Our pick of the the best cars that have become eligible for 25- and 30-year old historic vehicle registration in Australia in 2023?
Looking after the elderly is a respectful thing to do.
And, much like humans, cars can benefit from cheaper running costs the moment they become a ‘senior’.
Most Australian states and territories offer a concessional registration scheme for vehicles either 25- or 30 years old. It’s generally on the basis that the car is used occasionally, and not daily.
We’ve previously outlined what your state-based government offers you as a budding classic car owner. You can click here to learn more.
Now though, ww’ll take a look at our pick of the cars that started production in either 1993 to 1998 – making them 25- or 30-years old for the first time this year, thus eligible for Club registration. Whoever would have thought the AU Falcon could become a genuine ‘classic’? Australian states and territories, that’s who.
Cars turning 25 in 2023 – Victoria and South Australia
1998 Toyota LandCruiser (LC100)
The good thing about buying a Toyota LandCruiser is that they last forever.
That makes it a wise choice when it comes to classic motoring. Known for being capable off-road and for having excellent touring credentials, the 100 Series LandCruiser first made its Australian debut in 1998.
On offer in year-one was a naturally-aspirated diesel straight-six, a naturally-aspirated petrol straight-six, and a mighty petrol V8. If you want the epic ‘1HD’ turbo-diesel straight-six you’ll have to wait until 2025 at the earliest, as that powertrain did not arrive until 2000.
They are eye-wateringly expensive, too. There are other mechanical differences to note across the range as well, with 105 Series LandCruisers featuring a non-independent live front-axle while the 100 Series Land Cruisers was fitted with an independent front suspension system.
1998 Porsche 911 (996)
The 996 generation of Porsche 911 was the first in the nameplate’s saga to be water-cooled.
It was also the first 911 to not feature single and circular headlights, but instead sported lights that appeared to be modelled after a fried egg.
We joke. Either way, some 996 generation cars have blossomed to become truly collectable. Examples with a manual transmission are worth good coin, and anything decent with a Turbo or GT badge will cost over $150,000 in 2023.
We personally love the 996 Turbo, but you’ll have to wait to get one on cut-price rego – its first year of Australian availability came two years later in the year 2000.
1998 Ford Falcon (AU)
The AU generation Ford Falcon has enjoyed a tumultuous relationship with Australians.
At first, we hated its droopy and awful styling. The VT Holden Commodore was clearly the better looking car.
Next, we had the plastic-fantastic pair of XR AU Falcons with Perspex-clad quad headlights. Its very 2000s era styling has not aged gracefully, and has seen the AU Falcon become somewhat of a meme in the sub-culture that is Aussie automobiles.
We’ve probably all been in one too, either as a cab, a mate’s car, or a dodgy ride home from the pub. They are synonymous with our Olympic era, and ought to be celebrated before the rest meet the scrap heap.
It’s in with a fighting chance now, given you can relive that nostalgia with subsidised registration costs. Long live the unloved AU.
1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe
From one styling faux-pas to another.
Or, maybe the greatest sports wagon ever made. The 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe – fashioned by divisive car designer Chris Bangle – split the crowd upon its debut in 1998.
BMW even acknowledges this on its own history website. While Bangle said “every line of the Z3 Coupé is proof of the BMW passion for driving”, a BMW board member countered with, “this vehicle won’t be everybody’s darling”.
It’s what’s under the skin that counts though: a high-output 236kW S52 six-cylinder engine under the bonnet, a wide suspension track, and four-exhaust pipes out the back.
Personally, I love the styling. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
1993 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B
The holy-grail of Japanese homologation specials for the dirt can now benefit from cut-price rego.
And it ought to, given one example sold for over $AUD400,000, and another was listed for more than $AUD500,000.
Aside from beefed-up bodywork and a wider suspension track to go with it, the WRX STI 22B also featured a blueprinted and hand-built 2.2-litre flat-four engine.
Subaru produced just 424 examples, with 400 reserved for its native Japan, with the remaining 24 cars exported. Australia received just five cars, with one retained by head office for its own collection.
Cars turning 30 in 2023 – NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania
1993 Holden Commodore (VR)
We start on a high note, and that’s with the 1993 Holden Commodore.
It was the first year of production for the VR specifically. Not only is this generation known for being the first Australian car standard-fit with an airbag, but also as the Commodore that went curvy.
Compared to the boxy VP Commodore before, the VR introduced rounded edges and a more contemporary styling.
There’s nothing better for your garage than a piece of Australian motoring history, and they built tens-of-thousands of them, so finding one isn’t too hard.
Our pick would be a 1993 Holden Commodore SS. We reviewed the model previously in our modern classic series which you can read here.
1993 Honda Integra (DC2)
The Honda Integra is steeped in performance car history.
It was arguably one of the best front-wheel drive cars of the period; respected by the motoring media back in its heyday, and later becoming a fast and capable performance car with the help of aftermarket support and modifications.
In 1993, Honda Australia introduced two versions of its Integra coupe: GSi, and VTi-R. While both have the fantastic double-wishbone suspension setup responsible for its excellent ride and handling, it’s the latter VTi-R model that copped the a high-revving ‘B18’ 1.8-litre VTEC engine.
However, if you want the Type R version – you’re sadly going to have to wait. Its first year of Australian production was 1999.
You can read our modern classic review of the Honda Integra ‘DC2’ Type-R here.
1993 Porsche 968 CS
The 968 was the final evolution of the front-engined Porsche sports car. It was built between 1991 and 1995 and just 10,000 cars were ever made globally.
However, it’s in 1993 that you’ll find the 968 you really want. It was the year the brand introduced a lightweight and driver-focussed model – the 1993 Porsche 968 Clubsport.
It was a factory-built track day special that was lighter, lower and stiffer; and all were powered by inline four-cylinder 3.0-litre four-cylinder engines with 176kW/305Nm. Around 90 cars were delivered to Australia when new, but others have found their way here via the private import market.
Although a nice one is worth around $100,000-$150,000 in 2023, the 1993 Porsche 968 CS still represents decent value for what is a classic, lightweight and analogue Porsche.
A factory lightweight Porsche 911 from a similar era – say a ‘Carrera RS’ or ‘Carrera GT’ model – will cost you well into the millions.
1993 Toyota Supra
Although not officially sold new locally, private imports over the past 20 years have seen thousands of third-generation Toyota Supras make their way into Australia.
Launched in 1993, the ‘JZA80′ generation Supra has become known for two things: first is its legendary and buttery-smooth 2JZ straight-six engine, and secondly as the protagonists’ car of choice from the best films in the Fast & Furious movie franchise.
A third could be its role in the Gran Turismo video game series on the original Sony Playstation games console – something most adults born in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s can relate to.
Either way, they are highly collectable today and now, ironically, worth more than comparable Ferraris of the same era. Just think about that scene from the original The Fast and the Furious movie for a second, where a Supra pulls up next to a Ferrari 355.
Top-condition and low-mileage Toyota Supras have fetched in-excess of $AUD175,000.
1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD)
We save the best for last – and that’s the 1993 Mazda RX-7.
Although a handful came in to Australia the year before, 1993 was the first full year of Australian deliveries for the iconic ‘FD’ RX-7. This generation in particular has become special as both the last-ever RX-7 produced; and as one of Japan’s prettiest sports cars.
Its styling has aged so gracefully, while the ’13B’ twin-turbo rotary engine is a true joy to exploit. The replacement Mazda RX-8 didn’t feel anywhere near as special either, meaning the old one with turbos has become sought-after by collectors.
The Mazda ‘FD’ RX-7 was produced for 10 years from 1992 until 2002.
So, that’s our lot, but which cars from 1993-1998 would you consider modern classics and worthy of enjoying a second- and pampered-life on Club plates? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Our guide to the best cars you can now register on Club Permits | 2023 edition appeared first on Drive.
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