Three highly sought-after big-block Americans – two classic 1960s Corvettes with the muscular manual transmission option, and a no-reserve Cadillac DeVille pillarless coupe – are going under the hammer at Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction on Monday, July 1.
The two Corvettes – a stunning 1966 C2 ‘Stingray’ Coupe and a 1968 C3 Targa Coupe, are both factory-equipped with the largest-capacity engine available from General Motors at the time – the ground-shaking 427-cid big block V8 producing 390HP (290kW).
Even more attractive to serious American muscle car enthusiasts, the C2 is equipped with a factory-fitted 4-speed manual transmission, while the C3 Targa boasts the rare dealer-fitted five-speed manual option.
Both are great, usable examples of America’s favourite sports car, still in their original left-hand-drive configuration.
The Red C2 Stingray with its chrome side pipes and knock-on wheels is believed to be a three-owner car and is equipped with the optional high-performance 4.11 final drive, power brakes and steering. It was originally delivered in Ohio and has a lovely patina of a very old repaint.
The Californian-delivered C3 Targa is also a great example of this increasingly rare model and has the distinction of packing a Doug Nash ‘4+1’ dealer-fitted five-speed manual gearbox.
Because of its good condition and bankable collectible value, the C2 Stingray is expected to sell in the $100,000-$120,000 range, while the C3 Targa because of its similar big block engine and five-speed manual transmission is expected to make $52,000-$58,000.
Finally for big block lovers, Shannons have a well-presented, right hand drive 1964 Cadillac Coupe DeVille fitted with the forerunner of the Corvettes’ 427 V8 – GM’s meaty 340HP (253kW) 429-cid V8, matched to the top-option 4-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission.
Australian delivered from new and converted to RHD by Lober of Sydney, this four-owner car is nicely optioned with electric seats, air-conditioning, power steering and windows, radio and pearl steering wheel, making it a fine example of this rare American cruiser.
It is being offered with no reserve, with Shannons expecting bids in the $14,000-$18,000 range.
Other desirable Americans in the July 1 Shannons auction include:
– 1955 left hand drive Ford Thunderbird 292-cid V8 Convertible that has had $20,000 lavished on its since 2010 ($34,000 – $40,000)
– 1969 red with white hood, right hand drive Ford Mustang 302-cid V8 Convertible in good condition ($32,000-$38,000)
– low-mileage right hand drive 1965 Ford Mustang ‘A Code’ Coupe that has been in the same ownership for the past 12 years and enjoyed a bare metal repaint four years ago ($26,000 – $32,000)
– beautiful and now-rare 1964 US model left hand drive Ford Futura V8 Convertible ($24,000- $28,000) 4-speed manual
– mildly-customised 1960 left hand drive Chevrolet El Camino Utility fitted with Chevrolet’s 350-cid V8 and a three-speed Manual transmission ($15,000 – $20,000).
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