News

Ferrari 365GT + MGB V8 + Bristol 412 + Ford Consul Cortina – Ones That Gotaway 413

Looking back through the Unique Cars archive

FERRARI 365GT 2+2 – Advertised January 2001

These ‘family sized’ Ferraris were bullied a bit when younger, with derogatory nicknames like ‘Queen Mary’. Despite costing a lot more when new than their sexy sibling, the V6-engined Dino, 365GTs today command less than the Dino or 365GTB Daytona supercar. Never mind. Values are finally on the move with two 365GTs currently offered in Australia at prices close to $500,000 and others in various places overseas where vendors ask even more. As one of the 52 genuine RHD versions, this car would have in 2001 and today, appealed to markets in the UK and parts of Asia as well.

Then: $110,000. Now: $450-500,000

MGB V8 – Advertised October 1985

Mgb -v8

Going back to Unique Cars’ first year we find an MG that was never officially sold in Australia but still found its way here in decent numbers. The MGB V8 was built only as a hatchback GT with a Rover V8 where four cylinders were normally found. Why wasn’t it released in Australia? Well, the 3.5-litre GT would have cost more than a Falcon GT and wasn’t going to frighten any Aussie muscle cars off the road. Plus Leyland during 1973-75 had enough problems. Harvest Gold seems quite popular as a B V8 colour so there might be more than one still on Aussie roads. Who’s got this one now?

Then: $14,500. Now: $45-50,000

BRISTOL 412 TARGA – Advertised May 2002

Bristol -targa

Bristol has finally closed its doors after 70 years of building the most contrary of luxury conveyances. The original design was German but the brand came to represent the height of British automotive snobbery. That said, when more power was needed the manufacturers were happy to adapt a range of Chrysler-sourced V8s. Bristols do pop up occasionally for sale in Australia, however local demand is reflected in the lowish money they generate. Look to the UK and a trophy-winning 412 currently on offer for a more realistic price comparison.

Then: $25,000. Now: $65-80,000

FORD CONSUL CORTINA – Advertised December 1997

Ford -cortina

Doesn’t look very special or significant does it, yet the original Ford Cortina ranks with the most important cars of the 20th Century. From 1962-660 Ford sold more than a million of them but just a tiny fraction of that number survive. And, yes, a lot of base models were turned into replica GTs. At $2250 in 1997, this car quite possibly had some undisclosed problems. If not, it was the buy of the year for some fortunate Ford enthusiast on the hunt for an unmolested Mark 1. If it survives, in original condition or even as a ‘tribute’, the price will have jumped by more than a little bit.

Then: $2250. Now: $16-20,000

 

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend