MARKET REVIEW

2021 AUSSIE FAMILY & SPORTS CAR MARKET REVIEW THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN LIKE NO OTHER, WHATS IT DONE TO PRICES?

Aussie Utes

If you wanted to be a successful carmaker in 1940s-60s Australia, utes were a must-have for your model range. Thousands were sold and plenty survive but the ranks are thinning. This year saw just one of the clever Austin 1800 utilities sold but a good selection of older A40 pickups, with ‘projects’ below $4000 and excellent restored examples around $15,000. For something to carry a serious load at decent pace, consider 1940s-50s Chev utes at $20-25,000 or a V8 Ford Mainline, although those can exceed $40,000. Other Brit-based offerings included four or six-cylinder Vanguards at around $10,000 or 1950s Vauxhalls, also with four or six cylinders, that can reach $15,000. Austin A40-A50 $13,660 [5] Austin 1800 $4700 [1] Chevrolet 1946-54 $22,100 [5] Ford Mainline 1952-59 $33,625 [4] Vanguard 1948-63 $12,750 [4] Vauxhall 1951-57 $16,500 [1]

BMC Brands

Crazy as it may seem, the brands that constituted BMC during the 1950s and ‘60s were sold through different dealer networks. If you wanted an Austin Lancer rather than the virtually identical Morris Major, you needed to go to a different dealer. So too an Austin Freeway that shared its ‘Blue Streak’ engine with the Wolseley 24/80 but has now fallen behind its more luxurious sibling in value. Morris Elites (basic Morris Minor engineering with a modernized body) currently cost around $5000 and even have their own site on Facebook. Morris 1500s and the uniquely Australian Nomad wagon are cheap and disappearing, the six-cylinder Tasman and Kimberley scarce too and $10,000 should buy a good one. Looking back to the 1940s, locally designed Austin A40 Tourers are maintaining strong values. Austin A40 Tourer 1947-51 $17,085 [3] Austin Freeway $3315 [3] Austin Lancer/Morris Major S1 $6500 [3] Austin Tasman/Kimberley $7475 [2] Morris Elite $5125 [6] Morris 1500/Nomad $2700 [1] Wolseley 24/80 $11,255 [4]

Chrysler Royal/ Valiant/ Regal 1957-66

Early Valiants haven’t achieved the same auction-site superstardom as some Holdens and Falcons yet continue to deliver sustained growth and good value. Early R and S Series cars resemble no other Aussie Valiant and R versions are so rare that excellent survivors now exceed $40,000. S Series are easier to find and their increasing prices hopefully are sustainable. Less likely the AP6 V8 offered at $60,000 and genuinely worth around $45,000. Most AP5s and AP6s entering the market have been sanely priced at $15-20,000 and appeal to the more cautious buyer. Plymouth-based, 1950s Chrysler Royals typically remain at around $20,000. Royal Sedan $22,160 [6] R Series $37,790 [5] S Series $23,210 [16] AP5-AP6 $14,260 [18] AP5-AP6 Regal $19,375 [6] AP6 V8 $60,000 [1]

Chrysler Valiant/ Regal/ Vip/ Hardtop 1966-71

Valiants from the late-1960s are climbing in value and those gains will likely be sustained. Six-cylinder cars make excellent family cruisers, with wagons offering masses of space at prices in the $15-20,000 bracket. Regals weren’t overly luxurious and the original paint and trim aren’t likely to have survived so don’t pay too much if a car has been restored in non-authentic colours. Hardtop VF-VGs with V8 engines are becoming expensive when compared with imported Dodge Dart hardtops that share the same body. VIPs are scarce too, however some very good cars survive and $3540,000 is fair money. VC V8s are more valuable but asking prices of $100K and more are difficult to justify. VC-VG $18,200 [11] VC-VG Regal $21,774 [16] VC V8 $66,835 [3] VE-VG VIP 40,335 [3] VF-VG H/Top $40,450 [8] VF-VG Regal V8 H/Top $54,000 [2]

Chrysler Valiant/ Regal 1971-81

VH-VJ Regal two-doors are scarce and values above $40,000 look justified. Also up significantly are big CH-CK Chryslers, with $30,000 for a V8 sedan and $45,000 for a two-door fair value. Base-model 1970s Valiants, be they VH-VK or CL-CM models, have climbed at sustainable pace and good examples will now cost $13-16,000. Pre-1977 Regals have become rare and $20,000 buys a six-cylinder sedan or wagon in good but not sensational condition. VH-VK V8s bring more, with the best of these above $25,000. Rare but offering value will be LeBaron versions of the CL Regal that can reach $30,000 or the car at similar money for which collectors clamour; the 4.3-litre, four-speed manual CM GLX. VH-VK Valiant $13,000 [13] CL-CM Valiant $14,840 [30] VH-VK Regal $23,365 [6] CL-CM Regal $18,455 [27] VH-VJ Regal H/Top $48,165 [3] CH-CK Chrysler Sedan $27,400 [5]

Chrysler Charger/ Centura/ Drifter Van 1971-78

Chargers you might think fit better into the Muscle Car listings and some of them already do. However, there are still 4.0-litre XLs and 4.3-litre 770s with family-owner appeal that sell in the vicinity of $50,000. These appeal to people who love the chunky Charger shape without needing the aggravation of triple carburettors or the cost of an R/T. Late-series 770s with 5.2-litre V8s are becoming harder to find and can exceed $65,000. Drifter vans are scarce and good ones priced below $35,000 are well worth a look. Back when Centuras were new, almost everyone hated them and a lot went to the wrecker. Now there are young drivers who think a French-sourced Centura with six-cylinder power is just about the coolest thing you can buy for $15K. Charger/XL VH-VK $51,075 [13] Charger CL $57,365 [3] Charger 770 VH-CL $50,150 [10] Centura 3.5/4.0 $14,465 [8] Drifter $33,500 [2]

Ford Cortina TC-TF/ Escort 2.0 Litre

Prices pushing past $30,000 serve to confirm the popularity and also scarcity of XLE250 Cortinas. It is easier to grab a lower-spec 3.3-litre XL, but even these in TC-TD spec are nudging $20K. Post-1976 TE-TF versions came with a more angular body but the same Falcon-sourced mechanical components. These generally are cheaper, with TE GLs in ordinary condition costing $10-12,000 and really good 4.1-litre Ghias reaching $20,000. Locally built 2.0-litre Escorts rusted rapidly and are scarce, with vans seemingly more plentiful and affordable than sedans. Rust under the vinyl roof sent many an Escort Ghia to the crusher, so restored or excellent original survivors now exceed $20,000. The uniquely Australian RS2000 four-door maintains strong demand and excellent cars make $30,000. Cortina TC-TD Six $21,800 [8] Cortina TC-TD XLE250 $27,700 [5] Cortina TE-TF Six $14,770 [10] Escort GL 2.0 $12,350 [14] Escort Ghia 2.0 $20,165 [3] RS2000 4-DR $32,500 [2]

Ford Laser/ TX3/ Capri

Once the best seller in their class, 1980s Lasers have become difficult to find. Those that do appear will typically be in pretty poor condition and worth $2000-3000. If you find an excellent early car, even a Sport or Ghia, it will still likely cost less than $6000. Reshaped KF-KH TX3s are rare yet still cheap, with around $9000 buying a top-quality 4WD Turbo. Open-topped Capris were sold in much smaller numbers than the Laser yet have survived considerably better. They are the cheapest viable convertible in the market and qualify for concessional registration, yet early Capris don’t generate sufficient money to encourage restoration of neglected cars. The ones to keep are early SA Series Turbos at around $8000 and Clubsprints which can reach $12,000. Laser GL/Ghia KA-KE $3115 [12] Laser TX3 KF-KH $4600 [2] Laser TX3 4WD KF-KH $5465 [3] Capri SA/SB $3935 [38] Capri Turbo $6990 [27] Capri XR2 $5780 [24] Capri Clubsprint $9660 [12]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XK-XP

Money being paid for pre-1966 Falcons climbed significantly during 2020 but they remain less expensive than Holdens of similar age. If you want something from the 1960s that’s a bit different and not too dear, budget $25-30,000 for a Futura, Fairmont or even a scarce Squire ‘woody’ station wagon. XM and XP models bring better money because they are seen as more robust and better suited to frequent use than XK-XL versions. The money available for XM-XP Hardtops has for some time been restrained and not even the $58,000 realised at auction by an exceptional car has helped push values for typical examples past $40,000. That number will be eclipsed though if you find a Hardtop with a V8 engine transplant. XK-XL Falcon $20,395 [14] XM-XP Falcon (Exc. H/Top) $23,465 [24] XM-XP Hardtop $40,470 [8] XM-XP V8 Conversion $53,500 [2] XL-XP Futura/Fairmont $26,430 [7]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XR-XT

The first Falcons built in Australia with V8 engines are now difficult to find and becoming expensive. Six-cylinder XR and XT cars are getting up there as well, with vendors of six-pot XR Fairmonts able to generate more than $40,000. XTs of all types remain underpriced when compared with the XR but can’t stay that way forever. XR-XT V8 Fairmonts attract the most attention in this grouping, with XRs making slightly more money than XT versions. However, asking $100,000+ for a V8 XR, even in excellent condition within a booming market, isn’t going to attract hordes of buyers. XR-XT panel vans are rare and worth up to 50 percent more than passenger versions. XR Falcon $24,045 [12] XT Falcon $19,030 [11] XR Fairmont $40,250 [2] XT Fairmont $28,665 [3] XR-XT Fairmont V8 $77,495 [4]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XW-XY

Concerns expressed in previous Guides about the trashing of genuine XY 351 Fairmonts to create GT replicas seem well founded. The money being asked for untouched 351s is becoming extreme and comfortably exceeds that achieved by most ‘tributes’. Whether buyers are willing at present to pay more than $100K for 5.8-litre XYs we can’t confirm, but that day cannot be far away. Untouched XW-XY Fairmonts with the smaller 302 (4.9-litre) V8 are worth $60-70,000 and about the only way to pay less than $50,000 for a factory Falcon V8 of this age, is to buy a ute. 4x4 utilities are also making gains. Six-cylinder XW-XYs have reached $30,000 and continue to climb, with 4.1-litre Fairmonts at above $40,000. XW-XY Falcon $25,515 [18] XW-XY Falcon V8 Sedan/Wagon $55,135 [7] XW-XY Fairmont $41,030 [14] XW-XY Fairmont V8 $62,060 [17] XY Fairmont 351 $99,300 [5] XW-XY V8 Utility $54,900 [11] XY 4x4 Utility $42,335 [3]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XA-XC

Those who can escape the market’s fixation with XYs will find equivalent performance and decent handling in the less expensive XA. Six-cylinder sedans and the roomy wagon will, in good condition, cost less than $15,000 with utes a bit cheaper and vans costing more. V8-engined XA four-doors cost considerably less than the XY equivalent and even 351-engined Fairmont sedans can sell for less than $50K. A GS pack and four-speed transmission send prices soaring though. XB and XC models were saddled with rudimentary emission controls and suffered a downturn in performance as a result, so expect to pay a little less than for the equivalent XA. Two-door Falcons and Fairmonts in the current market are in most cases V8 powered and excellent cars exceed $80,000. XA-XC Falcon $15,970 [54] XA-XC Falcon V8 $45,460 [14] XA-XC Fairmont $22,165 [12] XA-XC Fairmont V8 $44,620 [9] XA-XC Fairmont 351 $65,500 [5] XA-XC Hardtop $72,915 [6]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XD-XF

These Fords have for some time been eligible Australia-wide for concessional (car club) registration and that has helped enhance interest in preservation. V8 Fairmonts in particular are doing well; up by around 30 percent since 2016. XE-XF ‘Alloy Head’ cars, including late-series XF Fairmonts with all-disc brakes, make excellent family cruisers and very good ones cost less than $12,000. Ford wagons of this era have masses of load space and can still earn their keep as business vehicles with some classic flair. The 4.1-litre Fairmont Ghia wagon with ‘snowflake’ alloy wheels and loads of features is scarce but should cost less than $20,000 and will be worth the search. Equally scarce but more expensive at $45-55,000 are XD and XE ESPs with 4.1 or 4.9-litre engines. XD-XF Falcon $10,315 [34] XD-XF Fairmont $13,495 [20] XD-XE Fairmont V8 $28,385 [16] XD ESP V8 $51,865 [3] XE ESP V8 [N/S]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont EA-EL

A feature of the Covid-influenced market was strong demand for 1960s-90s Australian cars and early XR6s have done particularly well. Leaving aside one exceptional ED offered at $20,000, other cars from the 1990s and in apparently excellent order have sold at less than $10,000. EB ‘S Pack’ cars in average condition remain below $8000 but the money available for excellent originals is climbing towards $15,000. Buyers who aren’t up for an XR6 will still find plenty of affordable choice among GLi and Futura versions which frequently cost less than $4000. EF-EL Fairmonts are relatively expensive but offer more equipment and power (4.0-litre engines delivering 157kW against the earlier EA’s 139kW). Falcon EA-EL $3495 [18] Fairmont EA-EL $6125 [15] EB XR6-S $6875 [4] XR6 ED-EL $9910 [12] XR6 ED-EF Wagon $3500 [1]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont/ XR6 AU-BFII

The market still has not forgiven the AU Falcon and Fairmont for appalling blunders in the styling department and issues that affected durability. Most of the problems went away when the AU III arrived and the improvement is reflected in the prices being paid for late-series AUs and BAs. The BF Fairmont average has been helped by several cars priced at $12,000 and above, however the typical range is $5500-7000. AU XR6s, for no apparent reason, are being priced up by hopeful vendors and while these cars aren’t scarce, they are distinctive so perhaps that attention-seeking styling has finally done its job. BA and BF XR6 values are consistent and representative of the market. To find out what’s happening with BA XR6 Turbos, check the Unique Cars website for our Muscle Car Review from Issue #447. AU Falcon $3420 [18] AU Fairmont $3389 [15] BA Fairmont $6245 [22] BF Fairmont $7570 [18] AU XR6 $7410 [16] BA XR6 $5985 [19] BF XR6 $7410 [20]

Ford Fairlane ZA-ZD

Hopeful vendors have been pushing prices for some ZA Fairlanes to levels that not even a bullish market could sustain and by late 2020 they were headed back to a more typical $25,000. Among the other pre-ZF models, ZCs have of late been outstripping ZDs, however that situation may not last and the ZD is still the version the market seems to want. $25-30,000 is being paid for ‘302’ V8 cars in average condition with 351-engined ZCs and ZDs around $20,000 dearer. They can go even higher if ‘loaded’ from new with extras like power windows, wind-back sunroof, eight-track sound and air-conditioning. Scads of options weren’t available to 1960s buyers and realistic money for a ZA/ZB 500 with power steer, wind-them-yourself windows and no air-con today remains below $25,000. Six-cylinder Custom models can be worth $10,000 less than the V8. ZA Fairlane V8 $31,930 [7] ZB Fairlane V8 $25,070 [7] ZC Fairlane V8 $32,700 [12] ZD Fairlane V8 $29,335 [10] ZC-ZD Fairlane 351 $54,665 [6]

Ford Fairlane ZF-ZH/ LTD/ Landau

ZF-ZG Fairlanes suffered in the same way as 1980s-90s models by being too similar in shape to contemporary Falcons. For the benefit of today’s buyers that does help keep values under control and allows enthusiasts buy a 5.8-litre ZF-ZG for less than the cost of an XA-XB Fairmont with the same engine. Fairlanes from 1976-78 replaced curves with square-edges and while only 23,000 of the ZH were made against a combined 36,000 ZF/ZGs, the later cars are surviving in greater numbers and prices for now are steady. None of the desirable pre-1976 LTDs were sighted recently but two-door Landaus hover around $80,000. The later P5 LTD and Town Car are powerful and stylish and excellent cars at $25-30,000 still offer attractive buying. ZF-ZG Fairlane V8 $25,015 [24] Fairlane ZH/Marquis $18,465 [21] Landau 1973-75 $79,450 [2] LTD 1973-76 [N/S] LTD/Town Car 1977-79 $26,125 [16]

Ford Fairlane/ LTD ZJ-BF

Reshaped ZJ Fairlanes again took on the look of a steroidal Fairmont and that lack of identity hurt their appeal when new and again now as enthusiast vehicles. XD-XE Fairmonts with the same engines as the ZJ-ZK cost more while offering less space and presence. A V8-engined ZJ-ZK should cost around $12,000 and that’s less than half the cost of a V8 XD-XE. LTDs from this era of Ford production cost only a little more than a Fairlane and come with more equipment and inclusions such as the 5.8-litre motor. 1990s Fairlanes and LTDs aren’t as yet collectible but anyone with $5000-8000 to spend on roomy transport could do a lot worse than one of these big Fords with the potent 5.4-litre V8. Fairlane ZJ-ZL $8865 [21] Fairlane NA-NL $6130 [22] Fairlane AU $4315 [22] Fairlane BA-BF $6275 [23] LTD 1979-91 $10,390 [9] LTD 1992-97 $6540 [18] LTD 1998-05 $7230 [15]

Holden 48 215- EK

If not for some early Holdens being sold for huge money at online auctions it would be easy to dismiss extreme asking prices as fanciful. However, when the hammer falls at $50,000+ on basic Holdens we know that money is out there for cars of this kind. If you’re looking for something not too dear, 1956-57 FEs haven’t as yet matched the price increases being displayed by as others. Parts are still available to an extent, however cars needing structural repairs, a full repaint, trim and mechanical rebuild will cost way more to complete than one that’s finished and ready to use. Mildly modified cars with later engines and disc brakes are more practical than stockers and no more expensive. 48-215 $37,950 [12] FJ $43,300 [25] FE $21,810 [8] FC $35,710 [16] FB $39,100 [12] EK $35,815 [16]

Holden EJ-EH

In the space of 31 months these Holden models added 412,000 cars to the brand’s production total and ensured its dominance of the Australian market. With 256,000 sold and lots of people still loving them, it’s no surprise that so many EHs survive or that values continue to increase. However, it is the EJ that’s turning into a surprise packet, with growing numbers of excellent cars available and $25-30,000 possible. That money will buy an EH in average condition, with exceptional Specials reaching $50,000 and outstanding Premiers making $70,000. The EJ Premier which came only as a sedan was looking endangered but recent offerings have included quality restorations plus a couple of cheaper cars awaiting rescue. A tidy EJ made $30,000 at auction. EJ $25,465 [18] EH $31,250 [29] EJ Premier $36,165 [7] EH Premier $54,000 [3]

Holden HD-HR

The money being asked for some HR Holdens looks excessive; however these cars are matching the EH in their popularity. Lots were made and survivors are common, however the one to get if you’re a collector is the HR 186S four-speed - especially if it’s a Premier. For one of those (unless it has a high-profile former owner) expect to pay somewhere between $55,000 and $75,000. A typical HR Special 186 in usable condition should cost $24-27,000, with panel vans dearer than other types. The HD was considered radical when new but almost 180,000 were sold. These at one point looked endangered but lots must have been hidden in sheds because plenty have appeared in the market and sell at more than $20,000. HD Premiers are scarce and $40-45,000 looks feasible for quality cars. HD $27,885 [11] HR $28,290 [27] HD Premier $48,500 [2] HR Premier $48,100 [5] HD X2/HR 186S [N/S]

Holden HK-HG Kingswood/ Premier/ Brougham

HK-HG Broughams that were missing presumed extinct have roared back into contention with some lovely original cars available at around $40K and a few ‘projects’ below $25,000. The other cars in this selection to track down are HK V8 Premiers, which will be more expensive than Broughams but with a more competitive market. Most that appear sell for more than $50,000 and even six-cylinder versions are getting costly. HT-HG V8 Prems in decent order generally make less than HKs, however some vendors in seeking $90K aren’t doing their chances of effecting a sale any favours. Six-cylinder Premiers cost $30-35,000 with other HK-HG passenger cars at around $25,000, utilities slightly cheaper and good quality vans able to top $30,000. Add 50 percent for a ute or van with a factory V8, rather than the typical ‘red six’. HK-HG 6 $28,525 [19] HK-HG V8 $55,500 [6] HK Premier Six $35,335 [3] HK Premier V8 $61,900 [2] HT-HG Premier Six $29,500 [3] HT-HG Premier V8 $66,210 [7] HK-HG Brougham $44,400 [5]

Holden HQ-HZ Kingswood/ Premier

HQ-HZs were the biggest selling Holden models in history and decent cars remain easy to find at less than $20,000. Problems can arise though when one sells at auction for over $30,000 and the market then decides that every 1970s Kingswood should be worth that money. The ones we like for their potential to appreciate are HQ V8s – plain wrapper or in Premier form - with their 179kW engines and none of the emission controls that sent output from later versions of the Aussie 5.0-litre V8 plunging to 126KW. Next in line for the enthusiast should be an HZ which helps its cause with Radial Tuned Suspension. HZ V8 Premiers in excellent condition can achieve $35,000, with Kingswoods slightly less. HQ-HZ Six $20,920 [19] HQ-HZ V8 $33,800 [10] HQ-HZ Premier $28,730 [16] HQ-HZ Premier V8 $37,000 [13]

Holden Statesman HQ-WB

It comes as no surprise that early Statesman models have been surging in value and owners of pre-WB cars are holding back while waiting to see if prices top out. Ultra-rare and totally missing from this year’s sample were HQ De Villes with factory-fitted 350 cubic inch (5.7-litre) engines. Some of these have previously reached $60,000; similar to the money asked for HJ-HX Caprice versions in exceptional condition. The market showed no interest however and forced vendors back into the $40,000s. That said, an outstanding Statesman is still well worth owning. Neglected HQ-HZs and older restorations needing more work will sell for less than $20,000, as do reasonable examples of the big-bodied WB. Caprice WBs in excellent condition can hit $30,000. Statesman/De Ville HQ V8 $33,335 [3] Statesman/Caprice HJ-HX $36,400 [10] Statesman/Caprice HZ $33,700 [5] Statesman/Caprice WB $24,560 [18]

Holden HQ-WB Utility/ Van/ One-Tonne

Drive past any Australian building site and you might still see One Tonne Holdens working as they have done for over 40 years. Difference is, a lot of those One Tonners have been turned into show ponies with big, chromed engines and flashy paint and this is having an influence on the money available for potential ‘donor’ vehicles. Therefore, even a rough six-cylinder manual with battered alloy tray can now cost $10K or more. The same applies to styleside Holden utes which are commonly found with V8 engines, body mods and $20K+ prices. Like the One Tonners, some continue working and cost half that money. Any factory V8 panel van that survives runs the risk of becoming a Sandman clone and untouched vans are becoming expensive. HQ-WB Utiilty Six $17,000 [19] HQ-HZ Utility V8 $27,855 [17] One Tonne Six $14,590 [10] HQ-WB One Tonne V8 $25,300 [37] HQ-HZ Van V8 $35,780 [12]

Holden Torana HB-UC

Watch the values for XU-1s and A9Xs climb and it is easy to understand rapid growth in the prices being paid for basic versions. Four-cylinder HB-TA cars haven’t moved much, although a very scarce Brabham version was offered at $30,000. Move across into the market for LC-LJ six-cylinder cars and $40,000 becomes possible for an SL two-door with the 2850cc engine and four-speed gearbox. These are easily cloned into a GTR and then bring $70K. Six-cylinder versions of the LH-UC haven’t moved as far or fast and a very good one still brings $30,000. V8 SL sedan prices continue to climb, even though the number of available cars remains steady. Two-door LXs, especially V8s, are soaring so move quickly if you want one. HB-TA 4 CYL. $13,050 [6] LC-LJ S/SL $34,565 [8] LH-UC Six $25,000 [8] LH-LX V8 Sedan $48,355 [14] LX-UC Six Hatch $50,000 [2] LX V8 Hatch $70,000 [2]

Holden Gemini TX-TF

Early Geminis are scarce and some of the TC-TD versions offered recently were substandard. TX sedans were almost absent and coupes spanned a wide price range from sub-$5000 to around $30K. TE and TF versions appear in decent numbers at prices that reflect a healthy market. Well-kept SL/X manual sedans that a year back might have cost around $8000 have risen by 20 percent. TC-TDs were sold as a sedan, van, wagon or coupe and availability once was good, so where these cars have gone is a mystery. Didn’t see any of the Z/ZZ or CDT limited-edition cars this time, however there is no reason to suggest their values would have gone anywhere but up. TX Sedan $9000 [1] TX-TD COUPE $12,400 [5] TC-TD Sedan/Wagon/Van $7900 [10] TE-TG Sedan/Wagon/Van $9160 [23] Gemini Z/ZZ & CDT [N/S]

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

Original-shape Commodores now qualify for Concessional registration in all parts of Australia and that can only encourage their preservation. Body parts reportedly have become hard to find, so avoiding a damaged or rusty VB-VL is wise. Early cars remain less expensive than the popular VL and that situation gets extreme when you throw a V8 into the mix. $30,000 might seem a big ask for a V8 Commodore but look at the money being generated by VK-VL HDTs and VL-based HSVs. The desire to own something from the same lineage is strong. VK-VL V8 Calais prices continue to climb and have way to go before values plateau. Excellent cars can still be found at less than $40,000 and are tempting. VB-VC Commodore $12,940 [27] VH-VK Commodore $13,090 [24] VL Commodore $16,275 [29] VB-VL V8 Commodore $30,610 [17] VB-VH SL/E $26,290 [13] VK-VL Calais V8 $42,250 [12]

Holden Commodore/ Calais VN-Z

The days of the paying $2000 for a VN clunker seem well behind us as the money available for excellent early Commos heads to $10,000 and V8s can exceed $20,000. VN-VP V6 Calais prices are up as well but then comes a massive drop in the prices being paid for VR-VZ V6s. Later cars with the 5.7-litre V8 can make $16-18,000. For years, the VN-VP SS was virtually ignored, even by Holden enthusiasts, however the money available for early cars has more than doubled since 2015. Sales occur at $2530,000 but one early SS was offered at double that amount. Later versions are less expensive, although asking prices for VR-VTs have increased. VN-VP V6 $7270 [59] Commodore VN-VT V8 $21,725 [10] N-VP Calais $16,580 [17] VR-VT Calais $7485 [27] VTII-Z Calais $7153 [18] VN-VP SS $29,225 [11] VR-VT SS $23,230 [12] VTII-Z SS $13,635 [38]

Holden Statesman/ Caprice VQ-WM/ Crewman Cross 8

People who diligently preserved their early-1990s Statesman or Caprice are now finding that faith rewarded. Prices for VQ-VP and very good VR-VTIIs are up and with not many available, $15,000 isn’t excessive. The dream fades as you move later into the 1990s, with VR-VS models in decent condition at $5500-7000 and the larger, better-appointed WH-WK cars only occasionally topping $10,000. For family fun on unsealed roads, the dual-cab Cross 8 4WD delivers 5.7-litre performance and will go places your Commodore won’t. It and the wagon-based Adventra have collector potential as something different with some Holden heritage. They didn’t stay in production for long and numbers are dwindling so there’s hope for appreciation. VQ-VP Statesman/Caprice $14,640 [8] VR-VS Statesman/Caprice $7405 [20] WH-WK Statesman/Caprice $6215 [27] WL-WM Statesman/Caprice $8515 [19] VYII-VZ Crewman Cross 8 $19,935 [8] Adventra V8 $12,020 [8]

Leyland 1971-83

If one model stands out from this list of Leylands it is the Moke Californian. These are the most minimalist of Mini derivatives, yet reasonable examples have generated $30,000 and vendors see the high end of the market at $50,000+. SS, LS and S versions of the Leyland Clubman have made minor gains but should be doing better considering the money being achieved by earlier BMC Minis. 1275GTs are almost never seen; regrettable because they are typically $20,000 cheaper than a Cooper S. Highquality P76s were also absent from the recent market, with most cars that appeared needing some cosmetic or mechanical work. Four-speed V8s and scarce Targa Florios will justify $20,000+ prices. P76 Six $8000 [2] P76 V8 $12,500 [5] P76 Targa Florio [N/S] Moke Californian $31,200 [23] Clubman S $15,555 [19] Mini SS/1275LS $20,000 [2]

Mitsubishi 1980-2006

Mitsubishi sold so many Sigmas during the early 1980s that it almost wrestled market leadership from Ford and Holden. But where are they all now? Most of the Sigma 2.6s that appear are in ordinary condition and sell at $2500-3500. Collectors are keen to find any surviving Turbos with 2.0-litre engines and to those can be added 2.6-litre Wherrett Specials and GSRs. Early Magnas generally cost less than $3000 and at that value aren’t being preserved. An Elite with its interior intact at up to $5000 would offer some chance of appreciation. Later All-Wheel Drive and Ralliart versions are still available in decent numbers, with AWDs in good condition mostly below $5000. Finding a Ralliart isn’t easy but as yet they aren’t expensive. Sigma 2.6 $4315 [6] Sigma GSR $7865 [3] Magna TM-TP $3020 [5] Magna Elite TM-TP $4100 [2] Magna AWD TJ-TL $4445 [12] Magna Ralliart $9000 [1]

Nissan 1978-92

Nissan assembled cars in Australia from the 1968 until 1992 and produced some significant models. The Bluebird TR-X wasn’t one of them and most have disappeared, but they are quirky enough to justify $5000. Luckily ‘our’ versions of the R31 Skyline have built a strong following among younger owners and survivor cars keep popping up. Most collectible are GTS sedans in white [Series 1] or Red [Series 2] and either one in excellent order will exceed $20,000. Mainstream R31 models are generally not expensive, with GX, GXE an Ti Skylines in good condition selling at $4500-6500 and the sporty Silhouette at up to $9500. Bluebird TR-X 1982-84 $5000 [1] Skyline R31 Sedan/Wagon $5675 [16] Skyline Silhouette $8000 [3] Skyline SVD Series 1 $18,750 [2] Skyline SVD Series 2 $25,500 [1]

Sports Cars & Replicas

Australia from the 1950s-80s was a prolific source of low-volume sports cars. Among the more desirable survivors are Bolwell’s Mark 7 which, if any were available, would sell for $35-40,000. Bill Buckle’s Goggomobil Dart remains popular but most are gone and quality survivors might reach $30,000. That or a bit less will buy a 1980s, Aussiebuilt Bufori four-cylinder with Volkswagen power but later cars built overseas with V6 engines are more expensive. From the 1990s onwards there has been a proliferation of replica Cobras (see the Muscle Car Guide for values) but Gold Coast-based DRB predated their Cobra-building days with VW-based kits called Sabre and Magnum. A few survive and they are generally cheaper than the Purvis Eureka – also Volkswagen based - with its unique lift-up roof. Bolwell Mark 7 [N/S] Bufori 1988-00 $37,495 [2] DRB Magnum/Sabre $8750 [2] Eureka 1974-90 $15,330 [3] Goggomobil Dart $19,665 [3]