ADVICE MARKET ANALYSIS CLASSIC CARS

league, style is king. Prices range from about R40,000 for one that needs work to well over R100,000 for a pristine restored example.

The Cortina models from the 1970s and early 1980s have come into their own as collectable classics. The Mk III was the so-called “coke-bottle” shape with curvy flanks, while the late Mk IV and Vs had a more squared-off appearance. The last-generation 3.0 S models appeal to performance freaks, but any one of these in prime condition today is going to appreciate in value. Prices for a good modest 1.6l model start at about R40,000. Ford Capri Peranas are world-wide hits in the classic car movement, as SA was the only country to produce a V8 version of the famous Mk I Capri sold in dealerships and approved by the factory. These cars have long been fetching silly money because of their appeal in the UK. Prices start at about R500,000 for a pristine example, but because there were less than 500 built, their value can only increase in the long term. Do your research before being duped, as there are many fake Peranas around!

The VW Golf GTi made its name here with the early Mk I version, which was only sold here for two years. The car that put the GTi brand-name seriously on the map here was the GTi Mk II, known as the Jumbo Golf, as they sold in huge numbers. These cars are still to be found in the classified ads, but the trick is to get an unmolested version. Prices of pristine Mk I and Mk II Golf GTis are now in the R120,000 to R180,000 region. The reason for these high prices is that the vast majority of these hot performers fell into the wrong hands, young cowboys who wore their caps backwards on their heads even then!

So they were hacked and lowered and generally abused on a budget that prized beer more highly than regular oil changes. Only go for a topquality unmolested car.