Nearly a decade since the closure of Australian automotive manufacturing, the supply of genuine, locally-bred rear-wheel-drive V8 muscle cars is permanently capped. While the speculative, pandemic-era pricing bubble has firmly popped, 2026 market data shows stable, highly defensive value floors for two iconic heroes: the Holden Commodore VF Series II SS-V Redline and the Ford Falcon FG X XR8.
For enthusiast-investors looking to park their capital in a vehicle they can actually drive and enjoy, these two represent the pinnacle of the “domestic value play.”
The Purist’s Pick: Holden VF II SS-V Redline (2015–2017)
The VF II is widely celebrated as the finest engineered driver’s car to ever roll off the Elizabeth production line. Standard with massive Brembo brakes, functional bonnet vents and track-honed FE3 suspension, its crown jewel is the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine. Pushing out 304kW and 570Nm, the LS3 delivers a raw, analog soundtrack via its bi-modal exhaust system.
Clean, un-modified examples with manual transmissions are the gold standard for investment. Currently, well-kept road-cars with under 80,000 kilometres sit firmly between $55,000 and $75,000+ AUD, showing zero signs of further depreciation.
The Powerhouse: Ford Falcon FG X XR8 (2014–2016)
If Holden built the sharper corner-carver, Ford built the ultimate straight-line sledgehammer. The FG X XR8 was the first V8-powered Falcon in four years, borrowing the supercharged 5.0-litre “Boss” V8 (Miami) engine directly from the limited-run FPV GT R-Spec.
With a brutal output of 335kW and 570Nm and a heavy-duty bonnet bulge to clear the supercharger the XR8 is a aggressive piece of Australian history. Despite its immense power advantage, FG X XR8 prices are highly accessible, currently trading in the $45,000 to $65,000 AUD bracket depending on condition.
Head-to-Head Investment Spec
| Metric | Holden VF II SS-V Redline | Ford Falcon FG X XR8 |
| Engine | Naturally Aspirated 6.2L LS3 V8 | Supercharged 5.0L Boss V8 |
| Output | 304kW @ 6000rpm / 570Nm @ 4400rpm | 335kW / 570Nm |
| Collectible Spec | Series II, Manual Transmission, Red Hot / Spitfire paint | Manual Transmission, Winter White / Kinetic Blue paint |
| Est. 2026 Price | $45,000 – $75,000+ AUD | $45,000 – $65,000 AUD |
Racewire Verdict
The Bottom Line: Both of these iconic sedans are past their steep depreciation curves. They represent a rare window where you can own a piece of Australian history that will preserve and likely grow, your capital over the next decade.
Who It’s For: Australian collectors looking for balanced, refined dynamics and highly stable blue-chip value. Buy the Holden SS-V Redline.
Who Should Skip It: Buyers who want raw, supercharged straight-line torque and don’t mind a slightly dated interior cabin. Skip the Holden and buy the Ford XR8.
The 5-Year Outlook: Bullish (Demand for manual, final-generation Australian V8s is steadily outstripping clean, un-modified supply).