AW11 - A Sought After Modern Classic

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

anyone got a link?

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.

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..

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