Holden HT Monaro + Jaguar 420 + Morris Marina - The Cars That Got Away

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 16.04.2017

Lost bargains from years ago - if only we knew...

Look for the upcoming Lloyds classic car auction

Holden HT Monaro 186 - July 2001

Money paid for ‘Bathurst’ Monaros recently passed a major milestone and the values of lesser versions will now certainly flourish. Looking back to 2001 when the money available for GTS327 or 350 versions hovered around $15,000, would a six-cylinder HT at $6000 represent value? In the case of this car the answer is probably ‘yes’ because very few would have been preserved in such authentic condition. Finding comparable cars in today’s market is even harder because so many basemodel Monaros have become ‘clones’ of the GTS V8 versions. 

Jaguar 420 - July 1986

This one will stretch the strings of objectivity. From 1983 until shortly after the July 1986 issue of Unique Cars appeared, this elegant-looking Jaguar was my car. The colour was officially 'Opalescent Maroon', the motor excellent with very few leaks. Hardly a bush, spring or brake component had not been replaced and it would screech enjoyably around race-tracks on club Sprint days. It sold within days being advertised and to my knowledge never appeared again at a Jaguar club day or other motoring event. If it survives, HJJ 736 will still be providing lots of enjoyment. 

Morris Marina Wagon - June 1990

If you don’t have fond memories, or any memory at all, of the Morris Marina you won’t be alone. Australia saw them with sedan and coupe bodywork – a few fitted with 2.6-litre engines – but no one thought of offering a wagon in this country. This one was most likely a personal import, accompanying a UK migrant who just could not leave his/her Marina behind. Once in Australia the attraction faded and that asking price would only have been viable with the ‘1’ knocked of the front. Little hope that this oftenderided Brit model might still be in our midst. 

Pandarus - November 2003

According to the comprehensive web-site devoted to Pandarus Cars, this is the 4th of just five examples built. It is said to be the only one with a 3.5-litre Rover V8, not the 4.4-litre Leyland. Its body is fibreglass and attached to a modified Toyota Crown chassis. The cars were designed by Colin Simmonds and, as kits, priced at $8995. Completed in the Simmonds brothers’ Victorian workshop a Pandarus could be road-ready at around $18,000. Finding one for sale today could prove challenging and price is very dependent on specification and condition. 

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