Shannons Muscles up for MotorEx

SYDNEY – June 20, 2012: Shannons are muscling up for Meguiar’s MotorEx, with some brawny Australian and US classics – four with no reserve – lined up for the annual Custom & Collectible Auction at Sydney’s Olympic Park on Sunday July 22.

The ‘must have’ Muscle Car for Australian collectors is a no reserve 1968 Holden Monaro HK GTS 327 coupe that is expected to cause a bidding frenzy when it crosses the auction block.

Finished in the model’s trademark Warwick Yellow – similar to the Monaros that won the Sandown 6 Hour and Bathurst endurance races on the model’s debut in 1968 – the GTS 327 being auctioned is believed to be a four-owner car.

The Monaro’s 327-ci V8 engine was rebuilt in the early 1990s, but the vehicle has not been registered since 1996 and has since been stored, with very little use since.

The motor turns over but has yet to be started; the interior is complete but grubby with the driver’s seat torn, there is some minor surface rust and the engine compartment and boot have a patina consistent with long-term storage, making it the perfect base for a serious restoration project.

Because of its iconic status as Australia’s premier GM muscle car, Shannons expects keen bidding from collectors and enthusiasts in the $50,000 - $70,000 range.

Also offered with no reserve are three sought-after US Muscle Cars – a 1970 Ford Torino (estimated selling range $28,000-$34,000), a one-off 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass show car ($35,000-$40,000) and a 1972 Chevelle Coupe SS ‘tribute’ ($35,000-$40,000) all in very nice, restored condition.

The Torino is a sought-after model that has covered less than 2,000 miles since being comprehensively restored. It still has its original interior and its upholstery, roof lining, dashboard, door panels and carpet are in near perfect condition. All its original gauges and electrics are also in excellent working order, including its air-conditioning.

The supercharged 1971 Cutlass is a one-off show car that similarly has completed only nominal miles since a recent body-off $80,000 custom restoration.

The Cutlass features a stunning $18,000 Chip Foose-designed paint finish, many of its panels are new, while its glass and bumpers are in excellent original condition. Under its bonnet is a brand new Corvette LS1 engine fitted with a Vortec supercharger and a water to air intercooler, bolted to a new four-speed automatic transmission and many other special features.

From 1972 there is a spectacular left hand drive Chevelle Coupe SS ‘tribute’ that has covered less than 100 miles since a full nut and bolt, bare-metal paint and restoration.

Shannons say the quality and scope of the restoration is exceptional, with many new NOS parts including a brand new interior to exact SS specification, a full custom re-wire and new glass all round.

The fully detailed and authentic-looking engine bay houses a fresh 350-ci small block V8 with a mild cam and new Holley 650 carburettor; the transmission is a three-speed TH 350 automatic with 2 stage kit and Hi stall and the 10-bolt differential is fitted with a Detroit locker and billet axles.

Adding extra bulk to this gym-load of classics, Shannons are also offering a freshly-restored 1972 left hand drive Plymouth Barracuda Coupe running a monster 528-ci V8 that is expected to sell in the $58,000-$64,000 range.

Starting life as a more humble 318-ci V8 ‘Cuda, the car in recent years has been transformed mechanically with the fitting of a Ray Barton Hemi Crate Motor with TTi headers, mated to a 5-speed Keisler TKO manual gearbox.

The car has covered less than 2,000 miles since its comprehensive restoration, which in addition to its engine and transmission transplant has included extensive use of replacement rather than patch panels, all new underpinnings and a new interior.

Now in its 12th year, Meguiar’s MotorEx staged over the July 21-22 weekend at Sydney’s Olympic Park is the largest and most prestigious motoring enthusiast event of its kind in Australia, featuring hundreds of Custom, Performance and Collectible vehicles from all over the country.

All vehicles in the Shannons auction will be on display throughout the weekend, with the auction starting at 3pm on the Sunday.