US muscle to feature at Shannons Motorex Auction

Amongst the consignments listed for Shannons Custom & Collectable Auction at Sydney's Olympic Park on July 22 are muscle machines from Plymouth, Chevrolet, Ford and Oldsmobile, three of which are being offered at No Reserve.

The pick of the bunch is arguably a freshly-restored 1972 LHD Plymouth Barracuda coupe running a monster 528ci V8 that is expected to sell in the $58,000-$64,000 range. Starting life as a more humble 318 V8 'Cuda, the car was transformed mechanically with the fitting of a Ray Barton Hemi Crate Motor with TTi headers, mated to a 5-speed Keisler TKO manual gearbox. The car has covered less than 2,000 miles since its comprehensive restoration, which in addition to its engine and transmission transplant, has included extensive use of replacement rather than patch panels, all new underpinnings and a new interior.

Another piece of US muscle expected to sell well is a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro coupe that has come to Australia via Qatar, of all places! Fitted with a 425hp 383ci V8 and three-speed auto, the Camaro (which the vendor says is an SS model) was fully restored from bare metal in 2009, and has covered only 2,000 miles on the new engine. As part of the resto, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, an engine immobiliser, new suspension and a complete new exhaust system were also fitted. Guiding range for this Camaro, which has NSW rego to 2/2013, has been set at $44,000 - $50,000.

The No Reserve muscle cars include a 1970 Ford Torino ($28,000-$34,000 guiding range), a one-off 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass show car ($35,000-$40,000) and a 1972 Chevelle SS 'tribute' ($35,000-$40,000) all in very nice, restored condition.

The Torino is a sought-after model that has covered less than 2,000 miles since being comprehensively restored. It still has its original interior and upholstery. Roof lining, dashboard, door panels and carpet are in near perfect condition. All the Torino's original gauges and electrics are also in excellent working order, as well as its air-conditioning.

The supercharged 1971 Cutlass is a one-off street custom show car, with an $18K Chip Foose-designed paint finish amongst many other special features. Many of the Oldsmobile's panels are new, while its glass and bumpers are also in excellent original condition. Under the bonnet is a brand new Corvette LS1 engine fitted with a Vortec supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler, bolted to a new four-speed automatic transmission. The custom restored Cutlass reportedly cost $80,000 to build, and has only covered minimal miles since completion.

The Chevelle SS 'tribute' is an LHD 1972 model that has covered less than 100 miles since a full nut and bolt, bare-metal paint and restoration. Shannons say the quality and scope of the restoration is exceptional, with many new NOS parts including a brand new interior to exact SS spec, a full custom re-wire and new glass all round. The fully detailed engine bay houses a fresh 350ci small block V8 with a mild cam and new Holley 650 carburettor. Transmission is a three-speed TH 350 auto with 2 stage kit and Hi stall, and the 10-bolt differential is fitted with a Detroit locker and billet axles.

The American muscle will be joined by a number of Aussie muscle cars at Shannons MotorEx auction, including a trio of restored Toranas and a 'barn find' HK GTS Monaro. Some more modern Aussie sports machines, in the form of a pair of Elfin MS8 Clubmans, have also been consigned for this auction.

Now in its 12th year, Meguiar's MotorEx will be staged over the July 21-22 weekend at Sydney's Olympic Park. The largest and most prestigious motoring enthusiast event of its kind in Australia, Meguiar's MotorEx features hundreds of custom, performance and collectable vehicles from all over the country.

All vehicles in the Shannons auction will be on display throughout the weekend, with the auction starting at 3pm on the Sunday.

For all auction enquiries, visit www.shannons.com.au.