MUSTANG MACH 1 TOPS BURNS & CO. AUGUST AUCTION

Burns & Co. Auctions enjoyed a strong result at their 13 August auction, with a high percentage of vehicles consigned finding new owners.

Beyond the good clearance rate, what was notable at this auction was the large crowd, showing that ‘in-person’ attendance at car auctions is approaching pre-COVID numbers.

Fifty vehicles, covering a wide range of makes, models and eras, made up the 13 August auction, with rarities including a 1948 MG YA saloon, HR Holden X2 wagon, 1966 Plymouth Satellite 440, 1924 Dodge Tourer and a Subaru-powered sand rail buggy,

Leading the lot was a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, finished in Black Jade with a black vinyl interior. What made this Mach 1 desirable was its original, unrestored condition, along with its ‘R Code’ 428 Cobra Jet with Ram Air. This factory-fitted V8 was matched to a C6 3-speed automatic, with power front disc brakes and power steering also factory-fitted. Ford built more than 72,000 Mach 1 Mustangs in 1969, but only 10,080 were powered by the 428 Cobra Jet.

Since arriving in Australia, this Mach 1 has needed only minor fixes, with interior decals and assembly line chalk marks suggesting the odometer reading of 59,557 at time of auction was correct. The Mach 1 sold for $137,250, with various period literature included in the sale.

Demand for early Holden Premiers saw a 1967 example in Silver Mink with black trim sell for $95,500. The price is explained by the car being an unrestored, matching numbers example with the 186S engine and optional 4-speed manual and disc brakes. It also had a rare single-tone exterior, instead of the two-tone or vinyl-trimmed roof that Premiers usually had.

The aforementioned HR Special X2 wagon was another rarity, given the X2 package was usually fitted to Premiers, not Specials. The first owner had a 4-speed manual dealer fitted a year after delivery, with a sunvisor, fog lights, venetians, rear wheel spats and aftermarket side trims also added.

In outstanding condition, the two-owner HR Special X2 wagon sold for $72,000.