Worth Buying An Old Holden As An Investment?

[Wonky]

Background Pt 1. Wife and I are retired with SFA income from a modest SMSF account.

Background Pt 2. The son of my best friend of 60+ years is a car collector with a number of rare and expensive cars, the latest being a mid 70s Aston Martin. He doesn't have room for all so is selling off one of his completely refurbished old Holdens (he purchased it already done).

Very, very clean, zero rust. I don't want to give too many details away but if it was an EH or HR in similar condition for similar money I'd be on it like a shot, but it's of course a less desirable model.

Given (genuine) Holdens are no longer being made, I guess the bottom line question is do people with some sort of knowledge in this area think it is possible to at least match typical SMSF (SFA) returns as a long term investment? Remembering that gains, if any, in car prices won't be taxed.

[Pickles]

G'Day,...Gary isn't it?...I think I remember meeting you at Chevs many years ago?
l reckon you need to tell us about the car (not price,...that's up to you), model, restored, condition etc etc. We don't know where the car is, so IMHO, there's very little likelihood of anyone "stealing" it from you,...I ain't got the dollars anyway!
Regards, Martin.

[Micks]

Gazza don't do it! Save ya money matey! :lol:

[whitels1ss]

Gazza don't do it! Save ya money matey! :lol:

Exactly, good advice Mick! :yup:




It costs money to hold & keep anything especially a car.



You could be up for costs such as storage, maintenance, unexpected failures, accidental damage or other extra costs including registration & insurance.

(The value of the car may not increase enough to even cover the holding costs.)



IMHO it's not worth the risks or bother unless it is something which you really want to own & drive.

[Micks]

Exactly, good advice Mick! :yup:




It costs money to hold & keep anything especially a car.



You could be up for costs such as storage, maintenance, unexpected failures, accidental damage or other extra costs including registration & insurance.

(The value of the car may not increase enough to even cover the holding costs.)



IMHO it's not worth the risks or bother unless it is something which you really want to own & drive.

I reckon in these times there will be plenty of peeps trying to offload these cars aye!

[Wonky]

Probably wasn't clear - not looking purely for investment purposes but also to have a piece of history that would enable me to occasionally go to chrome bumper shows.

[Wonky]

G'Day,...Gary isn't it?...I think I remember meeting you at Chevs many years ago?
l reckon you need to tell us about the car (not price,...that's up to you), model, restored, condition etc etc. We don't know where the car is, so IMHO, there's very little likelihood of anyone "stealing" it from you,...I ain't got the dollars anyway!
Regards, Martin.

When he bought it. https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2017-shannons-melbourne-late-summer-classic-auction/CE01DY2O1Z89I3A7/

[Micks]

Wow that is an ol timer mate! Was the EK the better model than FB or the other way around?

[whitels1ss]

Wow that is an ol timer mate! Was the EK the better model than FB or the other way around?

EK was the newer one,

from memory it even came with modern electric windscreen wipers instead of the vacuum powered wipers that were used in the FB. :lol:

[Wonky]

The main reason I'm contemplating this car is given my disabilities I don't have the time or energy to put into doing one up, much and all as I'd love to be able to. Obviously I'm paying up front for someone who has put in the time and money to restore it and wouldn't buy one newly restored due to concerns about, for example, rust repairs having not been done properly.


From Shannons page:

Holden’s EK series was a facelift of the popular FB model, launched with much fanfare in May 1961 due to the introduction of GM-H’s first automatic transmission, dubbed the Hydramatic.

Otherwise the EK was largely unchanged from the FB introduced just over a year earlier and shared the same basic styling, the curved glass windscreen and rear fins reflecting the latest American trends. External changes between the FB and EK were few; the new model received a slightly wider front grille, reshaped bumper over riders and the hubcaps featured the Lion emblem, while the chrome decoration found on the FB Special was replaced by a simple horizontal chrome spear.

The new Holden gained a little weight, so the trusty grey motor came in for some work – it was bored out by 1/16th of an inch to raise the total cubic capacity to 138-cid, while the compression ratio was also lifted to 7.25:1, resulting in a total output of 75 horsepower. The brakes and clutch were also improved and other changes included electric wipers instead of the older vacuum-operated type.

The better-appointed Special added stainless mouldings, chrome badges and glamorous two-tone upholstery, along with a wider palette of exterior colours. Holden built 150,214 EKs before the model was superseded by the EJ series in July 1962.

[Peter B - CV8]

Probably wasn't clear - not looking purely for investment purposes but also to have a piece of history that would enable me to occasionally go to chrome bumper shows.
SMSF rules are pretty clear on cars. You can't store them at your home & can't be driven by any trustee of the SMSF trust.

[Pickles]

Having seen the car, I'd say no to that one. That hydramatic would not be a good drive with the grey motor, and "Special Sedans" are reasonably common. If I were you, & I was considering something like that, I'd be looking for an EK Special Manual Station Wagon. It'd have to be a GOOD one, but one in good original shape is quite a rare beast. BUT, they are around, ya just gotta be patient. The thing about EKs is that they haven't got the same appeal to many as FJs, EH's etc, but the EK is a great car and an EK Special S.W. is more special again.
Pickles.

[Micks]

Good advice Martin, personally I would go the hatchback V8 Torana myself, though have too many ornaments in the stable already!! :lmao:

[Wonky]

SMSF rules are pretty clear on cars. You can't store them at your home & can't be driven by any trustee of the SMSF trust.

Yep, understand that so wouldn't be purchased under the SMSF. :)

[Wonky]

Having seen the car, I'd say no to that one. That hydramatic would not be a good drive with the grey motor, and "Special Sedans" are reasonably common. If I were you, & I was considering something like that, I'd be looking for an EK Special Manual Station Wagon. It'd have to be a GOOD one, but one in good original shape is quite a rare beast. BUT, they are around, ya just gotta be patient. The thing about EKs is that they haven't got the same appeal to many as FJs, EH's etc, but the EK is a great car and an EK Special S.W. is more special again.
Pickles.

Problem is if I did buy one what I'd really love is an EH (my first car in 1972) or HR but a good one is way out of my price range. Also, given my medical condition I can only drive automatics now, so even though I know from experience a grey motor with hydramatic wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding it's my only real choice. One Christmas holidays down at Ocean Grove where my family always spent their holidays as I was growing up, a mate had his mum's EJ wagon automatic and with 4 of us in it it really struggled to get up the hill from the foreshore to city centre.

Bottom line is it's only because it's someone I know and trust who's selling it for a valid reason that I'm even contemplating it. I need something which needs absolutely no work. :)

[Pickles]

Problem is if I did buy one what I'd really love is an EH (my first car in 1972) or HR but a good one is way out of my price range. Also, given my medical condition I can only drive automatics now, so even though I know from experience a grey motor with hydramatic wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding it's my only real choice. One Christmas holidays down at Ocean Grove where my family always spent their holidays as I was growing up, a mate had his mum's EJ wagon automatic and with 4 of us in it it really struggled to get up the hill from the foreshore to city centre.

Bottom line is it's only because it's someone I know and trust who's selling it for a valid reason that I'm even contemplating it. I need something which needs absolutely no work. :)

Well, if you know the owner, & the background/history to the car, then I suppose that puts a different light on it, but if you are doing this for purely monetary reasons, I would say that there are better ways of investing your hard earned.
Pickles.

[Wonky]

Yes Pickles, when I started contemplating this I probably over emphasized the investment part of things. I would like a piece of Aussie motoring history even though it's not one of my favourite models (which would be too expensive for me) but am also concerned longer term about at least not losing money on it and hopefully gaining as they become rarer. Obviously the need for a quick sale would bring a loss but hopefully wouldn't be in such a situation.

[whitels1ss]

Hey Gary, have you seen what you can buy in a Camaro or Corvette for around the same money?

I would much rather drive a $35,000 350 cubic inch engined Corvette than a $35,000 138 cubic inch engined EK Holden. :driving:

[Wonky]

Very true but who knows what hidden work it needs. :)

[whitels1ss]

Very true but who knows what hidden work it needs. :)

If you like the car, get someone like Chev to look at it for you.

Same with buying any old car but at least the old small block chev stuff is cheap, reliable & easy to sort out any problems.

[Wonky]

What I would have loved was the 68 Camaro (RHD 327 or 350 - can't remember which now, Muncie etc) my brother had and was just starting to restore when he was killed in an accident in his semi in 1993. Eventually got around to selling it a few years later (1996?), problem being it was in hundreds of bits and nobody was sure what was missing or not. AFAIK it had no rust anywhere but we eventually virtually gave it away ($6k from memory). :bawl:

Problem was I'd been diagnosed with a form of MND in 1993 and was already struggling with certain things and we had NFI what my future held. It was also well before I got back into the car scene and it was going to be a huge job! Impossible for me to even consider.

Came across it only a year or two ago, via FB. Long story but it was sold on again to someone who had a connection with my brother when the guy who bought it from us went to sell it (still in bits I believe). Now restored it and has a 454. :burnout:

64806481

[whitels1ss]

Well then, something like that could be perfect for you Gary :yup:

[Wonky]

a) if only he'd sell it and
b) manual so I can't drive it. Had to hand in my heavy truck/bus licence 25 years ago. :(

[whitels1ss]

Buy something similar in automatic then Gary.

[Wonky]

I totally understand where you're coming from Ed but then I'm back in the problem of potentially buying a money pit. That was the appealing thing with the EK - basically nothing needed.

[whitels1ss]

A nice tidy car with a small block chev motor should not be a money pit, especially if you get it checked out properly before you buy it.

Obviously, all the same classic car rego & other club perks apply with the age of the car.

(Not sure about the exacts over there but here it is under $100 per year for car club classic car registration if the car is 30 years old plus.)

[whitels1ss]

Saw this today at a Corvette club show & shine

For sale with a quite reasonable price tag

6488
6489
6490

It wasn't perfect but still looked very respectable & very drivable as it sits...

I reckon it would be much better value than an FB Holden :yup:

[Pickles]

Saw this today at a Corvette club show & shine

For sale with a quite reasonable price tag

6488
6489
6490

It wasn't perfect but still looked very respectable & very drivable as it sits...

I reckon it would be much better value than an FB Holden :yup:

Agree. Can't tell much about any car from a color image, but it does look straight & tidy. 350?...How many dollars?
Pickles.

[SASLS1]

That Corvette looks to be a 1974, with the split rear plastic bumper.

The Chrome bumper C3 1968 to 1973 are a lot more desirable and demand more money, than 1974 to 1982 C3's.

1973 was the last of the chrome bumper Corvettes on the rear, and introduced a plastic bumper on the front for the first time.

Rear ends of 1968 to 1973 look heaps more tough / aggressive, than the soft looking from 1974 onwards Corvettes IMO.

1974 to 1982 C3's are the least desirable Corvettes... but the most affordable to buy due to less people wanting those models.

I'd much rather be cruising around in a Corvette / Camaro than an really early Holden as Whitels1ss mentioned, 100% agree on the one.

Large OEM wheels / brakes / engines in Corvette's compared to early Holdens.

Small block or big block can be nice and reliable.

Find a nice looked after car, it won't be a money pit.

Find a cheap rundown car, it will definitively be a money pit.

A chrome bumper Corvette 1953 to 1973 will always increase more in value over time than a 1974 to 1982 C3 Corvette ever will as an investment IMO...

1967 to 1969 Camaro's are the most desirable, with 1969 being the best looking Camaro ever IMO..

That's my 2 cents...

[SASLS1]

Super clean stunning... 1969 big block camaro...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_0sSiP4bVc

[amckiwi]

A similar question would be should I invest in a wife
For some its the best investment ever
Others find some or all of the following
Its a growing investment
Upkeep proves more than expected
The investment may be sub prime, it will cost more to get out off than what you have invested
It can get get very messy at trade in or disposal times when estimations of value can be way more than the current market.

Maybe consider leasing or rental options!

They all seem to come with a salary sacrifice but no tax benefit.

[whitels1ss]

A similar question would be should I invest in a wife
For some its the best investment ever
Others find some or all of the following
Its a growing investment
Upkeep proves more than expected
The investment may be sub prime, it will cost more to get out off than what you have invested
It can get get very messy at trade in or disposal times when estimations of value can be way more than the current market.

Maybe consider leasing or rental options!

They all seem to come with a salary sacrifice but no tax benefit.

So true! :lmao:

[BLACK 346]

Setting nostalgia aside for a second Wonky, when was the last time you drove one of these old shitters? I know we all look at them and think fark I wish I owned one of them, or geez I wish I had not sold my old xxxxx (77 318 4 speed Charger in my case). But in reality, they are slow, uncomfortable, high maintenance dungers with shit brakes and very poor handling. Are you going to go for a drive in your new purchase and straight away wish you were back in your Senator?

[whitels1ss]

Setting nostalgia aside for a second Wonky, when was the last time you drove one of these old shitters? I know we all look at them and think fark I wish I owned one of them, or geez I wish I had not sold my old xxxxx (77 318 4 speed Charger in my case). But in reality, they are slow, uncomfortable, high maintenance dungers with shit brakes and very poor handling. Are you going to go for a drive in your new purchase and straight away wish you were back in your Senator?

Very true Rod. :thumbsup:

[BLACK 346]

Very true Rod. :thumbsup:

Did you buy that Corvette Ed? lol

Edit: Watching the latest season of Texas Metal at the moment. In Episode 1 they retro mod a 69 Vette, Full custom chassis, LS motor, then slam it on repro 20 inch factory style wheels. It looks magnificent.

[whitels1ss]

Edit: Watching the latest season of Texas Metal at the moment. In Episode 1 they retro mod a 69 Vette, Full custom chassis, LS motor, then slam it on repro 20 inch factory style wheels. It looks magnificent.

Looks cool Rod!

Always liked the side pipes on the old Stingrays! :yup:

[Wonky]

Looks cool Rod!

Always liked the side pipes on the old Stingrays! :yup:

Must hit on every bump!!! Couldn't tackle many driveways........

[Micks]

6537

Reading material for ya Gazza :wave:

[duke5700]

My 2c would be a solid no. For two reasons -

It isn't the car you really want, which leads into my second point the on going work and maintenance for cars that don't move a whole lot.

I have a very close friend who inherited the maintenance of 3 old girls. A HD Sedan, HD Wagon and a HR Sedan. The two sedans being trophy winners.. they take a lot of time and effort to keep looking as good as they do.

On another note people forget how much money on insurance, lubcricants and parts they spend over the years. That really eats into long term financial gains.

Buy em if you like em, but I wouldn't speculate.

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18485359_1445134562175481_6247477233352738006_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQkEmafe_C6v112nHqU2lLIstugX-WIVoXvbFrUIRRhLBrwot2Rb_XY2Yonom2wk5SA&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=7bc3f17c1db7490cdeace6641d785fc0&oe=5EF59A72

[whitels1ss]

Registration & insurance on a classic car is not very expensive.
My 1974 C3 Corvette Stingray convertible cost me $174 for 2 years club rego & $201 per year (with multi vehicle policy discount)
for comprehensive, agreed value insurance through Shannons.

[Swordie]

In terms of EH or HR i dont see them as an investment. Buy one if you really like it. There would be other cars with better potential returns.

[Micks]

VB Commies are fetching 30K+ these days amazing!

[C4B]

VB Commies are fetching 30K+ these days amazing!

If you bought one new in the late 70's when the came out you'd have paid more in Rego and insurance over that time. It's great to see cars appreciating in value, but they're still a pretty rubbish investment.

[whitels1ss]

VB Commies are fetching 30K+ these days amazing!

I can't see the value. :nono:

[C4B]

I can't see the value. :nono:

Are they actually selling for that or just dreamers asking for that?

[whitels1ss]

Are they actually selling for that or just dreamers asking for that?

Yeah, there certainly are plenty of dreamers out there! :jerk::jerk::jerk:

[C4B]

Forget about buying an old Holden. Go out and buy a 40 pack of Toilet paper. You'll make more money!

[Swordie]

Article - Top 10 Holdens to invest in - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/top-10-holdens-to-invest-in-109578/

[Micks]

Article - Top 10 Holdens to invest in - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/top-10-holdens-to-invest-in-109578/

Agree EH, GTR, SLR, A9X, older Monaros.

[jc_sv8]

The only way to make a little money with cars is to start with a lot...

[whitels1ss]

I wonder how the coronavirus will effect the prices of classic cars both long & short term?

[Pickles]

I wonder how the coronavirus will effect the prices of classic cars both long & short term?

Short term, IMHO they will go down, & ya wouldn't wanna try to sell one in a hurry at the moment IMHO, but if ya've got the dollars, maybe now would be a good time to buy as there may be some panic "cash strapped" owners who need to sell,.....there certainly will be in the not too distant future. Aussie cars have been over valued for a long time relative to U.S. offerings, and I reckon ya'll see a decline in their values.
Pickles.

[Micks]

These old UC's 4's be pretty rare these days, ain't seen one for yonks!!

6634

[whitels1ss]

Short term, IMHO they will go down, & ya wouldn't wanna try to sell one in a hurry at the moment IMHO,
but if ya've got the dollars, maybe now would be a good time to buy as there may be some panic "cash strapped" owners who need to sell,.....
there certainly will be in the not too distant future.
Aussie cars have been over valued for a long time relative to U.S. offerings, and I reckon ya'll see a decline in their values.
Pickles.

I think you are right Martin, will certainly be watching the prices closely over the next few months.

[Jamolad]

Appreciate it is only a 6 (I'd still crawl over broken glass to have it), but serious wow at the original condition of this one owner (assuming that is all true). https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-60014634/motor-vehiclesmotor-cycles/1969-holden-ht-gts-monaro-manual-coupe?spr=true

[whitels1ss]

Appreciate it is only a 6 (I'd still crawl over broken glass to have it), but serious wow at the original condition of this one owner (assuming that is all true). https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-60014634/motor-vehiclesmotor-cycles/1969-holden-ht-gts-monaro-manual-coupe?spr=true

Not my cup of tea mate, I know some might like it but I can't get my mind around the idea of paying over $87,000 (that is where the auction price is at this moment & still going.....)
for an old 6 cylinder car which couldn't even keep up with a new base model Corolla. :shock: :lmao:

[Pickles]

Not my cup of tea mate, I know some might like it but I can't get my mind around the idea of paying over $87,000 (that is where the auction price is at this moment & still going.....)
for an old 6 cylinder car which couldn't even keep up with a new base model Corolla. :shock: :lmao:

Yeah, that's about where I'm at too. I love the early Monaros, but it'd have to be at least a 308 & preferably a 350.
Pickles.

[whitels1ss]

Yeah, that's about where I'm at too.
I love the early Monaros, but it'd have to be at least a 308 & preferably a 350.
Pickles.

In my books a classic car must have a V8 soundtrack to interest me. :driving:

[BLACK 346]

Not my cup of tea mate, I know some might like it but I can't get my mind around the idea of paying over $87,000 (that is where the auction price is at this moment & still going.....)
for an old 6 cylinder car which couldn't even keep up with a new base model Corolla. :shock: :lmao:

Perfect shell for a blown LS though?

[Micks]

Gaz the new Wonky mobile.....:D

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[Wonky]

Bugger! Should have bought it! He actually didn't end up putting it up for sale in the end but it's now for sale at significantly more than last year and attracting very decent offers. If you're on FB see https://www.facebook.com/groups/oscfsa/permalink/3807403619347820/?sale_post_id=3807403619347820

[bigfoot]

The prices are still on the climb, there isnt two many bargins for sale as the moment.