Utes & Aussie classics perform at Shannons Melbourne auction
The 1955 Holden FJ ute, a country Victoria car from new and in remarkably original condition, sold after strong floor and phone bidding for $42,000. The one-family-from-new Milano Ivory-painted vehicle nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate due to its exceptional provenance and virtually unmodified condition.
Also in the ute sphere of things, a two-owner (believed) 1982 Ford F100 utility with 141,000km from new and presented in fully-restored condition, sold at the top of its predicted range for $14,000.
Other Australian classics to sell well included a nicely-presented and original 1971 Ford ZD Fairlane that brought $23,500. The price reflected the outstanding condition of the ZD's Teal Glow exterior and virtually flawless saddle interior. Equipped with a stock 302ci V8 and 3-speed automatic, the Fairlane was an impressive until that sold well.
Aussie muscle from this auction included a very neat 1974 HQ Monaro GTS sedan. Finished in Chrome Yellow with the popular black vinyl/herringbone cloth interior trim, the GTS had been detailed from nose to tail, including the engine bay, and appeared to have had the front seats recovered at some stage. Garaged for the last 20 years, this Brisbane-built, Vic-registered Monaro GTS had been with the same owner since 1975! The sale price of $21.000 was probably a little under what these units are worth, but within the pre-auction estimate of $20,000 - $25,000.
Close behind the GTS was a 1971 Chrysler VH Charger 770 which made $20,000. Requiring some TLC, the Charger was equipped with the desirable 318 V8 and 3-speed auto, and finished in the popular 'Hot Mustard' paint. A one-owner car from new, the Charger had only covered a reported 142,230 miles. The vendor alleged the unusual three-spoke steering wheel on this car was dealer-fitted and taken from one of Leo Geoghegan's racing Chargers. Original documentation (owner's manual and delivery book) was included in the sale.
The final lot of interest to muscle enthusiasts - especially those partial to rare muscle - was a Brock-enhanced 1988 Ford EA Falcon 'B8', which was being auctioned at No Reserve. From the period when Brocky "changed teams", the Brock Fords were based on the Falcon S-Pack (or the Fairmont in some instances) and featured extensive engine tweaks to the stock 3.9 litre straight six engine. With extractors, full exhaust system and sports camshaft, the B8 delivered 164kW, only one kilowatt less than a comparable Commodore V8 SS of the same period. Other Brock enhancements to these Falcons included major suspension adjustments, 16 x 7-inch alloys, large tyres, and a subtle bodykit.
Only around 126 of these Brock-enhanced Falcons are believed to have been built, and the No Reserve example, which also had a rare 5-speed manual trans fitted, was described as build number 14. A stack of documentation and related memorabilia and magazine articles didn't have a major impact with buyers. The Falcon sold, but the hammer price of only $9,500 perhaps showed that Brocky Commodores still lead the way.
Other Aussie lots of interest from this auction included a 1975 HJ Statesman Caprice, which sold for $9,500, and a relatively rare 1974 HQ Premier wagon, which made $9,000 despite being in less than stellar condition.
American vehicles weren't sparking the buyers at this auction, with classic Chevys, Mustangs, Fords and the pre-auction star - a 1933 Packard 7-33 roadster - all being passed in. European cars fared better, with a Porsche 911SC 'RS Backdate' Carrera-clone going for $55,000, the top seller across the entire auction. Another Porsche, a 1965 912, sold for $32,000, a Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible also made $32,000, while a WA-registered example of the underrated Alfa Romeo GTV6 made $8,500.
