MARKET REVIEW

AUSSIE MUSCLE CAR VALUES CONTINUE TO DEFY GRAVITY WHILE THERE IS STILL LOTS OF GOOD BUYING FROM AMERICA

American Motors/ Studebaker

America’s favourite independent brands were both at various times assembled in Australia, finding favour as police cars and government VIP transport. Numbers of available cars are down on previous years but the prices being asked are realistic. Among the undervalued models would be V8 Javelins at $35,000 and Studebaker Hawk coupes at similar money. When normality returns, pay around $20,000 for an excellent Classic, roomy Rebel or Matador. 1950s Studebaker sedan are worthwhile at $10-12,000 while V8 Larks, excluding two-door versions, and 1940s cars generally cost $20,000. Classic/Ambassador 1959-66 $8500 [1] Rebel/Matador 1967-78 $22,000 [3] Hornet 1970-77 $11,500 [2] Javelin 1968-73 $18,495 [2] Stude Sedan 1948-52 $20,335 [3] Stude Sedan 1953-57 $9465 [3] Lark/Cruiser 1960-66 $20,000 [1] Daytona H/Top 1962-66 $35,500 [1] Hawk 1958-64 $35,000 [1]

Buick 1935-63

Australia can trace our ties to the Buick brand back over 100 years, including their use as official cars by State Premiers and Prime Ministers. If you’ve got a black 1930s-60s Buick it may have some VIP history. Money being sought for pre-1950s models has been climbing since 2009 and excellent Straight Eights make $50,000. Cars dating from the 1950s weren’t built here and most are recent imports. However, they are relatively easy to find and often reasonably priced. Special sedans in good condition cost around $40,000, with the rare Limited hardtop $20,000 dearer. Move into the 1960s and a topline Electra at $30,000 can be cheaper than some Chevrolets of similar age. All Models 1935-48 $45,665 [12] All Models 1949-52 $45,820 [7] All Models 1953-57 $41,840 [16] Electra/Invicta 1958-63 $30,615 [4] Convertible 1952-58 $65,000 [1]

Buick 1962-88

Literally hundreds of Buicks arrived in Australia during the 1960s and early ’70s, giving Holden dealers a showroom draw card and keeping RHD conversion shops very busy. Rivieras were popular and surviving examples of the model’s three distinctive styles sell at $30-50,000. Less exotic and also less expensive, Skylarks came here usually with V8 engines and lots of power-assisted accessories. Electras and 1970s Limiteds are roomy and luxurious yet excellent cars can be found at $25,000. 1980s Buicks aren’t common here, or even in their country of origin, however collectors should visit the USA – virtually for now – to find turbocharged GNX coupes. These under normal circumstances will cost considerably more than $30,000. Skylark 1962-72 $26,450 [2] Skylark Conv. 1962-72 $32,470 [5] Electra/Limited 1964-77 $27,375 [13] Wildcat 1964-71 $31,280 [5] Riviera 1963-65 $47,975 [4] Riviera 1966-70 $35,040 [8] Riviera 1971-74 $41,945 [11] GN/GNX $32,700 [1]

Cadillac 1936-60

If you feel intimidated by fins and chrome bumpers that weigh more than the average human, don’t look in here. Cadillacs if sold by weight would be some of the most costly US models and you do get a huge quantity of car for your money. 1950s Cadillacs came in three distinct styles and the money being sought for all of them is climbing. Cars built from 1959-60 are the most plentiful and expensive with some vendors pushing sedan prices towards six figures. Early-1950s models with Cadillac’s 331 V8 can be found in good condition at around $40,000 but Conv.ertibles from the 1950s have hit $125,000, with the rare Biarritz $100K dearer. Sedan 1936-49 $75,000 [1] Sedan/Coupe 1950-56 $42,550 [10] Sedan/Coupe 1957-58 $71,175 [8] Sedan/Coupe 1959-60 $70,110 [17] Convertible 1957-60 $106,175 [6]

Cadillac 1961-2006

For reasons best understood by people who own them, America’s most elaborate luxury car can very often be bought in excellent condition for minimal money. Consider the huge, front-wheel drive Eldorado with leather trim and power everything that is available as a coupe or Conv.ertible for less than $30,000. Want an even cheaper Caddy? Grab a ‘compact’ post-1976 Eldo or full-sized sedan from the 1980s at under $20,000. 1961-73 sedans and coupes are more expensive, but still around half the price of equivalent models from the 1950s. There once were plans to sell CTS sedans as new cars through Holden dealers but that is now impossible and people wanting a late-model Caddy will have to buy used. Sedan/Coupe 1961-64 $35,075 [12] Sedan/Coupe 1965-72 $30,750 [9] Conv. 1961-72 $61,700 [9] Sedan/Coupe 1973-92 $20,780 [17] Eldorado Coupe 1967-76 $25,500 [8] Eldorado Conv 1971-77 $29,625 [12] Eldorado Coupe 1977-90 $18,500 [3] CTS 1999-04 $23,500 [2]

Chevrolet 1920-54

Just how many early Chevrolets have sold recently is hard to know but asking prices have remained consistent since 2018 and in line with US auction results. Spanning more than 30 years of production, this segment of Chev history covers a wide range of models; all of them predating the brand’s introduction of V8 engines. Early 1930s Tourers can reach $50,000, however the majority of cars from this era will be 1930-40s Holden-bodied sedans selling at around $20,000. Locally-built sedans are gaining value and some make $30,000. Fully-imported, pre-1940s coupes are scarce and can cost $50,000+. Sedan/Tourer 1920-29 $20,395 [12] Sedan/Tourer 1930-35 $33,800 [9] Sedan 1936-48 $26,980 [9] Coupe 1936-48 $51,140 [6] Sedan 1949-54 $37,990 [15]

Chevrolet 1955-64

From the mid-1950s when Chevrolet’s V8 engine arrived, these cars became hugely popular and for decades have remained at the forefront of classic car culture. Bel-Air two-doors built from 1955-57 have sold in restored condition for more than $100,000, with fuel-injected 1957 Hardtops at more than double that. Sedans - often modified - are worth $50-65,000. From 1960, local cars had 4.6-litre V8s and at $20-25,000 they offer good value. Two-door Impala Sport imports, especially with big-block 348 or 409 engines, routinely exceed $50,000. Convertibles are scarce, with 1955-57 cars costing $100,000+ and 1958-64s headed that way. Sedan 1955-56 $51,575 [13] Sedan 1957 $51,760 [18] 2-Dr H/Top 1955-57 $90,880 [17] 4-Dr H/Top 1955-57 $66,930 [5] Sedan/4-Dr H/Top 1958-60 $38,485 [16] 2-Dr H/Top 1958-60 $64,700 [9] Sedan/4-Dr H/Top 1961-64 $23,065 [7] 2-Dr H/Top 1958-64 $52,350 [7] Conv. 1955-57 $107,335 [6] Conv. 1958-64 $78,000 [3]

Chevrolet 1965-82

An interesting age-based selection of Chevs here, ranging from familiar locally-assembled Bel-Air sedans and Impala hardtops to imported two-door Impalas and Monte Carlos. The 1970s cars are all private imports and we’ve also slotted in the C10 (one ton) pickups which have a significant local following. Beginning with the C10s you might find largely original and unrestored 1970s models for $15,000 or one from the 1960s in pristine condition at $50,000. We didn’t see any of the ferocious 454 cubic inch LS6 Monte Carlos which can make $75,000 but there was a good selection of 5.7-litre Montes at around $30,000. Also 1965-72 Impala two-doors at $40-50,000. Asking prices for some local four-door cars have climbed past $40k but are unlikely to stay there. Bel-Air/Impala 1965-72 $43,640 [9] Impala 2-Dr H/Top 1965-72 $45,145 [10] Impala/Caprice 1973-80 $23,200 [8] Monte Carlo 1969-72 $29,500 [3] C10 1967-78 $39,825 [21]

Chev Chevelle/ Nova/ Apache/ El Camino 1955-78

Mid-size US Chevrolets and pickups were rare sights in Australia as new cars. The exception was a black Nova SS spectacularly raced by Touring Car Champion Norm Beechey, yet even its high-profile didn’t spark a big influx of imports. Novas and four-door Chevy IIs have become relatively expensive of late and buyers may prefer to spend their $50,000 on a larger and bigger-engined Chevelle SS. The Chevelle from 1964 also provided a base for the brand’s El Camino pickup which typically costs $30,000 but can reach $50K in SS trim. Apache and Cameo trucks were virtually unknown in Australia until a few years back and prices hover around $50,000. Apache/Cameo 1955-64 $55,935 [12] Chevelle 1964-68 $57,630 [7] Chevelle SS 1969-73 $58,410 [9] Nova V8 1963-67 $54,835 [6] El Camino 1964-69 $32,015 [9] El Camino 1970-73 $36,325 [9] El Camino 1974-82 $27,570 [5]

Chevrolet Camaro 1967-2002

Camaros came as a surprise to the Australian market but that wasn’t a bad thing. Mid1960s Mustangs had by 1967 become almost common on local roads and GM’s pony car rival brought mystique that has survived for half a century. Small-block, pre-1971 coupes will top $60,000 while 6.6-litre SS396 cars or the scarce Z28 5.0-litre cost

$100K or more. Camaros from the 1970s are scarce at present but prices remain $20,000 cheaper. Move into the 1980s and the design hardly changed but some prices drop to less than $20,000. Importers tried during the 1990s to generate interest in the reshaped 1993 Camaro but potential buyers here displayed the same indifference as those in the USA. Camaro/SS Coupe 1967-70 $72,200 [23] SS396/Z28 1967-70 $119,750 [2] Conv. 1967-70 $55,425 [4] Coupe 1971-73 $47,785 [8] Coupe 1974-81 $45,375 [11] V8 Coupe 1982-92 $18,565 [7] V8 Conv. 1987-92 $25,500 [2] V8 Coupe/Conv. 1993-96 $20,100 [5] V8 Coupe/Conv. 1997-02 $32,400 [5]

Chevrolet Corvette 1955-82

The prices asked for C1 Corvettes seemingly owe more to sentiment than objectivity. Then again, that can be said for a lot of classic vehicles. Spending $150,000 will fund an excellent 1950s car but for considerably less you can own a C2 Stingray with improved performance plus startling looks. Versions with 427 cubic inch engines, even rare TriPower units, rarely exceed US$140,000, so asking $350k here is ambitious. Collectors wanting a car at realistic money with some capital gain still to come might prefer an early C3 Roadster with the 427 engine. These make $150,000 locally and the US market says they are worth more. For a weekend fun car at around $30k, consider the ‘glass bumper 1974-82 version or spend a bit more on a Silver Anniversary or Pace Car commemorative. Roadster 1955-62 $139,990 [5] All Models 1963-67 $120,900 [11] ‘Big-Block’ 1965-67 $347,995 [3] All Models 1968-73 $55,065 [18] ‘Big-Block’ 1968-74 $83,625 [11] Coupe 1974-82 $34,575 [58]

Chevrolet Corvette 1984-2010

1984 brought an all-new Corvette with a major injection of sophistication and involvement from sports-car manufacturer Lotus in its design. C4 values were depressed for a long time but now are climbing, with all the pre-1993 models making gains. Looking at later C5 and C6 cars the money available is steady for C5s and up a little if you’re angling to own a 2007-10 Corvette. The ZR-1 and Callaway twin turbo cars offer some hope to collectors but among the rest there aren’t any obvious candidates. Best advice is to get a car that is original - so not RHD converted - with manual transmission and lots of history. Coupe/Roadster 1984-87 $30,385 [22] Coupe/Roadster 1988-92 $34,200 [21] ZR-1 1990-94 $75,000 [1] Coupe/Roadster 1993-96 $32,640 [7] Coupe/Roadster 1997-06 $69,800 [5] Coupe/Roadster 2007-10 $102,865 [8]

Chrysler (US Models) 1957-10

Australia saw very few US-made Chryslers as new cars and not many as recent imports. 1950s Letter Series 300s are especially scarce and acquiring one in good condition will cost more than $100,000. Cut your outlay in half and a variety of 1960s cars become available. Pick of these will be 300 Hardtops from the late-1960s or perhaps a huge Newport station wagon. Luxurious Imperials appear to be cheap but one of these in outstanding order is worth $40,000. That said, some of the recent examples being sold at less than $20,000 looked fine. Those who can’t afford a Bentley might consider a similarly-shaped 300C, especially the 317kW SRT8 version or a scarce V8 Touring wagon. Good examples cost around $20,000. 300/New Yorker 1956-61 $48,000 [1] 300/Newport 1962-73 $34,080 [6] Imperial 1958-63 $25,000 [2] Imperial 1974-72 $12,250 [2] 300C V8 Sedan 2006-08 $14,900 [28] Touring V8 2007-08 $22,375 [4] 300C SRT8 Hemi 2006-08 $21,175 [10]

Chrysler Pacer/ Charger E38/ E49/ E55

Pacers and Chargers are less common than other types of locally-grown performance cars yet prices remain significantly lower than rival models. Four-speed, triple-carb Chargers are the exception and even though we ignored an asking price approaching $700k, $250-300,000 is realistic for a car this scarce and significant. Or perhaps spend half that amount on a ‘street spec’ E48. A single-carb VH R/T at less than $100K offered value and authentic E38s in the region of $200,000 would offer reasonable buying as well. At around $100,000, if only you could find one, would be a Track Pack VG Pacer, with 2BBL VG sedans and hardtops are now at $50-60,000. For some underpriced Mopar history, an early VF Pacer or final-series VH will cost around $30,000 each. VF Pacer $35,450 [2] VG Pacer $62,975 [4] VG Pacer H/Top $58,665 [3] VH Pacer $28,500 [1] Charger R/T $99,000 [1] E38 $222,500 [2] E48 $135,000 [1] E49 $330,000 [2] E55 $80-125k [N/S]

Dodge 1921-72

Looking back almost a century, Dodge Brothers’ products were mainstays of Australia’s automotive population with a reputation for rugged design. Obviously that attribute has helped keep hundreds of early Dodges running and available. Demand remains solid and prices are climbing. A 1920s sedan or tourer and 1930s sedan should all cost around $20-25,000, with early 1950s cars $10,000 cheaper. Late-1950s Dodges and De Sotos traditionally cost $40,000+ but then as we enter the 1960s, prices fall away again. Phoenix sedans sold here from 1960-64 are typically more than later models, however the Limited 400 sedans and hardtops from 1969-72 have recently squeaked into the lead. Sedan/Tourer 1921-29 $30,000 [5] Sedan/Coupe 1930-45 $29,850 [10] Sedan 1946-56 $22,835 [9] Custom Royal/De Soto 1957-61 $45,475 [2] Phoenix 1960-64 $24,280 [7] Phoenix 1965-68 $17,650 [4] Phoenix 1969-72 $25,500 [5]

Dodge Polara/ Coronet/ Charger 1964-73

Full-sized Dodges from the 1960s and performance models built until 1973 have become relatively common in the Australian market. However, none are cheap anymore and an R/T of any kind with 440 cubic inches under the bonnet will feasibly cost more than $80,000. Most expensive from this era are Chargers which appeared in 1966 and survived as a performance model only until 1971. 1968-70s models as made famous by the Dukes of Hazzard and Bullitt chase sequences - have been seen at more than $150,000 but mostly sell for $65-80K. Rebodied 1971-73 cars are easy to source and half the price of a ‘68-70 shape car. For something different at similar money to a Charger, consider the Coronet-based Superbee. If your budget is smaller, a good Monaco hardtop will cost less than $30,000. Polara/Monaco 1962-67 $30,750 [2] Charger 1966-67 $87,475 [4] Charger 1968-70 $76,550 [5] Coronet RT/Superbee 1967-72 $99,725 [2] Charger R/T 1968-70 $160,250 [2] Charger 1971-73 $46,290 [10]

Dodge Dart/ Challenger/ Viper/ Ram SRT10

Dodge Darts from the late 1960s will look familiar to Australian enthusiasts because their sheet metal from the windscreen back was used by our own two-door Valiants. They also cost around the same as a Regal V8. Dodge Challengers have no local equivalent but unless you find a highly desirable Hemi or 440 Six-Pack they will cost less than a local Charger V8. The V10 Viper sports car showed early signs of popularity but the excitement faded and 1990s cars have slipped below $100,000. For lovers of US pickup culture, the Viper’s 10-cylinder features in SRT10 versions of the half-tonne Ram. These are gaining value, both here and in the USA, and A$70,000 is fair money for an excellent RHD converted example. Dart V8 1964-70 $35,800 [5] Challenger 318/383 $58,000 [6] Challenger 340/440 $74,665 [3] Challenger Conv. $96,000 [1] Viper 1993-99 $95,995 [4] Viper 2000-06 $147,495 [4] Ram SRT10 2004-08 $88,820 [5]

Fibreglass Cars & Replicas 1966-2010

We could feasibly head this section ‘Aussie Fibreglass’ because Australia’s best limitedvolume products and almost all of our sporty replicas are made using the substance. The past two years have brought no Bolwell Nagari V8s to the general market however values should remain steady. Cobra replicas and excellent facsimiles of the Le Mans winning GT40 are freely available and you can of course still buy a kit and build your own. Cobras built during the past 15-20 years command higher values than earlier, less sophisticated designs. Due to age, some older Cobras will be needing renovation and repainting, so consider that when negotiating price. Given the extreme cost of genuine GT40s, outlaying $150,000 to look the part seems somewhat of a bargain. Bolwell Nagari Coupe $50-72k Roadster $65-90k [N/S] Cobra 1990-02 $69,075 [12] Cobra 2003-010 $94,815 [8] Cobra 540 2007-09 $71,000 [2] GT40 1997-2008 $145,000 [3]

Ford Falcon XR-XY GT/ GT Replica

This segment has a new inclusion; the XY ‘K Code’. These cars came from the factory with 351 V8 engines in 2V specification and have become very scarce. Some have been sacrificed as ‘donor’ cars for replica GT projects and it’s interesting to now see genuine cars averaging a smidge more than the Shaker Fakers. XR, XT and XW values remain steady and largely where expected, although someone with a really good XR GT might expect $200k if they sell. XY GTs follow the fortunes of GTHO Phase 3s, so prices above $200,000 for outstanding cars aren’t unreasonable. That takes us back to the replicas, which cost around half the price of genuine XW or XY GTs. XR GT $139,990 [1] XT GT $85,835 [3] XW GT $144,000 [7] XW GT Replica $85,275 [9] XY GT $191,000 [5] XY GT Replica $99,250 [12] XY Falcon/Fairmont K Code $99,800 [5]

Ford Falcon GTHO/ XB Goss/ XC Cobra

No seven figure Phase 3s this time around but several cars still were offered and $600k is looking like typical pricing for a good one. Phase 1 and 2s continue to languish at half the price of ‘shaker’ cars and that’s a bit disrespectful. The Phase 1 missed out Bathurst glory but did well elsewhere and Phase 2s did the business in 1970 with almost the same ease as their Phase 3 successor in ’71. Although the XC Cobra won pretty much nothing, that first batch of cars with their distinctive bonnet scoop and code 97 extras are super collectible and justify the $300,000+ being paid. Only saw one Goss XB all year and values aren’t likely to have moved. GTHO Phase 1 $230,000 [1] GTHO Phase 2 $372,500 [2] GTHO Phase 3 $701,000 [5] XC Cobra 4.9 $120-165k [N/S] XC Cobra 5.8 $225,000 [1] XB Goss Special $120,000 [1]

Ford Falcon XA-EL Falcon GT

The GT underwent big changes from 1972 and by 1997 when a 30th anniversary model was revealed the temptation to race one had totally disappeared. XA sedans are doing well, but hardtops look underpriced at present. Last gasp for the GT as a performance car was the RPO83 which added leftover GT-HO Phase 4 parts to standard XA GT sedans and hardtops. Only recently have values for these really climbed, although prices above $300k might not be sustained. XB GTs lost their performance edge but remain a nice cruiser, albeit a bit pricey at present. No EB GTs surfaced recently and in common with the later EL are yet to make an impression on collectors. XA GT Sedan $142,800 [5] XA GT H/Top $153,335 [3] XB GT Sedan $93,075 [6] XB GT H/Top $172,500 [3] RPO83 $318,980 [5] EB GT $37-55k [N/S] EL GT $58,835 [3]

Ford Falcon BA-BFII XR6T/ EBII-BFII XR8/ Tickford

When ‘wanted’ advertisements for a particular model dominate the classifieds you know that available cars are in short supply and prices are climbing. That certainly is the situation with early XR8s right through to the BFII. Maybe the lower cost of petrol during 2020 played a role but if you have a good 1990s XR8, check your insurance cover in case it needs to increase. For grunt without the V8 rumble, BA-BFII turbos remain plentiful and even the later versions cost less than $15,000. Tickford-enhanced TE and TS50 Falcons aren’t exceptionally rare (779 were produced including 426 AU3s with the 5.6-litre engine) but they can be difficult to find and remain cheap at $30-35,000. BA-BAII XR6T $11,115 [38] BF-BFII XR6T $14,630 [17] EBII-EL XR8 $13,200 [5] AU XR8 $12,750 [18] BA-BAII XR8 $16,800 [29] BF-BFII XR8 $20,690 [17] Tickford TE/TS50 $30,800 [5]

FPV BA-BFII GT/ Typhoon/ Cobra 2003-10

Finally and after a couple of poorly-patronised 1990s attempts, FPV’s take on the Anniversary GT Falcon concept has worked and low-kilometre, 40th Anniversary cars sell for more than they cost new in 2007. A less successful contrived collectible is the BFII Cobra which came as a sedan or utility and has struggled for years to recoup owners’ outlay. However, since 2016 when Ford closed the doors, nostalgia has helped sustain prices. Not all FPVs are expensive, of course, as illustrated by BA GTs which are slowly climbing towards $30,000 and BF versions which are generally worth $35-40,000. If you can live without a V8 the Typhoon (sedan) and Tornado (utility) turbo twins cost around $30k and are enormously entertaining. BA GT $27,500 [15] BF GT $39,660 [20] BFII GT Anniversary $57,585 [5] BA-BF Typhoon/Tornado F6 $33,190 [11] BFII Cobra Sedan $71,200 [5] BFII Cobra Ute $63,230 [8]

Ford 1918-62

Older US Fords remain popular and collectors are paying extra to own one. Most costly by a wide margin are the first V8 Fords, built from 1932-35 and headed for $100,000. Open top roadsters and phaetons in outstanding condition already realise that money. Below them in the $30-40,000 price bracket sits a wide range of 1930s and more recent models including locally-built Customs and Customlines plus entry-level examples of the Crown Victoria hardtop. These in excellent order still make more than $50,000. Anyone with a love of veteran machinery can still find T Models built 100 or so years ago and selling for less than $25,000. Model T 1918-27 $24,460 [10] Model A 1928-31 $36,415 [7] V8 1932-35 $77,665 [3] V8 1936-48 $33,900 [6] Custom/Customline 1949-54 $32,070 [7] Customline/Star (1955-59) $42,125 [4] Crown Hardtop 1952-57 $36,000 [7] Fairlane 300/500 1959-62 $32,200 [8]

Ford Sprint/ Fairlane Compact/ Ranchero 1962-78

Just one of the models in this selection was sold officially in Australia, yet all of them exist here in respectable numbers. The car we saw in showrooms from 1962-65 was the V8 ‘compact’ Fairlane sedan; a model which costs 50 percent less than the later, US-spec GT Hardtop. Above it and with a shape that’s reflected in our own XA Falcon Hardtop sits the Torino, with basic 302 or 351-engined cars costing around $40,000. Scarce versions like the Talledega can make $100,000. US Falcons came with a V8 option from 1963 but Australia had to wait until 1966. That leaves a buoyant market for imported Sprint V8s which in hardtop or convertible form cost $30-40,000. If you want a pickup from this era, consider the Fairlane-based Ranchero also at $30-40,000. Falcon Sprint V8 1963-66 $30,030 [15] Fairlane Compact 1962-66 $23,550 [7] Fairlane GT H/Topop 1966-70 $37,345 [8] Torino V8 1968-74 $39,900 [7] Torino Big-Block 1969-72 $83,300 [3] Ranchero 1959-65 $28,560 [7] Ranchero 1966-73 $43,550 [8]

Ford Galaxie/ Sunliner/ Fairlane 500 1957-73

Australia’s love affair with very big Fords began in 1959 with the ‘tank’ Fairlane and continued until the 1970s. Lots of these sedans plus imported hardtops, Convertibles and wagons populate the local market and rarely cost more than $30,000. You just need a garage long enough to accommodate one of these giants. Galaxies that were built here from 1965-72 were popular as official transport and one of these during its early life have transported a Prime Minister. Later, local cars cost $25-30,000 with pre-1965s slightly dearer. Most expensive of the imports are 1962-64 two-doors which, despite their bulk, were successful competition cars and are still campaigned in British Historic events. Convertible Galaxies and the 1950s Sunliner can be found at $30-70,000. Fairlane 300/500 1959-62 $32,120 [8] Galaxie 4-Dr 1962-64 $31,165 [7] Galaxie 2-Dr Htop 1961-64 $75,300 [3] Galaxie 4-Dr 1965-72 $25,270 [13] Galaxie 2-Dr Htop 1965-73 $30,190 [5] Galaxie Conv. 1963-73 $39,600 [9] Sunliner Conv. 1957-61 $62,475 [4]

Ford F1/F100/ F150 Lightning 1948-2004

Ford pickups in the USA are symbolically working class but in Australia they were more likely to be owned and occupied by the police. F-trucks did finally escape their ‘paddy wagon’ image and early ones now attract lots of collector attention. They also provide the platform for some very serious and costly show vehicles. Early F1 models aren’t common here but that changes from 1953 when the modernised F100 arrived. These tend to be the most costly of early F100s, following US value trends to more than $50,000. Versions built from 1968 until the 1980s had six or eight cylinder engines and are likely to cost less than $20,000. Looking at future collectability, the supercharged 150 Lightning is too expensive at present to be tempting. F1 1948-52 $52,990 [5] F100 1953-56 $55,940 [17] F100 1957-67 $38,480 [12] F100 1968-82 $18,520 [30] F150 Lightning 1999-04 $55,500 [7]

Ford Thunderbird 1955-78

Ford wanted a Corvette killer without spending much money so the first Thunderbird was effectively a cut-down Customline. While the Corvette went on to become an archetypal sports car, the T-Bird took an opposite route and grew into something with immense appeal to Saturday night showoffs. During the 1960s the model enjoyed huge success and all models, including those early ‘baby Birds’, have been gaining value. Cars from the mid-1960s are most easily found and those that remain LHD will mostly likely be nicer to drive than converted cars. Convertibles are more expensive than hardtops but some at present are $10-20,000 beyond realistic levels. Post-1966 models shared their chassis with Lincoln’s Continental and were for years ignored in the specialist market. However that is changing and outstanding cars will today exceed $30,000. 1955-57 $66,475 [18] H/Top 1958-60 $43,600 [10] H/Top 1961-66 $34,670 [21] Conv. 61-66 $68,965 [17] H/Top & Sedan 1967-73 $28,900 [6] H/Top 1974-78 $16,000 [1]

Ford Mustang V8/ Fastback/ GT390 1964-73

Australia’s love affair with the Mustang began in 1965 when Ford imported 200 cars for local sale and just grew from there. This country is now home to vastly more Mustangs than locally-made GT Falcons and, despite recent value growth, the Mustang remains significantly cheaper than a GT. Owning an early coupe with the basic 4.7-litre V8 will cost $45- 55,000, with convertibles $10,000 more. Firstseries Fastbacks with the small-block motor are nudging $80,000 and it is possible to pay more than $100K for a Bullitt-style 390GT. Coupes built from 1969-73 with 5.0 or 5.8-litre engines span a massive price range; cheap 1971-73s at $25,000 and overpriced 1969-70s coupes reaching $80k. People selling convertibles seemingly have a greater grasp on current market reality. V8 Coupe 1964-68 $52,850 [51] V8 Conv. 1964-68 $62,445 [33] V8 Fastback 1965-68 $74,755 [28] GT/GTA390 1967-68 $83,495 [2] V8 Coupe 1969-70 $69,800 [8] V8 Coupe 1971-73 $32,100 [8] V8 Conv. 1969-70 $53,500 [11] V8 Conv. 1971-73 $38,670 [13]

Ford Mustang Mach 1/ Cobra-Jet/ Boss 302/ Shelby 1965-73

Mustangs with genuine muscle car credentials remain easily found but they are no longer inexpensive. A 351-engined 1971-73 Mach 1 with the near-horizontal ‘Sportsroof’ rear might sell below $50,000 but the same car in ‘Boss 351’ guise is worth $80,000. 1969-70 models with small-block motors routinely reach $70,000 and will top $100,000 with a 428 cubic-inch Cobra-Jet crammed under their bonnets. Spend just a little more on a Boss 302 or a whole lot more ($300,000+) for one with a 429 cubic inch engine. Australia isn’t home to a lot of Shelby-modified Mustangs and 1965-66 cars look expensive when compared with similar cars in the US market. Later versions of the GT350 and 428 cubic inch GT500 more closely reflect the money being paid by North American owners. Mach 1 1969-70 $89,900 [6] Mach 1 1971-73 $57,300 [8] Mach 1 Cobra-Jet $111,750 [4] Boss 302 $121,535 [10] Shelby GT350 1965-66 $320,000 [1] GT350/GT500 1967-70 $182,250 [4]

Ford Mustang 1974-2010

Ford demonstrated mastery of clairvoyance by adapting its 1974 Mustang to a world that didn’t even know it was about to experience an ‘Oil Shock’. The new design alienated enthusiast buyers though and over the years hardly anyone bothered to preserve 1970s Mustangs. Now demand is growing, values have surged and good cars are very scarce. Australian interest in Mustangs also took a rest until the 1990s, encouraging Ford to import some 2001 Cobra coupes and convertibles. Sadly they were way too expensive, slow to sell and today rarely exceed $30,000. 2006 brought another reshaped Mustang but only the less common variations including GT500 Shelbys, the Super Snake and S281 Saleen offer prospects for enthusiast buyers. V8 Coupe/Conv. 1974-92 $19,340 [8] GT/Cobra Coupe 1995-03 $29,755 [13] Cobra Conv. 1998-03 $37,690 [13] Mustang GT 2005-08 $58,080 [6] Shelby GT500 2006-10 $104,170 [7] Saleen (2006-08) $54,500 [1]

HDT Commodore VC-VN

The big prices being sought some years back for HDTs have retreated - for now anyway. The recent market did turn up one significant VC with Race of Champions history, however its $195,000 asking price is absolutely atypical. Very good examples of the VC can make $70,000, with VH Group 3s normally a little cheaper. VK SS and Director prices have climbed for no discernible reason towards $100,000 and ‘Blue Meanie’ Group As are down significantly on their 2018 peak. VL Plus Pack cars have again climbed past $100,000 again but the Statesman-based Magnum remains inexplicably cheap. Money sought for the equally scarce but less compelling VN Aero is up significantly despite more cars on offer. VC HDT $110,000 [3] VH Group 3 $53,500 [2] VK SS/Director $93,685 [7] VK Group 3 $124,665 [3] VK Group A $159,065 [3] VL Group A Plus Pack $122,500 [2] VN Aero $40,000 [4]

Holden Monaro HK-HG V8

Holden’s original Monaro dates back more than 50 years yet still ranks among the nation’s most stunning automotive shapes. GTS350 prices are down from their heady peak of a few years back, however interest in the model was maintained via the sale of two significant cars with competition history. Early Monaros that have acquired V8 engines rather than being built with them now cost almost the same as authentic V8s, but in the longer term it will be the genuine articles that deliver greatest gains. GTS327 and HT GTS350s can claim kudos as Bathurst 500 winners and $200,000 is fair money for good cars with detailed histories. The HG350 is seen as ‘softer’ in character than earlier versions and this saves buyers some money. HK-HG GTS V8 $153,140 [8] HK-HG GTS V8 (Non-Orig) $133,400 [5] HK GTS327 $213,850 [3] HT GTS350 $229,900 [2] HG GTS350 $182,500 [2]

Holden HQ-HZ Monaro/ GTS/ Sandman

Lots of action has been occurring amongst 1970s Monaros and related models so hopefully sales have been surging along with prices. HQ-HJ GTS coupes and Premierbased LS versions are hard to find at less than $80,000 and some cars with Aussiemade V8s might reach $150,000. That will likely leave genuine 350-engined HQs at somewhere beyond $200K but as yet no confirmed sales at that level. HQ-HZ GTS sedans are steady at $55-65,000 with growing numbers of cars in the market. One derivative that’s looking less affordable as each month passes is the Sandman panel van. These only a few years back were scratching to reach $50,000 but one sold at auction for $75,000 and owners responded by pushing prices beyond $100,000. HQ-HZ Monaro/GTS Sedan $61,865 [16] HQ-HJ GTS/V8 Coupe $139,390 [9] Monaro HQ-HJ GTS350 $140-215k [N/S] Monaro HQ-HJ LS $100,985 [7] HX LE $113,335 [3] Sandman HJ-HZ V8 Van $125,990 [4] Sandman HJ-HZ V8 Utility $60,000 [1]