Collector Cars and the new Economy

[Rondor]

After almost 20 years of a sluggish economy trying to see a trend in the Collector car market is getting to be even more of a challenge. Watching prices at the Auctions steadily rise on some cars and fall on others certainly doesn't help any. It appears that there is more money in the market but also a different culture of buyers. We have some really good buys in some areas and huge prices being paid in others. Going to be interesting to see which of the 2 economic forces rules the market. I am still trying to adjust to collectible Toyota's.and Million dollar MoPars Like everything else the Millennials are going to be a factor.

[BirdsAndBugs]

People often buy what they remember in their lifetime, or maybe wanted but couldn't afford at the time. The hot cars right now are the muscle cars of the mid 60's through the 1970's. Priced out a nice Pontiac Trans Am lately?

Also, most car collectors are typically in the 45-70 age bracket. After about 70, many people are downsizing their assets, not acquiring more. That's why a lot of the cars from the 1950's that were super hot 20 years ago have softened in value. Take the 55-57 Thunderbird. Many nice cars can now be found in the $30,000 range; some below $30,000. The active collectors of today, don't have a personal connection a car that was made before they were born.

One area of a lot of interest lately based on an article I saw from Hagerty's is classic pickup trucks and SUV's (Ford Bronco) from the mid 60's - mid 80's.

[EllisonCal]

Higher Pricing has an effect on demand for certain cars as well. In the stock market people tend to buy more of what they have seen move up in price, but are reluctant to buy if the stock stays the same price too long or goes down a little. It is momentum they're chasing. With Ferrari and Lamborghini it is money chasing new record highs in the $millions. We also see that in the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s. When that market cools there may well be another rotation, maybe to that Japanese Skyline and Fairlady market. If the 23 window VW Microbus is any indicator, collectible fads come and go.

[Zorro]

People often buy what they remember in their lifetime, or maybe wanted but couldn't afford at the time. .

I always wanted one of these, but couldn't afford it back then...... Still can't.

[Alamobird]

People often buy what they remember in their lifetime, or maybe wanted but couldn't afford at the time. [/QUOTE]

Greg is spot on. This is why most of us chose a Retro over a '38 Whatevermobile or something else. Downside is that fewer and fewer people remember the 55 - 57 two seaters, and the Retros are most likely a curiosity item to the younger generations.

[BirdsAndBugs]

If the 23 window VW Microbus is any indicator, collectible fads come and go.

Not sure where you're getting your information. Any 1967 or older VW Bus commands a pretty good price. Restored 23 windows variations regularly go over $100,000. Definitely not a fad by any means.

[428PI]

What's going to happen to the older cars built in the 20's and 30's? I don't see anyone in my generation interested in them (I'm 56).

[philsbird]

Look at Model A pricing over the last 30 years. All but the exotics follow the same pattern.

[BirdsAndBugs]

What's going to happen to the older cars built in the 20's and 30's? I don't see anyone in my generation interested in them (I'm 56).

Some years back, I was really in to the classic car scene. One car I picked up was a 1925 Ford Model T I saw on eBay. It had been restored about 10 years or so before I got it and was well kept. I picked the car up for $7,000 out of Fresno, CA. Enjoyed taking it to a few car shows and short local drives. Sold it about 3 years later for the same price to a couple who collected early cars from Pahrump, NV. I got 3 years of enjoyment that gave me a unique ownership and driving experience; and probably cost me $200 in minor maintenance.

[Rondor]

[QUOTE=Bird

One area of a lot of interest lately based on an article I saw from Hagerty's is classic pickup trucks and SUV's (Ford Bronco) from the mid 60's - mid 80's. [/QUOTE]

I agree and think the practicality of these vehicles plays a big role in popularity. Also the Resto' mod is another example of style and drive ability, That was a big factor in retro sales for many, I would never drive a '57 and enjoyed as much as My P,C,R,
Also garage queen buyers have always been a different breed,

[11TH GEN]

I
Also garage queen buyers have always been a different breed,

Never been accused of being bred before, very interesting, if not offensive.

[CVCashmere]

Still saving up for a '55-57. Don't have the room for it right now. Perhaps, after the move, I can find a garage.

CVCashere

[428PI]

I saw a beautiful 55 Tbird (I'm guessing because it didn't have the portholes). Black with lighter gray top. Lowered and a polished solid aluminum wheels. Lowering it and the different wheels really added to the "hotrod" flavor which was what this meet was all about (Affordable HotRods in Peabody, Ks) open house. Forgot my phone so I don't have a picture. Also saw my first car at this meet (65 Galaxie 2 dr hardtop).

[k-pgarage]

The collector car market is exactly that, a market. Keep that always in mind. Then, get what you can afford and what you want to enjoy. I have had at least one 57 bird since I was in my early 30s. I have had four of the retro birds. They are all fun however.......... the 57s are beautiful but have major drawbacks as modern traffic has changed. We used to drive ours all over the place. Now we’’ve gone the restomod route simply because the old Y block engines and two speed automatic transmissions just struggle too much with the traffic. I try to keep the market as far from my hobby as I can and that increases the enjoyment factor. Reality does always have an impact though in your buying and selling. Just don’’’t let it take over and paralyze what you’’’’re trying to enjoy with the hobby side of these cars. Try to buy wise and informed but don't’’ forget the fun fun fun side.

[Sierra977]

Kevin, my thought is in the not-too-distant future, retro Thunderbirds will be attractive candidates for "retro-modding" or "pro-touring". (Kinda what I'm already doing to mine.)