Top 5 cars for under 20k at Shannons Autumn auction

One of just 30, the SV T-30 is one of the rarest HSVs ever produced. Based on the 180kW SS, the T-30 was made in June of 1990 and the limited-edition model was only made available to the top selling HSV dealers in the country. All 30 examples were finished in Alpine White and included exclusive features such as; a SV89 body kit, full leather upholstery, black Momo steering wheel, 85 litre fuel tank, revised engine management, recalibrated automatic transmission, uprated suspension, limited slip diff and limited edition allow wheels.

This particular example is number 26, and originally came from Reg Hunt’s Holden dealership in Victoria. It’s a four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic auto with overdrive and, according to Shannons, has been used sparingly and kept in largely original condition by the owner. 

• See it here: 1990 Holden HSV VN SV-T30

Arguably the definitive British sports car, The MGB Coupe needs no introduction. Needless to say it’s a cracking little sports car and has huge potential not only for appreciating in value but for a myriad of classic club and motorsport events.

This 1972 model is finished in Camino gold with contrasting black vinyl interior and has 53,000 miles showing on the odometer. According to Shannons, the vehicle has come from a deceased estate and has recently undergone a thorough refurbishment. This is definitely one to watch out for. 

• See it here: 1972 MGB GT Coupe

In the words of auto journalist and Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, "I quite like the absurdity and inverse snobbery of old, luxury cars. There’s something very appealing about faded glory, so sort of mid-eighties Rolls Royce’s with a bit of rust bubbling through them, I think they’re just hugely cool."

And we think they’re hugely cool as well. This particular Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II is Australian delivered and finished in Silver Sand with a beige interior. According to Shannons It has had the same owner for the past 19 years and has been garaged and maintained well. What a supremely cool car. 

• See it here: 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the three RX7s up for grabs at the Shannons Autumn auction. This particular one is the Series 3 and is finished in bright yellow with a contrasting grey cloth and vinyl interior.

What makes this RX-7 so special is it is completely original and unmolested. Genuinely, this car is like a time machine back to 1985, the interior is in exceptional condition, it retains the original 1146cc, twin-rotor Wankel engine and has been kept in a private rotary collection by an enthusiast. Most of the series 3 RX-7s left in Australia have been heavily modified or butchered for track duties, so to see such a clean and well-presented model is such a rarity and definitely a solid investment opportunity for the future. 

• See it here: 1985 Mazda RX-7 Series 3

Last but by no means least is this Saab 96 sedan. The 96 was originally released in 1960 and pioneered safety features such as a dual circuit braking system and a collapsible steering column. Early models came with 2-stroke engines, but in 1967 Saab decided to replace them with a Ford V4.  The 1.5L V4 was sourced from Ford’s European arm and developed 65 horsepower which was enough to propel the small Swedish sedan to an impressive top speed of 145km/h.

This particular model is finished in white with a grey cloth and vinyl interior. Shannons says the 96 presents nicely, with the vehicle being part of a well-cared for private collection. A quirky little vintage car that could go for an absolute bargain. 

• See it here: 1967 Saab 96 V4