- 12 great Australian-made Fords and Holdens spanning 1954-2012
- Two rare 1971 XY 'K-Code' Falcons, both with 'no reserve'
- Several great 'project' cars
It will be 'Australia Day' again at Shannons in mid-February, with 12 of 'Australia's Own' in Shannons upcoming 2021 Summer Timed Online Auction from February 16-23.
Leading the pack are five True Blue Fords, led by a pair of 1971 XY 'K-Code' models, both offered with 'no reserve' – a substantially original, unrestored and obviously much-loved Fairmont ($75,000-$90,000) and a mechanically refurbished but cosmetically unrestored GS sedan, ripe for further restoration, or ready be enjoyed as is ($80,000-$100,000).
Adding to their value, both are equipped with the optional 351 V8 'GT' engine, with Ford confirming additionally that the GS is the only XY built with this powertrain, Ultra White colour, Toploader four-speed manual gearbox and option package.
Costing just $145, the GS Option Package added special pinstriping, badges and chrome dress rims, along with the same dash and steering wheel as the GT, plus opened up a long list of options including bucket seats, a centre console, power steering, air conditioning, radial ply tyres and front disc brakes.
The GS could be ordered with any Falcon, Futura or Fairmont and it was up to the customer to specify his or her choice of drivetrain, with every combination of six or V8 technically available, although K-Code 351s were rarely ordered.
Other great locally-built Fords in the auction include a Polar White 1969 XW Falcon GS sedan, equipped with the 302ci V8 and four-speed manual combination and presented in fantastic condition throughout ($75,000-$95,000); a largely original 1976 Falcon XB GT 351 Automatic sedan finished in iconic Red Pepper and fitted with chromed 12-slotter wheels ($70,000-$80,000) and a uniquely Australian 1951 'Twin Spinner' De Luxe Coupe Utility – a former Unique Cars magazine cover car – that comes to auction following an18-year restoration ($40,000-$50,000).
The seven Holdens in the auction are headed by an 'enhanced' 1971 Holden HQ GTS Monaro Coupe that has been fitted with a 350ci V8 engine TH400 gearbox with a Quicksilver shifter, power steering, a 10-bolt rear end, King springs and Monroe Gas Ride shock absorbers, while at the rear there's a sway bar and widened 8-inch GTS rims.
Complete and very presentable with its red paintwork and 'Houndstooth' check trim, but now ripe for refurbishment, the Monaro is expected to sell in the $70,000 - $80,000 range.
From an earlier era, there is a lovely, believed three-owner 1964 Holden EH-model Premier sedan fitted with a reconditioned 'red' six cylinder period 179-cid engine and a later Trimatic transmission, offered in remarkable condition for its age.
Adding to its appeal, the Premier is fitted with many factory options, including a steel external sun visor, front and rear mud flaps and a rear window venetian blind.
Offering the rare chances to purchase an EH Holden Premier in such good, original condition, it is expected to sell in the $45,000-$55.000 range.
An appealing alternative for EH buyers is a three-owner 1963 Holden Special 149-cid Automatic sedan, offered in unrestored condition with period patina and 16,265 miles showing on its odometer ($20,000 - $30,000).
For a little more money (projected 'no reserve' selling range $30,000 - $40,000), there is a Sage Green with chrome wire wheels 1979 Holden HZ Statesman Caprice Sedan.
While featuring some patina on its door jambs and some scratches to its scuff plates, it is otherwise in very good condition throughout and has benefitted from a rebuild of its 308ci Holden V8 and the front end around 2018.
Winding back the clock, there is a distinctive cream and brown 1958 FC-model Holden utility, that is thought to have been a NASCO accessories display vehicle.
Fully restored 20 years ago, it has been used regularly since and maintained regularly by its by mechanic owner ($30,000-$40,000).
For those who recall the days when early days 'Humpy Holdens dominated Australian touring car racing, Shannons has a 1954 Holden FJ-model sedan in lovely condition throughout that has been lightly modified for club competition.
Fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors and extractors, external and internal battery cut-off switches, lowered suspension and anti-tramp rods and tow straps, with its interior fitted with a four-point harness, a fire extinguisher, some extra gauges and a Grant-style wood rim steering wheel, the car competed at the Geelong Sprints and various hill climbs around Victoria a few years back, but is now ready to return to its club competition career, or to become a great street cruiser.
With original early Holdens now in demand by collectors, Shannons expect this fine FJ to sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range.
At the other end of the age scale is a unique 2008 HDT WM Magnum 'Prototype' V6 Sedan slated to bring $35,000-$40,000.
Based on a Holden Statesman, it was built in 2012 by HDT Special Vehicles as a prelude to a potential run of Magnum premium models that ultimately did not eventuate.
While its Holden 3.6 litre V6 engine is standard, Magnum #1 got the full HDT treatment elsewhere. It sits low on a full HDT sports suspension package and 19-inchHDT Aero alloy wheels, while its white-finished Statesman body got the full gamut of HDT embellishments, including a full body kit and two-tone leather trim.
Definitely a car to captivate any 'Cars & Coffee' crowd, it is expected to bring $35,000 - $40,000 in Shannons online auction.
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
For more details, contact the Melbourne or Sydney auction teams on 13 4646, or by email on auctions@shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons team member, call Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number), or Christophe (03) 7025 4974; 'Tiny' Rodney (03) 7025 4977; Ryan (03) 7025 4984; or Lisa (03) 70 254971).
Or in Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number), Damien (02) 7911 6012; Stuart (02) 7911 6009, or John (02) 7911 6005.