Renault 10 + BMW 2002 Tii + Sunbeam Alpine - Ones That Got Away 425
Cliff Chambers looks back through the Unique Cars classifieds
Renault 10 - Advertised April 1999
Who in the world would want to race a Renault 10? Also has anyone seen a similar one in the 20 years since this purposefully modified 10 was offered? A tidy and pretty much stock example sold recently at less than $10,000 so a car with Webers, a cage and flash wheels must be worth a bit more. Hopefully the vendor, buyer or current owner will be able to confirm that this very rare Renault has managed to survive and if it is still competing. Looking overseas for comparable cars in Europe and other places didn’t reveal hordes of available 10s so this one might rank with the best.
Was $6500. Now: $10,000-12,000
BMW 2002Tii - Advertised March 1996
The 2002 was regarded in its day as the world’s best compact sports sedan. The carburettor cars did well in German domestic motor sport but even fuel-injected versions were outgunned in local touring car events. Enthusiast owners weren’t deterred and have pounced on any Tii that appeared in the market. Last year when tabulating the Value Charts for our British & European Value Guide we suggested a Tii of excellent quality would be worth $34,000. Looking at cars recently on offer in Europe it’s likely that number should continue to climb.
Was $16,000. Now: $45,000-$50,000
Sunbeam Alpine - Advertised April 2004
The British-based Rootes Group may not have built very exciting cars but they sure could aim them at an appreciative market. The Alpine hit US showrooms in 1959 with a roomy cabin, carpet and wind-up windows to sell against BMC’s better handling but barren MGA. America didn’t care; clamouring to buy Alpines and continuing to do so even when the more civilised MGB arrived. Things were different in Australia where total sales of all Alpine models probably didn’t exceed 1000 cars and value movement today remains sluggish. This does look to be one of the better survivors.
Was $12,750. Now: $18,000-20,000
Nissan 240RS - August 2000
Here is one you might still be able to buy and for no more money than its NZ owner was asking 20 years ago. We believe this to be the same car that was campaigned over several years in Historic Rally events here and in New Zealand and which has recently been advertised in Australia, still at only $45,000. The 240RS was rear-wheel drive in an era of all-wheel drive Group B rally monsters but durability made it a natural for tough events like the African Safari. Considering the money being sought now for Group B Audis and Lancias, the big Nissan at $45K seems a bit of a bargain.
Was: 45,000. Now: $45,000
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
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