Future Value of Retrobirds

[Leroy]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

The most valuable Blue ribbon classic cars are all original down to every nut and bolt. Anything less than perfect takes away from the value. But you can believe what ever you want.

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[Sierra977]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

The most valuable Blue ribbon classic cars are all original down to every nut and bolt. Anything less than perfect takes away from the value. But you can believe what ever you want.

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There is indeed a certain subset of potential buyers that subscribe to the OCD concept of "exactly as built" and who argue endlessly whether a particular screw was polished or plated and how the slot is oriented. It is a game they play. Most boring people on the planet. Glad they have an outlet for their compulsive disorder. Keep them away from my garage.

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

The most valuable Blue ribbon classic cars are all original down to every nut and bolt. Anything less than perfect takes away from the value. But you can believe what ever you want.

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This may be true for a classic Ferrari that brings millions at auction, but it's probably not a big factor for a car that the majority of those voting here believes will be worth even less in ten years than it is today.

If your plan is to win at Pebble Beach, yes, the car better be 100% correct. I don't see a Retro competing for top prize there anytime soon.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

I'm the only one voting in my category...guess which one?

[Ray]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

This may be true for a classic Ferrari that brings millions at auction

Exactly. I think some here think their stock retro Ford Thunderbird is the Ferrari of the future, and who knows, it just might be but I don't care.

Leroy et al, if you think a completely untouched Tbird will bring the most money someday and that's why you bought your car, so be it. You should be happy that some of us have altered our cars. With your anti-stick on junk philosophy, you should be overjoyed that your perfectly pure one of one Tbird will bring you Ferrari money in fifty years. What I don't get is why anyone cares a hoot what someone else does to their car. I bought my car to enjoy in whatever way I please, and believe me, I do enjoy it. I like everything I've done to it and that's all that matters. I couldn't care less what it's worth now or what it will be worth in fifty years, and I definitely don't care what Leroy or anyone else thinks about what I've done to it. I love tinkering with it, I love driving it and I love the fact that it isn't like anyone else's. If there are others who love keeping their car stock and leaving it in the garage and that makes them happy, who am I to judge? I wish you all the best. As long as you're happy, isn't that all that matters?

I do know that just this past summer, I entered four people's choice car shows and won three firsts and a second in the 2000 and newer class and my car is probably as modded as anyone's other than Alex's. What that tells me is the general public (around here anyway) doesn't care one iota if a car is perfectly stock or not, but does care how it looks and how well it's been maintained. There are people in the car world who want nothing but a completely stock car and there are people who love modifying cars, and there's a market for both. Why can't we just accept that people are different and let it be.

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Good post Ray. And it's interesting that there's concern over the impact mods may have on future value when over half those voting so far expect Retros to be worth even less in ten years than they are today.

If the majority thought values would be higher in ten years, it would be easier to understand making a case against any mods, thinking that 100% 'original' cars would appreciate more.

I think it's also interesting that 'modded' Retros seem to attract a lot of favorable comments, not only from members here, but also the general public.

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Indeed, Ray's comments are spot on. I have had countless great chats with people at car shows. The genuine interest expressed by so many when I explain my mods is priceless. The fun factor is at "11".

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Let's face it, cars are personal. Take Rick on the other post who after less than a couple months is trading his in on a new Pu-tang. (his car only has 30k, guess he never got the FEVER) I too get favorable mod comments like the guy in Garden of the Gods who told me he designed our cars but didn't remember all the chrome! Now how about this question: I know the 'bling king' is no longer with us, but besides Alex or Phil has the most mods?

[Sandman]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Can Phil post any pic's of his mods other than his avatar?

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Here are few Ron.

Mods on my NM include the 'California Custom' package with front fascia with custom amber fog lights, full fender skirts and ground effects, 'Roadster Style' tonneau cover with waterfall drop and covered headrest caps, Sport Hood Scoop, Borla exhaust, Giovanna 'Capri' 20" wheels with Pirelli P1 tires and black carbon fiber interior dash trim.

[11TH GEN]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Take Rick on the other post who after less than a couple months is trading his in on a new Pu-tang. (his car only has 30k, guess he never got the FEVER)

Greg, actually just a tad over 26K miles on it. I said by the time it has 30K, which most likely will be next fall, I may consider another Mustang. I'll enjoy it over the Summer and I'm looking forward to meeting folks in Dearborn. Maybe once I get my pic on porthole authority I'll know I've arrived.

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Here's one more shot showing the Sport Hood Scoop ... sorry for the small image.

[Sandman]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Here are few Ron.

Mods on my NM include the 'California Custom' package with front fascia with custom amber fog lights, full fender skirts and ground effects, 'Roadster Style' tonneau cover with waterfall drop and covered headrest caps, Sport Hood Scoop, Borla exhaust, Giovanna 'Capri' 20" wheels with Pirelli P1 tires and black carbon fiber interior dash trim.

Now that's radical Phil. How many miles on the car? What do you think you could sell it for today if the opportunity came about?

[Guest]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

Ron, the package is all bolt-on components and was designed by retired Ford Designer James Powers whose concepts and clay model led to the 1961 Thunderbird. The made its debut at the 2002 SEMA show and was seen by Retrobird designers J Mays and Doug Gaffka, both of whom liked the car.
It has 14,000 miles. I don't know what I could get for it, but made the mistake of posting it for sale here at a price that other members choked with laughter at.
I owned two others like it, a 2002 Torch Red and a 2004 Platinum Silver, which was also featured at SEMA in 2003.

[Sandman]

Re: Future Value of Retrobirds

I’m asking $ 59,000. If this price seems high, consider that MSRP on the car was $ 41,995, and has over $ 15,000 in custom upgrades


Phil,that was in 2012,what would you be asking for it today?