Stuart Marsh* says with the end of Holden in Australia, some makes and models are tipped to become valuable investments for their owners.
Some Holden owners could have a “goldmine” sitting in their garage as the brand’s exit from Australia promises to turn classic family cars into potential serious investments.
As a motor vehicle company, Holden boasts a 112-year history with Australian motoring — 164 years if you count their days as an Adelaide saddlery.
From that has come an estimated eight million-plus vehicles that have been assembled on Australian soil — the majority of which have most likely perished from rust or decades of teenager abuse.
The remaining survivors are now museum pieces: whether it’s a 1956 FJ Holden or a 2017 VF II Commodore, every kilometre that’s driven by a Holden is one that will never be replaced.
So how do you know if your pride and joy is going to be worth a lot of money?
According to Australia’s preeminent Holden historian, Don Loffler, it’s the cars that Australians once lusted over as children that will likely see the highest price increases.
“I’ll tell you this much: those who bought the final VF Commodores — the last special production cars — they are sitting on a goldmine for sure,” Mr Loffler told 9News.com.au.
“I also think the owners of the classic Monaros and the hot Toranas will without a doubt continue to see an increase in value.”
“The FBs and the EKs and the HDs — are they going to increase in value?”
“That I’m not so sure on.”
According to Mr Loffler — who has authored six books on the history of Holden — it’s likely that only the Australian-made cars will go on to become collectors’ items.
“GM Holden made a serious mistake when they stopped production and put Commodore badges on a German Opel,” Mr Loffler explained.
“The Australian public has not forgiven them.”
“Even though our final Commodores like the VE and the VF had a lot of similarities to a German Opel, there were nonetheless unique to Australia.”
“The Opel Commodore we were given in the last couple of years is a good car.”
“But people saw right through the badges.”
A cursory glance at online classifieds shows Mr Loffler knows a tidy whip when he sees one.
According to Carsales.com.au, coveted GTS Holden Monaros from the 1970s are fetching prices as high as $235,000.
Last edition VF Commodores — which are now only three years old — are retailing for as high as $99,000.
That’s a stark increase over the sticker price in 2017 of around $60,000.
Finally comes the Holden Torana in the coveted A9X — of which only 33 body shells were made — which are now worth a very cool $250,000 plus.
Lou Murray, who owns a vintage Holden Torana, told 9News.com.au that it would take an inordinate amount of money “to pry it loose” from him.
“I’ve been holding on to this beauty for years now — paid $20,000 about nine years ago and it’s worth at least $40,000 now,” Mr Murray said.
“It’s a great investment.”
“I have spent next to nothing on it and it’s gone up $25,000–$30,000 in eight years.”
“I actually advertised it about six years ago for $25,000 and got a few interstate calls.”
“I bet they are kicking themselves for not buying it.”
“I’m actually thanking God they didn’t.”
Operations Manager at the now-defunct Gosford Classic Car Museum, Jason Fischer told 9News.com.au that people are willing to pay big dollars for nostalgia.
“You’ve got to remember at the time when these cars were new most of them were raced or driven aggressively,” Mr Fischer said.
“Very few people in 1977 bought them to store as long-term investments.”
“It was almost seen as the hoon’s car, and now if you’ve got one, you’re a connoisseur, which is pretty funny.”
“Nostalgia adds a tonne of value.”
Mr Fischer recommends that collectors keen on entering the market for used Holdens pick a car that, first and foremost, they like.
“People who associate the car with their childhood and growing up are almost willing to pay whatever it takes to own one,” Mr Fischer said.
“When buying a classic car, I always tell people to buy something they like.”
“That way if the classic car market goes one way and your car doesn’t rocket up in value, you still have something that brings you happiness.”
For Mr Loffler, the true value of owning a classic Holden isn’t necessarily what it’s worth but in the communities that rally around Australian motoring nostalgia.
“I have a 1954 FJ Holden,” Mr Loffler said.
“It’s a beautiful car.”
“At the moment its value is increasing — every year the insurance on my car is increased.”
“For my generation — I’m 80 years old now — the FJ is an Australian icon.”
“But for my grandson, the icons are the hot Toranas and the hot Monaros.”
Some of the Holden makes and models likely to increase in value:
- Final Edition 2017 VF II Commodores including the “Magnum”, “Director” and “Motorsport” limited editions.
- Rare SS Torana and SL/R 5000 models.
- All 1977–1978 LX Torana A9X models.
- Peter Brock’s “Blue Meanie” HDT VK Group A Commodores built in 1985.
- FJ Holdens (particularly 1953 models known as Australia’s first car).
- 1968 HK Monaro GTS 327.
- GTSR W1 HSV Commodore.
* Stuart Marsh is a Senior Producer with 9News.com.au. He tweets at @StuMarsh9.
This article first appeared at www.9news.com.au/motoring.
