Big is still beautiful at Shannons, with a number of large American, Australian and German pillarless coupes and convertibles defying current petrol prices at Monday's Melbourne Spring Auction (September 4).
The biggest statement is being made by a stunning red and white left hand drive 1959 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 'Flatroof' hardtop that has undergone a total nut and bolt restoration body, interior and mechanical restoration over the past eight years.
Chosen by Motor Trend Magazine as its Car of the Year in 1959, the Star Chief Vista was a trendsetter at one of the most extroverted periods of American post-war vehicle design and the example being auctioned by Shannons is regarded as one of best available. It is expected to sell for $50,000-$60,000.
Just as big a hit at the bowsers are the brace of classic Cadillacs in the auction - a stylish Australian-delivered 1964 Coupe De Ville converted to right hand drive when new and an immaculate right hand drive 1974 Eldorado Convertible that has been the subject of a recent cosmetic restoration.
Shannons are quoting a price range of $22,000-$27,000 for the Coupe De Ville and $16,000-$21,000 for the Eldorado Convertible.
Australian muscle car lovers have shown considerable interest in the two early 1970s Falcon Coupes in the auction - a 1972 XA GT and a beautiful XB Fairmont GS.
With only 891 coupes built, the XA GT Coupe is one of the rarest of all Australian muscle cars and hence is very collectable in this rapidly appreciating market. It also has a special place in Ford racing history as the only Falcon GT model to win Bathurst twice - in 1973 and 1974.
This nicely original car has only been in the hands of two families since it was delivered new in Queensland and is equipped with the most desirable combination of Ford's 351-cid V8 and Top Loader four-speed gearbox.
The Falcon XB Fairmont GS offered by Shannons is a superb, fully restored example of this hard-to-find vehicle and is fitted with a K Code 351 engine, air conditioning, power steering and 4-wheel discs.
Expect to pay $26,000-$36,000 for the GT Coupe and $28,000-$34,000 for the Fairmont GS Coupe.
Other big cars in Monday's Shannons auction include a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300D Saloon, a 1976 Jaguar XJ-C 4.2 Coupe, a 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Saloon (offered unreserved) and a 1959 Jaguar Mk IX saloon
All 42 vehicle and 17 memorabilia lots in the auction can be viewed at Shannons showroom, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham over the coming weekend, September 2-3 from 9.00am-5.00pm both days.
Media information, contact:
Michael Browning (03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324 328
For further auction information, contact:
Christophe Boribon, National Auctions Manager on 0413 567 308 or Greg Hardy (03) 8543 2287/0438 268 854
Or to view all auction lots click here
