If you’re a fan of American cars you’ll want to make a diary note to tune into Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction on Monday.
Some spectacular convertible and pillarless hardtop American cars from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s are going under the hammer.
The star attraction is a a stunning, low mileage 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster presented in wonderful, preserved condition that is expected to fetch between $80,000 and $90,000.
The ’56 Corvette is a Bloomington Gold Survivor and NCRS Preservation Award winner and is in exceptional condition, with an odometer that shows just 34,597 miles.
1964 Ford Galaxie '460 Enhanced’ Coupe
1956 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Convertible
There’s also an ultra-rare and collectible left-hand drive 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Convertible, expected to bring in $65,000-$75,000.
It’s one of just 236 Coronet R/T convertibles built and comes to auction following an exacting restoration.
Ford enthusiasts are well catered for, with a stylish left-hand drive 1964 Ford Galaxie ‘460 Enhanced’ Coupe that has been extensively restored and fitted with an upgraded drivetrain ($36,000-$42,000), while for GM followers there is a lovely, right hand drive 1957 Chevrolet Belair ‘Pillarless’ Sedan that is expected to sell in the $46,000-$54,000 range.
Finally, there are two great ‘no reserve’ Big Americans in the auction – a rare and fabulous, left hand drive 1959 Buick Invicta 4 Door ‘Flat Top’ Pillarless Hardtop finished in Snowcrest White with a Gothic Gold Metallic roof (one of just 670 assembled in Canada and the only example originally finished in its colour combination) that is expected to bring $24,000-$30,000.
The other ‘no reserve’ American is an equally-desirable left-hand drive 1963 327-V8 engined Chevrolet Impala Convertible in great unmolested condition that is believed to have had just two owners from new, which Shannons say would be perfect for an Impala collector at it estimated selling range of $35,000-$45,000.