• Stunning 'first ordered' '77 Torana A9X Sedan
  • Fantastic  3-owner 'Red Pepper' XB Falcon Coupe
  • Rare '77 Charger 770 265 'Manual' Coupe

A stunning 1977 Holden LX Torana A9X sedan, believed to be one of the earliest of the 305 'Bathurst specials' built, is one of the stars of Shannons Timed Winter Online Auction on August 26, for which bids opens today.

Ordered by Lockhart Motors in Southport, Queensland on 29 July, 1977 – before the model was announced by Holden and ahead of even the factory's own Press Test cars – this A9X became the 65th off the Dandenong (Victoria) production line.

Presented in its correct Absinth Yellow paintwork, with contrasting Slate/Black interior vinyl trim, it has the power package of a 5.0 litre V8 engine mated to an M21 four-speed gearbox. Its race-focussed A9X floorpan also has the model’s unique brakes, steering gear that was bolted directly to the platform, along with a 3.08 differential, amongst around 100 or so differences that set the A9X apart from lesser Toranas.

Right from the outset, Holden fans knew the A9X was something special and it has long been highly sought after by collectors as one of the most iconic Aussie muscle cars of all, with Shannons expecting this significant and superbly-presented example to sell accordingly in the $240,000 - $270,000 range.

A modern interpretation of the A9X in the auction coming from a large Sydney collection of modern classics is an immaculate 2001 VX GTS 300 – the 174th of  just 287 VX sedans built in this premium high-performance specification – presented in desirable Phantom Black with a factory sunroof.

Offered in exceptional mechanical and cosmetic condition, with its engine professionally rebuilt to its original factory specs in February, 2020 at a cost of nearly $17,000, the car is only being sold because the vendor recently added GTS 300 build number 1 to his collection.

Supplied with an HSV Certificate of Authenticity and with just 64,325km showing on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, it is expected to sell in the $42,000 - $48,000 range.

An alternative for FoMoCo fans is a fabulous 1973 'Red Pepper' XB Falcon Coupe optioned with a 302-cid V8 coupled to a T-bar automatic transmission, power steering and under-dash air conditioning, that has had three owners from new, the most recent being a lady who received it in 1985 as a Mother's Day gift!

Affectionately known by here as 'Big Red', the Falcon has been used as a second car for the past 35 years and is currently showing just 94,410 miles on its odometer.

Cosmetically refurbished and well-maintained, the XB Coupe represents an eye-catching and affordable example of this Aussie Muscle Car icon and is expected to sell in the $45,000 - $55,000 range.

For Mopar enthusiasts, there is an exceptional, multiple award-winning and rare 1977 Chrysler CL Charger 770 265 'Manual' Coupe, still in its original Sundance Yellow that is expected to sell with 'no reserve' for $40,000 - $50,000.

Finally, for something completely different, there is a spectacular metallic dark purple 1963 Holden EJ 'Modified' Panel Van re-engineered with a five-litre fuel-injected Holden V8, breathing through side exhausts and mated to a Turbo 700 four-speed automatic transmission and fitted with a Ford 9-in differential.

Coil-over suspension and cross-drilled disc brakes all round complete the modernised mechanical package, while inside, there is a custom cream full leather interior, a high-spec Pioneer sound system, with a digital instrument cluster and secondary gauges completing the comprehensive custom update.

Previously engineered in NSW and offered attractively with 'no reserve', the EJ van is expected to sell well below build cost for $30,000 - $40,000 when bids close at 8.36pm AEST on Wednesday 26 August.

Other interesting eight-cylinder classics from the USA in the auction include:

  • Not a V8, but a beautiful, right hand drive 1938 Buick 66C Century Straight Eight '8cyl' Roadster in superb, mostly original condition - $70,000-$85,000;
  • A left-hand drive 'chrome age' 1957 Lincoln Premier Coupe that has had just two owners for the last 25 years - $25,000-$30,000;
  • A low mileage LHD 1978 Lincoln Continental 'Collectors Series' sedan that was imported to Australia in 2008 – $18,000 - $24,000
  • A LHD 1966 289ci Ford Mustang A-code Coupe – 'no reserve' $20,000 - $25,000;
  • A distinctive LHD 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Colonnade Coupe fitted with a 350-cid V8 powertrain – 'no reserve' $15,000 - $20,000.

Note: The Sydney Auction showroom has re-opened under reduced hours of 10am-4pm, Monday – Friday; the Melbourne Auction showroom is closed due to Stage 4 restrictions.

For more details of all Shannons Online Classic Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au  For further information, contact the Melbourne or Sydney auction teams on 13 4646 (Option 6), or by email on auctions@shannons.com.au

Or, for virtual tours of individual lots, contact individual Shannons Team members at:

Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number)
(Christophe 03 70 254974; David 03 70 254983; Kim 03 70 254979; 'Tiny' Rodney 03 70 254977; Ryan 03 70 254984, or Lisa 03 70 254971).

Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number)
(Damien 02 79 116012; Stuart 02 79 116009, or John 02 79 116005).