Holden heroes go under the hammer

Hot Holden Commodore and Monaro fans will want to crack open the super fund for Shannons first Classic Auction of 2019. Offered with no reserve are four of GMH’s mightiest muscle machines, all set to go under the hammer in Melbourne on February 18.

In chronological order the roaring lions include a two-owner 1969 HT Monaro GTS 350, a low-kilometre 1986 VK HDT Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’, a unique, HSV-enhanced BT1 ‘Police Pack’ 1996 Commodore V8 and a one-owner 2009 HSV W427.

Needing no introduction, Holden’s Monaro GTS 350 joined the GMH line-up in 1969 as the successor to the HK-series GTS 327, the first of now-legendary Monaro nameplates. The HT won the Bathurst 1000 the same year and won the 1970 Australian Touring Car Championship – the emotional first ever ATCC victory for a locally-designed and developed car – with Norm Beechey at the wheel.

Presented with a three-speed automatic transmission and repainted in Kashmir White, the GTS 350 is trimmed in black and white hounds-tooth upholstery. It is expected to sell in the $160,000 - $180,000 range.

Even more Bathurst heritage is available in the equally desirable ‘Brock’ Commodore. The VK-series Commodore Group A SS has just 10,387km on the odometer, the mileage believed to be as genuine as the car’s Formula Blue duco.

Built by Peter Brock’s Holden Dealer Team (HDT) to homologate the new Group A racing version of the Commodore SS, the ‘Blue Meanie’ is one of the most collectable Brock-era Commodores. It’s powered by a de-stroked 4979cc (down from 5044cc) Aussie V8 and is one of just 500 examples ever made. Shannons expects a sale price of between $160,000 and $190,000.

If the budget won’t quite stretch to six figures, Shannons also has a ‘Police Pack’ 1996 (VS II series) Commodore V8 up for grabs. Featuring the last of Holden’s home-grown 5.0-litre engines, the 185kW sedan includes a four-speed automatic transmission, 3.08:1 differential, FE2 lowered suspension and Holden by Design decorative enhancements – including Group A SS trim.

Considered in ‘generally good condition’, the one-of-a-kind Commodore is expected to bring $12,000 - $18,000.

The final car to cross the block at Shannons Summer auction is the mighty 2009 HSV W427. The limited-edition model was built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Holden Special Vehicles and is powered by a Corvette-sourced 7.0-litre LS7 V8 rated at 375kW/640Nm.

At the time, the W427 was the most powerful and most expensive car ($155,500 plus ORCs) to have ever been produced in Australia. Finished in Heron White, the example on sale includes HSV’s larger rotors and six-piston brakes, strengthened Tremec TR6060 six-speed gearbox, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and a red leather interior.

Owned by the same enthusiast since new, the W427 (build no. 110) is being auction as part of a 10-car private collection and has just 55,925km on the clock. It’s expected to command $80,000-$90,000.

The Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction will take place at Shannons’ Heatherton headquarters on Monday 18 February. Further details are available at shannons.com.au.