Shannons’ next auction takes place in Sydney, with plenty of tempting metal for all
Shannons’ next classic car auction is slated for Sydney, taking place on May 20.
There are 26 cars on offer, 12 of them up for no reserve; you can check out all available lots on the Shannons website.
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We’ve had a good look around, and below are five cars we reckon could be smart buys!
*= No Reserve Lot
Lot 8 – 1970 Fiat 500F – Guiding Range: $12,000-$16,000*
Those after an affordable classic, or perhaps just don’t have much space left at home, could look to this charming little Fiat 500.
These cars were once commonly found in great numbers within the fashionable streets of Rome and Milan but in recent years are increasingly difficult to find.
These days, good survivors are a bonafide collectible with enthusiast support around the world.
This one comes from long-term ownership, with the current Sydney-based owner acquiring the car almost 30 years ago. Three years ago, the original engine was replaced with a 650cc Niki unit, rebuilt with new pistons, rings, main bearing and seals, along with a new gearbox, clutch and brakes. The car was repainted once 25 years ago, and would be a stunning entry-level classic.
Lot 21 – 1966 Ford Mustang ‘A Code’ GT Coupe – Guiding Range: $25,000-$30,000*
Early Mustangs have seemingly been in high demand since new, with many Pony Car fans believing that 1966 was the most visually pleasing.
This original A-code Mustang bears the quintessential four-valve 289ci small-block V8, with the VIN confirming it left the factory in the same Cruise-O-Matic, Tahoe Turquise and Aqua Trim specification it currently presents in.
The genuine and largely original GT was sourced for its current Sydney owner in 2004, and was converted to right-hand drive, along with new power steering rack and pump, extractors, exhaust and wheels.
It bears all import papers and Engineering Certificate with plenty of receipts for its maintenance and upkeep.
It presents as a great and useable classic that won’t break the bank.
Lot 32 – 1994 Porsche 968 Club Sport – Guiding Range: $30,000-$40,000*
Porsche’s 968 of 1991 was the ultimate rendition of their front-engined sports tourers, a formula that began with the 924/944.
Powered by a 2.99lt four-pot with driven wheels at the rear, front-engined Porsches haven’t traditionally been lauded alongside their more esteemed 911 cousins. But classic Porsche values have been one of the most stratospheric explosions in recent years, with these front-engined cars now one of the last true affordable classics bearing the Stuttgart shield.
The 968 Club Sport was a limited lightweight variant, of just 1743 produced globally.
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It represents the most performance-oriented variant of the 968.
This one comes from a documented single-ownership, purchased by the current owner back I n1994.
It presents in honest used condition, and was taken off the road in January 2018 (it was continually started up once a fortnight). It’s a useable and increasingly valuable classic that just needs some TLC in its paintwork to really make it a stunner!
Lot 45 – 1974 Ford XB Fairmont GS Coupe – Guiding Range: $45,000-$55,000*
Ford’s XB was a natural evolution of the first all-Aussie Falcon. Differentiating itself from the preceding XA, the XB gained a new bonnet and grille, and most notably was bestowed with front disc brakes.
The Fairmont was the top-spec model and could be optioned with the iconic 351ci V8.
This ’74 XB Fairmont presents in a great period colour scheme, and was optioned from factory with the 351ci V8, GS Rally Pack and Driving Lights.
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Originally delivered in Burnt Orange over black vinyl trim, the interior has been retrimmed with orange cloth centres.
There is some evidence of rust repairs around the sills and inner doors, but overall presents well and in driving condition.
It looks to be in honest and good condition, and shouldn’t take too much work to return to full original condition – or just enjoy it as is!
Lot 58 – 1979 Ferrari 400i Coupe – Guiding Range: $75,000-$90,000
The 400i is one of the most affordable ways into a V12 Ferrari. It’s an elegant Pininfarina-penned front-engined luxury grand tourer.
Decked to the nines with leather and woodgrain, with a quad-cam 4.8lt V12,presenting in this 400i specification with Bosch fuel injection.
427 manuals and 886 automatics were produced in the 400i’s production run, before they were superseded by the 412 in 1985.
For a pre-auction estimate under six-figures, this is one we’d absolutely love to take home.
This car is originally a UK-delivered vehicle and is one of just 239 factory right-hand drive vehicles.
It’s been in Australia for a number of years, and was previously sold by Shannons back in 2004.
The car’s history file dates back to 1999, and the current owner has spared no expense in its upkeep; with a complete interior retrim, new-old-stock steering wheel, functioning original radio and refinishing the front and rear bumpers.
The car was last serviced in august 2018, and shows just 36,242kms on the odometer.
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