Rare Aussie muscle car wearing a wedding outfit up for auction

Friday, 31 August 2018

While a mint entry level Ford Falcon may have been our pick at a recent classic auction, some seriously mouth-watering classic Aussie muscle is going under the hammer at the upcoming Shannons Melbourne Spring Auction on September 17.

Holden fans will be pleased to see a pair of legendary Toranas - a 1970 GTR XU-1 and a 1974 SL/R 5000 - complete with 'fascinating ownership histories.'

The 1970 LC Torana GTR XU-1 two-door is believed to have been amongst the first batch of 12 XU-1s built and was manufactured originally for Adelaide United Motors Holden dealer principal Vin Kean, the prime supporter behind the formation of the Holden Dealer Team.

The 1970 Holden Torana GTR XU-1 is very purple and is expected to sell for more than NZ$140,000.

Because of its unique history and condition, Shannons expects it to sell 'conservatively' in the AU$130,000 to AU$140,000 range (NZ$142,000 to NZ$153,000).

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Black is a rare colour for a 1974 Holden Torana SL/R 5000, hence this car's expected sale price of more than NZ$100,000.

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The second Torana is a 1974 LH SL/R 5000 sedan, the first of only a handful of the high performance models finished in the super-rare Tuxedo Black-on-black colour scheme.

The SL/R 5000 was delivered to its first owner, Holden designer Paul Beranger, just two days before his July,1974 wedding.

The XY Ford Falcon GT is the Holy Grail of Aussie muscle cars and this 1971 model is expected to sell for more than NZ$140,000.

After serving as his wedding car, it took him and his wife on their honeymoon to Queensland. Paul then sold the car to its current long-term owner of 43 years.

Offered in immaculate condition with no reserve, the SL/R 5000 has an estimated selling range of AU$95,000 to AU$110,000 (NZ$104,000 to NZ$120,000).

But Ford fans are far from left out - along with a gorgeous manual 1975 Ford XB Falcon GT, the undisputed star of the show is a stunning 1971 XY Falcon GT finished in the iconic Vermillion Fire paint.

Regarded by many enthusiasts as the Holy Grail of Aussie muscle cars, the XY-model Ford Falcon GT has been highly sought-after for several decades now and as a result, always go for good money.

This particular XY GT underwent a recent differential overhaul, had a new reproduction Toploader manual gearbox shifter installed, while its 351ci V8 has a mild cam and a Holley carburettor and headers.

It also comes with an Australian Classic Car History Services (ACCHS) report verifying its identity as one of just 22 1971 Ford Falcon GTs built to this specification and accompanying production confirmation from Ford.

Driven regularly by its current owner, it is conservatively expected to sell in the AU$130,000 to AU$150,000 (NZ$142,000 to NZ$165,000) range.