The cars we should have bought or are delighted we didn’t ...
HOLDEN HK KINGSWOOD V8 WAGON
August 2000
Rare cars are commonplace around these parts, but when was the last time you saw an HK Kingswood wagon with its original 307 V8 and Monaro wheel trims? HKs were the first Holden to really let buyers go berserk with the options chart, and there must have often been cars specified with unusual combinations of extras like the V8, power steering and air-conditioning. Had this wagon been a Premier with manual transmission it would today be worth over $100,000 in collectable condition. Even as a Kingswood auto, the value will have climbed appreciably since 2000.
Was: $7200
Now: $50,000-$60,000
CHEVROLET BEL AIR 1962
April 1991
Chevrolet modernised its full-sized cars for 1961, then stuck with the same basic design until 1964. Most of the Chevs we saw came as RHD build-it kits from GM Canada, with 4.6-litre V8s and a two-speed automatic transmission. This ’62 has enjoyed a boost to engine size plus a three-speed auto and the useful addition of disc front brakes, which weren’t even an option on local Bel Airs. At $8200, the value reflected a tough market where the price of similar models without modifications was around $10,000. Values since then have improved, but only by around the inflation rate.
Was: $8200
Now: $30,000-$35,000
DAIHATSU COMPAGNO BERLINA
August 2003
With styling by Alfredo Vignale, Daihatsu did its designer the honour of giving its new car an Italian name. Compagno is Italian for ‘companion’ and did cause some confusion upon arrival in 1965 where people reading advertisements showing a new ‘Italian styled’ model mistook the Japanese newcomer for a Fiat. Compagnos, including a cute four-seat convertible and locally designed utility, once were common on Australian roads, but dimming enthusiasm and scarce parts saw almost all of them disappear. And, by the way, the Daihatsu doesn’t – or shouldn’t – have a Datsun engine.
Was: $8500
Now: $8000-$10,000
DODGE CHALLENGER RT440
August 1999
We looked last month at Chrysler Corp’s answer to the Mustang and discovered how strongly ‘Cudas and Challengers were performing in the USA market. Looking back 25 years to assess the money being asked for this car, we discovered via the 1999 Unique Cars Value Guide that an RT440 of Condition 2 quality was likely to cost $22,000. Anyone who paid the advertised price for this garish green one was in for some work, but had $4K spare to help do it. Had that buyer then kept their Challenger tucked away for 25 years, the gains would by now have climbed to around 600 per cent.
Was: $18,000
Now: $105,000-$120,000
MASERATI MERAK SS
November 2007
If you want a mid-engined Maserati without spending big money on a Bora, then SS versions of the Merak are worth a look. About 800 out of the 1830 Merak’s made were made in SS spec, running a 162kW version of the Citroen-sourced V6. Only 300 of these were produced in right-hand drive with the majority earmarked for British delivery. Some were sent to Australia at prices that began at under $35,000 and by 1982 had reached a staggering $82,000. Depreciation was savage and only during the past few years have values managed to exceed the original price, of late-model cars.
Was: $50,000
Now: $115,000-$135,000
PORSCHE 930
January 1997
One reason Porsche has never been able to kill off its rear-engined 911, is the mythology of models like the early Turbo. Owners who tried using these cars to the limit would often experience sheer gut wrenching terror as off-boost understeer sent them sliding past their chosen apex, only to have the engine, a second later hit full boost and send the car howling sideways towards the next bend. No wonder the numbers of available 930 Turbos have diminished and excellent survivors like the advertised car – if it does survive – have headed in the direction of $300,000.
Was: $99,900
Now: $270,000-$295,000
PURVIS EUREKA
March 1999
The Eureka was launched at an awful time for independent carmakers, but managed to thwart the regulators until killed by recession in 1991. This VW-powered car is an early example of the F4 version, recognisable by its ‘elephant ears’ air intakes. Paint at the time of sale was 20 years old and looking faded, and we would bet on there being some fibreglass issues as well. Checking the 2004 Unique Cars Value Guide where Eurekas first appeared, Condition 2 cars like this one were listed at $7000, so $8500 was probably a fair place to start. Survivors should today bring a bit more.
Was: $8500
Now: $20,000-$25,000