Affordable Classics Pt.2
If you’re looking to buy a classic car that you can use, the big-dollar Aussie muscle cars and European exotics rarely fit the bill. Sure, they may be good investments, but where’s the enjoyment in a car that you’re too afraid to take out on the road, in case some numpty crashes into it, or one that you’re too scared to leave unattended in the supermarket car park, in case it gets stolen?
Previously, we focused on some underrated and affordable classic cars that have slipped under the radar. This time, we’ll look at some more – focussing on Australian cars that have serious collectable credentials and won’t dent your wallet as much as some others. Affordable Australian classic cars can be found in the entry-level, commercial and even luxury categories. And when it comes to Aussie luxury cars, there are some true bargains to be had…
Ford ZH Fairlane Marquis
Arriving in 1976, the ZH Fairlane Marquis made a bold statement, proving that Ford was brave enough to go “big”. Essentially, the ZH Fairlane was an XC Falcon between the wheelarches, though it effectively hid its origins with much more length in the front and rear sheetmetal and a squarer bodystyle. The new panels, inspired in part by the US Mercury Marquis, made the ZH Fairlane look distinctly different from the Falcon.
Loaded with as many mod-cons as possible, the Fairlane Marquis (a step above the Fairlane 500) came with air-conditioning and power windows as standard - items we take for granted in even the most basic cars today.
Available in both 302cid and 351cid V8 configuration, the smaller of the two provides the best value for money in today’s market. Compared to the base 500, as well as the more luxurious LTD that was available at the same time, the Marquis was the more prodigious Fairlane from the mid-1970s, with those greater numbers ensuring the Marquis has remained affordable.
Today, a ZH Fairlane Marquis can be found in good, original condition for less than $20,000, with outstanding examples rarely exceeding $40,000.
The Marquis is a very comfortable car to drive. However, you shouldn’t expect to travel too rapidly. With emissions equipment and extra weight on board, it is far from a performance car, but is ideal for cruising, especially with a family as there’s abundant room front and rear.
Holden WB Statesman de Ville
Launched in 1980, the WB Statesman de Ville was the “last of the line,” coming at a time when Holden was moving away from large family cars like the Kingswood (on which the Statesman was based) to the smaller and more economical Commodore.
Following HQ, HJ, HX and HZ variants, the WB Statesman featured very square styling, making the car appear similar to a Cadillac; a trend which had been established with the preceding HX and HZ models. The larger headlights and bold grille gave the WB a fresh new look at the front, with much larger horizontal taillights dominating the rear of the car.
Under the bonnet, a 308cid V8 was the sole engine available, matched to a three-speed automatic. Standard features included disc brakes all round, air conditioning, a radio cassette player, power steering, power windows and plush carpeting. Cruise control was optional on the de Ville.
Across the HQ-WB period, the WB Statesman was in production the longest – more than four years - and nearly 14,000 were built in that time. The de Ville was produced in greater numbers than the more exclusive Caprice, too (by a ratio of more than 2 to 1), so you are sure to find a good example out there if you are patient.
WB Statesman pricing starts at around $20,000 for a good, usable example – even less if you’re prepared to undertake some rust repair and refurbishment. Exceptional examples rarely exceed $40,000 at the moment, but as these models – and Holdens in general – become rarer, expect prices to rise.
The driving experience in a Statesman is as plush and relaxing as you can imagine. Built for comfort, not speed, the Statesman is a great cruiser. And with its abundant interior space, it makes for a great family cruiser, too.
Cars like these - and many other affordable classics - can be found at Graysonline auctions. For news on upcoming classic and collectable car auctions, go to: graysonline.com
Chicken Coupe
We all saw the ‘Chicken Coupe’ 1973 Ford XA Falcon GT hardtop sell for a record price with Graysonline recently. As it appeared on all news channels, Sunrise, TV panel show Have You Been Paying Attention, the NZ news and even the UK news, it was hard to miss.
We all know the story of this car, its desirable RPO83 spec, its one-owner status and how it came to be stored in a shed behind chicken wire for more than three decades, but few know how it came to auction.
When the car’s owner passed away last year, the executor of the estate didn’t know what to do with it. After he was offered $150,000 by someone who knew of the car, the executor thought it must be something special, so he contacted several auction houses to discuss the car. After one of the Grays Classic Car team went and inspected the XA GT RPO83, the executor chose Graysonline to auction it.
During an online auction that ran for six days, the Chicken Coupe racked up 197,000 views and eventually sold for over $300,000. The executor was amazed by the interest in the car and gobsmacked by the price it achieved.
The executor took the advice of the Graysonline industry experts and let them do all the work in preparing the car and conducting the auction. When asked did he make the right choice in selecting Graysonline to handle the sale, he said ‘Yes’. When asked would he recommend Graysonline to sell your classic car, he answered, ‘ABSOLUTELY!’
Granted, this car is outside the area of “affordable classics,” but we thought it was worth including in this instalment – a $300K car appearing in JUST CARS issue 300 seemed a perfect fit!