Shannons Bring Mopar Magic to MotorEx

SYDNEY – July 15, 2011: Shannons have some magical Mopar vehicles going under the hammer in their Collector and Muscle Car Auction at Meguiar’s MotorEx at Sydney’s Olympic Park on July 24.

Pride of place goes to a very low mileage and highly optioned 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T 26 Hemi Coupe that has recently emerged from five-year rotisserie restoration.

Showing only 47,270 miles on its odometer, this very rare factory-build 426ci B5 Blue Hemi powered Coronet R/T is a ‘must have’ for hard-core Mopar fans and comes with the heavy duty suspension and cooling system that was an integral part of the R/T pack.

Although the car hasn't retained its original Hemi engine, it packs a date-code correct Hemi matched to the 727 Torqueflite three-speed automatic and 3.55:1 heavy-duty axle.

Still in its original left hand drive, the Coronet was built in November 1968 and is highly optioned with the rally instrument cluster, console, premium bucket-seat interior, eight-track stereo/radio, tachometer/clock, black vinyl top and transverse 'bumblebee' striping.

It will be sold with its factory build sheet and receipts verifying its specification, with Shannons expecting bids in the $85,000-$95,000 range for the pinnacle of American Muscle.

Nearly as desirable for Mopar fans is a 1970 (LHD) Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Coupe replica presented in eye-catching Go Mango (orange), which Shannons expect to bring $50,000-$58,000.

Imported as a rust-free California car, the Challenger has been upgraded cosmetically and mechanically to a faithful tribute to the sought-after R/T specification Mopar Muscle Car.

Mechanically it benefits from several performance upgrades, including the fitting of Chrysler’s impressive Mopar 440ci big-block backed up by an A833 four-speed manual transmission and a 'Sure-Grip' limited-slip eight and three-quarter inch rear end housing a 3.23 final drive.

It is reported to have covered only 4,000 miles since its restoration was completed in 2006

Aussie Mopar Muscle fans are not left out and will be drawn to the wonderfully original 1971 VH Charger R/T Coupe with its Hemi 265ci 2-barrel six cylinder engine.

The three-owner from new Charger has for the last 12 years been in the hands of the vendor, who believes its 89,935 indicated miles are genuine.

The Charger retains its original Vitamin C (Orange) paintwork and while its seats have been reupholstered in the correct trim pattern, the rest of the interior is as it left the factory.

Shannons expect this very desirable time-warp Charger R/T to sell in the $40,000-$45,000 range.

Finally for Chrysler enthusiasts, Shannons have two very original one-owner, Australian-built Valiants for sale.

First up is a 1965 AP6 Sedan that comes with all service books showing that it has been serviced regularly all its life, while the following lot is a well-maintained 1969 Valiant VF Regal Coupe in original, unrestored condition.

Both are offered with no reserve with the AP6 expected to sell in the $8,000-$12,000 range, while Shannons believe the VF Regal will achieve $10,000-$15,000.