HDT MAGNUM BUYING

THE MARKET for older vehicles runs on a diet of everything except logic. That probably explains why a car with the space, looks and scarcity of an HDT Magnum has throughout its life struggled to match the money easily generated by Commodore-based cars. Without options – of which there were many – the WB Statesman Magnum in 1984 cost $26,500. Those based on a Caprice and loaded with extras could exceed $35,000.

In 2005, just as HDT values were starting to spike, VK Group As were worth around $30,000 and Magnums $15,000. Four years later when the market had soared and slumped in the space of three years, Group As were still clinging on at $75,000 but a really good Magnum had moved minimally and was yet to crack $30,000.

Fuel costs cannot be an issue. Yes they are a big car and they use fuel but 18L/100km is probably realistic and most who buy a Magnum aren’t going to use it more than a few times a month. With only 100 or so made and the number of survivors unknown, the clamoring should get intense whenever a topclass car appears for sale. Seemingly it doesn’t. A few fitting the description have been offered and we have yet to see a confirmed sale at more than $40,000. Bargain buying surely?