[redeuce]

The ’68 Funny Car thread has prompted me to enter this post. I am a member of numerous boards, almost never post (I don’t like to argue) unless it is in defense of a “wronged” car. I never quite seem to fit in as a member of any of the boy’s clubs. However, I am not a novice. I have been in the hobby my whole life and in the business over 10 years. I have been involved in the sale of many high profile Classic vehicles. I have also appraised/sold/brokered/attempted to sell/ or represented numerous race cars- Red Alert Chevelle, Arnie’s Judge, Nicholson’s Super Cat, Scavo’s ’65 Impala, CC Ryder ’41 Willys, Chuck Finder’s 33 Willys Replica Darkhorse II, Just A Lil’ Trip Willys, Pulsation Mopar,. Etc. This thread has prompted me to air 4 major concerns I have regarding the state of the market and hobby in general

.EXACT SCIENCE- Many in the classic car circles are attempting to elevate the documentation of Collector Cars to some form of exact black and white configuration. Granted, there are hundreds of fully documented, positively identifiable examples. However, there are also many lesser known vehicles falsely debunked for lack of “full evidence”. Truthfully, back in the day, the factory made errors, line changes, or some vehicles just slipped through the cracks. These vehicles were produced in an era when documentation was sometimes sketchy- the builders, sellers, racers of these beauties had no idea at the time the value would be elevated to such present day figures. Henceforth, to attempt to pigeon hole every vehicle is not always possible. This leads to the second concern.

DOUBLE STANDARD- I see many sites employing 2 sets of standards concerning vehicles. Many car owners are crucified for replacement trim tags, partial rebodies, etc, yet some of the high profile vehicles out there have undergone the exact same process.

SCOPE OF WEBSITE- Most respected websites began as mother sites for a certain select type of vehicle. Yet many have now expanded into documentation sites for all vehicles, sometimes well outside of the website’s expertise. Anyone can pick out a book in their personal auto library and offer an “expert” opinion. However, unless one has hands on experience with that particular car, I believe they should remain silent. I have seen many false opinions on many boards. I have also seen reputations questioned and sales sabotaged by false information.

MARKET- As an appraiser, I have a growing concern regarding the trends in the market. More and more investment quality vehicles are flowing to a relatively smaller pool of collectors. As in the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s, the average person is being priced out of the market. As the smaller pool gains control, they have an ability to set the market. However, at some point, when all the high dollar collectors finish trading back and forth, selling, and buying, there is an inevitable leveling of the field that will occur, followed by some type of adjustment. When this occurs, the effect on the hobby concerns me. OK- Get out your chain saws and slice me up. These are just my observations.

Randy Paddock
No Fear Motor Sports Inc.