Collector Cars and the new Economy

[BLACK BEAUTY]

[Sierra977]

give me some idea of what retro-modding might look like. Thanks.

Flared rear fender wells, Jaguar engine, wheels, suspension and brakes - drilled and slotted discs, EBS ceramic pads and braided stainless steel brake lines, Borla, CAI, engine dyno-tuned with SCT X4, transmission upgraded, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, rear diffuser from a Mercedes DTM car, de-badged and most chrome blacked-out, Ford prototype hard tonneau, custom grille, ground effects and some other things. Last week it worked well against a new $460,000 730hp Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster (to be honest, the Lambo driver was afraid of his car and I late-braked him into every corner).

[metallic]

give me some idea of what retro-modding might look like. Thanks.

[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.)

[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.

[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).

[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

[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.

[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,

[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.

[philsbird]

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

[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).

[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.

[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.

[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.