It was cool to see a snapshot of what the neighborhood probably looked like at that time, but it made me wonder what kind of cars people would want to keep out of current vehicles until they become classic. While to be considered a vintage automobile, a car only has to be 25 years old, it seems that classic or collectible cars need to be at least 35 years old. Only very recently have cars from the mid 70's become more desirable, whereas, by the time my car reaches 25 years old, it would be equivalent to a person now owning a 1989 Mustang GT 5.0L.
Okay, so this 1989 Mustang heading to auction was indeed on Hemmings, proving that you can own a car since new and have it collectible even after 25 years, but that's a Mustang, and vehicles like Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes will always be desirable, won't they? I'll say they will be, but more importantly, what vehicles in 25 years will still be desirable if owned since new, with all paperwork, today? If we really think about it, it's probably not going to be the millions-built Camry, Accord, or anything like that. It may simply follow current trends, that Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and Corvettes will still be popular, along with higher end performance cars like Porsches. Japanese luxury brands that target performance, like Lexus 'F' badged cars, and Infiniti G37 coupes. We'll likely see a few Japanese sports cars, like the BRZ/GT-82, and Nissan Z car rank up there. But what about the oddballs? What might you find in the future that suddenly and oddly becomes collectible, and what is worth keeping?
I searched 'original owner' on Hemmings and came up with a few things.
This 1985 Regal has an original owner and only 22,000 miles in its life.
This 1976 Cutlass Supreme is a good time capsule. The one owner, 21,000 mile car even has hubcaps rather than rallye wheels, likely more of an indication of how more of these cars were actually sold, and probably more likely disposed of then their higher-optioned brethren.
More and more special edition trucks will likely become collectible as more special edition types of trucks hit the market. SVT Lightning and Raptor trucks, and Viper Rams might become collectible in the future. How about SUVs as well? This 1993 GMC Typhoon was also one kept since new.
Low mileage, original owner cars will always find a home, but the $20,000 Typhoon versus the $5000 regal shows that a certain desirability still apply. Regardless, I believe that the time capsule property of these cars, as well as the fact that they're usually accompanied by full documentation and history, will keep these types of cars valuable no matter what the model.
Top 5 Of The Week
1969 Chevrolet Nova SS396
The Nova, for the most part, was kind of an economy car, like the Dart or Falcon. Most left the factory with four doors and six cylinder engines, but a few were total all out high performance machines worthy of actually playing movie-villain cars a la Death Proof. I feel like the SS badge holds a little more water when backed by a big block like a 396. This car has everything you could ever want in your Nova, huge motor, four speed, 12 bolt rear end, cowl induction hood, restored nicely. At $29,900 it's really hard to say this is a number matching unit, but I wouldn't care, it's at least 'date code' appropriate, like a 440 in a formerly 318 Charger. Oh, and good news, they sell those double-bolt skull and crossbone decals on line now, just in case you're practicing your Kurt Russel Captain Ron voice.
BMW 635CSi 'M6'
I posted two of these this week as it's simply rare to see that many great examples all at once. I've always had a soft spot for these beautiful coupes; in my opinion this is the ultimate of the ultimate driving machines. Styling was initially borne from Bob Lutz's influence on the 'new' 3 series cars in the late 70's. These are also touted as the first 'M' model, as they were indeed the first roadgoing cars to bear M sport badges. It should be noted that 'M6' wasn't a model name, but a high performance option package. The converse was a luxury package. Regardless, there's a lot of history and performance in these cars. I feel like the German cars have become more technically absorbed with doo-hickeys and less pure if that's a thing. I feel like these cars describe what made BMW a performance/luxury car brand. This beautiful all original model is $36,000, and has had only two owners and 52,000 miles since new.
1974 DeTomaso Pantera
One of two unique and unusual cars in the blog this week. The Pantera has become synonymous with Ford performance like the Shelby Cobra; a car not built by Ford, but Ford powered. While the Pantera never really competed, it was an interesting vehicle, powered by the 351 Cleveland 4V V8, and styled by Ghia, it looked like a Lancia and a Berlinetta could both have had roots here. I find most Panteras, do I dare say, a little gaudy? This model is different, because it physically looks different. This particular Pantera was built especially for Don Delarossa, former Lincoln president of design, former Ghia president and president of Ford Advanced design at the time. He requested certain changes, like different treatments to the rear deck panel, and the deletion of the targa top. The car is badged only as a 'Ghia' a nod to the styling house where Delarossa once chaired. The car is impeccable and the paint evoques a 512 BB line to the car. At $125,000 you can own a piece of rare Ford performance, and Ghia styling, with all the history contained just in the line of ownership. And of course, it's a one of one.
1960 Ford Falcon sedan by Holman Moody
I'm not sure where to start with this thing, actually. Holman and Moody were known for preparing all sorts of amazing racecars. The two would form their partnership only 3 years before the age of this Falcon, beginning in NASCAR and then entering cars in road races, like the Mexican road race, or Sebring. Falcons were their car of choice for road racing until the Mustang debuted. It should be noted that this isn't originally an H&M car. Interesting story here, this car was an all original Falcon only recently converted to an original type H&M car in the H&M race shop by their mechanics, so technically it is a Holman Moody Falcon, original car, even if the conversion was done now instead of then. Features include a triple carbed 200 straight six, with cam, head, and exhaust work. The price for this oddball? $125,000.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS
I'm not a huge Camaro guy, but this one caught my eye. This RS version has got that 'time capsule' property I mentioned in the opening vignette. This car is an unassuming bronze, wears hubcaps, and has a relatively pedestrian 327 V8, the base V8 option for that time. The RS package did get some extras, but this is a fairly basic model. While it's still a desirable car, it's more mundane compared to some of the glowing-coloured, striped, big blocked beasts that most collectors desire. Likely, most Camaros then, like today, were sold with 'lesser' options, the smaller engine, the more plain colour and features. That's why I like this great, 60,000 mile example.
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