Mustang, Austin Healey, Marquette – the cars that got away
A couple of gems we missed...or maybe you bought one. Uncle Cliff takes us on a cruise through some old classifieds
Advertised Aug ’08 – Ford Mustang Mach 1 429CJ
Several years ago when rotten, rusty XB GT Hardtops were cruising past $63,000, this scarce, classy Mach 1 with its big-block engine would surely have been a bargain. However, in a market that had gone loopy for local muscle it probably didn’t even make $60k. Whoever bought and kept it though was in for the last laugh because Cobra-Jets like this are gaining ground and quality cars in US sales have surged to almost US$90,000. Convert those dollars to ours, factor in some freight and tax and there’s no change from $140k.
Then $63,000 Now $115-130,000
Advertised Oct ’02 – Austin-Healey Mk 1
Somewhere in the world there is a large shed containing all the bumpers discarded by owners of Mk 1 Sprites. However, here we see a rare example still fitted with all its chrome-plated parts and looking better than in 1958, when it first shocked the world sports car market. Plenty of early Sprites came to Australia, selling for only a little more than the BMC-built sedans that provided their running gear. For decades since prices began to climb, these ‘Bug-eye’ versions have easily outpaced later Sprites and Midgets. Cuteness, it seems, comes at a cost.
Then $18,900 Now $27-30,000
Advertised Jun ’87 – Marquette Coupe
If you want a 1930 model Marquette then hard luck because this entry-level Buick was sold for just a few months during that year, then got swallowed by the Great Depression. It didn’t do badly for a ‘dud’ – more than 35,000 made and survivor cars aren’t hard to find even now. This rare coupe was understandably overpriced in 1987 but if you bought it and held on the market would have come to you. Decent two-door cars today sell for around US$25,000 and should be able to achieve at least as much over here.
Then $15,000 Now $25-30,000
(first published issue 379)
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