Awesome Aussie muscle up for grabs at Shannons

Classic car specialists Shannons is conducting its final 2015 auction on November 23, in its Cheltenham (Melbourne) facility.

As ever, much of the pre-sale interest surrounds a fine gathering of authentic Australian muscle cars.

Both Holden and Ford fans are well catered for, 'The Lion' represented by an immaculate VK Commodore SS Group A Group 3. One of only 48 built to this specification and powered by the 'downsized' 304ci (5.0-litre) V8, the 'Blue Meanie' as it was known in-period was a Group A homologation special built by Peter Brock's legendary Holden Dealer Team. Incredibly, this one-owner example has under 6000km from new. It is estimated to sell between $150,000 and $170,000.

Other quality GM-H product include an LC Torana GTR XU-1 (est: $80,000 – $90,000), modified to Series Production race trim early in its life, and a 1970 HG Monaro GTS 350 (est: $68,000 – $78,000).

Fans of the Blue Oval have a couple of options. A stunning XR Falcon GT, the model responsible for introducing that nameplate to Australia, is expected to break into six figures.

There's also a comprehensively restored XA Falcon GT four-door manual sedan (est: $80,000 – $95,000). If you're after something smaller, there's a yellow 1972 Mark 1 Escort 1300 XL two-door on offer with no reserve. It's expected to fetch an accessible $5000 – $8000.

Also offered at no reserve is a tempting 1986 Porsche 944, estimated at $7000 – $10,000.

At the top end of the scale is a Maserati Birdcage replica, done to an exceedingly high standard by the craftsmen at Crosthwaite & Gardiner in the UK. Exacting in its detail and fitted with a correct 2.9-litre four-cylinder engine, it's expected to fetch over $600,000 in the global market.

A couple of Volkswagen Kombi variants should draw strong interest, a black 1961 split-window Utility set at $45,000 – $55,000 and a 1967 split-window 'Microbus' expected to hit between $60,000 – $80,000.

German muscle is represented by a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 (est: $22,000 – $28,000) while a touch of British class can be found in a 1929 Rolls Royce 20/25hp Coupe, estimated to sell between $60,000 and $70,000.

Some 42 classic vehicle lots are available, along with several automobilia and number plate sales.