Auction watch: V8 Torana GTR, Falcon V8 Supercar and more

Auction house Grays has come up with yet another batch of cool collectible cars, all up for grabs online now.

There’s a range of Aussie icons both modern and classic, not to mention a couple of interesting US-built rides.

Probably the most eye-grabbing of the bunch is this 308-powered LJ Torana GTR, thanks in no small part to its gorgeous Strike Me Pink duco.

22

The 1973 model has been built as a replica of the prototype XU-1 V8, production of which was canned after the infamous ‘Supercar Scare’ of 1972.

22

The lion under the bonnet features a beefed-up cam and roller rockers to match, with extractors and a twin-system exhaust running into a single XU-1-style muffler.

22

Other touches include an M21 four-cog ’box, correct-spec XU-1 fuel tank and 14-inch Sprintmaster wheels, while a chassis-strengthening kit ensures the little Torry copes with V8 torque.

22

The LJ has been engineered in NSW and mod-plated in Queensland, having been registered in both states.

22

For those more partial to the Supercars era of Aussie racing, there’s an ex-Steve Ellery Falcon racer up for grabs.

22

This car started life as an AU (chassis AU9119 for the boffins) in 1999, and debuted as #31 in the 2000 season opener at Phillip Island. It competed for the entirety of the season, taking second outright at Sandown.

22

It raced under Supercheap Auto Racing colours until 2002. It was sold to Bob Thorn in 2003, and reskinned as the BA you see here. In this guise it was used as a race-spec ride car, also appearing in Wakefield’s 2007 AMRS Touring Car Challenge endurance race.

22

Since 2008, it’s been sitting in the Lakeside Raceway Motorsport Museum, no doubt itching for another blast around a circuit.

22

Last-hurrah Commodore V8s aren’t getting any cheaper, especially anything with a Redline badge.

22

With a manual gearbox and out-there Spitfire paintwork, this 2017 SS-V ticks a few boxes.

22

Though it’s got plenty of life left with under 93,000km on the clock, it’s something of a high-miler compared to some of the barely driven VFII Redlines currently on offer.

22

Here’s a real oddity. Created by N2A (‘No Two Alike’) Motors, the 789 uses design elements from three different 50s Chevs, all stuck to a C6 Corvette chassis.

22

The grille and ‘hooded eyes’ come from a ’57, the mid-section and tri-tone interior are based on a ’58, and the rear features ’59 tailfins. “Whichever way you look at the 789, it’s a dramatic car,” wrote Steve Nally for Unique Cars in 2009.

22

We’ll let you decide if it’s more than the sum of its parts, but it should at least hum along well with its 321kW LS3.

22

With bidding at $20,000 and no reserve, it’s anybody’s guess as to what this creation will fetch. For reference, they carried a price tag of about US$135,000 (AU$187,000) upon release in 2007.

22

Here’s a palate-cleansing 1967 Impala coupe, with a few choice goodies under the surface.

22

The 454ci big-block has been freshened up with new front dressing, a chunky exhaust system and Edelbrock 650 carby, feeding a column auto and 3.55 10-bolt diff with a Truetrac centre and tough Moser billet axles.

22

There’s also a thermo fan set-up and digital gauge arrangement, which should make for a grunty, stress-free cruiser.

22

The left-hook six-seater is described as being in good condition all ’round, and is still a way off reserve at $25,100.

You’ll find these cars and more at the Grays website. Bidding on most lots has just opened, and the virtual hammer will fall on Tuesday night.