Brock's own Commodore up for grabs

A VK Commodore SS Group 3 sedan will be the highlight of Shannons' Autumn auction in Sydney at the end of May.

Not just any VK SS model, this particular car was the car personally driven by HDT principal and legendary racing driver, Peter Brock.

The white Commodore is a 1984 model that comes with a letter signed by Brock as proof of ownership. After it was rebuilt by HDT to Group 3 specification, the Commodore served time as a press vehicle and model for studio photography. Subsequent to the conclusion of its role as a press vehicle, the Commodore (build number 1354) was handed over to Brock for his personal use.

The car was then sold to its current owner, who has owned it ever since. Shannons estimates the car will fetch between $80,000 and $100,000 at auction.

Another car that owes much to Brock's enthusiasm is a 1984 Opel Monza Coupe that Brock imported and modified with the plan to offer a succession of cars like it through his HDT operation. A major drawcard for this vehicle was its independent rear end, which was a step beyond the live axle set-up the company – and Holden – was using at the time. Without support from Holden at the time, the Monza project went nowhere. Shannons estimates the guiding price to fall within a range from $100,000 to $120,000.

Both cars are expected to appreciate over time, as the Brock legend grows with every passing year since his death in the Targa West tarmac rally at the end of 2006.

Shannons does have other interesting lots going to auction in Sydney, for those who are not fans of Brock and Holden. Two other offerings are a 1978 Ford XC Falcon Cobra – build number 77 – and a Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger E48.

The Falcon Cobra was the brainchild of Ford Australia boss and Ford family member, Edsel II. Conceived to clear unsold stock of the XC coupe body shell prior to the advent of the boxier XD model, the Cobra quickly sold out and became a car much sought after by the standards of 'special value pack' editions.

This particular car is fitted with a 351 CID V8 and four-speed manual transmission. It's also equipped with 15-inch Globe alloy wheels, power steering, electric windows and air conditioning – all factory-fitted. The owner has recently restored the upholstery with original cloth. Shannons estimates the Cobra will fetch between $95,000 and $110,000.

The Charger, finished in yellow, the Charger first saw the light of day in 1973, but during the intervening years lost its original engine. Currently under the bonnet is another 265 CID six-cylinder, but not the one that powered it off the production line. The owner is selling this car with no reserve and all receipts for recent repairs and restoration work. Shannons believes the Charger will sell for between $42,000 and $52,000.

The autumn auction will take place at Shannons' Sydney premises on May 30.