Three classic cars stolen from Victorian rural property

Three classic car projects have been stolen from a rural property in north-eastern Victoria, with the cumulative value of the two Mustangs and a rarer Torino estimated to be over $100,000.

Speaking with 3AW [↗], neighbour and friend of the owner Luke Collins said the cars were a 1971 Ford Mustang fastback, a 1970 Mustang coupe and a 1970 Ford Torino.

The vehicles had just begun their restoration process, and the owner had been hopeful that they were soon approaching a condition in which they could be driven and enjoyed.

"I've been trying to give [the owner] the nudge into helping him restore them... the Torino was going to be the next one, and they've just been taken." Collins told 3AW's Neil Mitchell.

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The theft appears to have been planned carefully, with the thieves seeming to understand the vehicles' conditions and preparing transportation.

"[The thieves would've] had to load them onto a truck or a trailer," Collins said, "The cameras were taken, the gates were cut, locks were cut, they broke into the shed and took the three cars. So it's quite a funny one because it's such a remote property; no one really knows it's there."

It wasn't the first time that the property had been subject to a break-in, with the owner Femke Koenders telling Ranges Trader Star Mail [↗] that the burglary was similar to previous incidents.

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"I think they’re the same person that’s been breaking in over the years because they do the same thing each time they break in," she said.

"Opening all the cupboards and turning over the couches… a few years ago they stole a quad bike and a postie bike as well."

"To think they just took over $100,000 worth of my heart and soul is mind-boggling."

Redbook currently values 1970 Mustangs at roughly between $20,000 and $30,000, although the asking price for a Torino can be upward of $80,000, depending on mileage.

The Torino was last sighted on a trailer near Rochford Winery, along with Maroondah Highway on October 17. Anyone who could have any information on the thefts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.