No Reserve A9X at Shannons Melb. Summer Sale

MELBOURNE – Nov 11, 2011: A rare and well-presented 1977 Holden LX Torana A9X Hatchback that has been in the hands of the same enthusiast collector for the past decade is being offered with no reserve at Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction on 21 November.

It is one of four well-priced Australian Muscle Cars in the auction, alongside similarly sought-after models from Ford and Chrysler.

One of just 99 A9X Hatchback models built as part of Holden’s blitz on Australian Touring Car racing in the late 1970s, the Flamenco Red A9X with the model’s trademark black bonnet and Slate Black trim is an older restoration that still presents well, according to Shannons.

The 'A9X Option' was available on the 5.0-litre V8-powered SL/R 5000 sedan and SS hatchback models of the day and was visually distinguished by its large rearward facing bonnet scoop designed to increase airflow through the engine bay to produce maximum power in racing conditions.

After being rushed into racing service, the A9X failed to win Bathurst on its debut, but proved dominant during the following two seasons, with Peter Brock and Bob Morris winning the 1978 and 1979 Australian Touring Car Championships respectively, while Brock and co-driver Jim Richards won consecutive Bathurst 1000 races in A9Xs the same years.

Because of its glorious racing history and rarity, the A9X now ranks up there with Falcon GT-HOs and Monaro GTS 327 and 350 models as one of the most desirable and collectible Australian Muscle Cars.

According to Shannons National Action Manager Christophe Boribon, the Torana potentially represents excellent value for someone wanting to enter the serious end of the Australian Muscle Car market.

“It is a rare and sought-after model in a great colour scheme,” said Boribon, who expects it to sell in the $80,000-$120,000 range.

Also collectible and offered with no reserve at the November auction is a striking and well presented Dublin Green metallic 1972 Holden LJ Torana XU-1.

Fitted with a JP engine block, the model’s trademark triple Stromberg carburettors and four-speed manual transmission, the XU-1 drives and performs well according to Shannons, who expect it to sell in the $40,000-$60,000 range.

From the ‘blue corner’ there is a red with gold side-stripes 1970 Falcon XW GT Sedan that Shannons describe as a “good driver”.

Very original in appearance, the Falcon is expected to sell in the $65,000-$75,000 range.

Finally from Chrysler there is a 1971 VH 770 Charger fitted with the rare 318-cid V8 engine option offered in good, very original condition.

Shannons say the well-presented car still has 50-60 per cent of its original paintwork and its original interior and at its estimate price range of $36,000-$42,000 represents a realistic Chrysler entry point into the high performance Australia Muscle Car market.