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Exceptional Aussie Icons Cross The Block At Shannons


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SYDNEY – November 4, 2010: A trip down memory lane that cost the owner of a 1952 Ford Customline more than $220,000 has produced one of the standout vehicles of Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction on Monday 15 November.

The striking red and white locally-assembled Customline, which was Australia’s top-selling large car model in the early 1950s, has been the subject of a no-expense-spared, nut and bolt, chassis-off restoration by its current owner, who after owning several Customlines in his early motoring years vowed one day he would restore one to original concours standard.

The restoration was put into the hands of renowned Sydney restorer Michael Stillone of Still-One Automotive Restorations of Granville, who did the bodywork, sourced the correct parts from all over the world and assembled the mechanicals.

After a three-year journey commencing in 2006, the vehicle ‘came out’ last year and is stunning in every aspect. It is being sold with current NSW registration, a manual on ‘Flathead’ V8s, a 1952, 53 & 54 Ford Shop Manual and invoices totaling over $220,000.

Shannons expect the Customline to sell in the $38,000-$48,000 bracket on 15 November.

The other very special ‘Aussie Icon’ from the 1950s in the auction is a stunning 1956 Holden FJ Special Sedan that has recently emerged from a four-year, $40,000 full body and mechanical restoration and is fitted with a number of rare period Nasco accessories.

It has covered less that 1,000km since its restoration and Shannons report it drives as if straight off the production line. It is expected to sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.

From the early 1960s, Shannons are also auctioning an exceptional and very original 1964 EH Premier Sedan that is believed to have covered just 24,685 miles since new – a fact confirmed by the vendor, who lived next door to the car’s original owner and has known it for over 30 years.

The car was repainted before the current owner acquired it over 20 years ago and has been in storage and never used since. Shannons are expecting bids in the $20,000-$26,000 range.

From the 1970s, Shannons have a 1971 Ford Fairlane ZD sedan that has literally been in the hands of one little old lady owner since new.

Delivered with a 302 V8 with column-shift automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and a factory radio, the Fairlane still has its original paint and interior and has covered just 53,100 miles.

It has recently been converted to run on unleaded, while the brakes were reconditioned and a new exhaust fitted.

According to Shannons it drives like a new car and is expected to sell with no reserve in the $3,000-$6,000 range.

Iconic Aussie Muscle Cars also feature strongly in the November 15 sale, led by a 1970 HG Monaro GTS 308 Coupe offered in great original condition.

While the Monaro’s distinctive Indy Orange paintwork has received attention over the years, its interior remains untouched, right down to the original radio.

Because of its excellent original condition, Shannons expect it to bring $48,000-$56,000.

Finally there is a pair of very desirable SS Commodores – a 1983 VH ‘Brock’ Group 3 sedan ($52,000-$58,000) and a 1990 VN Group A ($56,000-$66,000)