First up (or under) was North Queensland, then a fortnight later the destruction moved to the South Eastern corner and parts of Northern NSW. Again.
People with cars needing protection from cyclonic winds were given plenty of notice, but moving something that is in bits or under restoration isn’t always possible. And where would it be truly safe anyway?
Most of us strengthened roller doors to withstand the predicted 150km/h gusts and filled sandbags as basic defence against a storm surge that in most places didn’t eventuate.
Lots in the South East felt relieved when the winds abated and damage was minimal, only to be blindsided in the darkness (due to widespread power outages) by a downpour no one had predicted. Over 200mm of rain in a few hours would rapidly flood drains, creeks and rivers, and give owners no avenue of escape.
No one knows as yet how many cars were trapped in home garages, commercial workshops or restorers’ premises when the deluge came. We do know that many did suffer similar fates during the 2022 Brisbane flood, including a Triumph Stag that just a few months earlier had been a trophy winner at the All British Display Day.
One of my cars was outside during the downpour but safe above the level of overflowing gutters. It had never leaked before, but as I write the front seats are still drying after water dripped through an aged windscreen seal.
Whether it is cyclones in the Far (or near) North, bushfires or floods almost anywhere, there is no absolute way to guarantee the survival of treasured vehicles. Insurance is essential, but for multiple vehicles or cars that have grown significantly in value it can be seriously expensive.
If your car is old with rudimentary electrics and only went under to the level of the seats you may still be okay. Bailing out, removing seats and floor coverings followed by stacks of freebie newspaper to soak water from the footwells is the first step, followed by lots of attention from a heavy-duty hairdryer.
Extra drain holes drilled in door bottoms, sills and the spare wheel well will help air circulate and minimise the spread of rust.
If it is a later model, with lots of low-mounted electrical components and connections it may not survive the insurer’s assessment. Writing cars off is preferable to dealing with the myriad of problems that follow a trip underwater.
Even if yours is repaired, problems might keep cropping up for months to come, so don’t accept final settlement from your insurer unless the car’s electrics have been pronounced free of issues by a specialist.
Away from the stacks of fallen branches and sodden motor vehicles, we headed south to Melbourne-based Chicane Auctions, where on March 27 a diverse book of pre-2000 models was being sold. Listings included some interesting classics and evocative Aussie muscle models.
These included a decent looking 1965 Mustang convertible that after a protracted battle reached $45,750*. It was followed by a rough but reportedly genuine XA GT RPO83 sedan that joined the sold list with a top bid of $82,250*.
Entering its final hour at $71,000, Chicane’s 1968 Mustang Fastback in striking Shockwave Blue looked like it might become Bargain of the Night, but spirited bidding took the eventual hammer price to a healthy $96,000*.
Interesting offerings that didn’t sell included a long-wheelbase HT Holden built into a hearse by specialists WD Hadley. With a top bid of $55,000 and a modified right-hand drive ’56 ‘Baby Bird’.
A colour code Y152 (white) XA GT manual, optioned with a wind-back sunroof sold for $122,000* and a great looking modified two-door Customline reached $62,000 but was not sold.
Finally, the star of the auction a John Goss Special – 302 automatic with air-conditioning – sold for a realistic $127,000*.
For all results, visit the Chicane Auctions website.