Shannons classic car auction - Editor's picks

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 26.04.2018

Ford Mustang

Charger 770

BMW E24

Jaguar XJS

Ford Mustang

Charger 770

BMW E24

Jaguar XJS

Ed Guido spots some potential gems

The April 30 Shannons auction in Melbourne may be headlined by a half-million dollar Plymouth, but away from the headline act I reckon there are some potential gems.

Now it's hardly a secret I have a soft spot for E24 BMWs, having owned two of them in recent years, so don't be surprised when I say have a look at the red 1986 example, lot 66. Estimated at $25-35,000, it's a five-speed manual that has a pretty good mechanical report, though there are a couple of little issues to be addressed.

With the previous model - the E9 - going for big dollars these days (and there is one in this sale, see lot 71), the E24s are firming up in price. They're a robust and reasonably quick classic that handles well, making for a thoroughly enjoyable GT car.

If the $25-35,000 estimate is right, lot 38 - a 1967 fastback Mustang - could be a good thing. Local money chasing American muscle cars has tapered off a little while buyers have been concentrating on Australian cars, but that may not last forever.

This is arguably the most elegant of all the Mustangs and the 390 V8 with four-speed manual is a great spec to have. There is some rust to be dealt with, but if that doesn't terrify you, it could be well worthwhile.

Next up is lot 39, the 1977 Charger 770. Running a 318 V8 with three-speed auto, it looks like a good clean car and the condition report only seems to list relatively minor issues. These big coupes are one of the best-looking cars ever made in this country and should be a safe place to park your money. In the meantime, you can have a lot of fun with it. If the $30-40,000 estimate is right, this will be solid value.

Last on my list is a car that's not to everyone's taste but I reckon is nowhere near reaching its maximum market value. That's lot 68, the 1992 Jaguar XJS convertible, with an estimate of $32-38,000. With a big V12 in the snout, this one has a good condition report and looks like it's been loved its entire life. For us, this would be the ultimate Sunday cruiser.

You can find the auction here - it starts 7.00pm, April 30.

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