In addition to the better V8 and performance (415 HP/415 Torque) you are also getting better suspension, a six-speed manual option not available on the GT, 14" front rotors with Brembo calipers, XM radio, Bluetooth and a few minor interior enhancements. The difference between what I paid for the GT and GXP after all discounts, etc was only about $4,000 and yes, I would call that value.
I cannot overstate this enough that this is the fastest, most powerful production model ever to wear the Pontiac badge. I don't care if it was made in Australia, China, Great Britan, Detroit or where ever...it has a Pontiac badge and it will be the last great car to ever wear that badge. So what if it shows up in China as a Buick - how many thousands of those do you suppose will be made and then how many do you think will wind up on the streets of the USA? I think not many if any at all. How many Stryker Blue Metallic GXPs are there in the USA? Answer: 56! I think that equals value and collector status. How many 71 Judge Convertibles were made: 17. What are they worth now compared to what they cost new? Here's to hoping that this one will be similar to that 20 plus years from now. I didn't buy them just for transportation.
I bought both of these cars because:
A. I like Pontiacs
B. I wanted rare colors
C. I wanted something to leave for my sons so they could someday say: "I remember the day my Dad brought this car home and I still have the window sticker, the build sheet, the dealer sales order, the owner's manaual, the picutures, the brochures, the emails between Dad and the dealer, the original numbers matching drive train, etc. And oh, by the way, it's a Pontiac and they went out of business right after Dad got this car."
There probably are a bunch of folks who bought them for other reasons and the value may very well drop rapidly for a few years - but again, my reasons for buying were for the long-term potential value and by the time that point gets here, I won't really care and my sons will do what they want with the cars. But you know, I doubt that anyone buying 71 Judge Convertibles back in 71 really had any inkling of an idea just how valuable they would be today. Maybe we should ask Gramps - who just won GTOAA Concourse Gold with his Lucy Blue 71 Judge Vert at Co-Vention...he's the original owner and can sure attest to how much his car has appreciated!
That's just my
and I certainly respect yours.
Thanks,
BJ