Iron Lions aplenty at Shannons

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 10.07.2017

Some of Holden’s finest are up for grabs

Shannons’ Melbourne Winter Classic Auction has got something to please every classic Holden fan.

Here are our favourite Holden picks:

1971 Holden HQ Monaro GTS Coupe

While it can probably best be described as "needing some love", the fundamental enthusiast qualities of this HQ Monaro are all present and accounted for: M20 four-speed manual, original 253ci V8 motor and hardtop coupe body. Shannons states that the old girl is in "barn find" condition and it is evident that the vehicle has had a number of rust repair jobs already performed on it and is in need of a full restoration. The HQ is unreserved and Shannons estimates it’ll go for $20,000-$30,000.

1969 Holden HT Monaro Coupe

The second iteration of the first generation of Monaro, this particular HT has, according to Shannons, been upgraded in a number of ways. Originally a 186S model, this Monaro has had its six-cylinder donk replaced with a 350ci V8 and had its three-speed manual box replaced with a three-speed auto transmission. Shannons also adds that the Monaro has been recently repainted in its original Kashmir White paint scheme and retains its original Morocco Red upholstery.  Shannons reckons the HT is good for $50,000-$60,000.

1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 Coupe

You don’t see many of these getting about, especially in this colour. According to Shannons, this XU-1 in factory Lime Green Metallic (paint code 1832) has been owned by two enthusiasts over the last three decades and has spent the last ten years in storage. Shannons also mentions the Torana has recently undergone mechanical restorations including a new water pump, new fuel sender, new radiator core, reconditioned triple carburettors, new filters, new spark plugs, an oil change and upgraded roller rockers, however the originals are included in the sale. The GTRs got just 58,000 miles on the clock from new and Shannons has priced it at $90,000-$100,000.

1980 Holden HDT VC Commodore

Judging by the photos, they don’t get much cleaner than this highly original HDT VC Commodore. According to Shannons, this VC is one of the last to roll off the Melbourne production line having been completed on June 9, 1981. It is build number 492 and is finished in original Firethorn Red with matching interior and the 5.0lt V8 donk is mated to the TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Shannons states that the VC has travelled 213,000 kilometres from new and has a good service history. The HDT is expected to go for $40,000-$48,000. 

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