I don't see many of these cars as collectibles in 20 years.
First, everyone is assuming there will be gas to run them - not sure we will with all the regulatory expectations in the elimination of gasoline as we know it. No doubt you can alter the engine IF some form of pump gas is available. So if you have to convert the engine over to an E-85- propane, CNG, or electric, will people be willing to do this and how will it affect value, let alone originality and the car's collectible status?
Get ready for Carbon Credits. No guess on how this will work, either on the fuel or the car itself. This will most likely discourage people from buying these older cars and driving them. I am sure it will be a sliding scale with the guys who have modified gas engines getting horrible gas mileage and pumping excess carbon and other poisonous gasses into the atmosphere paying the most.
Parts sources. Many of these cars are made with a ton of plastic, rubber hoses, sensors, and computers. They deteriorate just setting about from humidity/moisture unless those who purchase them as investments plan on putting them into climate controlled storage lockers, warehouses, or other means. Will the restoration supply industry come up with all the parts needed to rebuild/restore such a car when some items will be specific to the make/model/year and justifying a short run may leave the rebuilder/restorer having to improvise or hope to find NOS. Will the aftermarket industry also be penalized by carbon credits when producing and offering those items that contribute to atmosphere pollutants like radical cams, big carbs, high compression pistons, exhaust systems, etc.?
With the trend to install an LS motor & OD transmission and electronics into everything because HP & laptop adjustability (with turbo's making a comeback) is king with the up and coming collector/car enthusiast generation, will anyone care if the driveline is original and will it actually hurt resale value?
Nope, I don't see the speculation in choosing what future cars will be collectables as I think 20-30 years from now the world will be a completely different place with computerized & self driven cars where you can just sit back and ride, watch a movie, get on the internet, chat with anyone around the world and not have to deal with the worries of actually sitting behind a steering wheel and using your brain to make decisions which control the car within the busy lanes of everyday traffic. And for those who insist on manually driving their cars, insurance rates will sky rocket due to the liabilities of doing such.
|