LHD Mustangs and BMW racecars headline Shannons Sydney classic auction

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine


Shannons preview LEAD Shannons preview LEAD

Ultra desirable Aussie and American metal are the highlights of tomorrow’s auction

Held in conjunction with the Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo, Shannon’s Sydney Classic auction plays host to a number of awesome cars.

From LHD Mustangs, BMW race cars, to the staple Aussie classics, to some hot-blooded Italians; all will be looking to find loving new homes tomorrow, on May 25th.

See all available lots here, or read on for our picks of the bunch.

Lot #50 – 1989 Robnell Cobra ‘Replica’ 427ci

Shannons -preview -Cobra

All things Shelby are hot property, and the Cobra was one of Carroll’s finest model in a long and storied career.

Celebrated as an American car with European-beating dynamics, and plenty of grunt to boot, the most desirable Cobra was the ephemeral 427.

Of course original examples command sky-high prices, subsequently replicas are the most available. However, not all replicas are created equal, and Robsnell is deemed one of the best in Cobra replicas here in Australia.

With a Kevlar/fibreglass body sitting atop a fully tubular spaceframe, with independent suspension, adjustable shocks and disc brakes at all-fours, arguably this Robsnell Cobra shall provide a thoroughly modern sporting experience.

Shannons -preview -Cobra -interior

Robsnell’s attention to detail, and period-correct aesthetics see builds regularly heading well-north of six-figures. The Australian firm only boasts an annual production pool of six cars.

This car was factory built in 1989 and appeared in the Melbourne International Motor Show. Following a ground-up rebuild to factory 427 specification, the car won five trophies at its debut in the 2007 Australian Cobra Nationals.

The car will be sold unregistered and has a guiding range of $80,000 to $100,000.

Lot #60 – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (LHD)

Shannons -preview -Mustang

Another American legend, the Boss 429 Mustang, is arguably to many – the single most desirable classic Mustang around.

Produced for Nascar homologation of the big Boss’ big-block, the Boss 429 was hand-built at the Kar Kraft facility in Michigan.

This Grabber Blue Boss has an extensively recorded history, from original delivery specification from the dealership in Texas, to life through Las Vegas and Southern California.

Shannons -preview -Mustang -interior

It was imported to Australia by its current owner in 1996, and briefly was sold to someone else who commenced restoration. The owner bought it back and completed the restoration in 2016.

With 33,360 miles on the odo, this is likely one of the best presented 429s you’ll find.

Coming with a slew of spare parts, the guiding range is set between $340,000 and $380,000.

Lot #70 – 1972 BMW E9 ‘3.5 CSL Batmobile Replica’ Coupe

Shannons -preview -E9

BMW’s E9 coupe is one of the most iconic and celebrated race cars spawned from the Bavarian brand.

Competing and dominating various disciplines from European Touring Cars, to the Nurburgring Six Hours, to IMSA GT in the US and even at Le Mans; images of BMW’s winged wonder are etched into the hearts and brains of motorsport fans around the world.

This car is a ground up recreation of the 1975 Le Mans works car. Bearing the widest and most imposing body flares that appeared on the CSL in the IMSA GT series, and a 420hp dry-sumped 3.5lt straight six under the bonnet – no expense has been spared in this convincing tribute.

Cogs are swapped by a Getrag five-speed, Bilstein coilovers, Peformance Friction brakes, and custom 15" BBS racing wheels round out the driveline.

Shannons -preview -E9-interior

The car was originally painted to mimic Alexander Calder’s Art Car of 1975, but has since been wrapped in the iconic BMW Motorsport livery.

The build has allegedly had approximately $350,000 invested into it, and appeared at MotorClassica in Melbourne in 2015 next to BMW’s 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept.

The car will be sold unregistered, though it was previously road registered in Queensland.

The guiding range is set at $180,000 to $220,000.

Lot #77 – 1971 Holden LC Torana GTR 2-Door Sedan

Shannons -preview -Torana

The LC Torana GTR was the highest-spec sports variant of the LC which debuted in 1969. Just 6610 LC GTRs were made, few of which survive today.

The LC Torana claimed our sister-mag Wheels’ Car of the Year in 1969, was quickly became the best-selling car in its class.

They’re a hugely collectible item, and original examples are highly sought after.

This Yellow Dolly LC was originally delivered to Geelong, and underwent a minor mechanical and cosmetic refresh in the late 90s after being sold to a South Australian-based owner.

Shannons -preview -Torana -interior

The original 161ci engine was replaced by a hot 186ci motor, though will be included with the sale.

With the odo posted at just under 21,000kms, the car drives and runs well.

Shannons state it could do with a minor refurbishment as the previously resprayed paint is showing micro blisters in some areas.

The car presents great in photos however, and the black leather interior looks fair.

The car will no doubt be immensely enjoyable as is, or could be elevated to a proper show car should you be willing to put in some minor work.

The LC’s guiding range is set between $60,000 and $80,000.

 

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