'Brawny Bunch' at Shannons Sydney Sale

SYDNEY – May 3, 2012: Three fully restored, low mileage Australian Muscle Cars are amongst the standout vehicles offered in Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction on May 7.

Pride of the brawny bunch is a matching numbers 1971 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger E38 R/T Coupe finished in trademark Hot Mustard.

Sold new in Mackay, Queensland, the painted red and raced locally in its early years, but was ‘retired’ after a front-end accident. It was professionally nut and bolt restored three years ago and is now believed to be correct in all details, including its 280HP straight-six engine and factory big tank.

An unusual feature is the car’s rare Z98 option of a two-spoke steering wheel. It is expected to sell in the $75,000-$85,000 range.

Holden enthusiasts will be drawn to an early-build 1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 finished in sought-after Yellow Dolly that has recently been bare-metal restored after 23 years in storage.

This early-build car was completed in August 1970 and has since covered an indicated 93,600 miles – just 1,500 of them after its restoration in 2004. During its rebuild, the Torana’s original, numbers-matching six-cylinder engine was reconditioned, importantly retaining the standard bore. An M21 four-speed gearbox replaced the car’s original and fragile Opel transmission at the same time.

This very appealing XU-1 is expected to bring $44,000-$54,000 on May 7.

Also from the Red Corner is a 1984 Holden VK Commodore ‘SS’ Group 3 sedan that was restored five years ago.

Based on the success of the VH Group 3, the Holden Dealer Team decided to drop the Group 1 and 2 trim levels and instead introducing their VK range with base-spec SS and the upgraded Group 3 in August 1984.

Both models were only available in two colours, Alpine White and Asteroid Silver.

It was in the smaller details where the Group 3 outshone the base SS, with a Bilstein-improved suspension package, along with standard 16-inch wheels, while its interior was to Berlina specifications, with Scheel seats and a Momo steering wheel.

The Group 3 – build no.1694 – being auctioned by Shannons presents in near-new condition, having won 'Best Restored' in its category at the 2010 all Holden day in Brisbane.

While retaining its matching numbers engine and M21 four-speed manual gearbox, the car’s 308 V8 was stroked to 355-ci during its restoration.

Shannons expect it to sell in the $34,000-$40,000 range.