Leyland P76 + Falcon EB GT + Fiat Super Brava - Ones That Got Away

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 27.06.2023

Looking back through the Unique Cars classifieds

Leyland P76 Super V8 - Advertised June 1997

Fifty years have passed since the appearance of a car that managed to polarise the nation. Leyland’s P76 was almost a parody of the archetypal Aussie family car and, had it lived, would have posed an immense threat to Australia’s automotive Big Three. Luckily for them, Leyland managed to fall on its own sword and the P76 lasted barely two years. This mid-spec Super features the 4.4-litre V8 which was the car’s best attribute and was being sold somewhat above new car price; an opportunity for the growing number of people who by 1997 had stopped hating and viewed the V8 P76 as desirable.

Then: $5990. Now: $15,000-18,000

Ford EB Falcon GT - Advertised March 2005

Whenever an EB GT pops up for sale, the words ‘contrived collectable’ come to mind. Ford built 250 of these cars and probably spent more on marketing than they or the dealers made. Less common and with hardly any of the GT’s ‘aero’, additions, ED XR8 Sprints use the same engine and are generally cheaper than the GT. Top money for an EB GT in good condition – criteria that this car seems to meet – remains at around $50,000. When new they cost $62,000 and after 30 years most haven’t got back to that level.

Then: $29,900. Now: $45,000-50,000

Fiat Super Brava - Advertised August 1996

Okay, so who held onto one of these rare Fiats for the past 40 years? The last of the Super Bravas that sold here dates back to 1984 and this is an early Series 3. They came with a twin-cam, 2.0-litre engine and 81kW. In five-speed form were good for 170km/h. They didn’t last though because parts support from the importer was appalling and a lot were worth more at the wreckers than intact. Recently we did find one for sale, on its trailer as a fully worked competition car, but nothing in road spec. Our ‘Now’value is based on data gleaned overseas where the cars were sold under various names.

Then: $5100. Now: $6000-8500

Healey Elliott - Advertised April 1992

For many years after leaving Riley and before teaming up with Austin, Donald Healey used his former employers’ engines in a range of low-production, strangely styled touring and sports cars. Named after the company contracted to build its body, the Elliott was a costly alternative to the Mark V Jaguar and only 101 were built. This car may have been imported for the 1949 Melbourne Motor Show and is likely the only Elliott to have come here. These Healeys are rarely seen or sold, even overseas, but haven’t grown dramatically in value.

Then: $14,000. Now: $45,000-50,000

From Unique Cars #479, June 2023

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