Not a what’s it worth but how values are determined on "those" kind of cars
 

I’m a high belier in that “as born” should bring the highest values on our cars with original and restored cars having debatable highest values in the category. Then taking into account model/sub model, number of cars built and then weighting in options, color, eng size and drive train, condition and in some cases past sales which may be private or auction results all as being weighted factors. While it is all debatable and all these factors could be debated forever there is some common ground on which we all can agree to that will put the end dollar number fairly close.

I spent some time recently reviewing, on-line, local and past auction results for cars that don’t fit into the above category. It was obvious from what little that I know that the shark tank would go crazy for some of these cars but beyond that, these cars brought in some real money. If you throw out the few odd sales that drinking may have been a factor in raising one hands in a moment of showing off ones wallet size the truth of the matter is these cars can bring big dollars from those people not focused on originality.

My question is directed towards those three time removed cousins, the ones that we know are out there but seldom discussed at any length here with various modifications both small, moderate, crazy, and those performance enhancing models with non-factory wheels that some might like to have if it was accepted or even those cars where someone has spent $100k or more on a car that you know might want to test drive and possibly have as long as your real Pontiac friends never found out. So on these cars which do exist out there and you see at events, cruise-ins and on auction sites. How does one put a value on a car to market it for sale ?

Thanks, Russ

Cars are an emotional sale/purchase. Although we would like to attach logic to the values there will always be sales where it goes right out the window.

I must agree. I have far more invested in my car than it will ever be worth, but ask me if I care. The value of any car is determined by what the buyer is willing to pay. I could be wrong, but logic tells me otherwise.

I have watched too, and found this.
1. The more aftermarket "parts" that show up in auctions, the more people accept them as common, or original, OR they look good to them and its a "natural correction"
( example ralley wheels on an 55 chevy)
2. There are a lot more day traders and "Low information" car buyers with disposable income to "overpay" for "toys"
3. These are typically NOT investments
4. Number of "investor-collectors" is going down, in place are "buyer show offs" that drive the cars.
5. The number of "as born" cars on the road or at shows is near nothing now, and these replace them.
6. Buyers want something they can drive, with modern, or vintage options, thats looks good, and goes. Example, last summer 2 different men on vacation in the area offered me way more cash than my car is worth, and more than I have into it. ( 25 and 30 K respectively, and one I met at the bank, where he showed me his bank cash on hand statement) My car is NOT original, but its got overdrive , engine isnt radical, but has stock flavor. Neither of the men knew much about cars, or Pontiacs, One Im sure would play with it , then sell it. > brings me right back to point #2.
7. Originals.. I have owned a few bone stock cars. Ended up sitting and I either built a clone to drive, or bought a convertible, or 3 LOL
8. There are Less and Less folks who appreciate originality ( passing away) This is sad, but makes a bigger burden on us to show them off if you have them so the Standard remains true and pure. The Legacy of Pontiac will be HOW we represent it.

I also think the original cars are worth more than the modified ones. That does not necessarily equate to being more valuable in a monetary terms.

I have paid far more in the past, for cars that I wanted, simply because i found them to be so unique. (the black Formula, for example). I have also never been dissapointed in buyng something for that reason: that I liked the car, not just that it was worth a certain amount of money.

I see the original cars as something akin to a time machine. There is nothing that will get you closer to being a teenager again than sitting in a car that was brand new when you were a teen. (That's why I am partial to the early 70s cars).

Restomods have no such allegiance to their date of birth and therefore lack the "soul connection" to the past.

Well said! agree 100%, Glad you drive your car :)