E38 Charger joins consignments at Bonhams Motorclassica auction

E38 was the code applied to the homologation special of the Valiant Charger from the early 1970s. Launched to the press at Amaroo Park, NSW, the car was officially announced to the public on August 6, 1971 and immediately received rave reviews in local car magazines. Starting with the Charger R/T as a base, Chrysler boosted power output of the Hemi six to 280 bhp, breathing through triple Weber carburettors. The A84 Track Pack added cast alloy rims, a limited-slip diff, improved brakes, quick-ratio steering and a 35-gallon tank with twin fillers.

The E38's competition debut came at Oran Park in September 1971, where it scored an impressive win with Doug Chivas at the wheel. However, success at Bathurst proved more of a challenge, with Ford and Holden both putting up formidable opposition. Leo Geoghegan put on a great show, sliding the new Charger into sixth place overall for the 1971 Hardie-Ferodo 500, no mean feat given the dominance of the GT-HO Falcons. The road going E38s were built in very low numbers, with 316 made (of which 284 had the J82 Big Tank option like the car offered here). Offered in wild colours, the E38s also featured blacked-out grille, wild R/T stripes and decals and the option of a black bonnet. Inside, the Charger R/T boasted full instrumentation and an alloy-rimmed steering wheel.

In a 1972 comparison between the E38, Falcon GT and Monaro GTS 350, the Charger recorded a standing quarter mile time of 14.8 seconds at 91 mph and did the 0-60 mph sprint in an impressive 6.3 seconds, confirming the Charger as Australia's quickest accelerating car. Together with the E49, the E38 remains the ultimate for Charger fans and one of the most collectible Aussie muscle cars of all.

Finished in Hemi Orange, this E38 big tank Charger has been restored to a high standard by the current owner. Well known in Mopar circles, this matching numbers Charger spent some time in Queensland before passing to the current Victorian owner six years ago. The car underwent a full mechanical restoration and repaint, and has travelled minimal miles since. Billed as one of the nicest restored E38s going around, Bonhams have valued this example at $85,000 - $95,000.

Bonhams 'Collectors Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Automobilia & Number Plates' auction is being held on Sunday, October 23, in conjunction with Motorclassica at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne. Most lots are available for viewing at Motorclassica, this October 21 - 23.

For more details on this and other lots from Bonhams Motorclassica auction, go to www.bonhams.com/aus/auction/19746/