MARKET REVIEW
Alfa Romeo 1963-1992
The money being sought, and in some instances paid, for 1960s-70s Alfas is bewildering. 1.6-litre GTVs have the edge in scarcity and competition kudos but that doesn’t really explain why the smaller-engined cars should be 40 per cent more expensive than others. So too, early ‘boat-tail’ Spiders which are scarce and accordingly command close to $90,000. However no one can provide a cogent reason why the very similar 2000 Spider is not only half the price of a Duetto but also cheaper than a 2.0-litre coupe. Among the Alfetta-based cars, GTV6s are doing well but four-cylinder GTVs remain cheap. Jumping into the market for 1980s Alfas remains cheap with 33IEs, Twin Spark 75s or maybe a big 164 sedan still available below $10,000.
1600GT/GTV $89,475 [6] 1750/2000GTV $57,225 [17] GT/2000GTV 1976-86 $16,600 [11] GTV6 1982-87 $32,770 [11] 2000 Spider 1970-78 $35,880 [10] 75 Twin Spark & V6 $11,000 [4] 33IE/QV $8325 [4]
Alfa Romeo 1993-2008
If you don’t have much money and think that Alfas built 10-25 years ago look to be decent value, have another think. Most currently sell for a tiny fraction of new price but there are various reasons for their apparent bargain status. Durability issues (imaginary and real) cause many buyers to avoid older Alfas so cars such as the V6 166 sedan hold less than 10 per cent of new price. Conversely, the potent 156GTA still makes a quarter of its original cost. Another one that is worth a look and offers value is the Brera coupe. These with a V6 and lots of included goodies cost well short of $20,000.
GTV Coupe/Spider 1997-03 $7785 [27] 147GTA $5555 [29] 156 GTA $18,985 [6] 159 JTS 2005-08 $9740 [30] 166 $5090 [8] Brera V6 2006-08 $14,200 [16]
Aston Martin 1969-2006
Australia’s Aston-Martin population has grown dramatically since the arrival in our market of the DB7 and subsequent models. Availability keeps prices steady and ensures that plenty of locally-sold and recently-imported Astons are available at prices beginning below $70,000. Older Astons and especially DB-prefix cars have been pushed beyond the reach of ‘enthusiast’ buyers and even the once-accessible DB6 will typically cost more than $600,000. Those in the market for a 1970s V8 are better served, with the AM V8 down a little on last year but long-term growth virtually assured. The six-cylinder DBS has less of a following than the V8 but is also $50,000 cheaper.
V8/AM V8 $171,975 [6] DB7 Coupe $72,055 [6] DB7 Volante Conv. $85,140 [7] DB9 Coupe $110,790 [11] Vantage V12 1997-01 $83,565 [7] Vanquish V12 $91,670 [11]
Audi 1992-2008
We struggle at present to identify any recent Audi with strong ‘classic’ attributes but are also defeated in attempts to find surviving pre-1985 cars in any quantity. One 1970s-issue Fox at $10,000 was the standout but 100/200 models from the 1970s-90s seem almost extinct. Among Audi’s more recent offerings we find fast, versatile cars of various sizes and with a variety of engines. Values continue to sag but an obvious possibility is the RS4; down from $160K to less than $50,000 but hopefully staunching its losses. If you need an Audi that is quick and affordable try the S3 Turbo or older A4 Quattro. TT sports cars don’t have the kerb appeal they once offered and good ones are available below $15,000.
80/90 1986-98 $2815 [7] S3 Turbo 1999-04 $16,260 [23] S4 4.2 $16,575 [23] A4 Turbo Quattro 1996-02 $7055 [30] A8 4.2 1995-03 $15,930 [10] RS4 2000-07 $47,600 [15] TT 1.8 1999-04 $13,060 [41] TT 3.2 2004-08 $20,180 [13]
Austin 1922-71
Very soon Britain’s most prolific economy model will celebrate its 100th birthday and roads everywhere will still be cluttered with surviving Austin Sevens. Such is the ‘Baby’ Austin’s appeal that top-quality cars still bring more than an early and more practical Mini. Later-model Austins cost way less and anybody who can lay hands on $5000 can take their pick of some interesting cars including the A30 and A40 – once Australia’s
