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Classic Aussie muscle car market still strong

It’s not all doom and gloom in the post GFC auction world

Ford Falcon Sprint
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The classic Australian muscle car market is doing just fine according to auction heavyweight Shannons, despite desirable models like a Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III failing to reach astronomical pre-GFC values recently.

The Phase III in question sold for around $500,000 soon after it was passed in at auction (some $20,000 under its highest expectation), but that is still almost 100 times more than what the car cost when it rolled out of the factory.

Australian -classic -cars -Phase -III“Aussie muscle cars are actually doing really well,” says Christophe Boribon, Shannons National Auctions Manager. “Pre-GFC figures were ridiculous and did not make sense; they were outstripping comparable world market cars.How was a ’67 Shelby GT500 Fastback Mustang worth half of a Phase III Falcon, an Australia-only car?

Australian -classic -cars -Torana“But in the last 12-18 months there has been a resurgence of Ford, Holden and Chrysler products, whether or not that’s being driven by the closure of Ford and Holden I don’t know, but there’s money out there and people are looking at putting that back into Aussie muscle.”

Boribon says to expect improvements in the prices of “second-tier” cars like Ford Fairmont GS and GXLs and Valiant Pacers and also points to a generational change in collectable Australian cars.

Australian -classic -cars -Brock“There’s a bit of a trend happening in ‘80s cars and vehicles like 5.0-litre VH SL/E Commodores and VK and VL SS Group As are appreciating in prices, so there is some growth in that ‘80s market.”

And if you’ve got a special late-model Ford or Holden in your garage then it might be worth hanging onto it because they will start to appreciate in value too, Boribon reckons.

Australian -classic -cars -Holden -Monaro -GTS“Something that is made in limited numbers, has big horsepower, or is highly optioned is bound to have a level of collectability in the future, like two-door Monaros, highly-specced HSVs and limited production Fords like the Cobra tribute and most recently the Falcon Sprint. When that will be is hard to answer.”

Steve Nally

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