Falcon XB GT + Torana GTR XU-1 + Lambo Jarama S - Auction Action 404

By: Mark Higgins

Date: 23.08.2017

Hot on the block recently: 1976 Ford Falcon XB GT coupe, a 1972 Holden Torana XU-1, a Datsun 1600 Roadster and a 1974 Lamborghini Jarama S coupe

1976 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe

Sold: $134,000
Shannons, Melbourne

If there were any doubt about the strength of the current Aussie muscle car market, this should have removed it. Owners of 70s Ford coupes have seen their values rising steadily over the last few years and that trend has, if anything, accelerated in recent time. This clean GT with a 351 V8 and three-speed auto fetched a very solid $134,000.

For owners of tired examples (if there are any left!) it means you can afford to spend a bit on a decent resto and stand a decent chance of getting your money back. What intrigued us about this result was the fact it’s an auto didn’t deter bidders from having a red hot go at it.

1972 Holden Torana GTR XU-1

Sold: $107,000
Lloyds Auctions

Holden Toranas are a hot item and, while everyone wants an A9X hatch, GTR XU-1 sixes are still much in demand, given their giant-killing reputation – successfully taking on the Ford V8s of the day – and helping to launch Peter Brock as a household name.

The LJ was a better-developed car than the LC and a nicer drive. That said, you’d be happy if either landed in your driveway.

The car shown here was a very clean example with a relatively rare exterior/interior colour combo. This was a big result for the series, and proved previous $100k-plus prices were no fluke.

1967 Datsun 1600 Roadster

Sold: $5000
Mecum, Denver

Auctions aren't all madness: this delightful-looking Datsun 1600 roadster went for just US$5000 (AU$6400) at Mecum recently. With a recent repaint and engine rebuild, it looks like a bit of a bargain.

The package included a factory hardtop. We’d be tempted to hunt down a set of bumpers for it, just to hold up its value at resale time.

This was the second-gen roadster – the first had a 1500 engine – and it claimed a healthy 72kW (96hp).  They and the 2000 successor saw a lot of race action in the USA, scoring a fair number of trophies along the way.

1974 Lamborghini Jarama S Coupe

Sold: $223,000
Bonhams, Goodwood

Despite having had nine owners this Lamborghini has been serviced by the same specialist all its life, and so has the original books and an extensive history file.

The marque’s last front-engine model, it's said to be one of only 18 RH-drive S examples.

The condition was exceptional and, in the world of Lambo, it actually looked like decent value.

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