Future Value of Retrobirds

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

The 'technology' factor may affect future car design. But consider watches. Even with digital watches and new 'smart watches,' there's still a huge demand for older classic, analog watches. Rolex, Patek-Phiiipe, and Cartier, among many others, are as desirable and more valuable than they ever were.

As for 'fashion,' if you didn't like a car when you were younger, you probably won't care for it much when you're older either. But tastes and preferences certainly change when it comes to comfort and amenities. I remember when I got my first Corvette and older folks would tell me that when I was older I'd prefer a bigger more comfortable car. I insisted that would never happen. Well, I am older, and while I still like the looks and styling of a Corvette, a Cadillac or Lincoln sounds a lot more appealing than is used to.

[Leroy]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

The other day I saw a Viper. I thought they were so cool when they came out. Today I wouldn't want one, they're ugly looking to me now.

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[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

I had one of the first Vipers back in 1994. The design was so radical and aggressive at the time, I just had to have one. In retrospect, they are odd-looking, especially as compared with say the lines of the new Corvette. The worst part was the comfort, or rather, lack of it. No A/C, a rough ride, and few amenities like side windows, premium sound, etc. Just pure power.

But it does show you how tastes can change.

[RustyFrye]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

I wonder how many people thought the Delahaye was ugly and wish they had one now....

[MATBird]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Absolutely. One of the most beautiful cars ever made, as far as I'm concerned. And will be for another 70-90 years

[tncruiser]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Not according to this formula which was recently discovered scribbled on the walls of an old barn. If you run the mod vs no mod numbers through this equation I think you'll be surprised at the results:

now i understand i am absolutly sure that the flux capacitor and crotusfraw i added will prove to be a good investment
brianj

[JudgeLucid]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Wait...

H' + H" ?

I am pretty sure it's supposed to be H' / H"

(H' + H" will only result in 14 ounces of Taco Bell Medium Hot Salsa sauce. Don't ask how I know - really sad story.)

Judge Lucid - Just Checking 'Ur Math, Brudder

[EllisonCal]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Usually in Hemmings Motor News folks want much more than their cars are worth. In the current June issue there is a VMG with 29K miles w/white hardtop, new brakes, rotors and Michelin tires asking $19,900. The seller lives in Pennsylvania and says it's a #2 driver. Not unrealistic, IMHO.

On the other hand, there is a Black '05 like mine w/sand interior and 6,500 miles, asking $33,900. Really? I paid $29,795 nine years ago and have over 90,000 miles on mine. Of which 80,000 were done by me. I'll take the miles of good times any day.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Well Cal I found a 2004 Merlot for Bill Coates replacement near him for $16,990 with 33k on the odometer. He wants ESP for good reason. This was on Car Gurus. My bet is that as time passes this site will become more and more of a 'how to fix it'

[cpubob]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

I think these cars well do very well with low mileage and perfect (#1) condition. Those not #1 will see little or no increase.. It will never be a 60's "muscle or pony car" image to kids of today IMO. I think a better comparison would be the downsized Cadillac Eldorado (1979-85), when the convertible became available people bought them as collectibles. Today 1985 Eldorado convertibles in condition #1 are selling for over half the original sticker price, and they have increased in value about 25% in the last 5 years, while condition 2,3,4 cars only improved about 10% over the same period.

[Leroy]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

What does it take to be a #1? What are low miles for a 10 to 14 year old car? Do aftermarket add ons like dash board kits and other plastic stick-ons, or custom wheels affect the #1 position?

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[11TH GEN]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

What does it take to be a #1? What are low miles for a 10 to 14 year old car? Do aftermarket add ons like dash board kits and other plastic stick-ons, or custom wheels affect the #1 position?

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Okay, I'll bite and assume your questions are not rhetorical. Is any 14 year old car that has under 50K miles low mileage? Yes, however, that is not what Bob is referring to. Perhaps his #1 meaning is not accurate. A Retro with under 10K miles on it and looks like it could still be on a showroom floor certainly adds a premium to the price. Once the mileage gets into the teens and twenties it becomes just another Retro for sale. Completed auctions back this up. I honestly don't think that anyone that has under 10K miles and never plans to have over 10K miles on their car is going to add stick ons to it. But to answer your question, yes, for those in the market for a pristine super low mileage retro any modification would most likely decrease the value.

[cpubob]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Rick I agree with you, but it is extremely difficult to predict what peoples passions will be in 10 or 20 years. Think about muscle cars, who would have ever thought they would bring the unbelievable prices they do today. Hagerty has a valuation tool (Price Guide Tool) that gives estimated values on classic cars. Their definition of a number one is
Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best car, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the car has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 cars is "concours."
Of course this is not specific to Retro-Birds but any classic car. I would consider my car as a number 2, mechanically perfect, looks very nice but its a driver not a show piece. I think you will have 2 type of buyers, those looking for the best of the best and those looking for a fun car to drive. If you consider the 64-66 Mustang the rarer the model (GT, Shelby, HiPo) and in perfect condition sell for huge money, the daily drivers haven't appreciated very much since about 1990.

[jerrym3]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Rick I agree with you, but it is extremely difficult to predict what peoples passions will be in 10 or 20 years. Think about muscle cars, who would have ever thought they would bring the unbelievable prices they do today. Hagerty has a valuation tool (Price Guide Tool) that gives estimated values on classic cars. Their definition of a number one is
Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best car, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the car has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 cars is "concours."
Of course this is not specific to Retro-Birds but any classic car. I would consider my car as a number 2, mechanically perfect, looks very nice but its a driver not a show piece. I think you will have 2 type of buyers, those looking for the best of the best and those looking for a fun car to drive. If you consider the 64-66 Mustang the rarer the model (GT, Shelby, HiPo) and in perfect condition sell for huge money, the daily drivers haven't appreciated very much since about 1990.

Back in the day, every one of the guys either had a muscle car or wanted one. In most cases, probably not all, popularity is a pretty good indication of future values until that point when a car becomes extremely rare.

I settled for a new 65 Vette, definitely NOT a muscle car. I just fell in love with the Stingray styling.

In 1965, my future bro/in/law wanted a GTO, but since he and his dad were both working for Ford, as was I, his dad talked him into a 65 Galaxie convert. Today, the GTO gets big bucks, the 65 Galaxie goes for a lot less.

Coincidence, but he mentioned today how he should have gone with his gut and bought the GTO.

[11TH GEN]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Bob.....my reply to Leroy was based on today or a current situation not years off into the future. But I understand what you are saying.