An eclectic mix of classic cars, rare number plates and automotive collectables potentially worth more than $3 million will be going under the hammer at Shannons inaugural Brisbane International Motor Show Auction on Sunday, February 10.

The biggest ticket items of the auction are Australian and American muscle cars, with a pristine and correct 1971 XY Falcon GT-HO Phase III slated to sell for $700,000-$780,000, a 1972 Chrysler VH Charger E49 R/T coupe expected to reach $220,000-$260,000 and a totally-restored left hand drive 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback predicted to make $170,000-$200,000.

However a brand new 2007 Ford Falcon GT Cobra sedan with a six-speed manual gearbox is creating considerable attention from Ford dealers and enthusiasts alike, as the Limited Edition run of 400 cars built by Ford Performance Vehicles is already spoken for and there is a waiting list of buyers.

Sticking with the performance theme, there are two rare four-speed manual gearbox American muscle cars from the early 1970s – a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Hardtop ($70,000-$85,000) and a 1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 Hardtop ($53,000-$63,000).

Lovers of classic European cars are salivating at the opportunity to purchase a glorious 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet ($100,000-$130,000) that was totally restored by Brisbane-based specialists, Sleeping Beauties. There is also interest from the UK in the spectacular burgundy 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser Saloon ($55,000-$65,000) that has had only two long-term owners since new.

Sporting classics include a beautifully-restored, silver 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster ($75,000-$90,000), a stunning red 1957 Jaguar XK150 3.4 coupe ($56,000-$66,000), a well-presented (red) 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe ($42,000-$55,000) and 1984 (red) Australian-delivered Ferrari Mondial QV coupe maintained ($34,000-$42,000).that has been fastidiously from new.

Turning back the clock, two standout vintage tourers being auctioned are a beautifully-kept 1928 Stutz Model BB with Weymann-type sports body ($90,000-$115,000) and a 1927 Auburn 8-88 7 Seater ($70,000-$100,000) that has been the subject of a total restoration.

There are plenty of interesting everyday classics at more affordable prices, with a superb 1954 Holden FJ Special Sedan restored to show standard over a 6-8 year period that Shannons expect to sell for around $30,000. Alternatively, there’s an unrestored 1952 48-215 (FX) model from a private collection that would make an ideal restoration project at its expected $6,000-$10,000 selling price.

If you are a Volkswagen fan, Shannons are auctioning what they believe to be possibly the oldest Type 1 Beetle to have been kept continuously registered in Australia, with the black 1953 Export model featuring many period features, including its original Ferris M94 portable vale radio and semaphore turning indicators. Shannons expect a serious Beetle enthusiast to pay $16,000-$22,000 for this time warp vehicle.

However some of the most desirable lots in the auction are not even driveable, with 17 number plates with a combined potential sale price of nearly $400,000 also being offered.

Thirteen of them are rare Queensland Heritage plates, with the numbers Q31 and Q83 expected to sell for around $100,000-$125,000 and $65,000-$85,000 respectively.

It will also be interested to see the price paid for the Queensland Personalised Plate ‘PETE 05’, which has been signed by the late Peter Brock and being offered for sale with no reserve. Shannons are expecting enthusiastic bidding in the $2,000-$4,000 range.

Sunday’s auction will take place in the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, starting at 2.00pm.