THE LOBBY A gathering place. Introductions, sports, showin' off your ride, birthday-anniversary-milestone, achievements, family oriented humor.

          
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:06 AM
1965gp 1965gp is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 948
Default Collector cars you didn’t see coming

Some cars are very easy to determine they are going to be collectible due to their popularity- which ones didn’t you see coming?

GTO’s and Trans Am’s were very popular, thus making them desirable as collector cars. IROC-Z’s, 5.0’s, GN’s- all very popular and easy to predict... others not so much!

Some examples:

Toyata AE86 - very popular with the drift/tuner crowd. The prices these cars pull amazes me but they are a front engine/rear wheel drive car which works well for that purpose.

Datsun 510- no one wanted these but the attention these pull at a modern cars and coffee blows me away

F100 (5th gen 67-72)- about 12 years years ago I bought one of these for $900 and drove it home for 45 miles. These were just boring uncle Jesse trucks until Gas Monkey started building them and calling them ‘bump sides’

Square body C10 (73-87)- at Mecum Dallas a little over a year ago I saw these trucks (especially Blazers) selling into the $40’s and Ferrari’s not selling at $40k. I would have thought these were far too plentiful to have any value. Now the going price for a square body with a LS conversion and big wheels is $25-35k

Grand Sport C4 corvette (1996)- I thought this was a last minute decal job to keep people buying when the C5 was coming out. I always liked the paint scheme on this car and hoped to pick up a clean one for a reasonable price. These now have top values in the mid $60k range when they were only mid $40’s MSRP. If you could have bought one of these with no miles for $30k it would have been a decent investment. Conversely, any non-LT-4 C4 corvette is worth about $7-10k

G-Bodies 78-87- the pro-touring crowd fell in love with the simplicity of these cars. We typically don’t see it on this site but there is no shortage of frame off G body builds. So much so that you can drop $20k on a pre-fabbed chassis for it complete with LS mounts, 9” rear and big brakes.

On the other hand, what did you expect to be collectible but wasn’t?

Nissan 240Z cars seem to have held little value. These just never seemed to catch on- even when the factory sold them as restored cars at the Z stores in the mid 1990’s.

Nissan 300ZX- this was a great looking car available with twin turbo’s yet the value is no where near a comparable RX-7 or Supra.

1977 Pontiac Can Am- I love this car and owned one that was too rusty to save. I kept thinking these cars would catch on but just don’t seem to have the following of a GTO or Trans Am despite (in my opinion) checking all of the boxes.

  #2  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:22 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

The Datsun/Nissan 240-260-280Z/ZX were ones I expected to take off, but they rusted so severely that there's very few examples left in any northern state. Fun cars for sure. My brother had a 280ZX with EFI, we swapped to an earlier block and head....and had all sorts of unexpected issues. And for the record, the hardest valve seats I've ever come across.

I was in high school in the mid 80s, so the mid 70s cars were our first cars. 76 Buick Skyhawk, 77 Cutlass. Got into the G-body cars pretty heavily, and have owned or flipped probably 2-3 dozen of them. Down to an 87 Salon and an 84 Hurst/Olds. Such a flexible platform, they can do so much. And their prices have really taken off.

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
  #3  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:27 AM
Ben M.'s Avatar
Ben M. Ben M. is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,796
Default

Those little Nissan & Toyota trucks all the latino laborers use. People have started going stupid nuts for them.

Square body trucks were always popular in Texas where I grew up, but going from 2005 where you couldn't give away a dually crew cab for scrap to people paying $15-20k for one is something I didn't foresee. The K5 Blazer\Jimmy of similar years I never expected to fetch $20k for not-that-nice examples either. Uncle Jesse trucks indeed, people are chasing an image and willing to pay for it rather than earn it naturally.

I'm just going to say overall I didn't expect people to start getting so damn greedy about boring daily driver Hondas and Toyotas. Back 10-15-20 years ago a Japanese car that had 200k+ miles was probably still good to go with some love, but they were $1500-3000 max cars. The GM\Ford econoboxes of the era were sub-$1000 and could be good buys if no lurking demons were waiting and you knew how to work on them. Now? Everything that runs starts at $4500-5000, anything less than that lasts VERY little time on the classifieds or requires knowing ahead of time it's going on the market.

And seeing guys with '40s and '50s cars that haven't run in 50-60 years that would have been parts cars out in the elements 20 years ago asking $10,000 is head shaking.

I will say that Nissan's performance offerings in the 300ZX market is very much something I expected to be popular and you are right, they just don't command what an RX-7 or Supra does. I had an RX-8 and loved the car, but that's also a car I don't see commanding much of a premium - I should have kept mine but a growing family changes your needs for a sports car.

The one thing that has not surprised me: the late '70s and early '80s compact\mid-size cars have next to no following. They were under-powered and boring then and no one wants them now. Not stopping people trying to drive up the prices, but you don't see them commanding much and I doubt that will change much.

Another car that hasn't really done much: the Lincoln Mark VII-VIII series. They were fabulous cars when new and I was sure there would be *some* demand for them but honestly there just isn't. The Mark VII in particular I loved when new just looks so *dated* and late '80s now. When I see one on the road I kind of do a double take at how out of place it looks now. The Mark VIII never really went anywhere and it's a shame as it's an amazing piece of technology and performance with a luxury cushion around it.

  #4  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:29 AM
grandam1979 grandam1979 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ohio, Findlay
Posts: 1,429
Default

VW bugs and vans

  #5  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:30 AM
OG68's Avatar
OG68 OG68 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Chula Vista, CA
Posts: 1,475
Default

Station Wagons - The Grandfather of modern SUVs

And whatever happened to the 83-88 Thunderbirds? A major hit for Ford and change of direction for the Thunderbird. You don't see them anymore.

__________________
Ed

1968 GTO (Thanks Mom)
2006 Silverado
2007 Cadillac SRX
2015 Chevy Express

  #6  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:35 AM
1965gp 1965gp is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 948
Default

I’ve been looking for a black hurst/olds (my last name is Blackhurst soooo....) but prices have really shot up in the past 5-6 years.

Good call on VW’s as well as wagons. Almost any wagon is worth $$ today

  #7  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:44 AM
Greg Reid's Avatar
Greg Reid Greg Reid is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Palmetto, GA. USA
Posts: 16,163
Default

I think you're off target on the 240z.... The later 280zx cars, yes, but the first gen 240s bring really good money if you can find a solid one.
Or maybe you meant the 240sx?
https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...-240z-for-sale

__________________
Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia

The Following User Says Thank You to Greg Reid For This Useful Post:
  #8  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:49 AM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default

In the Pontiac world, the biggest surprise to me by far is the meteoric rise in value of the mid-late 2nd generation Trans Ams. I hope none of the members take this the wrong way, but I just never imagined a barely 200 HP, mid 16 second "muscle Car" demanding the same money as a much more rare, Ram Air III, or 455 HO, 70-72 model with 14 second performance. The Pontiac dealer I worked at would take these cars in on trade all the time allowing less than $1000.00 trade-in and re-selling for $1500.00-1800.00. Congratulations to the people who had the long term vision to buy and hold these cars. I never saw this craze coming. Other than the SD-455, I never imagined the kind of $$$ these cars demand now.

  #9  
Old 01-05-2021, 11:56 AM
1965gp 1965gp is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 948
Default

Those prices on the 240z you posted are prices I’ve never seen. I may search through the Mecum/Barrett Jackson sites to see what they sell for.it’s certainly possible they have a following I just haven’t seen.

The 240SX is actually an amazing car! I worked at a Nissan dealer in 96/97 and a 5 speed 240SX was my favorite car on the lot.

  #10  
Old 01-05-2021, 12:21 PM
Chief of the 60's Chief of the 60's is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: On the Rez
Posts: 3,233
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by grandam1979 View Post
VW bugs and vans
Yes, vans or as they are known, Bus.

I can't believe they are hitting 6 figure numbers.

  #11  
Old 01-05-2021, 12:40 PM
Firedup6975's Avatar
Firedup6975 Firedup6975 is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Q-T
Posts: 1,233
Default

If I could....I would!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A7C677E3-BF1B-4302-8DE2-B041E8DAEEE9.jpg
Views:	163
Size:	89.5 KB
ID:	557597  

__________________
"BIG DADDY" VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnFIVLuwO9A

~MaryAnn~ AKA "Stickybuns"
1969 Firebird 400 Convertible
1978 Bandit T/A Tribute
1977 RED TA



I'm the FiredUp PY bad girl
  #12  
Old 01-05-2021, 12:53 PM
71GP76TA's Avatar
71GP76TA 71GP76TA is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: rural California
Posts: 1,816
Default

80's..90's euro trash cars.. Old Volvo station wagons.. etc.. 80's early 90's Honda CRX si's.. Acura Integras.. I don't understand how somebody can get that excited about a front wheel drive sh!tbox to pay 80k for it.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...egra-type-r-4/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-honda-crx-si-12/

__________________
Current Pontiacs -

1973 Formula SD455 - #'s auto orig paint
1972 Trans Am - 4 speed orig paint
1974 Formula 400 - Ram Air automatic
1966 2+2 convertible - 421 4bbl automatic
1967 Grand Prix - 4 speed orig paint
1967 GTO - 4 speed orig paint 35k orig miles
  #13  
Old 01-05-2021, 01:07 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's View Post
Yes, vans or as they are known, Bus.

I can't believe they are hitting 6 figure numbers.
Yes, that's another serious head scratcher. It's like collecting Yugo's.

  #14  
Old 01-05-2021, 01:24 PM
Greg Reid's Avatar
Greg Reid Greg Reid is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Palmetto, GA. USA
Posts: 16,163
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1965gp View Post
Those prices on the 240z you posted are prices I’ve never seen. I may search through the Mecum/Barrett Jackson sites to see what they sell for.it’s certainly possible they have a following I just haven’t seen.

The 240SX is actually an amazing car! I worked at a Nissan dealer in 96/97 and a 5 speed 240SX was my favorite car on the lot.
If you find a 240z for under 10 grand it's typically a clapped out rustbucket....and boy do they rust! Too bad because they are awesome little cars otherwise.

__________________
Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia

  #15  
Old 01-05-2021, 01:41 PM
OG68's Avatar
OG68 OG68 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Chula Vista, CA
Posts: 1,475
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Firedup6975 View Post
If I could....I would!
Ever since the movie Elinore came out the value of 67-68 Fastback Mustangs skyrocketed.

__________________
Ed

1968 GTO (Thanks Mom)
2006 Silverado
2007 Cadillac SRX
2015 Chevy Express

  #16  
Old 01-05-2021, 01:43 PM
Firedup6975's Avatar
Firedup6975 Firedup6975 is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Q-T
Posts: 1,233
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OG68 View Post
Ever since the movie Elinore came out the value of 67-68 Fastback Mustangs skyrocketed.

I've always Loved this car it’s my second favorite to my Pontiacs. That is one fast!! Car.

__________________
"BIG DADDY" VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnFIVLuwO9A

~MaryAnn~ AKA "Stickybuns"
1969 Firebird 400 Convertible
1978 Bandit T/A Tribute
1977 RED TA



I'm the FiredUp PY bad girl
  #17  
Old 01-05-2021, 02:29 PM
455Grandville's Avatar
455Grandville 455Grandville is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: St Genevieve County
Posts: 1,536
Default

Supra’s; the Mark IV 90s Fast & the Furious ones are pushing $100,000 if they’re not butchered up.
My son has 2 Mark III, both turbo and their parts have really shot up.

Older 80s conversion vans and 70s custom vans are even going up, and 5 years ago you couldn’t give one away.

__________________
Two 1975 455 Grandvilles &
'79 455 Trans Am
‘69 Camaro SS 396/375 (owned since ‘88)
‘22 Toyota Sequoia V8
‘23 Lexus LS500 awd
‘95 Ford F-super duty 4wd 7.3 p-stroke
& countless Jeeps & off road vehicles.
  #18  
Old 01-05-2021, 02:31 PM
hgiv hgiv is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Western MA
Posts: 82
Default

I think it crazy that station wagons are hot! I didn't see that coming.

How about the Fierro? Never liked them but they sell quick although not for huge money.

Any 70's or earlier PU truck is hot. I guess I didn't see that, just like everyone else. Man if you could have Grandpa's low budget PU truck back!! But now you see the 80s models starting to demand attention. Unfortunately they a horrible mix of sensors and terrible electronics and low horse power. You can keep them.

You can pick up a late 80s - 2000 Mercedes real cheap. Those just have to go up! But the problem is they cost a fortune to work on. On the other hand the BMWs from the same era are now getting hot.

  #19  
Old 01-05-2021, 04:56 PM
1965gp 1965gp is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 948
Default

71/76 hit a few good ones. CRX, Integra- both very popular when I was in high school. I’m 45 now and my age group can afford more than one car which is one reason these are going up.

Interesting about the conversion vans- I haven’t noticed that but I don’t follow them either. I have seen 70’s custom vans going up substantially.

  #20  
Old 01-05-2021, 05:42 PM
tooski tooski is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Posts: 593
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik View Post
In the Pontiac world, the biggest surprise to me by far is the meteoric rise in value of the mid-late 2nd generation Trans Ams.these cars
I guess I missed out. At the time I bought my 75 I thought the Trans Am's were a bit too gaudy for my taste. Plus I liked the pre 76 Formula hood far better than the TA's. I also don't care for the 76 up noses. Still have my 75.

__________________
Frank M.
75 Firebird
68 Firebird 400 RAIII
66 Chevy II 461 Pontiac in AZ
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:47 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017