Classic 48-86

Key Points

• Factoryspec (or close to factory-spec) passenger vehicles and selected light commercials built between 1948 and 1986

Key Examples

• FJ Holden
• Chevrolet Bel Air
• Mini
• Originalera VW Beetle
• Ford Thunderbird
• MGB
• Mazda RX7

If you’re looking to buy a classic car in Australia, there is a wide variety of vehicles to choose from – and not just Australian-made ones, either. American cars are extremely popular, with strong enthusiast demand for British, European and Japanese classics, too.

Classic covers “everyday” pre-1986 vehicles from full-volume manufacturers, as well as exotic sports cars and niche models. For example, a VW Beetle, Lamborghini Miura and NSU Ro80 are all suitable for advertising in this category.

VW Beetle

In this instance, Classic also refers to vehicles that are considered close to their original, factory-produced specification and have not been extensively modified. Hot rods or vehicles prepared specifically for motorsport will not be listed in Classic, as they’re served by other categories.

Australian-made classic cars for sale in Australia include some well-known and very popular vehicles from the 1950, ’60s and ’70s, like the FJ Holden, Ford Falcon, Monaro, Falcon GT and Torana.

In terms of classic American cars for sale in Australia, those from the 1950, ’60s and early ’70s are the most popular, like the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird, and Chevrolet’s Corvette, Bel Air, Impala and Camaro. Cadillacs, Pontiacs and Buicks from this period are also popular, while the likes of Packard, Studebaker, Oldsmobile and other American marques have a smaller following.

The most popular classic British cars for sale in Australia tend to be from the sports car end of the spectrum, including the MGA and MGB, Austin-Healeys, Jaguars and Triumph’s TR series, as well as the hot Cooper versions of the Mini, but more humble Morris Minors and Austins also have a devoted audience, as do the likes of Wolseley, Riley, Rover and Vauxhall, but on a smaller scale. 

Japanese cars from this period that are popular with enthusiasts include the Datsun 240Z, early Toyota Corollas, the Mazda RX7 and earlier Mazda rotaries. European cars for sale in Australia include various Renaults and Citroens, the Volkswagen Beetle and Karmann Ghia, as well as various Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Fiat and Alfa Romeo models, to name a few.  

Lamborghini Miura

Vehicles considered UNSUITABLE for this category include motorcycles and motorcycle-style trikes, medium and heavy trucks (that CAN’T be driven on a car licence) and selected 4x4s and SUVs. Caravans, trailers and other non-powered items that aren’t cars but fit the 1948-86 period may be listed in this category at JUST CARS’ discretion. 

To be suitable for listing in this category, vehicles MUST be in complete or near complete condition, even if disassembled. Groups of random parts and vehicles regarded as being beyond near complete condition will not be listed.