Classic Ford Falcon V8s at Shannons

Shannons has assembled a broad collection of classic V8 cars, including two V8 Falcons from the 1970s, for its Melbourne Winter Auction on July 17.

The XB Falcon GT coupe from 1976 is anticipated to sell somewhere between $85,000 and $100,000. According to the auction house, the XB GT is an 'older restoration' featuring a black vinyl roof, five-slot wheels, power steering, power window and air conditioning, although the air con doesn't work. Naturally the XB is powered by a 351 CID (5.8-litre) Cleveland V8, coupled to an automatic transmission.

If the XB is out of reach, the budget might be enough for the XA Fairmont GS from 1973. Also powered by a 5.8-litre engine, the Fairmont features a four-speed manual transmission and a nine-inch differential. Originally delivered in Queensland, the 'Wild Violet' Fairmont has been owned by just four individuals since new and Shannons are predicting a selling price between $35,000 and $45,000.

And if the budget still won't go that far, Ford V8 fans might settle instead for a 1971 ZC Fairlane 500, estimated to sell between $25,000 and $30,000.

For those collectors who care less about blue oval products, but just want a V8, Shannons is also auctioning a 1969 Chevy Camaro Z/28 in Daytona Yellow powered by a 302 CID (4.9-litre) V8 with four-speed manual transmission and a Hurst shifter. Selling price is likely to fall somewhere in the range of $100,000 to $120,000.

GM fans filled with dinkum patriotic fervour can avail themselves of a 1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS that has been upgraded from its original six-cylinder powerplant to a 350 CID (5.7-litre) V8 with automatic transmission. Selling price for this car ranges between $50,000 and $60,000, Shannons advises.

Other Holden-badged V8 models include a 1980 HDT VC Commodore 5.0-litre sedan with documented service history ($40,000 to $48,000) and a 1971 HQ Monaro GTS coupe with 253 CID (4.2-litre) V8 and four-speed manual going for $25,000 to $30,000. The latter is a restoration project selling without reserve.

More exotic V8 offerings include a 1959 Series 62 Cadillac estimated to sell for $80,000 to $95,000 and a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9. The Silver Green metallic Mercedes, with an odometer reading of 66,700km, is in need of some work and is projected to sell without reserve for between $8000 and $12,000.

Finally, a reproduction classic, the 2007 RMC Cobra Replica has travelled just 1200km since being built and has a 302 CID (4.9-litre) V8 under the bonnet, driving through a five-speed Tremec gearbox. The Cobra Replica features Jaguar front and rear suspension and inboard disc brakes. Shannons has estimated the selling price for this car to fall somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000.

The auction commences from 7pm on July 17, at Shannons' Melbourne facility in Heatherton.