Ford XD Phase 5 + Vanden Plas - the cars that got away

By: Cliff Chambers, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 15.02.2017

The cars you missed - bad in one case, lucky in the other...

FORD XD PHASE 5

Nov 1998

Nothing in the world improves the look of an XD like a set of monster wheels and Group C guard flares.

When ex-Ford designer Wayne Draper revived the revered ‘HO’ suffix there was perhaps some hope that the factory would take his hint and again build Falcons with some muscle and mumbo. But it didn’t happen.

Someone will know just how many of these very macho XDs were made but could be fewer than 50. One drowned in the 2011 Brisbane floods but hopefully this striking car survives.

Then $17,900; Now $30-35,000

VANDEN PLAS 1100

Sept 1986

If it wasn’t rust 30 years ago that was threatening to wipe out virtually every BMC 1100, it was terminal suspension failure.  The ADO16 was an advanced car for its time but complexity was also the design’s downfall.

Higher-spec versions like the Vanden Plas survive in relatively high numbers, due in part to Japanese collectors who spent vast amounts on full restorations including new leather and timber interiors.

Around 20 were brought to Australia for sale through BMC dealers, however they are rarely seen now on local roads. Values haven’t kept pace with inflation.

Then $5000; Now $13-16,000

(Unique Cars mag #384)

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