Only 145 were ever built, and they're rarer than the big name classic Aussie muscle cars that have been grabbing headlines at auction. They're also credited with being the fastest-accelerating Australian muscle cars of their era.
Yes, the homologation special 1972 Chrysler VH Charger E49 R/T ‘Bathurst’ coupe up for grabs at next month’s Brisbane Motor Show auction is a rare and rapid collectable. In fact, auctioneers Shannons believe it’s collectable enough to bring between $220-280,000.
Fully documented and originally delivered in Queensland in 1972, the homologation special Charger has had only two registered owners since new. It was taken off the road in 1981 and was stored in rust-free condition for 25 years before its recent comprehensive restoration. It retains its original interior, five dated and correct wheel rims and full undercarriage detailing.
One of just 29 E49s painted in desirable Mercury Silver, the car was fitted new with the (A87) small Track Pack fuel tank, the (A95) interior dress-up pack and (G60) front door vent windows. And, if you’re a sucker for triple Webers, look out!
“Unquestionably this is the best Charger ever offered publicly at auction,” Shannons National Auction Manager, Christophe Boribon said.
How quick was it? Thanks in large part to its four-speed gearbox and 302HP (225kW) Chrysler 255-cid ‘six pack’ engine the E49 R/T Bathurst coupe ran the standing quarter mile in 14.4 seconds and clocked 0-60mph (98km/h) in just 6.1 seconds - no mean feat for a six cylinder car 36 years ago.
Other muscle cars being auctioned in Brisbane include an ‘unmolested’ metallic blue with white interior 1970 Dodge Charger R/T with the desirable 440-cid Magnum V8 and ‘pistol grip’ 4-speed manual combination. There’s also a rare and immaculate triple-black 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda' with its original 340 V8 and rare 4-speed factory manual.
A number of Mustangs will also be going under the hammer, including a fully restored, right-hand-drive 1965 Convertible finished in rare Congo Green and a concours-standard and well-documented 1968 Shelby GT500 in Candy Apple Red
Held on Sunday, February 10, the final day of the Brisbane Show, the auction will corrall about 30 specially selected cars together with items of memorabilia and significant heritage and ‘Q-plate’ number plates.