Peter Brock's Group A Commodore out of reach? 1972 Holden HQ SS, 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT, and other classic Australian muscle cars that are still affordable

Six Aussie power-house models that are now on the auctioneer’s block have been selected as ones to watch as bidders queue for Australian muscle cars and their prices rocket to huge figures.

Peter Brock’s personal Group A Commodore hit almost $1.1 million at auction last month but has already been rumoured to be bought off the successful bidder for a staggering $1.7 million.

For those who can’t afford that, there are options that Shannons Auctions terms “the affordable classics” that are now coming up for sale.

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Shannons’ manager Christophe Boribon told CarsGuide these are six cars “are bringing prices back to reality” for most people to enjoy.

“This is a great mid-range price opportunity,” he said.

“You can get a fantastic one-owner HQ SS for $60,000-$75,000, or a Monaro GTS for $90,000 to $110,000.

“In the low- to mid-$100,000s, there’s the Euro-coloured XA GT Falcon for an estimated $130,000 to $140,000, and a purple LC Torana GTR for $120,000 to $140,000.

“These have a lot of appeal and are great buying in comparison to where the market is at the moment.”

Why is there upside in these cars? Mr Boribon said the 1972 Holden HQ SS sedan with 253 V8 is an original, unrestored, one-owner car that needs some cleaning up but is regarded as being a rare machine.

The owner of the Ultra Violet SS – one of only 373 made – was the sole driver from age 52 to 96 (except for illness) and Shannons said that the car has racked up less than 166,000 miles. It already has more than 3650 views from potential buyers.

The 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT comes with refreshed paint and a reconditioned and enhanced 351 V8 and has a price estimate of $130,000 to $140,000. Already it has 3500 views.

The 1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 has 4385 views to date and is expected to go for $120,000 to $140,000. It has lived in Bendigo all its life and 30 years with the current owner.

Features include its very 1970s Plum Dinger (purple) paint, correct upholstery and period sound system, the original service book showing it retains the original engine, and the glovebox lid autographed by Holden’s (then) racing boss Harry Firth.

Mr Boribon said demand is still strong across the board for cars, motorcycles and automobilia without necessarily being weighted to muscle cars.

“We are already full for August and we are consigning for November – that’s how far ahead we are working at the moment,” he said.

“We are getting offered plenty, and it’s not only Australian muscle cars.”

Mr Boribon said now seems like the right time to get into a classic car, with predictions that prices will continue to rise in the short-term future.

“I think the market will retain its trajectory for the next 18 months at least,” he said.

“We’re still going to see strong interest in these cars. After the next 18 months, though, it’s hard to make a prediction.”

Recent bidding data shows suggests there is more interest in classic and second-hand cars, according to Mr Boribon, with some lots attracting more than 5000 bids, which reflects the strength of the market.

“It’s definitely higher than in previous years,” he said.

“The participation level is particularly strong with about double the number of bidders involved compared with previous years.

“That’s partially due to the online platform that makes it easier for people to bid but also shows the level of serious bidders.”

Who’s buying? Mr Boribon said it doesn’t have a lot to do with the age of the buyer, but there is a nice spread in demographic for particular car eras.

“Although it’s across the board, we do see different generations buy certain things,” he said.

“There is definitely Gen X buying more modern cars – 1980 and 1990s, for example – and Japanese domestic cars, then the Baby Boomers are very strong in the 1960s and 1970s muscle cars.

“Also, we are more recently seeing the 2000 and 2010 cars become more popular as a new wave of buyers is looking for investment in the future and also wanting more practicality in their classic cars.

“These newer cars tend to be painless to drive. The more modern cars have more comfort, are easier to start and drive, for example and on longer runs, can be more reliable.”