An interesting quote from an article in today's Sydney Morning Herald about originality versus restoration:
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Which modern cars will become classics?
In January 2014 a fully restored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sold at auction in Scottsdale Arizona for US$1.4 million. But the real surprise came one day later when an unrestored model was sold in the same auctions for US$1.9 million.
While dilapidated in comparison, the unrestored car still sported its original but faded black paint, red leather upholstery and mechanical components.
Originality trumped shining recreation.
Developing in Europe and the USA over the last decade, the trend towards increasing popularity and prices for preserved original condition cars is now established in Australia. And this trend is likely to continue.
Increasing scarcity of collectible cars will see to that.
How this will impact on later models is harder to predict. Pointers to cars emerging as modern classics include low production numbers, models that captured the public imagination when they were launched or were major milestones stones for their brands.
A competition pedigree will always add spice to the mix.
Shannons National Auctions Manager Christophe Boribon considers that “mid-‘70s Monaros and XB/XC Falcon GT and GS models will hold up well, along with Australian delivered BMW models like the 3.0CSi, later M3s and M635s and Alfa Montreals – not to forget the Ferrari 308, 328 and Berlinetta Boxers and the game changing Testarossa.
“Trailblazing turbocharged cars like the Ford Sierra Cosworth and the Australian delivery four-wheel drive Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R warrant attention due to their technical advances, and the lesser powered original shaped Toyota MR2 and Honda NSX have also proved sought after.”
 
Next time someone considers parting out or making an AW11 a heavily modified track car they might want to consider what was said. Great to see that the AW11 is in there with the Ferraris and other highly priced exotics.

I seen this on a regular basis for ages when it comes to older cars, but few in the MR2 community up here listen when it's talked about. :-(

anyone got a link?

google works
 
http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/preservation-v-restoration-20140812-101ya6.html

Sure they are sought after, but it's still very much a buyers market for anyone seeking a preserved example rather than restored. I definitely think they are a cult car and will always be around, but I don't see the AW11 becoming a highly sought after example. Just another modern classic. I think their fame is overshadowed by the AE86, which realistically in stock guise isn't any quicker than an AW11.

Great car, no doubt. But agree, the AE86 overshadowed it bigtime. An AE86 in comparable condition to a $7k AW11, would probably fetch twice the price.
 
Amazing what a cartoon & Japanese automotive superstar can do.
 
Having spent considerable amount of time in both, I think I'd prefer the AW11.

One thing i will add, relevent or not, the people who part out aw11s usualy part ones out that are beyond repair(a massive write off) and the people building track cars are never(hopping) never to ever get rid of them... But a nice stock examole would be amazing to own too..

Dom, I know they are. I have one. Only 128k on the clock, and even the A/C works.
 
As for the AE86 overshadowing the AW11 I am afraid I don't get this. The cars are very different, with the AW11 being acknowledged in many circles as the first truly reliable mid-engined sports car. While there had been some previous examples of what the Japanese could really do when they tried to build something not derived from a hatchback or "normal" use car, they tended to be either exotics such as the Toyota 2000 GT, or so small no-one over five feet tall and weighing more than 60kg could drive them.
 
I put the AW11 in the same class as the Honda CB750/4 motorcycle, a true game changer. It was just disappointing that Australia didn't have Unleaded fuel until late 1986 so we didn't get the AW11 here until it was well into the model run, plus our stupid import duties at the time made it so expensive. You only have to look at the UK market to understand what an impact the AW11 had when first introduced in Britain at a reasonable price.
 
In the year the AW11 came on the market the Australian cars being produced were typified by the VK Commodore. I know which one I'd rather be driving for fun, and it isn't the Holden.

They forgot to mention the ST205. Great car, looks tough, only 77 sold in Australia, advanced for it's time etc.
 

I think the reason why the AE86 overshadowed the AW11 is becuase it went into alot of japanese racing, and alot of top japanese race drivers were racing these in and off the track, they also built alot of street credit too, but in the world we live in is also a factor, people know the car, and as you know walter, people still to this day 25+ years on people still ask us what is our car, but i garrentee you drive an AE86 and they know.. TRD also had a special race series for the AE86 the N2 class and now have brought it back over the years too and the same top drivers are racing these cars again... Maybe if the Aw11 had gone into racing fame maybe more popular and valuable??

But i have also seen the AW11 as the out spoken qiet achiever, not many people get to experience the capabilities it has nor will ever understand what makes it such a great car ... Or maybe was the AW11 too late? If it came before the AE86 would it be the other way round, as you know the SW20 is extremly popular, and well know... Just food for thought here...