The Holdens of Shannons' 2023 Winter Online Auction

There’s nothing better to beat the winter blues than a top-notch classic car auction, and Shannons have some rippers lining up for their 2023 winter edition.

This time around we’re focusing in on the Holdens being offered, and we’ll circle back to put a microscope over the Fords, Mopars, Japanese and other stuff as we get closer to the auction kick off. It’ll run from August 15 to 22, and you can preview all the lots by clicking here.

Kicking off our iron lion picks is no other than this genuine 1968 HK Monaro 327 GTS Bathurst, a real-deal matching numbers machine that’s undergone a full five year restoration.

Collectors looking for an original example of Holden’s first Bathurst triumph in the exact spec the general intended will struggle to find an example closer than this, and it’ll no doubt attract some hot bidding.

If you’re pining for a two-door HK but the $300,000+ predicted range of the 327 Bathurst is beyond your reach, this basic but honest 186 example in Ermina White could get you over the line. It’s said to have had the same owner since 1972, who recently passed. During that ownership the Monaro was converted to run hand controls after the owner was in an accident, but all the original parts are supplied to convert back to stock. With all the GTS clones around these days, it’s rare to see a Monaro still in pov spec like this.The price guide is a measly $50,000-$60,000 (bugger all for a HK Monaro in today’s money), and with no reserve hanging over its head you’d be silly not to chuck a bid on.

There’s a stack of first-gen Commodores to sink your teeth into, no less than this genuine 1986 HDT VL Group A sedan.

It’s build number #222, which has been with the same owner since 1988. The VL was used as intended (thank god!) for a decent portion of its life, which is why there’s the odd scrape and stone chip to accompany the 162,000km its travelled. Still, the interior would come up mint with a good clean, and the mileage means you shouldn’t be afraid to use it! The current bid is at $50,000.

Everyone loves a blue meanie, and as far as replicas go this one is about as close as you’ll get to the real McCoy.

The 4.9-litre V8 is a HDT-verified engine, and the owner ensured he included as many HDT signifying features as possible to fool anyone short of a true expert. The Formula Blue paint is always a winner, as are the proper Scheel seats and white Aero alloys. Current bid? $71K.

One car we don’t see replicated as much is the VH-era HDTs, this white one taking inspiration from the SS Group 3.

This VH started life as a 1988 SL/E, converted to Group 3 spec with all the correct body kit, striping, decals and a 308 with HDT-style intake feeder to the air cleaner.

The B&M shifter and 20-inch HDT-style wheels stray from the true 80s spec, so this’d suit someone chasing that feeling of piloting an HDT Commodore with a dash of modern flare. The current highest bid is $111,000.

Last but by no means least for the Holdens is this awesome HZ Kingswood DeLuxe wagon, rocking an LS1 conversion!

Originally a 253 car, the top-level wagon has been bought into he 21st century with some new school grunt and reliability. Inside the brown interior is in top nick, and the original Mirage Blue colour has had a blow over. We reckon it’d made the perfect weekend family cruiser or pub runner, and wish we had the room to take it for ourselves!