Australian Muscle & Classic Car Monthly | October 2026
A Cobra with just 73 kilometres, Monaros heading under the hammer and a fresh look at Chrysler’s surf-era classics: there’s plenty to get Australian car enthusiasts talking this month.
Welcome to Aussie Garage’s monthly look around the Australian muscle and classic car scene. We’ve picked out recent stories worth your time, added a few favourites from our own garage, and linked the original sources so you can explore further.
One owner, 73 kilometres: an FPV Cobra emerges
How much driving is too little? A 2007 FPV BF MkII GT Cobra featured by Unique Cars on 2November has reportedly covered just 73 kilometres. The story identifies it as build #204 of 400 sedans, preserved by its original owner.
According to the owner’s account in the article, it arrived with 58 kilometres showing and added only 15 kilometres before going into storage. That makes the paperwork and preservation story almost as interesting as the car itself.
Unique Cars reports that bidding is due to open on 26 November and close on 3 December. For Ford fans, it poses a familiar dilemma: keep an unusually low-use example preserved, or finally enjoy the V8 on the road?
Source: Unique Cars: the 73-kilometre FPV GT Cobra — 2 November 2026. Auction timing and vehicle claims are as reported; check the auctioneer’s current listing for updates.
Monaros, Toranas and early Falcons on November’s auction radar
Burns & Co’s November catalogue gives fans of Australian-built cars plenty to browse. Its announced line-up includes HT and HQ Monaros, an LJ Torana GTR XU-1, an XC Fairmont GXL and early Falcon models.
Later performance cars are represented too, including a VY R8 Maloo and a VF GTSR Maloo. The catalogue also lists two XY GT tributes, a distinction worth keeping clear when comparing cars.
The live auction runs on 9, 10 and 11 November, starting at 6 pm AEDT each evening — 3 pm in Perth. Online bidding is available, with vehicles located across the auctioneer’s Victorian and NSW facilities. Check the individual lot location and inspection arrangements before making plans.
It’s a useful catalogue to explore whether you’re looking for a factory-style classic, a modified cruiser or a later V8 ute.
Source: Burns & Co: November Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction. These are advertised entries, with no sale results yet implied.
October’s Torana sales: look beyond the headline
In an October auction report, Unique Cars listed a 1973 LJ GTR XU-1 at $117,250 and a 1970 LC GTR XU-1 at $95,500, both before buyer’s premium. The report describes both as non-matching-numbers examples.
Those details matter as much as the dollar figures. Individual auction results tell us what particular cars achieved on a particular day; condition, originality, documentation and history can make direct comparisons difficult.
For anyone following the market, the full descriptions are worth reading alongside the results.
Source: Unique Cars: Chicane’s October auction results — 19 October 2026. The publisher labels this report as sponsored content. Figures are reported results in Australian dollars, excluding buyer’s premium.
Build inspiration: Cleveland power and a serious VY ute
Street Machine’s November issue preview, published on 19 October, highlights two builds that should appeal to fans of local machinery: Jack Cutajar’s XE Fairmont with a 408ci Cleveland and Chris Cookson’s VY SS ute.
The Fairmont keeps its 1980s character while adding substantial V8 muscle. The VY, meanwhile, is described as combining ambitious drag-strip goals with a high standard of presentation. The issue also includes a VL Calais and a blown HZ Sandman replica.
There’s a familiar theme here: the best modified cars give you a reason to look past the engine bay. Stance, trim and the owner’s choices are often what make a build memorable.
Source: Street Machine: November 2026 issue preview — 19 October 2026. Performance ambitions are described as goals, rather than verified times.
Heritage read: how the Valiant Drifter found its stripes
Holden’s Sandman and Ford’s Sundowner weren’t the only names chasing Australia’s surf-and-van culture. David Burrell’s recent Australian Motor Heritage Foundation article revisits Chrysler’s Drifter range and the design thinking behind its bold appearance.
Published on 31 October, the feature includes recollections from retired Chrysler/Mitsubishi Australia design manager Dennis Nicolle. It explores how the team developed a distinctive stripe treatment for a late arrival in the leisure-vehicle market.
It’s a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys the stories behind Australian design. There’s more to these cars than bright paint: they capture a very particular moment in how local manufacturers sold freedom and fun.
Source: Australian Motor Heritage Foundation: Valiant Drifter — Maximum impact — David Burrell, 31 October 2026.
From our garage: a sleeper Falcon and a classic Holden
After browsing the national stories, come back to two builds from our own coverage. They show just how differently owners can approach an Australian classic.
Jay’s XL Falcon, nicknamed Grandpa, hides a 302 Windsor V8 behind its period character. It’s an appealing take on a cruiser: keep the familiar appearance and enjoy the upgrades underneath.
Holden fans can explore Phil’s VH Commodore restoration, while those drawn to blue-and-white Ford coupes can revisit Marcus’s 1978 XC Cobra #58. These are Aussie Garage features, separate from the cars in the external auction reports.
Keep the history as well as the car
Old photographs, dealer brochures, workshop literature and club records can help preserve the stories that surround the cars. Unique Cars recently highlighted the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation’s work and encouraged enthusiasts to consider supporting its archive.
The Foundation maintains a research library and collection at Sydney Motorsport Park. If you have material that may be useful, contact its team first to discuss what it can accept.
Sources: Unique Cars: saving Australia’s motoring heritage — 29 October 2026; Australian Motor Heritage Foundation: its collection and preservation work.
What caught your eye this month?
Would you preserve that low-kilometre Cobra, chase an early Falcon, or build a classic with a few surprises underneath? Tell us which story or car deserves a closer look.
For local outings, see our November WA car events roundup. Got an Australian classic, restoration or owner story we should feature? Get in touch with Aussie Garage.
Original summaries by Aussie Garage, with references linked beside each story. Pictures are from existing Aussie Garage coverage and are captioned to identify their subjects. Auction listings and reported vehicle histories should be checked with the relevant source before acting on them.
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