Future collectables

[Seattle Sam]

'97 Camaro with LT4 / 6-speed and 30th anniversary appearance package (white / orange stripes)(100 Camaro LT-4's built).
Make mine a coupe (no T-tops) with houndstooth seats!

1988 IROC 1LE (first year of this road-race option, only four made)

1999 Z/28 1LE (last year of 1LE option, who can resist 1LE combined with LS1? 74 made)

1990-95 ZR1 Corvette (6939 made)

2006 Z06 Corvette


-Sam

[camarojoe]

I agree with all the above mentions, but I think it will take awhile before they actually start increasing in value compared to what they originally sold for... I think the 82 Indy Pace Car Z28s and all early 3rd Gen Z's will have a collector following in years to come, and with less and less cars on the roads these days, its already a rare site to see a true unmolested original. While these cars didn't have a ton of HP, they were a big hit when new, and looked cool. The Irocs are another likely choice, especially rare ones like 1LE's B4C's, and 5.7 TPI versions. Year One is already selling repro parts for these cars, but I think its still gonna be a few more years before they really start being bought and "restored". I remember back in the mid 80's, 69 camaros were already considered "classics", and at that time they were only about 15 years old... an 89 or 90 car is 15 years old right now, but not considered "classic" in the way late 60s cars were considered in the mid 80s. This is probably due to the fact that cars in the 80s were produced for many years with minor changes, and up until recently, many were still on the roads...Another thing that has kept 80s cars from reaching "classic" status is that modern cars are actually quicker and better built than these cars were... this was not the case back in the 80s when everyone was starting to restore 60s cars. While I don't think these cars are going to skyrocket in value overnight, i think the potential is there to buy a late 70s or 80s car now and have a "future classic". The key is to look for cars that are low milage, original paint, and unmolested... these will always be the cars that have the most value, and will be the first ones to start pulling in decent money... but that's a no-brainer. I'll just be happy when my 97 SS starts being worth a little more each year I keep it instead of a little less... Unfortunately, i think I have a bit of a wait....Til then, it's still a blast to drive and enjoy...a little!

[Dave Rifkin]

Man I love that SS, especially the fact that it's a hardtop and not equipped with the T-tops.

[70 copo]

If you trust NADA for older cars then the 1993 Camaro z28 IPC already has a high retail value listing for 2k above original sticker of 22K.

With only a little over 600 made (with only 500 T-tops) everything about the car was special.

[All American Racer]

This is going to go over like a fart in church but here it goes. Until recently I couldn't stand rice burners. That stupid loud pipe and the bling bling tail lights sitting on top of 94inch wheels that keep turning when the car is stopped...blah. However, as much as I still hate them I have found respect for the kids who build them. Think about it. These young people are doing the same thing we did at their age. We took the family cruiser, jacked it up, fattened the tires, flipped the air cleaner, and put little mufflers on it. All the time guys in their 40's shook their heads at us. I guess this is my roundabout way of saying that the collectable car market of the future may not lie in Camaros etc. It may just be in a 6 cylinder Honda or a Supra with some unique trim package. I can't stand the thought of it either guys but it just may be the truth. Marc

[70 copo]

AAR,

I have to agree. The Honda VTEC is the small block chevy of this period in time. This is a fact- Of the cars that I drive, my modified Honda gets the most attention when out on the street, and reminds me of the stir that my 69 Camaro Pace car caused 15 years ago.

Guess I own the best of the past and the present.

Phil

[hvychev]

[ QUOTE ]
1999 Z/28 1LE (last year of 1LE option, who can resist 1LE combined with LS1? 74 made)


[/ QUOTE ]

Check this out. Scroll down to the last car.

http://www.mtnhmweb.com/trmclassiccars.asp

This used to belong to a friend of mine and me. Kind of a cool story. I actually found this car on my dealerships used car lot! My general manager was bitching up a storm at the used car manager and said "Why the hell did you buy a Z28 with no power windows or locks from the auction!" Like a dog my ears perked up and I said huh? A Z with no power windows and locks? Imediately I thought 1LE. I ran down the stairs and was repeating over and over it can't be, it can't be. When I swung the door open and looked at the parts identification label in the door my heart stopped. I went back in the store and said "Hey Eric don't worry about it....I will buy it." He just looked at me blankly and shrugged his shoulders. I bought it with my friend Bill and put it up for sale. The car sat for sale for ever and finally Chris from TRM bought it and it has just been sitting since...I am shocked. When I advertised it I even said it was the COPO of the future and would be worth big bucks someday. No bites. I have to say that car is fast and cool as hell! A true bare fisted street warrior!

Attached is a pic of it when I was in on it.

[hvychev]

Here is a pic of the parts label when we had it. If I could have I would have kept it!

[mmcporter]

Frank, it's a small world. I had noticed the car on TRM's site and was wondering why it wasn't selling. The interest in the later 1LE hasn't come to a full boil yet, I guess.

Morris

[Tenney]

'96-'97 Viper GTS (Blue/wht.). A Hennessey car being a poss. Yenko (er, Mr. Norms) equivalent?

Agree w/the Supra take, too. Fast and Furious stuff'll likely be big down the road.