Uncle Phil has been out searching for classics and collectables for you, despite the lousy weather. Here's what he has found.
2005 FORD FALCON BA GT MARK II – $55,000
Whichever way you look at it, the AU Falcon was a flop. But its hastily penned replacement the BA, proved very popular and won Wheels Car of the Year in 2002. Sitting at the top of the heap was the GT, the two most storied letters to sit next to the Falcon badge. This GT is even more special as it wears Build plate number 1. It is from the final year of BA production. The GT was a product of the joint venture between Ford Australia and Ford Performance Vehicles. Under the bonnet of 0001 rests a 5.4-litre V8 paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the best combo. If you want to slide a slice of Aussie history to take out of the shed on weekends, and claim bragging rights at car events, this could be the one to do that.
1970 FORD ZD FAIRLANE – $114,990
Before the Statesman arrived, the Ford Fairlane had the luxo sedan market sewn up. This beaut-looking ZD model has undergone a bare-metal restoration and has been modified, but subtly. Resting under the bonnet is a matching-numbers, reconditioned K-code 351 V8 matched with a three-speed auto and a T-bar floor shift. In fact the entire driveline has been reconditioned and since the then has only travelled 2000 miles. It’s finished in Onyx Black with a black vinyl roof, while inside, the big seats are trimmed in white with black cloth inserts. It’s a head turner, and would be a wonderful cruiser.
1989 SVD SKYLINE R31 GTS – $49,000
Based on the Skyline Silhouette, the GTS is powered by a fettled version of the 3lt straight-six and Jimmy Richards and Mark Skaife had a big hand in its development. The GTS was a car developed by drivers for drivers. I remember slipping into the Scheel seat to take one for a spin. I knew straight away the effort and budget went into the way it went, stopped, rode and handled. Available only in red with white wheels, a mere 200 were produced and I reckon the five-speed manual versions are superior. This one, build number 67, is a manual and appears to be in outstanding condition inside and out.
1967 VALIANT VC SAFARI – $15,000
Here’s a classic Aussie wagon from the ’60s. Back in the day these wagons were the default family truckster. They were huge inside and easily coped with annual family holidays, loaded to the gunwales or carting around half the footy team, all on hot or cold slippery vinyl seats. They also provided accommodation and more for the surfing fraternity as well. This Safari wagon has the legendary 225ci slant-six motor with a three-speed manual hanging off it. There’s some new running gear in it and the owner reckons it drives like a dream. One for Mopar enthusiasts and collectors.
2008 HSV GRANGE WM
The crew at HSV did an excellent job of blending performance with panache in the Grange. Based on the Statesman, this one has travelled just 19,300 kilometres and is finished in Phantom Black with cream-leather interior. It also has HSV sports gauges, a sunroof and a DVD player. Powering the Grange is a 317kW LS3 6.2lt V8 tied to a six-speed auto and HSV-spec slippery diff. For a big luxo car they had a sporty feel to the drive, with all the luxo features. A good combo. It has the original logbooks and HSV paperwork. A great daily driver or weekender.