Project Performance Cars in Shannons Summer Sale

MELBOURNE – Nov 14, 2012: Shannons have two very different performance ‘project’ cars going under the hammer in their Melbourne Summer Classic Vehicle Auction on Monday, November 26.

Australian Muscle Car enthusiasts have already been excited by the prospect of restoring the 1974 Chrysler VJ Charger E48 Coupe that has been in its present ownership since 1998.

Believed to be one of only 154 VJ-model Chargers built with the E48 ‘Six-Pack’ triple Weber carburetor 265-cid engine, the Charger was sold new by Kew Chrysler fitted with the desirable four-speed manual transmission and mandatory LSD rear end.

It was once used as a daily driver, but in recent times it has seen little use and now needs some TLC to bring its grey metallic paintwork and trim back to its former glory.

Significant and rare as one of the last of the mighty Six-Pack Australian Chargers, this E48 is an important piece of Australian motoring history and would make an interesting and rewarding restoration project.

Shannons expect it to sell in the $18,000-$24,000 range.

Completely different, but also very desirable to own and restore, is a mid-engined 1970 Lotus Europa S2 Coupe in the same auction.

Initially introduced in 1966, the Europa utilised an uprated, 61kW 1.5-litre Renault 16 TL engine and four-speed gearbox, rotated 180 degrees and mid-mounted in a Lotus-designed fiberglass coupe body with a steel backbone chassis.

The Series 2 Europa being auctioned was built in May 1970 and is presented in largely unmodified condition.

Since coming to Australia as kit car, its history includes one owner from 1982-2004 and it has been in the hands of its Tasmanian vendor since 2006.

While the Europa’s interior is correct and tidy, its body would benefit from a full repaint to return it to its former glory. Shannons expect bids in the $12,000-$16,000 range for this now-rare, fun and potentially stunning sports car.

These two project cars are amongst 43 rare and unusual vehicles in the auction, including seven with no reserve.

The auction will also see a number of classic motorcycles – including two very desirable Ducatis – go under the hammer, along with a range of Heritage black and white numberplates, headed by the Victorian triple-digit ‘385’.