Our Classic American picks of Pickle’s Gosford Classic car auction

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 03.05.2018

We’ve shown you our favourite Aussies, now see what Classic American Iron is on offer at next month’s Gosford Classic Car auction.

Next month’s Gosford Classic Car auction, hosted by Pickles, has something for everyone.

From purebred Italian sportscars, to German GTs – we’ve already looked at the staple Aussies available but for any aficionados of American classics, there’s a number of stunners on offer.

Today, here’s the three that caught our eye, but keep an eye on the website for our upcoming European picks!

Lot #24 – 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350-H

The GT350-H is one of the more bizarre footnotes in the Mustang’s long and storied history. In 1966, Hertz struck a deal with Ford, whereby the rental company took delivery of 999 Shelby GT350s.

After their tour of duty in the "Rent-A-Racer" program, they’d be returned to ford, given a refresh and sold as GT350-Hs.

Legend has it that in some cases, those Hertz cars would be rented, raced in SCCA production car events, and returned with signs of weld-in roll cages removed.

Of 1001 produced, this particular car is #999, and one of only 48 in red and gold paint scheme.

Gosford believes this to be one of only 12 surviving red/gold cars.

The car presents itself in fully original and unrestored condition, houses the original 4.7lt V8 paired to a factory three-speed automatic.

Included in the sale is an extensive history log including previous owners, original Owner’s Manual, verification of originality, original purchase invoice and registration, title certificates and maintenance invoices.

Lot #36 – 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The C3 is one of America’s greatest automotive icons, with its distinctive and swooping curves, there’s a reason it holds such a soft spot in the Corvette lineage.

This 1971 example specifically as some two years later, the much-loved chrome bumper was phased out due to American design regulations in 1963.

Only 2387 C3s were built in this combination of Targa-top roof, 454ci big-block V8 mated to a four-speed manual.

Its likely few survive to this day, and you’d struggle to find another one in such beautifully restored condition.

In its original hue of Brands Hatch Green, and dark-green vinyl interior, the car has been fastidiously maintained and restored throughout its previous caretakers.

Featuring rare options such as four-wheel disc brakes, power steering and air-conditioning, any collector after a C3 will find it hard to pass on this one.

Included in the sale is the car’s Owner’s Manual and Vehicle Assembly Manual.

Lot #46 – 1955 Packard 400

A rare find, doubly so in Australia, the Packard 400 was one of the superlative 50s luxurious American classics.

American car makers in this era were enjoying unparalleled optimism in its post-war manufacturing. Cars were glamorously opulent and fantastically luxurious in their engineering; and Packard, who was struggling as a brand throughout the early 50s, desperately needed this new 400 to steal the luxury limelight.

The 1955 Packard 400 features a lavish wraparound windshield, new grille, hooded headlights and cathedral tail lights, differentiating itself from the previous Patrician model 400.

The 374ci V8 sends drive through a two-speed auto. Other features include power steering, power brakes and power windows, as well as luxuries-for-the-time such as air-conditioning.

The car will be sold with original service manual, and handbook; and will be a very unique addiction to any Australian collection.

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