Looking back through the Unique Cars classifieds
BMW M6 – advertised November 1997
BMW’s M6 was likely the most impressive six-cylinder performance model of its era, eclipsing even Porsche’s 930 for effortless delivery of power. M6s are more common than the 3.0CSL Batmobile featured last issue and sublime to drive, with luxurious surroundings and perfect suspension. Several M6s call Australia home and occasionally appear for sale, however, Europe is the more definitive M6 marketplace, where quality cars make $95-115,000. Local interest peaked in 2018 with a $100,000 sale but examples offered since then haven’t matched the quality of that car.
Then: $44,950. Now: 75,000-90,000
Jaguar XJ12 6.0-litre – advertised March 2005
Brand new in 1994, Jaguar’s last-ever V12 sedan cost $179,000 plus lots in government and dealer charges. From that point, retained values plunged faster than a British Prime Minister’s popularity and show no signs of recovery. The North American market is flat as well, with a peak price of US$23,650 not matched by recent sales. So too the British auction market, which sees enough cars being offered to establish a market but apparently good cars still failing to reach their quite modest reserve prices. Scarcity here means that a really good 6.0-litre might, maybe, nudge $40,000.
Then: $44,990. Now: $35,000-40,000
Renault Dauphine Gordini – advertised April 1991
The $28,000 recently asked for a Gordini like this might not have been typical but did signify continuing affection for a car that has become very rare. The rear-engined Dauphine sold well in Australia, however, the more powerful and expensive Gordini version was rarely seen when new and almost never appears now. Availability improves when searching overseas, with some bewildering asking prices as well. One described as “probably the best Dauphine Gordini in the world” was going to cost approximately UK£30,000 ($55,000) but others almost as nice made half that money.
Then: $5500. Now: $25,000-30,000
Reader’s One That Got Away:
Holden Calibra 4×4 Turbo
Several years ago a rare 16V Holden Calibra turbo popped up for sale with 120,000kms for $8K. It was unmodified with the original red paint that still shined. I hesitated on the car and it consequently sold. I’m still looking for one, but these rare Holden-badged Opel’s are thin on the ground.
From Unique Cars #474, Jan 2023