Assortment of Aussie and international rarities to be auctioned off in Melbourne
Not that it's something I follow with a fine-tooth comb, but it seems to be an excellent time to invest in classic cars made by our mates over the ditch.
Seemingly every few months there's a new tale about an old Falcon or Torana fetching a stupendous amount of money at auction — a car that could've sold for a relative pittance just a decade or two ago. However the tides have turned and, in the face of their impending but somewhat predicted doom, pristine examples of Australia's rear-wheel drive V8 sedan, coupe, and ute appear to be soaring in value and interest.
Nowadays badges like “GTHO” and “GTS” spell money, which is why plenty of people have their eyes on tonight's Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic auction.
The full list of cars and car memorabilia up for grabs at the auction is quite something, with a strong contingent of Aussie cars present.
Headlining the Aussies are a bright yellow Ford Falcon XY GT and a ‘Cameo Gold’ Holden HG Monaro, both of which are expected to sell for more than $70,000AUD (72 grand in Kiwi coinage). The Falcon in fact could hit $100,000AUD if the night is right and the numbered paddles fly as the auctioneers expect them to.
Making both cars particularly sought after is their history, with the Falcon only having two owners since new while the Monaro has been owned by the same person for the last 27 years.
“The Ford was regularly used for cruises and the occasional long distance trip to QLD before rising values and the risk of theft saw the car consigned to the garage, where it sat for the next 25 years wrapped in blankets and tied up with rope to ensure there was no moisture or dust able to get in, although it was registered every year,” says the description. No surprise that the car only has 68,731 miles on the odometer.
Other Aussie battlers under the hammer include a red Ford XW Falcon ‘GT Replica’ and a Holden HX V8 ute painted in a very pretty purple known as ‘Royal Plum.’
But it's not just cars that love shrimps on barbies that are for sale, there's a bunch of fancy pants cars from America, Europe, and even Japan on the list. The Austin Champ Military Jeep looks like an enlarged and adorable Tonka toy, while various Jaguars, Austins, Pontiacs, and Cadillacs also make an appearance. Most weird of all, to me anyway, is the Mazda RX-7 SP Coupe — looking very out of place among this collection of oldschool classics.
Each car will be auctioned one by one at 7pm local time, so if you're in a position to do so get your chequebook ready and your overseas calling plans on your phones sorted out.
Me? I think I'd go with the Audi Quattro Turbo.
