Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

[Gobird]

Just wondering. I keep hearing on here, over the years, people talking about what this car is worth. I would guess that that means somewhere down the road they plan on selling it.

For myself this car will be with me to my dying day unless it would get wrecked too bad to repair. Even if I would get to that point in life where I would have to give up my drivers license because of age I would let it sit in my garage so I could go out and just sit and look at it and say to myself. This car showed me lots of things in this country that I would have never seen without it. This car allowed me to make friends all over this country and abroad that I would never have made without it. This car gave me more pleasure then any car I have ever owned.

What is this car worth or what may it be worth in the future? I really don't care. I know what it's worth to me and that would be priceless!

[AZTB]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

We put it in our trust that on my death, it will go to my oldest grandson...if the Bird's tranny lasts that long!

[FUN X 3]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

I plan on keeping mine for as long as I'm around. If anything catastrophic were to happen to my Bird, I've rethought my original idea of buying someone's garage queen Bird. I'd likely buy something new-used that's more up to date with a better performance record.

[DudleyM]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

We bought the Bird to use and enjoy for as long as possible with no interest in selling and no thought of "what will it be worth some day".

[jerrym3]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

Probably keep it until they take away my keys.

But, if my 64 Galaxie is really running on borrowed time, I would consider selling the Bird and replacing it with a classic car (63/67 Stingray; 68/69 Merc Cyclone GT fastback, 57 Chevy BelAir) for old car shows cruise nights.

Can't see myself not owning a classic car from the 50/60's.

[bikebird]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

It's already willed to my t-bird loving nephew, and if for some reason I don't want it while I am still alive, it still goes to him.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

It's a keeper.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

It's already willed to my t-bird loving nephew, and if for some reason I don't want it while I am still alive, it still goes to him.

You are a great aunt. Wish I had one like that. I would not leave it to any of my nieces or nephews. They don't really like the retro birds. They would just sell it to buy a new BMW, Mercedes, Lexus etc. as those are the brands they like and already have with BMW being their favorite. Not sure if ours is a keeper just yet, but most likely it will be and just go into the estate sale.

[My T]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

I will never part with it. It has brought me too much fun. It is the conduit to meeting a wonderful bunch of friends.

It is specifically in my will to remain within the family. I really don't care what it is worth in the car market.

[Southern]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

It's just a car to me. My one and only daily driver. A good car. But, in about 3 years I will be looking to move on. There are still a couple of cars on my bucket list.....

[bronzebird]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

Spence:

Since you know I have sold my Bird you already know my answer to the question.

I thoroughly enjoyed the car during the three and a half years I owned it but that was a bit longer ownership than most cars I have owned.

It was a beautiful car but it was just another car to me. Fun, but not as much fun as my '95 Mustang Cobra. Pretty, but not as pretty as my '72 Olds 442 Rag top. Comfortable, but not as much comfort as my '99 Chrysler LHS. Good road manners, but not as much as my '93 Cadillac STS.

As far as value is concerned, The miles I traveled in the Thunderbird were probably the best value of any of my vehicles. I paid $29,000 for the car and sold it 42 months and thirty thousand miles later for $27,000. None of the previous vehicles held that kind of value with the exception of my '70 Challenger convertible which actually appreciated during the years I owned it.

The only keeper for life in my world would be my wife. After 49 years of marriage, I think it's safe to say the kids will end up with the same set of parents they started out with.

Bronzebird

[grayeagle]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

When I bought my T-bird, I told my wife it wasn't for me...it is my grandson's car...I'm just taking care of it until he's ready to take the wheel (based on my criteria...Oh, did I mention he's 6 years old?)

We had to trade in Kim's Light Ice Blue bird just last month to replace one of our drivers...there was no thought at all about trading in Noah's car . So unless something catastrophic occurs, it will be with us to the end.

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

I'd like to but the availability of parts may become an issue. I've had a little issue getting parts for our 1975 Pontiac Grandville convertible recently. Plastic parts deteriorate over time and are no longer available. My body shop this month had to custom make some parts for the door locks and front window tracks due to lack of availability. Our TBirds have quite a bit more plastic and unique parts in their assembly which may become an issue over time. I prefer not to think about it at this point.

[00mustng]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

....I really like your reply, Rick....I might have thought so until recently....as long as your interest and enthusiasm remains....you never know whats next...reminds me of people who say 'my next car will be my last one'....at this point in time, I can see our '81 'Bird being a keeper for life, given it's unusual provenance....ownership of the roadster has lasted longer than usual, with the exception of the '81(that has never been a daily driver) and an '80 Audi 5000 which was the practical sedan for parenting duties back in the day. And the recently acquired Mustang has certainly changed the game. Like Rick said....the only for sure keeper in my life is my missus of 39 years.....

[justjon]

Re: Is Your Bird a Keeper for Life?

I'm in the drive it now sell it when I'm through with it school of thought. I find it ... surprising? .. that some think that they are driving a family heirloom that will be treasured for years to come by the grandchildren. I would have had little interest in grandpaws Model A roadster except to sell for a more desirable car. I think these are great cars for us old folks who pine for our youth and loved the early birds. These are much better cars then the "originals" ( I have owned a 56). The relative high resale is due to other old farts wanting one and nothing to do with collectors or the younger buyers. When you are through with yours, sell it to one of us because like erector sets and Lionel trains, people want to buy their own youth back, not someone elses.