American “idols” spanning more than five decades will be centre stage at Shannons Spring Auction in Melbourne on Monday.
The spangled star of the auction is a stunning, factory four-speed manual 1967 Shelby GT500 (Mustang) Fastback, offered in fantastic condition.
Delivered in Colorado in April 28, 1967, the left-hand drive Brittany Blue with black trim Shelby (production number 01788) is fitted with many factory extras, including a shoulder harness, an extra cooling package, power disc brakes and power steering.
The Shelby was apparently stored for almost a decade by its first owner before arriving in Australia nearly 15 years ago.
It was fully restored to a high standard in 2004 and since 2008 has formed part of a large collection owned by a Melbourne enthusiast.
Because of its desirability, exceptional condition and provenance, it is expected to sell in the A$250,000-$280,000 range (NZ$272,000-$305,000).
A more affordable alternative is an extensively refurbished and professionally converted right-hand drive C-Code 1967 V8 Mustang Hardtop.
Shelby (Mustang) GT500
Mechanically upgraded with front disc brakes, power steering, twin exhausts and Pedders suspension with gas shock absorbers, the Mustang is expected to sell in the A$26,000-$32,000 range.
From the “red corner”, there is a superbly restored, left-hand drive 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sports Coupe.
This desirable pillarless hardtop, fitted with a factory 283-cid V8 paired with the model’s two-speed Powerglide transmission, was restored in Texas in the mid-1990s to a high standard, before being sourced by a Victorian collector and brought to Australia about 12 years ago.
Finished in the model’s hero colours of turquoise with duo-tone blue/black vinyl/cloth upholstery, the Belair is equipped with the rare factory four-barrel “Power Pack” option, air conditioning and power steering, making it a useable and crowd-stopping classic at its guidance of A$75,000-$85,000.
From the same maker and era come two ultra-desirable, left-hand drive Corvette C1 Roadsters — a rare, white 1954 model restored to a high standard.
Equally stunning in its own genre is a nicely restored and modified left-hand drive 1956 Chevrolet Pick-Up coming from a private collection.
Running a small-block 350-cid V8 with automatic transmission, the Chevrolet boasts numerous mechanical and cosmetic upgrades.
This head-turning, customised classic should sell in the A$42,000-$48,000 range.