Looking back through the Unique Cars classifieds
Datsun 240Z – Advertised September 2006
Just 16 years ago, a rare example of Japan’s original Z Car could have been yours for about a quarter of the money sought for similar ones today. The wing mirrors are clumsy but correct for a Japanese-market car and the mileage, if genuine, is marvellous for something of this age.
Items that detract include the later-series alloys – steelies with hubcaps are a must for early Zs – the rubbing strip, extra lights and that nasty plastic door mirror. All could have been removed to make this a very authentic and potentially valuable Z.
Then: $14,995. Now: $65,000-70,000
DKW station wagon – Advertised May 1987
Around 1960 there must have been a batch of these Sonderklasse DKWs imported, because the sedans – mostly painted an insipid orange with white roofs – were seen around Sydney and the mid-NSW coast for years after. Universal wagons like this one were scarce though; so scarce globally that a perfect survivor was reportedly sold in 2012 for US$60,500.
Recent overseas sales haven’t brought to light any more wagons, however in Switzerland there exists a restored two-door sedan with the rare rollback roof. Price is 25,000 Swiss Francs (about A$40,000) if you want it.
Then: $4000. Now: $35,000-45,000
Daihatsu Charade GTti – Advertised June 1996
My clearest memory of the GTti Charade is watching one make a couple of unsuccessful attempts at a slippery hill during Rally Australia 1990 before being spun 180 degrees and accomplishing the task in reverse. Tiny but determined.
These Charades didn’t come here as regular imports but some did arrive for competition purposes and a couple still compete in state rally championship events. The majority of survivors seem to have congregated in Europe where we saw several for sale. Still not expensive though, with the highest 2022 asking price being 9850 Euros or about A$15,500.
Then: $10,900. Now: $13,500-16,000
Vanden Plas Princess 1100 – Advertised September 1986
If during the 1960s you had visions of owning a Rolls-Royce but could barely afford a BMC 1100, then maybe the budget could stretch to one of these. Coachbuilder Vanden Plas must have been desperate for cashflow when lending its name to an upmarket 1100 and producing the leather and timber trimmings at its London factory, but lots were sold.
1100 versions totalled 16,000, plus more than 27,000 of the slightly faster 1300. A few sold locally and this looks like a nice survivor, however most were Hoovered during the 1990s by Japanese collectors who at one point were paying $40,000.
Then: $5000. Now: $16,000-20,000
From Unique Cars #475, February 2023