The auction world is full of surprises with big sales and the odd bargain. Here are some of the highlights
1979 Marlboro HDT VB Commodore Group C
Sold: $215,000
Grays
This is the prototype VB Commodore race car built by Peter Brock’s HDT in 1979 to Group C touring cars regs. After its development it became the team’s race car for 1980. Peter Brock scored seven pole positions and won the Australian Touring Car Championship in it. Over its lifespan it was raced by Brock, John Harvey, Allan Moffat and Ron Harrop just to name a few.
1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE
Sold: $127,000
Mecum
Immortalised by Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reid in the movie Smokey and the Bandit, it wasn’t that long ago Trans Am Pontiacs were a dime a dozen. Not anymore. This matching numbers Y82 special-edition SE is one of 2699 produced and was subject to a recent body-off resto. Under the black and gold pinstripe bonnet lies a W72 400ci V8 bolted to a four-speed manual box.
1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
Sold: $80,000
Collecting Cars
Here’s a very rare Pajero Evo. A limited-edition (600 in this combo) with a 206kW 3.5lt V6, five-speed manual and selectable four-wheel drive. It’s a homologation special so Mitsubishi could partake in the Dakar Rally, it has had five owners from new, undergone a mechanical resto and sold with documented history. The redesigned bodywork sees flared guards, a rear spoiler and a bonnet scoop. Inside are Recaro pews, aircon and power windows.
On the block:
1960 Chevrolet Corvette
Shannons 2022 Winter Timed Online Auction
2-9th August
Estimate: $200,000-$240,000
This fully restored C1 Corvette is one of the very rare examples that was factory-fitted with Rochester fuel-injection, long before it became the norm. Before being imported into Australia this Cherry Red with white scallops was a regular trophy winner. The brightwork is in fine fettle as is the bright red leather interior. This C1 is being sold with its matching factory hardtop. A must have for any GM or Corvette enthusiast.
Auction watch – what’s movin’ & shakin’
HSV SV91
The VP SV91, of which 103 were made, is somewhat forgotten compared with other models that rolled out of Tom Walkinshaw’s hot Holden shop. Inside was luxurious with leather trim, a premium sound system, CD stacker, cruise control, air and power windows. The exterior featured front and rear spoilers, a new grille and side skirts. Powering the SV91 was a modified 180kW, 5.0lt V8 with a GM Turbo Hydramatic 4-speed auto behind it. Underneath was a tweaked version of Holden’s sports FE2 suspension and 17-inch HSV wheels. Solid and reliable without a lot of electronic gizmos to go wrong. Check its authenticity before buying.
From Unique Cars #468, Jul/Aug 2022