are later additions.

An unusual drivetrain in this classic wagon pairs a 305ci V8 with a Tremec T5 five-speed manual transmission. Introduced in 1976 as a derivative of the 350 Small Block, the 305 was designed to be more efficient at a time when America’s carmakers were subjected to ever stricter regulations regarding vehicle emissions and is well suited to this car for easy cruising ability.

The Bel Air treatment outside continues inside on the steering wheel, two-tone vinyl seat trim and dash detailing. Pleated trim on the door cards extends into the rear load area, as does the carpeting. The factory gauge cluster houses a modern Classic Instruments set, there’s a floor-shifter for the five-speed and a retro-look heater/aircon unit, too.

Set up for cruising, this wagon also has power steering, power front disc brakes, refurbished suspension and electric wipers, plus seat belts front and rear. A modern stereo system has been fitted, with the head unit hidden under the dashtop vent to preserve the interior’s classic looks.

Owned by a mechanic for the past decade (and thus well-maintained), this rare, classic 1957 Chevrolet Handyman wagon is an ideal family cruiser. Guiding range is $45,000 - $65,000. For more details, click HERE.

Bid Now

Now open for bidding, the Chicane Auctions May online auction runs until Thursday, May 16, closing in increments from 7:00PM on the 16th.

The next classic car auction will be on 27 June, with a special offer for sellers. For details, click HERE.

For Sellers

Chicane Auctions make the process of consigning a car for auction as easy and stress-free as possible. FAQs are on the Chicane website, while Daniel and his team are happy to discuss individual requirements with you.

As Chicane specialise in high-quality classics, not every vehicle submitted will be suitable for their auctions. If your vehicle is deemed unsuitable, Chicane will direct you to appropriate alternatives.

Cars selected for auction will receive a full, detailed listing, a selection of high-quality photos and video to ensure it’s presented in the best possible way.

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 reasonable 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. Detailed descriptions for each lot include general history of the model, to give context to the individual vehicle’s guiding range.

Vehicles are available for inspection leading up to the auction date for single-day sales and during the auction period for timed online auctions. Chicane can also assist with transport from their Melbourne showroom.

To find out more, click HERE.