MARKET REVIEW

2019 AUSSIE FAMILY CAR GUIDE – MARKET REVIEW

BMC Brands

Ever since featuring a six-cylinder Austin KImberley in UC a couple of years ago, they continue to pop up regularly and at increasingly confident prices. So too the Morris Major Elite which often exceeds $6000 and Wolseley 24/80s which have been doing even better. We suspect the Austin Freeway would join the fun if owners released a few good ones into the market. Austin Lancer/Morris Major Series 1s from the 1950s remain steady at $5000-7000, with later Series 2 versions $2000 cheaper. Curiosity underpins demand for the uniquely-Australian Nomad wagon and 1100-bodied Morris 1500 and prices are up. No Austin 1800 Utilities were found in the recent market however these remain worth more than sedans. Austin Lancer/Morris Major S1 $5415 [3] Austin Lancer/Morris Major S2 $3550 [3] Austin Freeway $3000 [2] Austin Tasman/Kimberley $5765 [7] Morris Elite $6020 [5] Morris 1500/Nomad $7245 [2] Wolseley 24/80 $7000 [3]

Chrysler Royal/ Valiant/ Regal 1957-66

R Series Valiants have galloped past $30,000 and we suspect that any outstanding, original car to reach the market might bring $40K. If you want the R Series shape but at half the price, 1962-63 S Series are more common and remain steady in the $1520,000 range. Switch your interest to the longer, broader AP5-AP6 and cost drops even further. Basic 225 versions in good condition are around $15,000, with excellent six-cylinder Regals at $20-24,000. These were the first Valiants offered as a station wagon or utility and those cost around the same as sedans. V8 AP6s were Australia’s first ‘family supercar’ and authentic survivors cost $35-40,000. The Royal offers 1950s style for similar money to a Valiant. Royal Sedan $18,650 [5] R Series $35,000 [2] S Series $19,125 [16] AP5-AP6 $15,500 [33] AP5-AP6 Regal $20,960 [8] AP6 V8 $36,000 [2]

Chrysler Valiant/ Regal/ VIP 1966-71

By 1968, the concept of an Aussie-made family V8 was well entrenched and Chrysler had to become creative in order to sell its eight-cylinder cars against Ford and Holden’s new offerings. The VE-VG VIP exploited buyer snobbery but they didn’t sell well and are now very rare with cars in excellent condition almost never exceeding $30,000. VC V8s on the other hand almost never sell for less than $30,000 – except for this year when there were almost none for sale. Best buys include Regal six-cylinder models at under $20,000 and V8 Regal Hardtops at $30-35,000. Introduced in 1970, Chrysler’s six-cylinder ‘Hemi’ is among the best engines produced in this country, yet VG Valiants with this motor are generally cheaper than ‘Slant Six’ VE-VF models. VC-VG $14,735 [38] VC-VG Regal $18,830 [12] VC V8 $28,000 [1] VE-VG VIP $14,000 [2] VF-VG Hardtop $31,300 [8]

Chrysler Valiant/ Regal 1971-81

Chrysler revealed its biggest-ever Valiant in 1971 and within two years was getting hammered in the sales charts because people were worried about the cars’ bulk and how much fuel they would use. Even today the stigma sticks and it is possible to buy a decent 3.5-litre Ranger for under $10,000 or a 4.0-litre Regal at $5000 more. Late CLs and the final-edition CM drastically improved Valiant handling and these are good to drive while only costing only a little more than 1971-77 models. VH-VJ Regal two doors and CH-CK Hardtops are very rare and both maintain values above $40,000. Conversely, four-door Chryslers with ‘360’ engines are relatively cheap and currently sell at less than $25,000. VH-VK Valiant $11,735 [21] CL-CM Valiant $13,645 [32] VH-VK Regal $15,165 [3] CL-CM Regal $14,900 [23] VH-VJ Regal H/Top $44,835 [3] CH-CK Chrysler Sedan $23,855 [7]

Chrysler Charger/ Centura/ Drifter Van 1971-78

Values for Chargers at the family end of the market are showing inconsistencies that may cause some buyer concern. Base and XL-spec cars are down on average due to some cheap ‘projects’ in the market, however good cars still make $30-35,000. CL Chargers, including the last of the V8s, are scarce and values continue to increase. 770s with 5.2-litre V8s or the excellent 4.3-litre six run currently below expectations but owners shouldn’t be concerned. Big mover in the 1970s market is the six-cylinder Centura which is light, fast and appeals to younger buyers. They are also rust-prone so be cautious. Excellent, cars now top $20,000. Another Valiant with prospects, providing you can find a good one, is the Drifter van. These typically sell for less than $30,000 but a scarce V8 manual will have $50,000 potential. Charger/XL VH-VK $24,675 [13] Charger CL $44,665 [3] Charger 770 VH-CL $41,700 [5] Centura 3.5/4.0 $15,540 [13] Drifter $25,750 [2]

Ford Cortina TC-TF/ Escort 2.0 Litre

Australia had a long history of taking English and European designs and adapting them to suit our bigger distances and tougher conditions. The six-cylinder TC-TD Cortina always had a struggle when taking on Holden’s Torana and the same situation prevails today. Only the 4.1-litre XLE is likely to match the money being achieved by basic LCLJ Toranas, although some heavily-modified Cortinas have been advertised at more than $30,000. Six-cylinder TE-TF versions are half the XLE price. ‘Pinto’ 2.0 engines became available across the local Escort range from 1978 and collectors are now keen on these cars. Basic GL sedans and vans should cost around $14,000, with the Ghia 2.0 headed for $20,000. The RS2000 should also make $20,000 and above. Cortina TC-TD Six $14,695 [3] Cortina TC-TD XLE 250 $18,330 [3] Cortina TE-TF Six $9585 [18] Escort GL 2.0 $14,475 [10] Escort Ghia 2.0 $11,975 [4] Escort RS2000 $21,250 [4]

Ford Laser TX3/ Capri

Back when Australia’s carmakers believed in being creative, Ford had a go at building an affordable sports car and nearly succeeded. Quality glitches blighted early versions of the open-top Capri but late-series XR2s and the scarce Clubsprint are good cars and generate strong money. An early Capri at under $4000 offers interesting basic transport but buyers are understandably sceptical of Turbos. Not so the all-wheel drive KF-KH Laser TX3 Turbo which is scarce but hovers around the $7000 mark and should if life were fair bring more than $10,000. Front-wheel drive TX3s are good for a laugh and worth $4500-6000. Older KA-KE Lasers are disappearing fast however scarcity still isn’t helping survivors gain in value. Laser GL/Ghia KA-KE $1990 [15] Laser TX3 KF-KH $4900 [3] Laser TX3 4WD KF-KH $7000 [2] Capri SA/SB $3645 [38] Capri Turbo/XR2 $4775 [31] Capri Clubsprint $8465 [8]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XK-XP

If you want to see what Ford should have done with its Falcon in the mid-1960s just take a look at the money being paid for XM-XP cars with V8 engine transplants. As a V8 Hardtop these can be worth $50,000 [$30-35,000 with the factory engine] while sedans and utes are around $30K. A spectacular V8-engined van made $50K at auction. Early XK-XL Fords survive in greater numbers than a lot of people believed possible and prices have climbed far enough for them to sit just behind the more popular XM and XP versions. Our survey didn’t see sufficient four-door Futuras or XP Fairmonts to generate a realistic average, however these in excellent order should reach $25,000. XK-XL Falcon $16,765 [18] XM-XP Falcon (Exc. H/Top) $17,435 [38] XM-XP Hardtop $31,975 [8] XM-XP V8 Conversion $42,500 [5] XL-XP Futura/Fairmont $10,665 [3]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XR-XT

It seems when looking at these Falcons that the engine is more significant than the model, so this year we lumped all the V8s into the same bucket. That still delivered a viable result with the average neatly subdividing XR-XT Fairmont V8s at $40,000 and basic 500 V8s just above $30,000. As in 2018 we found just one six-cylinder XR-XT Fairmont survivor [could even be the same car] and $30,000 seems to be more than the market will bear. XR-XT 500s with 3.1 or 3.6-litres have pushed past $20,000 and are likely to maintain moderate growth. Ford collectors will be keeping an eye on panel-van prices too, as they look likely to outstrip passenger models and utes by a big margin. XR Falcon $21,220 [14] XT Falcon $25,800 [17] XR-XT Fairmont $30,000 [1] XR-XT V8/Fairmont V8 $36,065 [8]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XW-XY

XWs and XYs represent the ‘big end’ of the Falcon market, with genuine factory V8s still strongly in demand and with the potential to keep climbing. Bumping factory 351s and GT Replicas into the Muscle Car survey left us looking just at 302 [4.9-litre] cars. However, not even a reduced sample size could diminish the strong market performance of these Fords. Excellent XW or XY Fairmont V8s consistently exceed $55,000, with basic Falcon 500 V8s 40 per cent cheaper. Utes realise good money as well, however a lot that are currently running V8s weren’t built that way. Sixcylinder Fairmonts have climbed appreciably, however their level of growth may not be sustainable. One rarity to watch is the XY 4x4 utility which seems under-priced at current values. XW-XY Falcon $24,485 [32] XW-XY Falcon V8 $31,750 [4] XW-XY Fairmont $42,270 [11] XW-XY Fairmont V8 $57,700 [14] XW-XY V8 Utility $38,915 [18] XY 4x4 Utility $25,500 [3]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XA-XC

Virtually every kind of XA-XC Ford is enjoying outstanding popularity. Basic cars have pretty much cracked the $20,000 barrier while V8s are easily exceeding $30,000 and one uprated sedan was offered at $60,000. Add 25 per cent to the buying price if you find a Falcon or Fairmont with the factory four-speed gearbox. A small sample did reinforce doubts that $37,500 represented a realistic average for six-cylinder Fairmonts so be cautious and think $25-30,000 when buying. Fairmont 351 Hardtops aren’t listed as family cars any more but that still left an excellent array of 4.1 and 4.9-litre two-door cars in our sample. Most manage $55-65,000 but a V8 manual Fairmont that’s exceptional could be headed for $100,000. XA-XC Falcon $18,650 [36] XA-XC Falcon V8 $32,190 [14] XA-XC Fairmont $37,500 [4] XA-XC Fairmont V8 $40,800 [8] XA-XC Hardtop $66,320 [14]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XD-XF

There existed for many years an illogical belief that plastic bumper Falcons would never achieve ‘classic’ status. Huge numbers were neglected into oblivion but with their position in local Ford lore now defined, demand is soaring and increasing money is being paid for very good cars. XD-XF GLs with six-cylinder engines are doing well; in some cases up more than 30 per cent in a year. Fairmont V8s which were already entrenched continue to climb and are already topping $20,000. ESP V8s, especially XD versions, are hard to locate and hitting the $50,000 mark that once was reserved for 351-engined XE manuals. Parts for Falcons of this age are reportedly harder to find than for earlier ones. XD-XF Falcon $8410 [38] XD-XF Fairmont $12,415 [8] XD-XE Fairmont V8 $20,865 [9] XD ESP V8 $50,000 [1] XE ESP V8 $41,995 [3]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont EA-EL

By the time they were 25 years old, Falcons built during the 1960s were very much in demand and gaining value. It is therefore hard to rationalise the absolute lack of interest in preserving EA-EL models which are certainly no worse or less interesting than an XM or XW. Among the Falcons built from 1989-98 are various XR6s which should generate interest however they have been ignored and are disappearing quickly while older, less practical cars thrive. Given the difficulty in finding any EB XR6 sedans, the $8000 being asked for one would seem reasonable. Cheaper, faster and more involving are ED-EL XR6 sedans that cost $4000-7000 while the very scarce ED-EF XR6 wagon can reach $12,000. $8000 is sensible for an XH ute. Falcon EA-EL $2845 [37] Fairmont EA-EL $3900 [24] EB XR6-S $8000 [1] XR6 ED-EL $7120 [11] XR6 Wagon $16,330 [2] XH XR6 Utility $8350 [5]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont/ XR6 AU-BF

If you want a collectible Ford that can be used every day, look here. Early AUs rate as the most derided Falcons ever released and even now nobody seems to want them. AUIIs and IIIs are better but not a lot dearer. BAs improved the design yet even they aren’t able to regularly exceed $4000, with Fairmonts at $4500-6000. XR6 buyers should jump in soon because AUs in good condition are scarce and numbers as the sample indicates are diminishing. Values have been so low that a minor mechanical fault or crash would see them scrapped. Those buying on a $5000-7000 budget could look at the BA XR6 or a low-kilometre BF Fairmont. AU Falcon $2160 [32] AU Fairmont $2355 [25] BA Falcon $2765 [34] BA-BF Fairmont $5020 [23] AU XR6 $4610 [12] BA XR6 $5235 [41] BF XR6 $7575 [23]

Ford Fairlane ZA-ZD

We’ve been hearing the word ‘aspirational’ quite a lot of late and 50 years ago a V8 Fairlane was certainly something worth aspiring to own. Exuberant prices in the current market have helped push the ZA average about $10K above where it should be but other Fairlane values have been steady and sensible. Looking just at the 4.7 and 4.9-litre cars and despite the many years that have passed since they were new these cars survive in significant numbers. A decent proportion are in excellent order as well; usually restored but there is the occasional untouched ‘original’. Inexplicably, Fairlanes with same engines, more space and features as a V8 Falcon are still usually cheaper than the smaller cars. ZA Fairlane V8 $35,785 [7] ZB Fairlane V8 $18,935 [8] ZC Fairlane V8 $23,820 [9] ZD Fairlane V8 $27,500 [10]

Ford Fairlane ZF-ZH/ LTD/ Landau

A complete makeover and move to local styling was intended to help Ford meet the challenge of Holden’s new Statesman. However the ZF-ZG cars looked a little too much like Fairmonts and sales declined. Today, an excellent 351-powered ZF Fairlanes will exceed $20,000 but that remains considerably less than a ZC-ZD with the same engine. Square-edged ZH versions once were very common, however the market is shrinking and values have stalled. An excellent Marquis is still likely to make $20,000 with basic Fairlanes $5000 less. Among the models to watch are 1973-76 P5 LTDs with their distinctive hidden headlights. These remain cheap when compared with the Hardtopbodied Landaus and have some catching up to do. P6 LTDs and especially the Silver Monarch version might in top condition reach $30,000. ZF-ZG Fairlane V8 $17,735 [15] Fairlane ZH/Marquis $15,165 [14] Landau 1973-75 $75,165 [7] LTD 1973-76 $23,875 [4] LTD/Town Car 1977-79 $17,755 [14]

Ford Fairlane/ LTD ZJ-BF

Some practical offerings here at sensible prices to attract buyers who want regular transport with collector potential. ZJ-ZL models, especially early ones with factoryfitted V8 engines, have occupied the specialist end of the market for a while yet prices haven’t moved far at all. NA-AU versions from the 1980s-90s offer lots of equipment and decent value, with excellent cars sitting below $6000. BA-BF models cost 50 per cent more but $10,000 buys a top example. Older LTDs in well-kept condition have become hard to find and the quality of available cars is reflected in a diminished average. G220 Fairlanes cost $60,000+ when new and values have crumbled to the point where excellent cars are worth only 15 per cent of new price. Fairlane ZJ-ZL $9340 [26] Fairlane NA-AU $4230 [48] Fairlane BA-BF $7125 [30] Fairlane BA G220 $9245 [4] LTD 1979-91 $6045 [9] LTD 1992-97 $3470 [7] LTD 1998-05 $9370 [7]

Holden 48 215- EK

Early Holden values remain strong and relatively consistent. The only concerns are FJ asking prices which have jumped a long distance ahead of 48-215s and the failure of EKs to keep pace with similar FBs. Owners seem very keen to push FJ prices past $50,000; a resolve buoyed by one car that did sell at that level. Finding early Holdens in decent but unrestored condition is still possible and these are among the easiest older vehicles to restore. FEs and FCs provide a good compromise between the old-fashioned pre-1956 cars and heavier, slower FB-EK versions. One reason why EKs should be more popular than they are is that these were the first Holdens to be sold with automatic transmission. 48-215 $27,045 [16] FJ $38,380 [24] FE $26,095 [10] FC $32,120 [16] FB $30,690 [19] EK $21,735 [16]

Holden EJ-EH

Sample size does matter and if you need a demonstration, check the average values of this year’s EJ and EH Premiers. We found just five of each and a couple of unrepresentative cars in each group did terrible things. One low-ball EJ slashed the average by $10,000 while an EH at $90,000 sent that average $15,000 too high. If you are looking for a good EJ Prem, consider $30,000 a fair price, with the EH at $40-45,000. Despite being well into their Fifties, mainstream EJ and EH models are still plentiful and you can find cars to restore at $6000-10,000. The averages for both confirm the cost of a typical car. Some are modified but sensible alterations don’t harm values. Panel vans are in demand and some cost significantly more than other body styles. EJ $20,920 [32] EH $27,400 [53] EJ Premier $19,980 [5] EH Premier $58,500 [5]

Holden HD-HR

The gap that once existed between HR Holdens and the less-common HD has disappeared. HDs by virtue of their scarcity and controversial history probably should sit higher on the collector car totem pole, but there are now enough in the market to meet demand. HD Premiers are still rare and will justify values around $30,000, with HRs $5000 lower. Surveying specifically for twin-carb X2 and twinthroat 186S engines we found several this time around and certainly not the extreme price gulf there was last year. An excellent and authentic X2 HD or 186S HR Premier with automatic transmission should make $40,000, with ultra-rare 186S four-speed manuals able to justify $50,000+. HD $21,015 [14] HR $20,170 [35] HD Premier $32,415 [9] HR Premier $21,125 [8] HD X2/HR 186S $34,000 [4]

Holden HK-HG Kingswood/ Premier/ Brougham

Once Holden built a car to cope with V8 power, any advantage held by the Falcon or Chrysler Valiant was gone. Fifty years later, HK-HG Holdens remain practical, competent cars and even without the optional V8 their values are increasing. Premiers consistently exceed $30,000 and outstanding V8s have hit $50,000. Modification of rare versions will compromise value but reversible mods should not have a major influence. Panel vans are worth 20 per cent more than a typical sedan but any with a factory V8 are very scarce and will realise substantial money. Lots of Broughams have appeared in the market of late, including some low-cost ‘projects’ that are worth saving. Good cars should exceed $30,000. HK-HG 6 $19,665 [5] HK Premier Six $30,200 [9] HK Premier V8 $42,250 [4] HT-HG Premier Six $27,120 [9] HT-HG Premier V8 $40,150 [4] HK-HG Brougham $28,615 [13]

Holden HQ-HZ Kingswood/ Premier

Around a million Holdens were sold during the 1970s so no surprises that plenty of HQ-HZ cars have survived. Six-cylinder HQs have skipped ahead of HJ-HZ versions; the difference attributed to the HQ’s avoidance of power-sapping emission controls. Spend $15,000 on a ‘Radial Tuned Suspension’ HZ and you have a car with collector potential and which also earns its keep as a second car. V8 Kingswoods, modified or stock, sell in excellent order for $20-25,000 but try to pick a car that looks as original as possible. HZ V8 Premiers have been seen in the recent market at $30,000 or above with six-cylinder cars available for $10,000 less. HQ Six $22,480 [22] HJ-HZ Six $14,365 [37] HQ-HZ V8 $26,925 [22] HQ-HZ Premier $22,180 [14] HQ-HZ Premier V8 $30,630 [23]

Holden Statesman HQ-WB

Perhaps because there are still large numbers of 1980s Statesmans in the market, or maybe because people with the later cars don’t rate them as highly as early ones, there exists an unusually large value gap between HQ and WB versions. The HQ has a unique style and people are undeniably attracted to its unique inset rear lights and dual-grille design. However there aren’t a lot of exceptional HQs left and ordinary ones rarely exceed $20,000. HJ-HZs, no matter how good or untouched they might be, are unlikely to make $50,000, let alone the $70,000+ sought for one exceptional car. Once the HZ adopted Radial-Tuned Suspension, it and the later WB delivered improved handling, yet despite this advantage they cost no more than HJ-HX models. Statesman HQ $27,360 [14] Statesman/Caprice HJ-HZ $22,695 [31] Statesman/Caprice WB $17,730 [29]

Holden HQ-WB Utility/ Van/ One-Tonne

The market for commercial-use Holdens from the 1970s remains very active, with many of these vehicles still hard at work and ignoring their advancing years. Sixcylinder utilities, usually running a three-speed column manual transmission and showing signs of recurrent rust, will cost $10-12,000. Adding a V8 can almost double their value. While a One Tonne six-cylinder HQ-WB probably ranks as the leastdesirable Holden of its era, lots are being preserved and they are already worth considerably more than a 1990s Calais. V8 Tonners will often have been glammed-up for show use, as have HQ-HZ styleside V8s and many of the surviving V8 vans. Any of these can be found in very good condition for $25,000. HQ-WB Utiilty Six $14,785 [24] HQ-HZ Utility V8 $21,395 [18] One Tonne Six $9660 [23] HQ-WB One Tonne V8 $21,665 [27] HQ-HZ Van V8 $21,390 [14]

Holden Torana HB-UC

The obvious problem for some Toranas is that when they look similar to very valuable versions they fall victim to ‘cloning’ and lose their own identities. An untouched LC-LJ SL two-door is today harder to find than the numerous illegitimate GTR and XU1 Toranas that have been created over the years and has the potential to be more valuable. The news is worse if you happen to want an LX V8 Hatchback. Authentic cars are currently priced at up to $70,000, but can cost more than $100K as a ‘lookalike’ A9X. If you can find one, a four-door SL V8 in decent condition will cost $40-45,000, with plenty of hope for on-going appreciation. HB-TA 4 Cyl. $8875 [4] LC-LJ S/SL $29,385 [15] LH-UC Six $18,625 [15] LH-LX V8 Sedan $40,750 [10] LX-UC Six Hatch $25,380 [5] LX V8 Hatch $67,000 [3]

Holden Gemini TX-TF

Here is the first major Holden model to come from Europe via Japan without any involvement of Vauxhall in the UK. The Isuzu-sourced Gemini would give Nissan and Toyota a good dose of their own medicine and on occasions even top local sales charts. Surviving TX versions, especially two-doors, are keenly sought and typically worth more than $20,000. We saw a rare two-door Sandpiper at quite exceptional money and a scarce Gypsy van at a more realistic $25,000. As daily transport or an entry-level classic, the TE-TF Gemini is easy to find and good ones don’t stretch the budget past $7000. Gemini station wagons and vans are practical little load-carriers and priced similarly to sedans. TX Sedan $5835 [3] TX-TD Coupe $14,000 [2] TC-TD Sedan/Wagon/Van $4550 [6] TE-TG Sedan/Wagon/Van $5940 [22] Gemini Z/ZZ & CDT [N/S]

Holden Commodore/ Calais VB-VL (Exc.Turbo)

Not many years ago we were mourning the disappearance of early Commodores and predicting possible extinction. Happily, people listened and not only are there now more cars in the market but a lot of them are very well kept. Australia’s oldest Commodores were made 40 years ago but very good VB-VCs still appear regularly and excellent 3.3-litre cars make $15,000, with V8s $10,000 more. VKs have less kudos and are going to struggle for survival as they age, however VLs with the Nissan-sourced 3.0-litre engine attract younger buyers so there is greater hope for them. SL/Es some time back looked to be heading for $35,000 and exceptional cars might still make that figure however most sell at $20-27,000. VB-VH Commodore $15,210 [23] VK-VL Commodore $9055 [33] VB-VL V8 Commodore $26,160 [12] VB-VH SL/E $24,770 [10] VK-VL Calais 3.3/3.0 $18,360 [5]

Holden Commodore/ Calais VN-Z/ Monaro CV-6

VN and VP Commodores were once being trashed at such a rate it seemed none would survive to see their 30th birthdays. However, here we are with a solid sample and plenty of good V6s selling at $5500-7000. Even the early Calais with all its electronics is holding on well enough for good ones to start appearing at Holden display days, not piling up outside the wrecker’s. VR-VT versions were in generally good condition however demand is running behind supply and only the best reach $5000. VTII-Z versions do better, but $7000 is all an excellent car will bring and very reasonable for a fully-loaded, 150kW sedan. V2 Monaro V6s are scarce and prices static so it’s hard to predict if they have any long-term future. VN-VP V6 $4980 [41] VN-VP Calais $7500 [18] VR-VT Calais $3690 [21] VTII-Y Calais $6165 [32] Z Calais $7195 [23] Holden Monaro CV-6 $23,600 [3]

Holden Statesman/ Caprice VQ-WM /Crewman Cross 8

Big Holdens from 20 years ago still offer excellent value as roomy family transport. The few that have been carefully preserved might also have some collectability in their future. Early VQ-VP cars are scarce and good ones continue to appreciate, however their chances of recouping the $56,000 originally charged for a VQ Caprice are minimal. For a car that still looks impressive and comes with trimmings to match, a WM Caprice that cost $72,000 new is worth $12-15,000 now and bellows ‘plentiful value here’. Another later-model Holden that’s worth watching is the Crewman-based Cross 8. These offer an alternative to the typical 4WD dual-cab; adding some style, loads of performance and comfort. Beware the fuel bills that accompany 5.7 litres. VQ-VP Statesman/Caprice $8045 [6] VR-VS Statesman/Caprice $6315 [11] WH-WK Statesman/Caprice $5550 [45] WL Statesman/Caprice $8925 [31] WM Statesman/Caprice $12,700 [24] VYII-VZ Crewman Cross 8 $11,765 [6]

Holden Commodore/ Calais VE-VE II

Hard to believe that 13 years have passed since the Aussie Commodore’s most dramatic and final major restyle. With realisation sinking in that there will be no more Aussie-made Holdens and people becoming nostalgic about owning one, the battle is on to find an excellent car. The market remains well supplied with 2006-09 models and values keep running contrary to expectations. SV6 and 3,0-litre Calais sedans and Sportswagons showing 150,000km will still make $12-15,000. A 6.0-litre Calais V sedan with similar kilometres is $3000-5000 more expensive but the Sportswagon V is scarce with more collector potential than the sedan. Outstanding V8 wagons make $20,000. Commodore VE SV6 2006-09 $10,635 [67] Calais VE V6 2006-09 $9700 [38] Calais V 2006-09 $12,675 [29] Calais V Sportswagon 2006-09 $15,675 [16]

Leyland 1971-83

It will come as no surprise that the smallest passenger models sold by Leyland Australia are today worth more than the biggest. Due to club and owner diligence, plenty of Leyland P76s remain available and more are uncovered every year. Prices are climbing too, with excellent V8s now selling at $12-15,000 and six-cylinder versions at around $10,000. $15,000 is also the money you might pay for a good Mini Clubman S sedan, with the limited-production LS1275 generally above $20,000. Expensive and getting more so are locally-built Mokes and especially late-series Californians with 1275cc engines. Some of these have been sold to overseas tourist resorts and excellent local survivors now reach $30,000. P76 Six $9375 [4] P76 V8 $10,475 [8] P76 Targa Florio [N/S] Moke Californian $24,900 [12] Clubman S $14,565 [21] Mini SS/1275LS $15,500 [4]

Mitsubishi 1980-2006

Fuel shortages during the late 1970s helped send Chrysler’s Sigma to the top of local sales charts, but where have all of these significant cars gone? Unique-to-Australia 2.6-litre Sigmas deliver decent performance yet cost less than $3500. Sigma Turbos have become near impossible to find and late-1980s Magnas are headed the same way. Those that did appear included an excellent-looking Elite at less than $2000 but most sell for under $1000. Later Magnas which are worth saving include the AllWheel Drive TJ and TL models and now-scarce Magna Ralliart. These sold in small numbers from 2002-04 but when new cost almost $50K. Cars in today’s market are a tenth of that. Sigma 2.6 $2960 [5] Sigma Turbo N/S Magna TM-TP $1935 [4] Magna AWD $3040 [25] Magna Ralliart $5500 [5]

Nissan 1978-92

Australia built some outstanding Nissan-badged vehicles and some pretty awful ones. The market has spoken on the fate of Stanzas, Pintaras and local Bluebirds, although we did see a couple of surviving TR-Xs. The ones that survive in decent numbers and encouragingly attract younger owners are the R31-Series Skylines, Silhouettes and SVDs. Basic 3.0-litre Skyline GXs, Executives and GXEs remain available in significant numbers with prices for well-kept cars still below $5000. Expect to pay $1000 more for a five-speed manual. The up-spec TI is hard to find but excellent Silhouettes pop up occasionally for $6500-8500. Series 1 [white] SVDs appear more often than red Series 2s and cost slightly less. Bluebird TR-X 1982-84 $4500 [2] Pintara TR-X $3300 [2] Skyline R31 Sedan/Wagon $3935 [22] Skyline Silhouette $5125 [2] Skyline SVD Series 1 $21,250 [2] Skyline SVD Series 2 [N/S]

Sports Cars & Replicas

Australia had a history of building cheap, spectacularly unsuccessful sports cars until Bill Buckle’s Goggo Dart changed the game. About 700 were made, maybe a tenth of those remain and top money today exceeds $30,000. Bolwells during the 1960s were Holden-based, a lot faster and better-built than a Goggo yet the six-cylinder cars today cost around the same as a Dart. Eureka and Bufori products were initially VW-based and expanded their appeal by adopting V6 engines or even rotaries. Pay $20-30,000 for either brand. Replica Cobras have been with us since the 1990s and remain relatively cheap, with quality and equipment more significant when valuing a car than age or manufacturer. Anyone with $120-150K to invest might prefer a GT40 replica which will turn heads at the next all-Ford Day and likely grow in value faster than a replica Cobra. Bolwell Mark 7 $30,000 [2] Cobra 1994-2008 $82,795 [10] GT40 1997-2008 $127,665 [3] Eureka 1974-90 $20,665 [3] Bufori 1988-00 $34,995 [3] Goggomobil Dart $25,000 [2]