[tom406]

I'm not sure we're ever going to see Talladegas and Spoiler II's catch fire. They're unique and cool, to be sure, but I think FoMoCo's decision to build them in big, homogenous batches limits their overall appeal. ALL the Spoiler II's are 351/FMX auto cars, which is certainly not an awe-inspiring drivetrain. The Talladegas do better with their standard 428CJ, an awesome engine for sure, but all are column shift C6 autos. That swoopy body, then you open the door to that mundane bench seat interior.

I know they don't all have to be purple 4 speeds, but there's simply not enough variety to make it interesting. With Spoiler II's you really only get to search out blue stripes or red (Dan Gurney or Cale Yarborough editions, respectively). You get a couple of color choices with Talladegas (burgandy, dk blue, white), but that's about it.

Imagine if all of the Charger Daytonas were white 383/autos with red or blue tail stripes. Or if all the Superbirds were column shifted 440-4bbls with 14x6 Magnum 500s in White, medium blue, and maroon. That market certainly wouldn't be as much fun.

Conversely, imagine a world where there's a few Talladegas finished in Calypso Coral or Competition Yellow, fitted with buckets/consoles and 428SCJ/4spd drivetrains. Or maybe a special run of 50 Boss 429 powered Spoiler II's (some of which aren't white!). That market suddenly gets a lot more interesting.

I don't think you can call it a "Ford" thing anymore, not with these '70/'71 429CJ cars suddenly bringing 6 figures. There aren't many secrets left out there. The people pay for what they want....