Uncle Cliff’s wild and woolly drive through our old classifieds
Holden Gemini Gypsy – advertised June 86
At a time when your average Gemini wasn’t making more than $1000, the lucky owner of this scarce Gypsy van wasnt leaving anything on the table with a breathtaking $4500 asking price.
If you happened to especially want a Gypsy this was probably the only one available and looked to be in excellent condition.
However, we suspect the sale would still have involved some negotiation.
Today, with decent Geminis of all types selling in the $3500-6500 price bracket, a rarity like a properly-preserved Gypsy could command double the price of a base-grade car.
Then $4500 Now $10,000-12,000
Iso Lele – advertised June 2009
Having made a fortune manufacturing refrigerators and Isetta micro-cars, what better way for Renzo Rivolta to lose the lot than by building a line of Chevy-engined supercars?
The Rivolta and elegant Grifo did reasonable business during the 1960s but later-model Leles had an uninspiring shape and insufficient power to outrun a mid-sized Maserati.
Just 317 had been finished by 1974 when the world oil shortage began to bite.
A few Leles made their way to Australia; some new, some private imports but values are taking a long time to reflect the cars rarity.
Then $27,000 Now $45-55,000
First published in Unique Cars mag issue 379