MARKET REVIEW

2021 JAPANESE CLASSIC & PERFORMANCE CAR GUIDE

Datsun Bluebird/ 1200/ 1600/ 240K

It is heartening when clicking on video of a recent Australian rally to see Datsun 1600s still getting spectators to their feet. Dattos in standard condition are rare and headed for $40,000 while those kitted for competition or as modified road cars can exceed $30,000. 1960s Bluebirds survive in acceptable numbers and remain affordable, however the sporty 1300SS versions are never seen. 1000 and 1200 passenger models have become quite scarce; however, 1200 utilities are everywhere with a definite cult following plus $15,000 pricing. The angular 240K is now very scarce and exceptional Hardtops make close to $50,000.

Bluebird 1963-68 $14,130 [7] 1000/1200 Sedan/Wagon $10,455 [7] 1000/1200 Coupe $19,665 [3] 1200 Utility $14,735 [18] 1600 Sedan/Wagon $28,080 [10] 240K $36,250 [2]

Datsun 120Y/ 180B/ 200B/ 280C-300C

Not too many years ago, kids who got a licence also very often got a Datsun. Today, the numbers of decent 1970s cars have thinned and even 120Ys in reasonable condition have climbed past $5000. A coupe in excellent order can sell at double that price. Bigger and once a family favourite, the 180B was also a rust magnet and many thousands went to the crusher before their time. Good sedan/wagon versions now typically cost around $10,000, although you might find a good 200B or even a Stanza for less. Two door 180/200B Hardtops are desirable but expensive: a 180B SSS at auction topping $22,000. Six-cylinder 280/300C sedans in the $5000-8000 range offer a lot of car for little money, however the Hardtops can make $20,000.

120Y $4815 [7] 120Y Coupe $8500 [5] Stanza $7265 [5] 180B/200B $9475 [10] 180/200B SSS $17,960 [2] 240-300C Sedan/Wagon $6465 [6] 240-300 Coupe $23,750 [2]

Datsun Sports 1964-83

Datsun sports models enjoy a strong collector following across the world and values continue to surge. We haven’t seen anything like the record-setting prices of 2020 during recent months (US$1.17 million paid for a rare 240Z racer and $310K for a road car) but six-figure 240/260Z sales are threatening to become typical. Later 260 2+2 and 280ZXs rely more on luxury than rally-winning bravado for their appeal and both versions remain affordable at less than $30,000. That amount should also buy an open-top Fairlady 1500 or perhaps the later 1600 Roadster, however the potent 2000 Sports is very scarce and excellent cars sell for more than $50,000.

Fairlady/1600 $32,000 [1] 2000 Sports $62,500 [2] 240Z $64,085 [6] Fairlady Z $120,445 [2] 260Z $59,595 [4] 260Z 2+2 $31,685 [14] 280ZX $23,900 [9]

Honda 600-800/ 9/ CRX/ Civic 1964-2006

Small, sporty Hondas have been sold in Australia for almost 60 years and plenty of recent coupes remain available and reasonably priced. Early S600/800 sports cars have become scarce everywhere, with cars advertised in the UK at A$50-70,000. Conversely, very good examples of the first CRX coupes will cost around $15,000 with later versions typically below $10,000. Early Civics which showed potential a few years back are languishing now, with excellent four-speed cars at around $8000 and automatics hard to find. VTi-R Civics from the 1990s offer value for those in the market for a cheap, fun commuter car, however, to secure a slot with the really cool runners on Cruise Night you will need to spend $15-18,000 on a Civic Type R.

Honda S600/800 $25,000 [1] 9 Coupe $17,000 [3] CRX 1987-91 $18,280 [10] CRX 1992-97 $11,480 [14 Civic 1972-84 $6820 [7] Civic 1985-91 $7620 [15] Civic VTi-R 1993-98 $6770 [18] Civic Type R 2001-06 $15,855 [11]

Honda Integra/ Prelude/ Accord 1976-06

The $36,000 paid at auction for an early, 21,000km Accord sent shocks through the ranks of Hondaphiles but as yet hasn’t generated a stampede. Some tidy cars have appeared in the market but asking prices remain just a little above previous levels. Coupes remain at sensible money too, with excellent examples of the Integra and Prelude VTi-R available at less than $10,000. Early 1.6-litre Preludes are scarce but aren’t expensive. Later, larger EX versions can be suffering problems with their 4WS system, but good ones remain available at around $8000. For a track day car that will seriously annoy the Porsches while costing less than $30K, try a Type R Integra.

Integra VTI-R 1994-99 $11,245 [17] Integra Type R 1999-03 $26,400 [14] Prelude 1978-82 $4995 [2] Prelude 1983-86 $3325 [4] Prelude 1987-91 $6780 [9] Prelude VTi-R 1992-99 $6680 [10] Accord 1977-83 $10,095 [7] Accord 1984-92 $3175 [6]

Honda Legend/ NSX/ S2000/ Insight/ Acty 1984-2006

From the littlest delivery van to a quasi-supercar, Honda has a 1990s model to suit every need and budget. The tiny ACTY van and pickup never attracted much attention in this country but survivors are being imported from Japan and values are up. So too, if you can find one, are the original ZE-1 Insight hybrids at around $20,000 and climbing. You might also pay $10,000 for an excellent example of the unloved Legend. Honda’s S2000 sports car is in hot demand and values have almost doubled their 2018 levels. So too, the late-series NSX coupes which are being imported in significant numbers and offered at wildly varying prices. Shop carefully before deciding what to pay for an NSX without local history.

S2000 1998-00 $37,085 [13] S2000 2001-06 $47,185 [4] NSX 1990-93 $137,895 [14] NSX 94-98 $249,890 [1] Insight ZE-1 $23,500 [2] Acty 4WD $8595 [8] Legend Coupe $6800 [5]

Lexus 1989-2010

The words ‘Lexus’ and ‘collector car’ were destined never to appear in the same paragraph but here we are looking at several models that enjoy strong demand and appreciating prices. You will probably never pay new car price for an LS400 but the money available for well-preserved cars is increasing and $15,000 is viable for an excellent example of the LS400 or a later GS300. Even more desirable is the SC430 convertible which cost $160K new and now brings a fifth of that. Also worth a punt at around $20K is the GS450H hybrid. For serious performance at a bargain price (for now) the 5.0-litre IS F currently costs a third of its new-car price but is climbing.

LS400 1989-00 $10,080 [8] LS430 2001-05 $14,200 [10] GS300 1998-02 $8380 [16] GS300 2003-06 $13,425 [9] IS F 5.0 (2007-10) $46,495 [5] SC430 $23,055 [6] GS450H $19,665 [7]

Mazda MX5/ MX6 1987-2009

Mazda’s ageless sports car might be coming to the end of its tenure, but the used market maintains its desire for early MX5s. The original 1.6 isn’t fast but is packed with character and most still cost less than $15,000. Eunos imports are even cheaper but be wary of sketchy history. Cars from the late 1990s are more powerful and only a touch more expensive but then you move into the 21st Century and they begin to climb. Within this age range you also find factory turbocharged cars – as opposed to the ones commissioned by owners and not worth much at all – that can now reach $30,000. Bigger, cheaper and still interesting are MX6s which came initially with a turbo motor and abundant torque steer, then a V6.

MX5/Limited/Eunos 1989-93 $12,850 [20] MX5 1994-98 $13,320 [11] MX5 1999-02 $13,140 [20] MX5 2003-06 $17,125 [26] MX5 2007-09 $19,815 [19] MX5 Turbo $26,945 [9] MX6 1987-90 $6565 [3] MX6 V6 1991-95 $5865 [7]

Mazda 323/ SP20/ SP23/ MX6/ Eunos 500-800

This listing would normally include Mazda’s Familia Turbo rally rocket, but our survey could not find one for sale and we assume that owners are just keeping them hidden. Other versions in near absentia are 323s from the late 1970s-80s; cars that along with the Laser dominated the small car market but are now worth next to nothing. Numbers have diminished as owners scrap cars that suffer problems rather than fix them. Similar issues afflict the 1.8-litre V6 Astina which rarely exceeds $4000 and the later SP20 which is diminishing in value too. Collectors might be encouraged to preserve one of the short-lived Eunos 500/800 sedans, especially if it has the innovative Miller engine.

323 (1981-85) $2160 [8] 323 Astina V6 $3030 [10] SP20 $3495 [13] SP23 $7200 [29] Eunos 500/800 $6215 [6]

Mazda 808/ 1500/ Capella/ RX-2/ RX-3

If you owned a Mazda rotary years ago (or a piston-engined version of the same car) take a seat before looking at the money currently being asked for them. Mazda’s RX2 and RX3 during the 1970s persistently dominated their respective Bathurst 1000 categories so you can understand why people might pay six-figure sums for a survivor. However, there is little to recommend an 808 priced just shy of $100K that might resemble an RX3 but sure doesn’t perform like one. Other exceptional but likely unsustainable Mazda prices would include the #36,000 paid at auction for a scarce Mazda 1500SS and $100,000+ being sought for R100 coupes with tiny and very loud 1.0-litre rotary motors.

1000/1200/1300 $22,695 [17] 808 Sedan/Wagon $74,995 [4] 1500/1800 $25,365 [3] R100 $106,665 [3] Capella 1600 $25,000 [3] RX2 Sedan $81,000 [4] RX3 Sedan $103,500 [4] RX3 Coupe $87,595 [5]

Mazda 626/ 929/ RX4/ RX5

These Mazdas came in different shapes, with rotary or piston engines but very few survive in pristine condition. RX4 sedans and Hardtops are scarce however the couple we found looked to be fairly priced, even at up to $90,000. Four-cylinder 929 sedans and wagons from the 1970s are realistically worth $35-40,000 and chasing more will mean a long and dismal wait for vendors. Times are great though if you are in the market for something interesting with a Mazda emblem and have around $10,000 to spend. Mid-1980s 929 Hardtops with 2.0-litre turbo motors are affordable and interesting even if maintenance might be a struggle. Parts for the 1970s 121 Coupe are scarce and rotary RX5s almost non-existent. Better perhaps to choose a 1990-97 929 HC/HD with a four-wheel steering and the silky 3.0-litre V6.

626 Sedan/Coupe 1978-83 $7660 [9] 929 Sedan/Wagon 1973-79 $37,500 [2] 929 Sedan/Hardtop 1980-89 $4995 [9] 929 Turbo 1985-88 $8335 [3] 929 HC/HD 4WS 1990-97 $10,070 [2] RX4 Sedan $42,500 [1] RX4 Hardtop $88,000 [1] 121 Coupe $7500 [2]

Mazda RX7 Series 1-5

RX7s during the first decade of the model’s existence changed dramatically in shape and today appeal to quite different buyer groups. Series 1-3 cars take a lot of current owners back to the days of wanting a rotary but being unable to afford the car (new they cost more than a V8 Commodore SL/E) or to insure it. Now they can but prices are climbing. Move to 1986 and the entire concept changed; RX7s now pitched against Porsche’s 944 but a lot less expensive than one of those. Today, non-turbo S4-5 coupes are the cheapest RX7s of all, closely followed by S4-5 convertibles which may have come here as new cars or recent imports. S4-5 Turbo coupes are technically the most desirable of pre-1991 models but at present they cost less than a S1-3.

RX7 Series 1-2 $33,755 [19] RX7 Series 3 $37,500 [10] RX7 Ser. 4-5 $19,660 [3] RX7 Ser. 4-5 Conv. $26,565 [7] RX7 Ser. 4-5 Turbo $30,375 [8]

Mazda RX-7 Series 6-8/ RX8/ Cosmo

Late-series rotary Mazdas spent a long time at the bottom of a deep, dark value slump before undergoing a sudden surge. Blame for rapid price growth is often levelled at demand from the USA but in the case of late-model RX7s this seems not to be the case. US price guides quote landed values for S8s at US$27,000-34,000 which should put excellent S8s into our market at A$60-70,000. However, as recent auction results have confirmed, most manage $80,000 and Spirit ‘R’ versions can exceed $100,000. Locally sold Series 6 coupes are climbing too and can exceed $75,000. If you want a lowerpriced, interesting rotary, check the tri-rotor Eunos Cosmo or for a cheap family/track day ride, grab an RX8 at $12-15,000.

RX7 Ser. 6-7 1992-97 $70,075 [5] RX7 Ser. 8/Spirit $80,645 [7] RX7 Type R $90,250 [11] RX8 2003-06 $11,570 [20] Cosmo 20B $29,495 [2]

Mitsubishi Cordia/ Lancer/ Evo I-IX/ RVR

Australia during 2015 was brimming with Lancer EVOs that nobody wanted and prices were around half the current levels. As demand grows and the numbers of available cars dwindles, the money available for later-model EVOs will continue to rise and this applies especially to the S6.5 ‘Makinen’ model. These commemorative cars exceed $60,000 but there is also an RVR Hypergear (EVO 3-engined SUV) that will barely make $10,000. Around $35,000 buys an early I-V model or 2008-10 automatic. Look way back to the 1980s and you find the Cordia GSR Turbo which torque steered its way to infamy. Then you will understand why these cute coupes don’t bring much money. Later and kinder to the wrists might be an MR coupe that in super-good condition costs around $5000.

Cordia GSR Turbo $10,500 [4] Evo I-V $35,800 [5] Evo VI $44,915 [14] Evo 6.5 Makinnen $60,845 [4] Evo VII-VIII $44,225 [25] Evo IX $59,855 [7] Evo MR Auto $38,085 [12] Lancer MR Coupe $3000 [29] RVR Hypergear $7290 [1]

Mitsubishi Express/ Delica/ 3000GT

If you’ve just paid $130K for a Honda NSX only to get rounded up by a twin-turbo 3000GT you’re not going to be inordinately pleased. Especially when you look down the page and see the money being sought locally for very decent 3000s. If you don’t need two turbos and 210kW you can pay $15,000 less and get an ‘atmo’ version. Totally opposite in shape to the GT and vastly more practical are the Express 4WDs, which date back to the early 1980s and remain popular with beach campers. More recent versions come ex-Japan with Delica badging, all-wheel drive and [usually] a V6. 1994-2005 models are a different shape and have more underbody clearance than later, fourcylinder D5 versions. They also cost around the same despite being older.

Express L300 4WD 1983-91 $6380 [6] Delica 1994-2000 $11,000 [15] Delica 2001-05 $20,790 [19] Delica 2006-10 $19,035 [20] 3000GT Non-Turbo $23,750 [2] 3000GT Twin Turbo 1990-99 $37,250 [6]

Mitsubishi FTO/ Starion/ Galant/ Legnum/ Sigma/ Scorpion

An interesting mix in this section of locally delivered and low volume import Mitsubishis, so let’s begin at the expensive end and finish with the cheapies. Starions have for decades been undervalued; something the $29,000 paid recently at auction for a 116,000km car hasn’t helped redress. 2.0-litre turbo VR4s were rally stars of the early 1990s but quickly forgotten once the EVO arrived. They are enjoying a resurgence though and $25,000 buys a good one. Later Legnum VR4 wagons and V6 turbo Galants offer practical performance and cost just $12-15,000 while you can find a cute FTO coupe for half that money. Sigma 2.0 litres and the two-door Scorpion were once Australia’s best selling Japanese cars but are being neglected into oblivion, despite someone recently paying $11K for a good Scorpion.

FTO 1994-99 $6160 [7] Galant VR4 1989-93 $19,965 [3] Galant VR4 1996-01 $16,680 [5] Legnum VR4 1996-01 $9920 [5] Sigma 2.0/Scorpion $4340 [7] Starion 1982-89 $34,075 [5]

Nissan Exa/ NX/ Pulsar 1983-2002

Nissan’s Pulsar and its derivatives have dotted Australian carparks for decades and defy attrition more successfully than most rivals. Basic N13 and N14 Pulsars built from 1987-95 are still easy to buy at $3000-4500 and make a good ‘starter’ car. If you can find the extra, spend $5000-7000 on a SSS version. Among the Pulsars to have gained majorly during recent years are AWD Turbo GTiRs – all low-volume imports and up from $15K in 2018 to around $30,000 now. Looking back to the 1980s you might find an EXA in decent condition or perhaps one of the rare ET Turbos. Just don’t pay too much. The NX and NXR make good daily drives with a bit of style for under $5000.

Exa 1983-91 $6400 [5] NX/NXR $4100 [7] Pulsar ET $25,000 [1] Pulsar N13-14 $3280 [34] Pulsar N14 SSS $5010 [6] Pulsar N15 SSS $4345 [9] Pulsar GTiR $32,350 [6]

Nissan 180SX/ 200SX/ Silvia 1988-2002

Demand for rear-wheel drive ‘drift’ cars has pushed Nissan SX and Silvia values to another level. Those that have been converted for track use have also made cars without a raft of competition mods quite difficult to source and more expensive. Find a factory-stock 200SX or S15 Silvia and you could be paying $40,000, while even an early 180SX will cost $25,000 or twice what they were making just three years ago. Silvias were pioneers of the 1990s ‘grey import’ movement and literally hundreds arrived from Japan or via New Zealand. One to consider if you collect scarce Nissans is the Varietta, with a hardtop roof that disappears into the boot.

180SX 1989-92 $28,315 [8] 180SX 1993-97 $30,225 [13] 200SX 1995-98 $33,175 [16] 200SX 1999-02 $40,080 [26] Silvia Turbo 1988-96 $20,945 [9] Silvia S15 1997-02 $39,135 [16] Varietta $19,000 [1]

Nissan Skyline/ Patrol 1965-90

Global demand for early Nissan GTRs remains intense and Australian importers rarely get to place a bid before these cars, at extraordinary money, head for the USA. The ‘Hakosuka’ version offered here at $150K was probably the last at that price but it would have helped attract buyers to DR30 and R31 GT turbo hardtops. The local market isn’t brimming with those either and although a 1981 model DR made only $25,000 at auction, two excellent examples of the R31 GTS-R recorded $55,000 and $80,000. From the same era and less costly are Australian-spec Skyline sedans and Hatchbacks; hard to find but averaging less than $10,000. Early Patrols haven’t achieved the same following as Toyota’s Landcruiser and pre-1970 models, even when near perfect, rarely exceed $25,000.

Skyline 2000GT 1970-72 $150,000 [1] Skyline Sedan/Hatch 1977-84 $8250 [3] DR30 GT 2-Door $19,825 [3] R31 GT/GTS Hardtop 1980-90 $59,165 [3] Patrol 1968-74 $12,250 [4] Patrol 1975-84 $8675 [8]

Nissan 300ZX/ Stagea/ Figaro

Nissan’s 3.0-litre ZX coupes look nothing like the early 1970s ‘Z’ models they replaced but are faster and more affordable. Early non-turbo 300s remain cheap, however if you want a 1980s Turbo it will cost $16-20,000. The 300ZX changed shape in 1989 and gained an extra turbocharger, thus becoming a fairly serious supercar. A lot were imported during the 1990s and excellent survivors hover around $25,000. Cars built during the late-1990s are considerably more expensive. Stagea wagons combine practicality with performance and early 2.5 turbos have climbed to around $20,000. Twin-turbo RS260s cost more than $30,000 and even at that price have to offer more value than the tiny Figaro sports cars being sold at similar money.

300ZX 1983-86 $9620 [9] 300ZX Z31 Turbo 1985-89 $18,200 [4] 300ZX Z32 1989-95 $20,570 [9] 300ZX Z32 Twin-Turbo 1989-93 $24,460 [24] 300ZX Twin-Turbo 1994-99 $44,135 [12] Stagea 1996-01 $22,170 [10] Stagea M35 2001-05 $10,840 [7] Stagea RS260 $40,000 [1] Figaro 1991-92 $33,625 [7]

Nissan Skyline 1990-99

New regulations allow more Skylines to be imported but the prices being realised by 1990s cars at Japanese auctions coupled to strong demand from US buyers make new arrivals more expensive than those already in Australia. A few years back it was possible to buy an outstanding R33 Turbo coupe for under $15,000 and the market was cluttered with cars that wouldn’t sell. Now there seem to be buyers for anything offered and prices beyond $25,000 are common. The restyled R34 enjoys even stronger demand, with non-turbo four-doors nudging $20,000 and GT-T coupes headed towards $40K. Older R32 Turbos have become inexplicably scarce and survivors are also worth $35-40,000

R32/R33 GTS Sedan $20,835 [3] R32 GTS-T Sedan/Coupe $38,335 [3] R33T Sedan $24,240 [5] R33 GTS-T Coupe $26,160 [19] R34 GT $19,745 [6] R34 GT-T Sedan $28,400 [5] R34 GT-T Coupe $35,560 [22]

Nissan GTR

GTR values have gone loopy and valuing these cars has become a confronting exercise. What we can say for certain is that the mega-rare R34 Nur (Nurburgring) model has been setting international auction records and pricing in the $400-500,000 range is no longer fanciful. Other R34s aren’t anywhere near as exclusive as a Nur and more than $300K for one of these is hard to justify. Dropping down the GTR range into five-digit territory we encounter V Spec versions of the R33 and R32 at slightly less than $100,000, with other types in the $70-85,000 range. The version to watch is the Australian delivered R32 GTR, of which there were only 100 sold and they in the space of two years have doubled in value.

GTR R32 (Aust-Spec) $157,500 [2] GTR R32 (Import) $81,935 [20] GTR R33 $82,465 [14] GTR R33 V-Spec $91,295 [3] GTR R34 $193,990 [4] GTR R34 V-Spec $289,700 [7] GTR R34 Nur. $451,945 [2]

Nissan V250/ V35/ 350Z/ Elgrand/ Cube

Some of these Nissans in this grouping are sporty by nature, the rest are not but very good at transporting groups of people. Let’s check those first. The Cube as its name suggests is not curvaceous but more accommodating than its dimensions suggest, while the Elgrand looks and is immense, with more than enough space for its eight permitted occupants. If you want a Nissan that’s shaped like a 350Z but with four doors then import yards will sell you a V250, V300 or V350GT at prices that rarely exceed $12,000. If you want the Japanese equivalent of our 350Z, a V35 GT will cost just a little more than the sedan. For an Australian-delivered 350Z – coupe of convertible, Track or Touring – prices are steady and high-end cars rarely exceed $20,000.

V250/V300GT 2002-06 $7715 [12] V35 GT Sedan 2003-06 $10,555 [9] V35 GT Coupe 2003-06 $11,935 [30] 350Z 2003-06 $16,220 [27] 350Z Conv. 2003-06 $14,815 [9] Elgrand 1999-02 $11,550 [16] Elgrand 2003-06 $15,190 [15] Cube $9830 [15]

Subaru 1973-1994

Pre-Liberty Subarus once were common sights but now only the ubiquitous Brumby utility seems to survive in any quantity. These seemed not to have much collector appeal, but then one sold quickly when advertised at $14,500 and a time-warp AgQuip Special went close to cracking $20,000 at auction. Other flat-four models to chase should they survive are 1970s FF or 1980s GLF coupes and the mid-1980s 4WD RX Turbo. These won two Australian Rally Championships yet will likely cost less than $15,000. Non-turbo 4WDs from the 1980s are still cheap, with Touring Wagons in pristine condition perhaps managing $6000. Interesting to see a surviving Vortex Turbo coupe advertised at around $10,000.

Leone Coupe 1975-84 $12,000 [1] Leone Sedan 1983-90 $3265 [3] 4WD Wagon 1984-92 $2800 [9] Brumby 1984-94 $6190 [21] Vortex Turbo $10,500 [1]

Subaru WRX/ STI/ Forester 1994-2009

What has happened to all the pre-98 Rexes? Not many years ago the market was stacked with slightly worn but still viable WRX sedans and the odd Hatch, all for under $10K. Late-1990s cars still exist in decent numbers, with an excellent STi lookalike selling at almost $30,000 and others making $20K+. Move into the 21st century and the money being realised for WRX sedans again drops below $15,000, but not if you’ve got a genuine STi-plated car. These in two-door form can exceed $100,000 and sedans make at least $50K. If you grabbed one of the five local 22B STis – or found one overseas to import – the top price seen recently was US$370,000. For performance in a family wagon, a Forester STi turbo costs around $30,000.

WRX 1994-97 $12,300 [5] WRX 1998-01 $19,520 [19] WRX 2001-05 $15,775 [19] WRX 2006-09 $16,455 [18] WRX STI 2001-05 $46,140 [16] WRX STI 2-door $90,345 [12] Forester Turbo 1998-2004 $10,100 [11] Forester STI $35,950 [10]

Subaru Liberty/ SVX 1989-09

The most impressive aspect of the Liberty lies with a design that was so good from the beginning it hardly changed during 20 years. Early GX sedans and wagons remain cheap and you can have almost as much fun in a $5000 AWD Liberty as in a B4 that costs twice the money. GT turbo sedans and wagons built from 2003-09 blend practicality with serious performance and can be tweaked to deliver a lot more. So too the 3.0-litre, flat six B Spec that offers loads of go plus plenty of frills at less than $10,000. Under the heading of ‘something different’, watch for the very rare SVX that was basically a Subaru motor show display car that found its way into production.

Liberty 4WD 1989-94 $3300 [19] Liberty RS $12,000 [3] Liberty B4 $8200 [5] Liberty GT Turbo 2004-07 $8785 [10] Liberty GT STI 2006 $19,665 [3] Liberty 3.0R spec B 2004-07 $10,030 [17] SVX $19,000 [1]

Suzuki 1974-99

Suzuki doesn’t rate a mention in many lists of ‘must have’ classics but that is changing. Early two-stroke 4WDs are gaining in value, as are 1980s-90s Sierras. If years ago, you gave one of these to the kids as a paddock basher, don’t look at the current value. Others to chase if any exist are early Swift GTis; these former giantkillers of Series Production racing once predicted to be the next Mini Cooper S. Today a survivor likely will cost $5000. If you want a quirky and compact load carrier or pizza deliverer look for a Mighty Boy or Carry van/mini truck. Good examples of either cost $7000-8500 which is easier to justify than outlaying Honda S2000 money for a 660cc Cappuccino roadster.

Swift GTi 1988-98 $4350 [5] Mighty Boy 1985-88 $8500 [4] LJ50/LJ80 $8100 [5] Sierra 4WD 1984-96 $10,460 [29] Capuccino $27,245 [2] Carry Van/Pickup $8120 [5]

Toyota Corolla/ Levin/ Corona 1963-94

Toyota arrived here in 1963 with some truly ordinary product yet within 10 years was our leading overseas brand. Corollas, Crowns and Coronas from the late1960s offered quality and value and nothing has changed. Demand for early Corollas is growing, as are values. Even later Corollas which were long regarded as unremarkable are improving, with a mid-1970s car recently making $14,500 in a combative auction. 1980s models are generally affordable, with the notable exception being Sprinter/Trueno coupes that entrance retro-drifters and fans of historic rallying. Coronas were unlikely to exceed $10,000 but that is changing, especially in the case of 1970s models. Early ‘shovel-nose’ coupes are scarce and generally cost $20,000+.

Corolla 1967-73 $13,365 [11] Corolla Coupe 1970-79 $11,320 [7] Corolla 1974-85 $6970 [27] Corolla SX/GTI $6990 [13] Sprinter AE86 $32,995 [10] Levin/Trueno $36,440 [2] Corona 1964-73 $12,325 [6] Corona 1974-80 $8225 [14] Corona 1981-87 $4300 [20]

Toyota Crown/ Cressida/ Landcruiser 1964-2006

Toyota’s Crown arrived in Australia during the 1960s as a 1.9-litre four-cylinder and can now be found in ultra-luxurious trim with a V8, diesel or twin-turbo six. Prices for pre-1987 Crowns rarely exceed $10,000 but the V8 Century now reaches $20,000. For a lush and affordable ‘family classic’, track down an MX83R Cressida. These arrived locally in 1989 and Grande versions in top condition can cost less than $10,000. Earlier 2.8-litre Cressidas hover around $6000. Landcruisers in some parts of the global market have become hideously expensive, however in Australia they are still regarded as a rugged old mud-plugger. Available money for restored FJ40 shortwheelbase versions currently tops out at around $50,000.

Cressida 1977-88 $6180 [5] Cressida 1989-95 $7410 [10] Crown 1964-67 $6250 [2] Crown 1968-77 $9500 [3] Crown 1978-86 $7800 [14] Crown V8 $16,230 [8] Crown Turbo 1997-08 $19,230 [14] Landcruiser 1965-70 $40,000 [3] Landcruiser 1971-80 $28,370 [55] Landcruiser V8 1971-85 $35,300 [16]

Toyota Celica 1971-2004

For decades, Toyota’s Celica dominated the sporty coupe market and older versions survive in significant numbers. Against a background of soaring values, Celicas have in general remained affordable and are some ridiculously cheap. Most expensive, and expectedly so, are the RA23 coupes and RA28 ‘Mustang’ fastbacks which can reach $35,000. Thereafter the values slump and do it without regard for the desirability of later models. 1986-89 front wheel drive versions are involving and (in SX form) rapid but generally less expensive than 1990s cars. Jump to 1998 and the final ZZR version brought a big power increase to 140kW but they still cost around $10,000. This survey didn’t find a single GT4 All-Wheel Drive which should still cost $20-25,000.

Celica 1971-75 $18,940 [10] Celica 1976-77 $26,500 [2] Celica 1978-85 $7260 [16] Celica 1986-89 $4575 [11] Celica 1990-97 $5875 [23] Celica 1998-04 $11,285 [16] Celica GT4 1989-93 [N/S] Celica Conv. 1988-95 $15,645 [3]

Toyota MR2/ MR-S/ Sera/ Paseo 1986-2002

When considering an MR2 of any kind, the budget sets itself at $20,000 and the only decision to make is which version to buy. The collectors in the room will head straight for a first-gen AW11 model, especially if it’s a Japanese-spec car with factory supercharger. Standard, these little gems cost around $20K then add $10,000 for the supercharger. Turbo versions of the later SW20R shape weren’t sold here when new but today cost around the same as GT and Bathurst versions that were. The MR-S is a totally different concept, being a smaller car with fully folding roof and only 103kW. These should cost less than the SW20 cars but currently offer less to interest collectors. So does the Paseo coupe which at $3500-5000 will serve as low-cost transport without much incentive for preservation.

MR2 AW11 1986-89 $19,050 [3] MR2 AW11 S/Charged $29,800 [1] MR2 1990-96 $13,935 [6] MR2 Turbo 1990-95 $23,835 [6] MR2 GT/Bathurst $21,440 [6] MR-S 1998-02 $16,380 [20] Paseo $4150 [8]

Toyota Caldina/ Surf/ Estima 1988-2006

Toyota never bothered the local market with its 2.0-litre Turbo Caldina and that’s a shame. These are a smart, fast, family wagon; cheap but very scarce. The later ST246 version with 190kW is easier to find and only a little more expensive than 1990s versions. If you need a bigger vehicle, the Estima and Alphard will accommodate eight, with the ‘Wellcab’ Alphard accommodating a wheelchair in its rear section. These have come from Japan as low-volume imports and cost less than $20,000. Toyota’s turbo-diesel Surf was once popular and available everywhere, but time has slashed the numbers of available and prices are climbing. A late-series 2.4 at $12,000 is probably better buying than the 3.0-litre for $18K.

Caldina 1998-01 $12,900 [1] Caldina GT Four 2002-06 $13,465 [9] Surf 2.4 1988-95 $9850 [10] Surf 3.0 1993-99 $13,550 [4] Estima 1999-04 $10,145 [19] Estima 2005-09 $14,835 [33] Alphard $18,990 [20]

Toyota Aristo/ Chaser/ Soarer

Some names here might be familiar, others will have everyone except avid enthusiasts looking bewildered. The Aristo is effectively a GS300 Lexus but with the same twinturbo engine as an RZ Supra and prodigious performance. Early Chaser turbos use the same body as the last of the local Cressidas, as does the Mark 2 - except it was sold as a four-door hardtop. The JZZ and UZZ Series Soarers available from 1991-2000 were once common in Australia, however age and the parts scarcity have affected numbers without doing much for pricing. Virtually any 2.5 turbo Soarer in our market will sell for less than $20,000, with V8 and 3.0-litre six-cylinder cars at half the Turbo’s price.

Aristo 2001-06 $22,855 [10] Soarer 3.0T 1986-90 $17,750 [4] Soarer 2.5T 1991-98 $14,650 [20] Soarer SC400 1991-99 $8400 [19] Chaser 1993-97 $34,860 [9] Chaser 1998-04 $32,430 [9] Mark 2 2000-05 $23,220 [6]

Toyota Supra 1983-2000

Supras were available new in Australia throughout the 1980s then disappeared until returning as official products during 2019. Those intervening years produced the best Supras of all; cars that are now in hot demand and becoming expensive. Twin-turbo RZs from 1993-96 are not too bad, with prices mostly below $60,000. Choose a later version though and pricing leaps beyond $80,000, sometimes hitting six figures. Versions with normally aspirated 3.0-litre motors share the RZ shape but are more affordable. One version to track if you are into rare Toyotas is the ‘aerotop’ with removeable roof panel. Just 352 of these were built. Early 2.8-litre Supras were showing some appetite for growth a few years back but have slumped to around $10,000. Late-1980s single turbo 3.0-litre cars are holding their value.

Supra 2.8 $11,375 [4] Supra Turbo 1986-92 $23,100 [6] Supra SZ 1993-96 $38,415 [13] Supra SZ 1997-00 $32,390 [9] Supra RZ T/Turbo 1993-96 $58,350 [5] Supra RZ T/Turbo 1997-00 $86,845 [13] Supra Aerotop 1993-95 $81,750 [4]