One of the interesting aspects of researching the 1962 automotive year was discovering the diverse range of “luxury” models that were on offer in Australia. It was surprisingly crowded space. Maybe even more crowded, in terms of the number of different marques, than the “luxury” segment is today. Admittedly, not all the models were totally new in ’62. But what is noticeable, is that buyers with enough money for more than a Hoiden Special were spoilt for choice! If you wanted an American car, you did not have to wait long for the latest styling to arrive on our shores. Ford offered the new compact Fairlane. GMH had the Pontiac Laurentian and Chevrolet Belair. Chrysler tempted you with the shrunken Dodge Phoenix, though it was a big vehicle compared to local family-sized cars. Chrysler also sold their aging Royals, still in a body that dated back to 1953. American Motors’ Rambler Classic and Ambassador sedans and wagons were in their last year of a design that was also from the 1950s. Studebaker was soldiering on with the V8 Lark and Hawk coupe. If buying British was your thing, Ford sold the Zephyr Mk III and GM-H dealers had the Vauxhall Velox/Cresta. Trouble was, neither the Zephyr nor Velox/Cresta offered as much “luxury” as their UK heritage and pricing implied. Rootes assembled the Humber Hawk and Super Snipe in a factory just a short walk down Salmon Street from Holden’s factory in Melbourne. Rover was promoting the P5, while allowing the P4 to fade gracefully into the background. Citroen sold the ID19. They were assembled in West Heidelberg by Continental and General, alongside the Studebakers. Another French “luxury” car arrived in November 1962, the Peugeot 404. For those with serious money, there was always Jaguar’s Mk2 and Mk10 to tempt you. Also tempting would have been one of the last locally assembled Mercedes 220. Imports began in 1962. I also suspect that if you spoke nicely to a BMC dealer and convinced him (it was always a him, back then) of your affluence, he’d pull out the special-order book and an Austin Princess Vanden Plas could be yours, fully imported. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were also available. And into this crowded space came the local luxury contributions: Premier, Futura, Wolseley 24/80 and, as Chrysler dealers would insist, the R/S Valiant. What a year! All that choice, provided you had the money! Anything tempt you? My selection is the '62 Laurentian.