I found myself watching one of those strange shows on the Speed channel where they televise live auctions of classic cars. They had cars from the 20’s through about the early 80’s represented. For those who haven’t seen this show, these are regular production line cars from major makers. There were Ford Fairlanes, Plymouth Roadrunners, Chevy Novas and the like.
I am sure I will be a geezer sitting on the couch in 2040 and they will be showing the same crappy show and by that point all of these 1950’s cars will be rusted away. I found myself trying to think of what cars they might showcase as classics from the 90’s especially. I came into adulthood in an age dominated by Ford Escorts and Camrys and I couldn’t think of any that were stylistically interesting enough that anyone would want one in mint condition thirty years from now.
If you could buy something from that era and just keep in your garage, which ones do you think collectors would covet? Are there any models that are already turning into collector cars, or is there so little styling variation these days that the era of the classic car is basically over?
Same as always, it’ll be the low-volume, high-performance, or “special” models. It might take longer, though, since cars of that vintage are far less prone to rust and corrosion than cars up through the '80s.
another thing to keep in mind is that really only the “hot” models of classic cars are around today. For every GTO still in good condition, a hundred Tempests rotted away. For every Road Runner or GTX that survived, a hundred Satellites went to the scrapyard.
everybody remembers the Chevrolet Chevelles, Ford Mustang Boss 429s, and Plymouth Duster 340s. Nobody cares about the Chevy Biscaynes, Ford Mavericks, and Dodge Darts.
Good God as long as it’s not the Thunderbirds that look like Tauruses.
My guess would be the Corvettes (as you might expect), Lamborghinis/Ferraris (if you want to go that route), but then the new body style of the Firebird and Camero came out in the late 90’s. Also we had a lot of old cars coming back as remakes in the last 20 years that might make become classics if they get discontinued. Things like the Beetle, Rabbit, “old” Mustang and Thunderbird. Someone mentioned a Miata and along those same lines I could see people attempting to hang on to RX-7s, Probes, Fieros, Lancers or 3000GTs. Also, I’d be willing to bet anyone who’s going to plunk down the cash to buy a Dodge Viper* is going to keep it pristine for a damn long time.
*There’s a Dodge dealership by my house that’s always got two out in front so I know they must sell in my area but I’ve only ever seen one on the road, it was black and the plate was SLYTHRN.
I think the Sky and Solstice may be sought after some day. Argent Towers mentioned the Mitsubishi 300GT- how about the Dodge Stealth? I think the last T-birds looked more like '53-'55 Corvettes than an old T-bird.
I drive a 200, it is an excellent driving automobile, best suspension and handling ever from Chrysler in a mid range sporty and fast model. Excellent engineering. Compete’s better for price and quality with the Jap Imports.
The Audi TT and the Aston-Martin DB9. Both upscale without being too expensive, rare without being obscure, distinctive-looking without being bizarre. They’ll be collected for decades.
I agree with you on the Thunderbirds. I really liked the styling of those and it was really the first of the wave that eventually brought the retro Mustang and Camaros back.