Looking back through the Unique Cars classifieds...
Holden VL Calais Turbo wagon – Advertised 1996
Some say 75, others just 50 but whichever build number you believe, the RB30ET Calais wagon ranks among the rarest of Commodore derivatives. This one likely predates the official 1988 release date and is made more desirable by some HDT tweaks; the photo showing it sitting considerably lower than the one in Holden’s Calais publicity picture. Where and how you would go about finding one is impossible to say – HDT Clubs may have some clue. Same goes for how much one of these might cost. Our range is an estimate which can be confirmed only if a current owner chooses to sell. We know that HDT modified Berlina’s to Calais spec for dealers prior to Holden’s official run of 200 wagons in 1988, was this one?
Then: $23,000. Now: $130,000-175,000
Chrysler VC Valiant V8 – Advertised September 1991
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Got the V8, got the front discs, the right colour and a set of period-correct Aunger wheels. Everything about this V8 VC looks right – except the price. Perhaps the vendor hadn’t noticed, but Australia during 1991 was gripped by insane interest rates and a savage recession and selling cars that couldn’t earn their keep as regular transport was proving difficult. No exact production number was published, but 2000 would be an ambitious VC V8 estimate, and survivors don’t often make their way to the market. On that basis, current pricing is way more realistic than the number from 1991.
Then: $10,500. Now: $40,000-45,000
Vauxhall PA Cresta – Advertised May 1988
The recent passing of racer Frank Coad brought forth comments from numerous Cresta owners, proud of their cars’ place in history when Coad and John Roxburgh won the inaugural 500 Mile race held at Phillip Island in 1960. The Vauxhall was lower and more powerful than a Holden but still blighted by General Motors’ appalling wraparound windscreen. The need to replace one of those would no doubt have sent otherwise decent Crestas to the wreckers. This car managed to survive for almost 30 years and in 1988 was being sold at fairly reasonable money. Is it still with us?
Then: $2750. Now: $12,000-15,000
Maserati Sebring – Advertised December 1996
You know the 1990s market must have been tough when vendors were slashing the price of classy 1960s Maseratis by $8K. The six-cylinder Sebring wasn’t quite at the pinnacle of Maserati desirability, but it did bridge the gap between a couple of models that were. It followed the classical 3500GT while its replacement was the astonishingly gorgeous Mistrale. Those, as a convertible, can now exceed $750,000. Years ago, when good Sebrings weren’t difficult to find in Australia, prices stayed low. However, as numbers dwindled (probably all gone back to Europe) values have climbed.
Then: $49,950. Now: $160,000-180,000
From Unique Cars #461, Jan 2022