Shannons celebrates classic Falcons in Melbourne

Fans of classic Aussie Fords will make a beeline for Shannons in a couple of weeks for the chance to acquire five collectable Falcons set to rocket in value.

With the end of local Ford production last month, Falcons from the 1970s and 1980s are anticipated to continue rising in price, and the five cars going to auction in Melbourne on December 5 represent a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this new investment phase.

Arguably the most valuable of the five Falcons is a 1971 XY GT sedan powered by a 351-CID V8 and fitted with an automatic transmission. Finished in Ultra White and upholstered in black vinyl, the XY GT is estimated to sell between $100,000 and $125,000. Shannons describes the GT as being in "good, authentic condition".

A Vermillion Fire 1971 XY Fairmont GS sedan powered by a 302-CID V8 mated to the factory four-speed manual transmission has been restored recently, according to Shannons. Offered without reserve, the Fairmont GS is bound to draw out a lot of bids from the crowd, and is estimated to sell in a range between $60,000 and $75,000.

However, the XC Fairmont GXL sedan from 1978, finished in Pine Lime, is expected to be a better buy for Ford fans on a budget. Powered by a 302-CID Windsor V8, the Fairmont GXL is presented in good condition and is expected to sell in the price bracket from $20,000 to $25,000.

And while it's not a Falcon as such, a 351-CID V8-powered P5 LTD sedan is a piece of Aussie Ford heritage that's even more affordable, with Shannons hoping to sell the long-wheelbase luxury sedan somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000, with no reserve.

In addition to these five locally-built Fords, Shannons will be auctioning a locally assembled example of Ford Europe's Mk1 Capri 1600, finished in Vermillion Fire. Largely original, the Capri is fitted with desirable Globe alloy wheels and the estimated selling price falls between $15,000 and $18,000.

While local Fords will be the focus of the Melbourne summer auction, a 1963 Thunderbird Landau Coupe in left-hand drive is likely to sell in the price range between $20,000 and $25,000, without reserve.

Last but not least, Shannons will auction a 1932 Victoria Coupe Hot Rod that is fitted with "strong mechanicals", according to the auction house. A right-hook rod that has been built by professionals, this 'little deuce coupe' is expected to fetch a final bid somewhere between $55,000 and $65,000.