Mitsubishi Starion + Cadillac Coupe de Ville + Ford XK Falcon - Ones That Got Away 468

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 28.08.2022

The cars we should have bought or are just glad we didn't...

Mitsubishi Starion - Advertised May 1996

Back in the 1990s with leaded Super petrol was still available, cars like this ‘pre-Cat’ Starion were highly prized and likely to cost more than later Unleaded versions with catalytic convertors, that were down on fuel and less economical. Pre-1986 ‘dirty’ Starions were rated at 125kW, where more recent ones came out of the box with just 110kW. Acknowledging that, the car advertised here was still a clear 50 percent more expensive than others in Condition 1 fettle, causing us to wonder whether this car did sell at, or anywhere even close, to its asking price. No problem today though with these making $40K.

Then: $13,900. Now: $40,000-45,000

Cadillac Coupe de Ville - July 2000

Australians loved big, opulent American cars and every capital city Holden dealer would happily acquire Cadillacs like this one on behalf of wellfunded customers. Converting them to right-hand drive was often haphazard and local cars didn’t drive quite the same as LHD originals but then these buyers weren’t intending to race their Coupe de Villes either. This is not one of those original imports and has been allowed to remain LHD which would have endeared it to serious Caddy enthusiasts when it was sold back in 2000. Strong money back then but looks a nice car.

Then: $15,500. Now: $27,000-30,000

Ford XK Falcon - September 1995

Back in the day when new cars could look terribly bland and dealers were desperate to shift ageing stock, there was always the man with his kit of contrast strips. Adding some extra chrome strips and a lick of different coloured paint would add some excitement to drab Falcons like this one and convince buyers they had bought something special. More significantly, this dear old thing managed to dodge the rust that killed off most XKs and looks in terrific condition with probably the original paintwork intact. Hoping this very distinctive XK is still with us.

Then: $7250. Now: $22,000-26,000

Reader's One That Got Away

1959 Chevrolet - Steven Jiannakis

My grandfather owned an Aussie assembled ‘59 Chevrolet, powered by the mighty blue flame six. He drove the car daily well into the 1990s when he decided to upgrade to a Toyota Corolla and sold it to a neighbour for next to nothing. My biggest regret is letting that car getaway.

- See more 'Ones That Got Away'

From Unique Cars #468, Jul/Aug 2022

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