Classic Aussie muscle cars at Shannons

Aussie muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s will be heading the program at Shannons Sydney Winter auction on the evening of August 28.

Leading the charge will be three of Ford's GT Falcons, an XR, an XW and an XY, in the 50th anniversary year of the nameplate. Shannons anticipates the XR GT from 1967 will sell in the range of $100,000 to $115,000. Finished in white and one of just 13 cars in this specification, colour and trim, the 1970 XW model is a GT HO Phase II that the auctioneer expects will sell for between $190,000 and $210,000.

A Vermillion Fire XY GT from late 1970 is likely to fetch between $130,000 and $145,000. With a history of just three owners, the XY is a manual variant with original books. The vendor is selling the car without reserve.

For Holden fans, Shannons will auction a 1972 Torana XU-1 – a three-owner car finished in green and restored from the ground up in 2002. The vendor has owned the car for the past 21 years. According to Shannons the Torana is in excellent cosmetic condition and its drivetrain has been "recently overhauled". The guiding price range for this car is $100,000 to $115,000.

Rounding out the big three at the auction is a Valiant VH Charger E55 from 1972. The V8-powered coupe has been owned by the vendor since 1976 and is basically in original condition. Shannons believes this 'Vintage Red' example is one of just 44 units built in this colour to E55 specification. The guiding price range is $50,000 to $60,000.

Aussie car fans who are more 'Gen-X' than 'Baby Boomer' might prefer the two HDT sedans that are going to auction on the same night. Both cars were built in 1984 and the one-owner VK Commodore SS – build number 1813 – has been upgraded to Group III specs and comes with the original books. Offered without reserve in an "honest, unrestored" state, the Commodore SS is likely to sell for a guiding price of $35,000 to $45,000.

The other HDT car is a VK Calais that has passed through two owners and is also offered without reserve. Originally a demonstrator at Suttons Motors of Arncliffe, NSW, the Calais features various HDT options, including a blueprinted carburettor, long-range fuel tank, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof and a limited-slip differential. Wearing build plate number 1225 and also to be sold with the original books, the Calais is selling for between $25,000 and $35,000.