MARKET REVIEW

WHAT ARE THEY WORTH NOW? READ ON AND ALL WILL BE REVEALED

American Motors/ Jeep/ Studebaker 1942-78

The sole WW2 Jeep for sale in 2022 was cheap, but with overseas prices exceeding $100,000, our good ones are probably under armed guard. Civilian (CJ) versions and 1990s Wranglers offer similar comfort for much less. Locally assembled Ramblers became much dearer but good Matadors and Rebels are around $20,000. Few Javelin coupes survive and prices have climbed. 1960s Studebakers were also assembled locally and were cheap but numbers have dwindled.Excellent Lark V8 sedans cost more than $25,000,two-door Daytonas and Hawk coupes can exceed $40,000.

Rambler Rebel/Matador 1967-78 $29,990 [1] Rambler Javelin 1968-73 $79,500 [1] GPW Jeep 1942-53 $23,000 [1] Jeep CJ3-8 1958-85 $26,375 [5] Jeep Wrangler 1992-99 $11,900 [9] Studebaker All Models 1947-55 $27,875 [4] Lark/Cruiser 1960-66 $29,000 [2] Lark/Daytona H/Top 1962-66 $32,500 [2] Hawk 1958-64 $36,000 [2]

Buick Classic 1946-72

Buick took several years following WW2 to modernise its designs, yet today’s buyers still seem happy to pay serious money for bulbous 1940s-50s cars with straight-eight engines. Most Buicks built after 1953 had V8s and top examples of the Century and Roadmaster models exceed $70,000. Our recent sample also discovered some 1950s cars awaiting restoration and priced at less than $25,000, so there still are projects awaiting owners. The 1960s market wasn’t packed as it sometimes was with mid-size Skylarks, however the money being asked for the few on offer looked realistic. More prolific were full-sized Electra; mostly four-door sedans or hardtops at less than $35,000. Convertibles are less common and can cost $60,000.

All Models 1946-52 $40,130 [8] All Models 1953-58 $54,030 [13] Skylark 196271 $28,000 [1] Skylark Conv. $33,485 [3] Electra/Limited 1961-74 $34,760 [12]

Buick Performance 1963-80

Australia saw plenty of 1960s Rivieras imported as new cars but not many of Buick’s more overt muscle cars; the GS400/455s and Wildcat. All except the Skylark-based GS were considered by Buick as ‘full-sized’ cars and had engines of at least 400 cubic inches (6.6 litres). With few in our sample, the GS average was skewed by inclusion of a $130,000 GS455, however excellent examples of the GS400 should cost around $60,000. First-series, 1963-65 Rivieras were hard to find, however plenty of the stylish 1966-70 cars remain available and $50,000 was typical for one in excellent condition. Only one Boat-Tail (1971-74 Riviera) appeared during our survey and at less money than usual for the model.

GS/GS400/GS455 1965-72 $94,725 [4] Wildcat 1964-71 $59,995 [1] Riviera 1963-65 $27,500 [1] Riviera 1966-70 $50,980 [5] Riviera 1971-74 $38,500 [1] Gran Sport 1974-80 $28,000 [1]

Cadillac 1950-60

1950s Cadillacs come with lots of nostalgic triggers; the fins, the chrome, movie star affiliations and as a metaphor for extreme wealth. If you want a 1950s Cadillac in today’s market, especially a convertible version, then access to some fairly extreme wealth may be required, but they aren’t all costly. Cadillacs from the early 1950s were modern when compared with other brands of their time but might feel more cumbersome than 195758 cars that come at similar prices. Some 1959s come at prices taller than their tailfins, with Coupe de Villes at $70-90,000. Convertibles at above $100,000 are aligned with quality cars in the North American market.

Sedan/Coupe 1950-56 $70,000 [4] Conv. 1950-56 $155,965 [3] Sedan/Coupe 1957-58 $66,500 [4] Sedan 1959-60 $66,665 [3] Coupe De Ville 1959-60 $94,625 [4] Conv. 1959-60 $117,495 [2]

Cadillac 1961-1990

Cadillacs from the post-fin era are popular with Australian lovers of American automotive ‘iron’ and prices have remained at similar levels for some years. Due to a small sample that includes a couple of high-priced cars, late 1960s De Villes appear expensive, but most remain at around the same prices as 1961-64 versions. 1960s convertibles are realistic too: cheaper in many cases than an open-top Chevrolet or Pontiac. Move into the 1970s and the choices include a wider range of designs – full sized front or rear-wheel drive models, compact sedans and coupes. Even some with diesel-engines if you’re brave. Top examples of the ‘Boss Hogg’ Eldorado convertible rarely reach $50,000 and you can find a 1970s Coupe de Ville in decent order for less than $30,000.

Sedan/Coupe 1961-64 $44,790 [10] Sedan/Coupe 1965-72 $53,750 [4] Conv. 1961-72 $49,800 [5] Sedan/Coupe 1973-90 $26,615 [21] Eldorado Coupe 1967-78 $30,090 [5] Eldorado Conv. 1971-77 $46,500 [6]

Chevrolet 1955-60

Chevs from the American Graffiti era tend to weather economic turmoil very well, so it will be interesting to see how they fare this time. Much prior interest in 1955-57 Chevs came from US baby boomers who had these as ‘college’ cars and then bought better examples for nostalgic reasons, however those people aren’t as active in the market now. Nor does it explain the extreme money sought and paid for these cars over here. To be fair, 1955-57 Bel-Air Hardtops have fallen back from the silly asking prices of 202021 but sedans, often modified, do keep gaining. Four door Bel-Airs from 1958-60 are cheaper than 1955-57s but two door Impalas from the same period regularly reach and may exceed $70,000.

Sedan 1955-56 $61,580 [10] Sedan 1957 $72,415 [15] 2-Dr H/Top 1955-56 $88,950 [2] 2-dr H/Top 1957 $111,230 [10] 4-Dr H/Top 1955-56 $97,500 [2] 4-dr H/Top 1957 $76,925 [1] Conv. 1955-57 $164,965 [4] 4-dr sedan 1958-60 $54,300 [3] 2-Dr H/Top 1958-60 $84,145 [6]

Chevrolet 1961-80

High and unchanged asking prices for full-sized 1960s Chevs don’t reflect the tightening market, with increasing numbers of available cars. Owners often try to recover every dollar spent on a restoration or modification and that is rarely possible, so cars remain unsold until panic selling sets in. Four-door, Australian assembled cars in good condition should manage $40-45,000, with very good 4.6 or 5.3-litre Impala two-doors just $10,000 more. A modified but attractive Impala convertible early in 2022 reached a hammer price at auction of $115,000 and that was probably the peak of the recent market. The couple of 1970s cars we saw were unlikely to achieve $50,000 and by now might have dipped closer to $35,000.

4dr Sedan/H/Top 1961-64 $56,675 [10] 2-Dr H/Top 1961-64 $70,100 [7] Bel-Air/Impala 4-Dr 1965-72 $50,895 [15] Impala 2-Dr H/Top 1965-72 $75,100 [8] Conv. 1965-72 $89,565 [6] Impala/Caprice 1973-80 $50,000 [2] Monte Carlo 1969-73 $50,000 [1]

Chevrolet Chevelle/ Nova/ El Camino/ C10 1964-82

With SS396 Chevelles topping US$60,000 and basic cars at US$40,000, it is easy to understand why local vendors have been seeking more money for their cars, however we have a different market. Chevelles were rarely seen here when new and don’t have the kind of following that maybe is enjoyed by the SS Nova. One of those was offered at $140,000 and echoed the prices being achieved by similar cars overseas. El Camino and C10 pickups deliver classic motoring plus practicality, and again asking prices are climbing in line with a strong world market. SS396 versions of the EL Camino mirror the US values of SS Chevelles, although basic models are significantly cheaper. Several 1970s C10s, unsold at the same auction during October and at under $25,000 each, offered value.

Chevelle 1964-73 $64,165 [3] Chevelle SS 1968-73 $83,960 [5] Nova SS 1965-70 $110,000 [3] C10 1963-72 $55,680 [16] C10 1973-82 $40,420 [10] El Camino 1964-78 $34,855 [7] El Camino SS 1968-73 $81,615 [3]

Chevrolet Camaro 1967-1992

People selling Camaros in the local market continue to seek extreme prices for cars that are often unexceptional. Some have been in the market for the 12 months or more and will struggle unless an outbreak of reality afflicts the vendors. SS versions with 5.3 or 5.7-litre engines and in excellent order should make $65-70,000, but some in the market miss out in terms of quality and are better off pitched below $50,000. Big-block cars in the $80-100,000 range have greater appeal due to scarcity and demand for these from US collectors. Move past 1971 and supply tightens but the prices of bulkier Camaro designs fall significantly. Excellent 1973-81 models barely make $35,000, with late-1980s Z28s closer to $25,000.

Camaro/SS Coupe 1967-70 $84,950 [18] SS396/427 1967-70 $101,750 [4] Conv. 1967-70 $88,995 [3] Coupe 1971-81 $33,525 [11] V8 Coupe 1982-92 $26,220 [7] V8 Conv. 1987-92 $20,000 [2]

Chevrolet Corvette 1954-82

Money being sought for pre-1980s Corvettes has remained steady since the market hit its peak in 2021, however the numbers of available C1 and C2 cars are down significantly. Big-block C2s with 396 (6.5-litre or 427 7.0-litre) V8s are particularly scarce and $250,000 for one of these is looking realistic. People with less to spend but wanting big-block performance might consider a C3 version with the 427 or 454 engine at around $100,000. Cars with the desirable chromed bumpers and a basic 5.7-litre V8, hold steady at around $70,000 and are still easily found. So are 1974-82 versions with fibreglass bumpers but these suffer from eroded performance and, in good RHD-converted form, make around $40,000. Special editions like the 1978 Pace Car are worth a little more.

Roadster 1954-62 $174,965 [3] Small Block 1963-67 $153,680 [7] Big Block 1963-67 $249,625 [3] Small Block 1968-73 $74,485 [23] Big Block 1968-74 $94,235 [8] Coupe 1974-78 $46,290 [18] Coupe 1979-82 $50,645 [12]

Chevrolet Corvette 1984-2011

If just one of this year’s market predictions comes true it could be that demand for ‘traditional’ Corvette V8s will endure even though a new C8 version has arrived and is listed at less than $200,000. Some of the prices being sought for Z06s might falter, but buyers still like the idea of a traditional front-engine/rear-drive 7.0-litre supercar and $120-150,000 remains decent value. C5 models from the late-1990s once weren’t common in Australia, but changes to import rules have helped bring growing numbers of 1997-98 LHD cars – eligible for full registration in Victoria and other jurisdictions – to Australia. Asking prices for early C4 models are up as well, but we suspect this will be a temporary condition.

Coupe 1984-87 $39,275 [19] Coupe/Roadster 1988-91 $34,470 [16] Coupe/Roadster 1992-96 $35,470 [10] Coupe/Roadster 1997-01 $64,860 [11] Coupe/Roadster 2002-06 $98,750 [2] Coupe/Roadster 2007-11 $136,435 [3]

Chrysler US Models 1957-2010

News of the pin being pulled on new 300C imports must have shocked local hire car operators and a few wannabe suburban gangsters. However, the market is still well supplied with used Hemis and the one to get would be the SRT8. Low km cars cost $30,000, which is 50 percent more than a basic 5.7-litre but the SRT dishes out 317kW from its 6.2 litres and has a collector following. Earlier 300s aren’t easy cars to find in Australia but the last of the Letter Series (300K/300L) Hardtops can be found at $40-45,000. Looking back to the 1950s, we don’t see many of those high-profile Hemis being imported at all, even though US demand has cooled. An easier way to get a Hemiengined Chrysler for sensible money is to find a 1950s Imperial with the 392 or 413 cubic inch engine and pay $55-65,000 for it.

300/Newport 1962-65 $42,500 [1] 300/Newport 1966-72 $47,800 [6] Imperial 1957-63 $77,500 [1] 300C Hemi V8 Sedan 2006-10 $21,930 [19] 300 Hemi V8 Touring $30,750 [2] 300C SRT8 Hemi 2006-10 $30,470 [12]

Chrysler Hardtop/ Pacer/ Charger 1969-78

Having featured the 770 Charger in this year’s Guide, we were thankful that a bunch of decent cars made it to market and anyone inspired by the review has some chance of buying one. V8 or six-cylinder versions of the 770 are available at similar money, with the V8 costing more to refuel and the six turning corners with greater precision. VG Pacer sedans were steady at around $50,000, but $90,000 is too much for a Hardtop. One V8-powered E55 did pop up and seems to have sold quickly but $117,000 offered at auction wasn’t sufficient (apparently) to buy a good E38 replica. Surprise package of the year had to be the astounding Chrysler 360 Hardtop in Triple Black (paint, vinyl roof and interior] that made an equally astounding $150,250 (plus fees) at auction.

CH-CJ Hardtop $150,250 [1] VF Pacer $25,000 [1] VG Pacer $48,000 [3] VG Pacer H/Top $89,990 [1] Charger 770 V8 $71,565 [8] E37 $117,000 [1] E38 [N/S] E49 [N/S] E55 $155,000 [1]

Dodge Aust Market 1957-72

Recent months have been tough for people keen to own Dodge products that were assembled and originally sold in Australia. We have been used to searching unsuccessfully for Custom Royals and DeSoto Fireflites, defined by their huge fins and bizarre colours, but not struggling almost as hard to find a Phoenix from the 1960s. Pre-1965 models were wiped out at alarming rates during the 1980s and survivors now will typically cost $40,000. However, the market was usually able to deliver several of the Plymouth-based 1965-72 cars and charge $15,000 less than for the early ones. Hopefully as things settle, vendors might get confident again.

Custom Royal/De Soto 1957-61 $55,950 [2] Phoenix 1960-64 $47,375 [4] Phoenix 1965-68 $45,000 [1] Phoenix 1969-72 $22,000 [1]

Dodge Dart/ Coronet/ Charger 1964-73

US-built Mopar cars weren’t sold locally in big numbers when new but enthusiasts have corrected that situation and sufficient choice now exists to satisfy enthusiast interest. Most common are mid-size Darts, which in later shapes resemble our VF-VG Valiant Hardtops. Most are V8s and they should cost around $40,000. This year also brought a decent selection of Dodge-badged muscle cars, including some Coronet and Superbee models and a few Chargers, although none of the very desirable R/T versions. One Charger painted to resemble televisions General Lee was bid to $115,000 and probably should have sold at that figure in a tightening market. Chargers built from 1971-74 were saddled with an unhappy restyle and diminished engine output and values are lower.

Dart 1964-72 $51,450 [10] Polara/Monaco 1962-67 $40,300 [1] Coronet RT/ Superbee 1967-72 $116,000 [5] Charger 1966-67 $120,000 [1] Charger 196870 $115,000 [2] Charger R/T 1968-70 [N/S] Charger 1971-73 $84,375 [4]

Dodge Challenger/ Viper/ Ram SRT10 1970-2008

Here are three unrelated Dodge models lumped together because they don’t really fit anywhere else and all could do with a bit of love. In the USA, 1970s Challengers create frequent headlines as they register record prices, but they have little profile in our market and it’s hard to see 318-engined cars, which have declined a long way since last year, making more than $50,000. T/A and 440-6 Pack models are expensive but also nearly impossible to source. Given the need to convert any Viper being imported for road use to RHD, $100,000 is the minimum payable for one that’s already here and later models can justify $150,000. Local prices for Ram V10s pickups are up on previous years, despite US demand falling.

Challenger 318/383 $62,500 [3] Challenger 340/440 $124,995 [2] Challenger T/A [N/S] Viper 1994-06 $130,565 [7] Ram SRT10 2004-08 $94,125 [4]

Fibreglass Cars & Replicas 1966-2010

Replica Cobras of all ages and brands remain easy to find and similar in price. Whether the car that catches your eye is a 1990s home build with a carby-fed V8 and solid rear axle or a factory build with independent suspension, the price will likely be around $70,000. That number doesn’t apply to revered Robnell replicas which exceed $120,000, but it could be more than buyers are prepared to outlay for an XR8powered Cobra 540. If you’re supple enough to slip through the door and drop into the low-slung seat, a GT40 is an interesting and perhaps financially beneficial place to park a spare $200,000. Sadly, we again during 2022 didn’t find any of Bolwell’s glorious Nagari V8s for sale.

Bolwell Nagari [N/S] Cobra Replica 1992-02 $74,220 [7] Cobra Replica 2003-10 $69,115 [6] Robnell 427 $137,500 [1] Cobra 540 2007-09 $82,500 [2] GT40 1997-2010 $208,500 [5]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XR-XY V8

Early in the year we saw some silly, six-figure asking prices for these cars, however commonsense is returning. That means XR-XT Falcons with age correct V8s at $5060,000 and Fairmont V8s at under $89,000. Later XW-XY models were scarce and some averages don’t reflect the money available for very good cars. A lot of V8-engined utes didn’t begin life with an eight-cylinder motor, so caution and checking of build plates is essential. If you do find a genuine 351 (5.8) four-speed painted in its original colour though, the value could exceed $100,000. Well and truly beyond that figure and now very hard to find are authentic ‘K Code’ XY Fairmonts which have the potential to reach $200,000. Scarcity is due in large part to witless former owners who destroyed the cars’ provenance by turning them into GT Replicas.

Falcon XR/XT V8 $55,165 [6] Fairmont XR-XT V8 $72,500 [2] Falcon XW-XY V8 $58,900 [5] Fairmont XW-XY V8 $64,720 [8] Fairmont XY 351 $165,000 [1] Falcon XW/XY V8 Ute $70,800 [5]

Ford Falcon XR-XY GT/ GT-HO/ GT Replica

One outstanding GT-HO Phase 3 offered at over $1 million and a pretty ordinary one sold for under $500,000 combined for an average that seems realistic in a tighter market. Even as we go to press, another car with suspect history is being readied for sale and we will report on it next year. Phase 2s at around $300,000 offered value for enthusiast owners, as did basic versions of the XW GT. The average for early XR GTs finally climbed above $200,000, but $175,000 for an XT GT looks hard to sustain. Also excessive is the $300,000 being sought for some XY GTs; with vendors holding out for overblown prices even when the buyers think otherwise. If you want the sizzle without spending $300K on a local Shaker XY, Fairmont-based 351s repatriated from South Africa are easy to find at under $170,000 and lots of ‘tribute’ cars are available at $120-150,000.

XR GT $230,000 [2] XT GT $176,330 [3] XW GT $194,700 [5] XY GT $294,835 [6] XY GT Replica $137,325 [15] XY Fairmont GT351 (Sth African) $146,645 [5] GT-HO Phase 1 [N/S] GT-HO Phase 2 $325,000 [2] GT-HO Phase 3 $794,450 [2]

Ford Falcon/ Fairmont XA-XE V8

Fifty years have passed since the XA Falcon was launched, yet these uncomplicated Fords remain very suitable for regular use. They are also cheaper when compared to XY versions of the same car. XA-XC V8 utilities generate high prices, some even more than a 5.8-litre Fairmont sedan, but they also suffer serious rust issues and survivors are scarce. The same goes for XA-XC Hardtops which in usable condition cost around $100,000. XD-XE V8s remain usable and European Sports Pack models, especially the XE 5.8 four-speed, are $100,000+ prospects. The money paid for ESPs influences other XD-XE versions and helps keep demand for these bubbling. Spend $30-35,000 on a 351 Fairmont in nice condition.

XA-XC Falcon V8 $49,585 [6] XA-XC Fairmont V8 $38,175 [12] XA-XC Fairmont 351 $54,430 [7] XA-XC V8 H/Top $108,200 [5] Falcon XA-XC V8 Utility $58,830 [6] XD-XE Fairmont V8 $42,545 [9] XD ESP V8 $92,000 [1] XE ESP V8 $108,000 [3] XE ESP 351 $152,000 [2] XE Turbo $140,000 [1]

Ford Falcon XA-XB GT/ Landau/ Goss/ Cobra

Should you have missed out on bidding for the $2m Phase IV XA GT, 2023 offers the chance to own a nearly as good RPO83 version and pay less than $500,000. OK, it’s a Hardtop, but still very desirable and with good prospects for value gain. It was also way more presentable than some other two-doors being offered at under $120,000 that dragged average prices down. XA GT sedans are easier to find, even if those $200+ asking prices are unlikely to survive. Four-door XB GTs at $100,000 look OK but twodoor XBs won’t stay above $150,000 if their owners are serious about selling. XC Cobras were absent from the recent market but will be past their price peak, as will some Goss Specials. $200.000+ is too much for a Goss when more desirable two-doors are declining. Landaus at around $100K are worth a look, providing the rust hasn’t got them.

XA GT Sedan $222,215 [7] XA GT H/Top $134,500 [2] XB GT Sedan $102,500 [5] XB GT H/Top $162,000 [2] RPO83 $455,000 [1] XC Cobra 4.9/5.8 [N/S] XC Cobra 5.8 [N/S] XB Goss Special $174,965 [3] Landau $101,650 [4]

Ford Falcon EB-EL XR6/ XR8/ GT

The EB average leapt dramatically this year because a GT devotee offered one for sale at $109,000. It had been stored for 30 years and was showing an astonishing 1530km. EL GTs remained at a predictable $60K while life in the rest of XR6/XR8 world was undergoing some necessary change. Six-cylinder ED-ELs remain in good supply and are headed downwards from their 2021 prices, so $16K should be enough for one in excellent order. EBII XR8s have been easier to find as well, with a couple priced at $35,000 but the majority below $20K and worth all of that. ED-EL XR8s at $20-25,000 have potential as future classics and right now make interesting second cars for the adventurous family. Collectors have finally recognised the ultra-scarce ED Sprint and prices should continue to climb.

EB GT $94,495 [2] EL GT $63,000 [1] EBII S-XR6 $30,000 [2] ED-EL XR6 $16,610 [22] EBII XR8 $19,500 [9] ED-EL XR8 $21,930 [18] ED XR8 Sprint $43,665 [3]

Ford Falcon BA-FG Turbo/ AU-FG XR8/ Tickford AU

Falcon Turbos sold at auction during 2022 were below our asking price average and delivered a strong guide to the direction in which these cars are travelling. Turbos with ultra-low kilometres and full documentation do have a collectable future, but with the others just have fun and don’t pay too much. Age doesn’t seem to make a huge difference to value, with decent BAs at $15,000 and similar quality FGs only $7000 more. Not long ago, AU XR8s looked to be dying of apathy but now they are pushing past $20,000 and excellent cars are worth $25,000. BA-BFII XR8s are in the same price bracket, although some have been seen at up to $50,000, with FGs at $30-35,000. Tickford AUIIs using the 5.6-litre Stroker V8 are largely ignored by the market and good cars at around $40,000 offer huge potential.

BA-BAII XR6T $21,690 [22] BF-BFII XR6T $25,145 [16] FG XR6T 2008-11 $28,715 [22] AU XR8 $20,735 [26] BA-BAII XR8 $25,315 [33] BF-BFII XR8 $25,655 [12] FG XR8 2008-11 $33,570 [20] Tickford TE/TS50 $43,750 [2]

FPV BA-FG GT/ Typhoon/ Cobra 2003-11

It is difficult to determine why BA and BF GTs, with stocks plentiful and demand steady, have more than doubled in price while the desirable 40th Anniversary BFII GT hardly moved. One basic BF GT did drop the auction hammer at $46,500 and that was a long way short from the $100,000 being sought privately by some vendors. BA GT money was more defensible, with high kilometre cars in the $30-35,000 range and those showing fewer than 50,000 klicks at $50,000. Turbo-engined Typhoon sedans and Tornado utes were up as well, with values matching those of BA GT-P sedans. Ford’s Cobra BFII was produced to commemorate the original XC Cobra’s anniversary and none have been seen at auction to confirm $100K pricing. One offered at $130,000 was fresh from the shed, having travelled just eighty (80) kilometres.

BA/BAII GT $53,185 [19] BF/BFII GT $62,250 [18] BFII GT Anniversary $77,490 [2] FG GT 2008-11 $64,450 [12] BA-BF Typhoon $44,960 [13] BA-BF Tornado F6 $37,835 [3] BFII Cobra Sedan $109,590 [10] BFII Cobra Ute $106,870 [4]

Ford US 1936-62

Kids from the 1950s who are now candidates for Grey Nomad status would be shocked to see the money being sought for V8 Fords that once towed their family caravans. Sidevalve Customs from the early 1950s exceed $40,000 and some ambitious vendors have priced later, overhead-valve Customlines at twice that amount. $80,000 prices are possible in this age range but are generally reserved for Skyliner or Sunliner imports with their complex folding tops. Big, Australian-built ‘tank’ Fairlane 500s in excellent order can reach $40,000, with Ranch Wagon station wagons – if any survive – worth more. Canadian sourced, 1957-58 300 Hardtops occasionally pop up at less than $50,000.

V8 Sedan/Coupe 1936-48 $47,400 [5] Custom/Customline 1949-54 $41,570 [7] Customline/Star 1955-59 $62,585 [6] Crown H/Top 1952-57 $57,500 [1] Fairlane 300/500 1959-62 $26,725 [4] Skyliner/Sunliner 1955-59 $89,000 [6]

Ford Sprint/ Fairlane GT/ Compact/ Ranchero 1962-78

Almost all of the models listed under this heading are cars that Australia rarely saw when new and mostly have arrived since the late-1980s boom in classic imports. The exception is the Compact Fairlane which did sell here new from 1962-66 and is generating reasonable money on the collector market. More modern in design and dearer too is the 1966-69 Fairlane GT, usually found with a 4.7-litre V8, and the Torino fastback. These look a bit like our XA-XC Falcon Hardtop but cost a lot less. Few pre-1966 Ranchero pickups reached the market during 2022 so the average for them is erroneous, however $40-45,000 for 1970s versions with 302 or 351 cubic inch (4.9 or 5.8 litre) V8s is realistic.

Falcon Sprint V8 1964-65 $58,940 [7] Fairlane Compact 1962-66 $39,430 [7] Fairlane GT H/Top 1966-70 $55,290 [5] Torino V8 1968-74 $40,625 [4] Torino Big-Block 1969-72 [N/S] Ranchero 1957-65 $24,250 [2] Ranchero 1966-78 $44,235 [12] Mayors of medium-sized cities, politician and a lot of 1960s business executives would have had at their disposal a Ford Galaxie which were roomy, not too expensive and built in Australia. Following official use, they were sold, frequently repainted something other than the original black and some survive to this day. Four-door Galaxies are cheaper than V8 Falcons of the same age, yet the big Ford will frequently have a 6.4-litre V8 and C6 automatic transmission, power steering and maybe air-conditioning. Imported two-door Hardtops and convertibles are often 25-40 percent more expensive than local sedans unless they are equipped with scarce 406 or 427 cubic inch engines. Pre-1965 Hardtops kitted out with one of these can make $100,000.

Galaxie 4-Dr 1961-64 $36,955 [7] Galaxie 2-Dr H/Top 1961-64 $68,165 [3] Galaxie 4-Dr 1965-73 $31,045 [9] Galaxie 2-Dr H/Top 1965-73 $42,365 [4] Galaxie Conv. 1963-73 $47,760 [13]

Ford F100/ Bronco/ F150 Lightning 1955-2006

Ford pickups have done their best to become icons in every area of popular culture. Whether it’s an F1 being driven by that girl in Winslow Arizona or Uncle Jesse’s Dukes of Hazzard F100, Ford pickups pop up in film and song and have massive enthusiast followings. 1953 brought the classic F100 shape to light and early overhead valve versions from the 1950s reach $70,000. Most popular in our market because a lot were sold here will be post-1967 models with 4.9 or 5.8-litre engines that currently cost $25-30,000. The 5.8 engine was also used in locally built Broncos which have begun to generate very decent money and can reach $50,000. Scarce here but fun to drive with their howling supercharger is the later-series F150 Lightnings which might reach $70,000.

F100 1955-67 $44,485 [21] F100 1968-86 $33,330 [38] Bronco V8 1982-90 $46,070 [9] F150 Lightning 1999-2006 $85,000 [1]

Ford Thunderbird 1955-78

Early T-Bird roadsters, around 30 years ago, looked set for collector car stardom but never went on with it in the way C1 Chevrolet Corvettes did. Exceptional 1955-57s do make US$70,000 and supercharged cars exceed $100K but anything of that quality is scarce here. Four-seat, 1958-60 Squarebirds are practical and, except for convertibles, not expensive either, but you can pay $70,000 for a top-quality 1961-66 Hardtop and $100K for a Roadster soft-top. Biggest recent gains have been made by the massive 1967-73 T-Birds: not sporty at all with ‘suicide’ doors on the big Landau and no convertible. Asking prices here have doubled in five years, but no such gains in the USA where good quality cars can’t better US$10,000 at auction.

Roadster 1955-57 $60,260 [14] H/Top 1958-60 $45,500 [4] Conv. 1958-60 $64,950 [1] H/Top 1961-63 $39,280 [5] H/Top 1964-66 $50,400 [5] Conv. 61-66 $77,985 [5] All Models 1967-73 $48,140 [7] All Models 1974-78 $27,500 [2]

Ford Mustang V8/ Fastback/ GT390 1964-68

Australia loves the Mustang and literally thousands of 1960s models live here. Asking prices for mainstream notchback coupes with small-block engines have grown by around 50 percent in recent years and even when the market decline begins to bite they won’t fall to pre-2018 levels. Fastbacks are up in line with North American values, which are in the US$60-70,000 range. Convertibles are rising too, however $90K for a local, RHD car is a stretch. The model that should have been grabbed when it was relatively cheap is the 390-engined GT Fastback – the revered ‘Bullitt’ Mustang. These had their first 15 minutes of big screen fame back in 1968, then later provided the basis for the infamous ‘Eleanor’ so it isn’t hard to understand why top-class cars bring more than $150,000.

V8 Coupe 1964-68 $57,300 [62] K Code Coupe 1965-67 $84,500 [1] V8 Conv. 1964-66 $91,425 [20] V8 Conv. 1967-68 $95,500 [5] V8 Fastback 1965-66 $96,635 [20] V8 Fastback 1967-68 $114,285 [11] GT/GTA 390 1967-68 $137,055 [9]

Ford Mustang V8 1969-73

Australia rediscovered its love for the Ford Mustang in 1971, the year that Ford radically changed the styling to include a Sportsroof that hardly sloped at. Local Ford dealers imported dozens of 1971 Mustangs, although not so many 1972-73 cars of similar shape. Plenty have survived or been imported since and good examples with 4.9 or 5.7-litre motors cost less than $50,000. The transitional 1969-70 Mustangs are wider and beefier than earlier versions, with an engine bay able to accommodate Ford’s biggest V8s. Most from this series that we see here have 302 cubic inch (4.9-litre) engines with automatic transmission and $55,000 is top money unless a car is outstanding.

V8 Coupe 1969-70 $67,090 [9] V8 Coupe 1971-73 $48,200 [7] V8 Conv. 1969-70 $70,800 [3] V8 Conv. 1971-73 $49,855 [9]

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

All of these models has high collector appeal and long-term viability. The Boss 302 held its value while others have seen price increases the past year and in a tightening market, quality examples won’t decline too much or for long. 1971-73 Mach 1 351s and Boss 351s are undervalued compared to the USA and at $180,000, 428 Cobra-Jets look worthwhile. New RHD converted Mach 1s harm their chance of value gains as world demand grows. A couple of the Shelbys sold in 2022 priced at close to A$500,000, were understandable with US GT350 sales averaging $280,000. Later GT350s are less than $200,000.

Mach 1 1969-70 $98,365 [6] Mach 1 1971-73 $72,570 [10] Mach 1 Cobra-Jet $184,835 [3] Boss 302 $136,580 [6] Shelby GT350 1965-66 $495,000 [1] GT350/GT500 1967-70 $280,750 [4]

Ford Mustang 1999-2011

Plenty of Aussie-delivered Mustang Cobras in the market have kept values steady (coupes around $25,000, convertibles at $30,000) but these cars have little chance of becoming collector items. Better for the long term are mid-Noughties, supercharged GT500 Shelbys, however these have been generating some extreme prices that didn’t hold up after one tested the auction market and was a $69,500 no sale. More sensible was the $71,000 accepted for a tidy looking Roush and similar money asked for a couple of Saleenmodified cars. A low mile, 40th Anniversary Super Snake made US$82,000 at a North American sale in early 2022 and that set the tone for local vendors when setting prices. Allowing for currency differences, tax and RHD conversion costs, the $200-240,000 being sought locally is realistic.

GT/Cobra Coupe/Conv. 1999-03 $33,500 [13] Mustang GT 2005-08 $67,165 [6] Shelby GT500 2006-08 $135,860 [8] Saleen S281/Roush 2005-09 $72,750 [4] GT500 Super Snake 2007-10 $232,165 [3]

HDT Commodore VC-VL

We haven’t seen the silly money and contrived dramatics that a few years back would accompany the sale of any significant HDT, but the sky hasn’t fallen in as a result. VCs Group 3s and VK SS models remain at reasonable prices and a nice VH Gp3 did sell at an impressive $149,500. Top money being asked recently for Blue Meanie VK SS Group A was around $440,000, but that was for a car showing just 20,000km. Missing from the market of late were VLs and that’s disappointing because, Polarised or not, these were good cars that came in a range of engines including the turbo Six LE. Don’t ignore the big Magnum either, as they are ridiculously cheap.

VC HDT $119,250 [4] VH Group 3 $144,835 [3] VK SS $107,885 [9] VK Group 3 $134,200 [4] VK Group A $243,665 [3] VL Group A Plus Pack $185,990 [1] Magnum $65,000 [1]