Aussie Muscle headlines Shannons Spring Sale

Shannons has lined up six sought-after classic Holdens and Fords for their Melbourne Spring Auction to be held on September 21.

The hero cars of the six-pack are a stunning 1973 Holden Monaro HQ GTS 350 sedan and a superbly presented 1969 Ford Falcon XW GT, with both vehicles expected to fetch near six-figure sums at the auction.

The very rare Monaro GTS 350 is believed to be one of between 53 and 55 factory-built with the Muncie heavy-duty four-speed, with many buyers at the time preferring the automatic transmission version.

Presented in its eye-catching original colour of Mustard with black details, this Monaro has only had three owners since it was delivered new in Toowoomba, Queensland.

The car has recently been restored to a high standard and Shannons estimates it will sell for between $82,000-$92,000 due to its rarity, condition and excellent provenance.

Shannons also has a more affordable alternative up for auction on Monday, a 1978 Holden HZ GTS Monaro 5.0 sedan with a three-speed automatic transmission.

Originally built in December 1978, this HZ has been under its current ownership for the last eight years and is one of the last GTS models off the production line, making it the last of the full-size performance Holdens.

Shannons estimates that the HZ will sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.

Ford fans haven't been forgotten either, with Monday's auction also featuring the aforementioned four-speed manual 1969 Falcon XW GT.

Beautifully presented in Vintage Burgundy, the classic Ford is believed to have been a promotional vehicle for Bib Stillwell and was hence fitted with numerous desirable options, including air-conditioning, rear seat belts and the long-range 36-gallon Bathurst fuel tank.

The GT started life with a three-speed automatic transmission, but has since been rebuilt with a four-speed Toploader manual gearbox, while still importantly retaining its 351-cid V8 engine.

The big Ford has been with its current owner for the past 15 years, the last eight being spent carefully stored, and while repainted it has never been fully restored, still sitting on correct riveted 12-slot wheels.

Shannons expects the XW GT to bring in $80,000-$90,000, based on its presentation and 'hero Ford' status.

Also going under the gavel at the Spring Auction are two great Holden Panel Vans – a former trophy-winning heavily customised HG Panel Van ($24,000-$28,000) along with a very rare 1976 HJ Sandman Panel Van offered without reserve and expected to fetch $18,000-$24,000.

Known as 'Foxy Lady', the HG van was originally built in 1987 and has been customised with a chopped roof that includes a pop-up sunroof at the front and a full-length bubble sunroof at the rear.

Among the extensive modifications are a worked Chevrolet 350-cid small block V8, a chromed Jaguar rear end and a custom-made interior.

The rare HJ model Sandman has a 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed manual transmission.

Equipped with front disc brakes, this van is a rare example of the now hard-to-find HJ model and is believed to be one of the last single-owner Sandmans in existence.

The Sandman has clocked up nearly 325,000km, presenting with some minor repair work needed for the vinyl upholstery.

However, the dash is in good condition, its vinyl roof virtually unmarked and its owner has made the addition of side windows for improved vision.

The last of the six-pack of Aussie Classics to feature in Monday's auction is a collectible and well-maintained 1966 Falcon XP Deluxe sedan, with 96,000 miles showing on its odometer.

The XP Falcon has been with its current owner for the last 33 years, and has been upgraded with a later 250-cid six cylinder engine.

Shannons expects the XP to sell in the $10,000-$14,000 bracket.

More info on the 2015 Shannons Spring Auction