Cliff Chambers looks back through the Unique Cars classifieds
BMW M6 3.5-LITRE – Advertised December 1997
The badge has been recycled but the latest twin-turbo variation is unlikely to match the classic elegance of an E24 BMW or the glorious full-throttle sound of a 24-valve straight-six. Only 318 of these cars were made and the number currently resident in Australia is unknown. However, if you want a car that celebrates Jim Richards’ heroics against V8 opposition in the early days of local Group A Touring Car competition, this black beauty is the one to get. Overseas values span a wide range, with low-kilometre cars pushing towards the local equivalent of $100,000.
Was: $44,995. Now: $85,000-90,000
HDT VK GROUP A – Advertised September 1989
It is amazing how many quite ordinary cars have appeared in Unique Cars since the 1980s and rewarded their owners with ten-fold value gains? A couple of years ago and assuming those magical four digits were still showing on its odometer, this HDT would have been surging towards $400,000. But times have changed. The nearest comparable car we could find being recently sold was a ‘Meanie’ with a tick over 10,000km showing which brought the hammer at a 2018 Shannons’ auction crashing down at just $165,000. Still a great gain (using this car as the example) if you had only invested $38,500.
Was: $38,500. Now: $180,000-200,000
ALFA ROMEO GTV6 – Advertised July 1997
Early in 2018 in our on-line Today’s Tempter series, Unique Cars ran a feature on a GTV6 being sold at a tad over $20,000. Since then – and presumably after the featured car had sold – there have been some excellent cars appearing in the local market and prices heading for $30,000. European demand for the last of the Giugiaro-designed GTVs is growing as well, with exceptional left-hand drive cars chasing their 105 Series predecessors towards $50,000. Rust was a big problem and as time passes, Australian-delivered GTV6s with fewer body issues will be heading overseas.
Was: $12,990. Now: 24,000-28,000
Reader’s One That Got Away:
Toyota Celica GT4
Growing up watching the World Rally Championships in the 90s, I instantly fell in love with the Castrol branded GT4 Celica which dominated at the time.
The bonnet scoop and that distinct rear wing simply made an amazing looking machine. I missed out on a stock local car with 60,000kms. Will I ever find another survivor?
Sam Henry – bunbury, WA
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