Future collectables

[Dave Rifkin]

I love to look at all of the rare, and very expensive, cars on this site but don't expect that I'll ever be able to own one so I am asking everyone's opinion of what they feel is going to be a future collector car? Please don't say the 2002 Berger Camaro or ZLI since they are already out of most people's reach; I'm talking cars like the Buick GN or the 1995 Mustang Cobra R. Hell even some of the late '70's Trans Ams. Can we start a list of what we feel will be a future collectable?

[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

[gtaa9]

Heres the cars I think that are going to go higher in price as they get older.

77-81 TA's
83-88 Monte Carlo SS
82-87 Buick GN,T-type and GNX.The GNX is already getting very high.
Mid to late 80's Olds 442 and Hurst
Late 80's Pontiac 2+2 cars
86-92 Pontiac TA's and GTA's
86-92 Camaro Z-28 and Iroz Z

These cars were considered to be the Muscle Cars for there era and there going up in price.

[CopoCrunkus]

I'll go with the 94-6 Impala SS.

[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

[ohhawk]

Already a "collectable" but I see alot of continued upward potential for clean original 70 Z's. Have been casually looking for over a year and they're like needles in a haystack if you ask me.....at least those that haven't been altered in some way or another. I consider them still in the affordable range for the time being.

[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