Chevrolet Wagon + FPV Cobra Sedan + Fiat 1500 - Ones That Got Away

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 02.04.2024

The cars we should have bought or are delighted we didn’t...

CHEVROLET WAGON 

Advertised April 1986

Australia rarely saw full-sized Chevrolet wagons, except for those imported by dealers on behalf of special customers and a few more, acquired for conversion to hearses. Bench seats were standard, allowing these big wagons to carry eight or nine adults. Got a carload of people and need to carry extra luggage? These wagons had sufficient roof area to host a hockey match and luggage racks were a popular option. This one in 1986 would have been around a decade old and looks well-maintained. Hopefully, it managed to have survived the transition from super to unleaded fuel.

Then: $6,000 Now: $25-30,000

FPV COBRA SEDAN

Advertised April 2010

As the advert says, just 400 BFII Cobra sedans (plus 100 utilities) were built in 2007 to commemorate 30 years since Australia saw the original XC Cobra Hardtop. Sales were initially brisk but as the Global Financial Crisis bit, prices went pie-shaped and someone with a 45,000km Cobra for sale would have been lucky indeed, to recoup $52,000. A car like this in 2010 was more likely to bring $35-40,000, then sit for years thereafter in an investor’s shed, until the years caught up with its kilometres. Prices today are recovering from a slump, although cars showing 10,000km+ aren’t keenly sought. 

Then: $52,500 Now: $75-80,000

HOLDEN HK KINGSWOOD V8

Advertised January 1997

We do hope that this car survived long enough for its desirability to be noticed and the value to reach a point where preservation was no longer up for debate. The Kingswood was being sold in a rural area and the list of options flag it as the kind of car that someone wanting to cover distance quickly but surreptitiously, would’ve bought. The money being sought in 1997 was about right for a car of this  specification, but a decade later collectors would be swooping, as cars like this topped $12,000. From there they have continued to surge, with prices up 300 to 400 per cent on 2010 levels.

Then: $5,500 Now: $50-55,000

FIAT 1500

Advertised March 2005

In addition to ranking among the best medium-sized sedans of its time, the Fiat 1500 rejoiced in the world’s longest model name. These cars, with Millecinquecento emblazoned in gold lettering across the glovebox, also featured the odd combination of a split bench seat and four-speed gearbox with column shift. The 1500s were from an era just prior to the one where Fiats would rust as you looked at them, with disappearance of these more likely due to buyer apathy and parts problems. Decent numbers survive in Italy, including a rare Familiare wagon being recently sold at 14,900 Euro.

Then: $3,000 Now: $10-12,500

ZIMMER

Advertised October 1996

Attaching Thirties-style bodywork to the chassis of more recent vehicles is common in the USA, but never caught on in this country. Thankfully. A couple of local attempts were made during the 1990s but when they failed, the market showed a preference for US imports like this Zimmer. Described by their creators as ‘Neo Classic Automobiles,’ the Zimmer and others of its ilk look spectacular, but as automotive investments they fail to fire. A convertible has been on the local market for months at $105,000 and back home, some excellent cars were sitting unsold at US$35,000.

Then: $30,000 Now: $55-65,000

MG TF 

Advertised April 2007

Back in the 1970s, when T-Type series MGs were being hauled from under houses and restored, they were regarded as ‘vintage’ cars despite being less than 20 years old. They looked old and they drove like old cars, but 50 years later the desire to own them hasn’t dimmed. Much of the appeal stems from an active network of specialist restoration services and parts suppliers across the world, who maintain stocks of mechanicals, make body panels and even replace items of structural timber. TF values until very recently remained in the $40-50,000 range, but some of late have hit $60,000. 

Then: $38,000 Now: $50-55,000

PORSCHE 911E

Advertised August 1999

The panic to own an early 911 that arose some years back has abated, however cars like this 911E have still experienced massive value growth since the 1990s. Real quality still brings big money of course, and locally that means intensive restorations or near-perfect originals at $250,000 and more. The advertised car looks untouched, albeit imperfect, and hopefully had survived its 30 years of existence without dodgy repairs. It’s got the right combination of options as well and even if the car remained unrestored, appreciation since 1999 would be significant.

Then: $26,500 Now: $140-155,000

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