NOT a very good sign for the value of mopar muscle cars

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What I don't get is, there was a time in the 80s when I was in High school, no one wanted Mopars UNLESS they were in good shape. Yeah a Duster with good paint ,interior and 340 stripes was a wanted ride, but a 71 Charger that needed body work .etc, no one wanted it and girls didn't want to ride in it. Fast forward to now, Mopars are gold and people who aren't even Mopar guys try and flip them. This is what drives it also.
Yep, Mopars have usually been the red headed step child of the old collector car world! I had a 71 Charger Rt perfect shape in about '88. Mopar guys asked WHY!!???? They said: "Sell that dang thing and get a 70 Cuda"!!!! ha Even back in the 90's , 340 A bodies were not considerd as desirable by many!
Cars come and go. Prices go up and go down. Cycles. Some times in history, Mopars actually sold better than Chevelles and Stangs! So is life!
 
Yep, Mopars have usually been the red headed step child of the old collector car world! I had a 71 Charger Rt perfect shape in about '88. Mopar guys asked WHY!!???? They said: "Sell that dang thing and get a 70 Cuda"!!!! ha Even back in the 90's , 340 A bodies were not considerd as desirable by many!
Cars come and go. Prices go up and go down. Cycles. Some times in history, Mopars actually sold better than Chevelles and Stangs! So is life!
Another thing i remember from the start was you had to know other Mopar guys for parts etc. and general info. That hasn't changed much:)

I remember a guy who was all big block, so i started playing around with the small blocks. He would call from time to time "hey you want a 360?".. "hey come and get this 318 out of my garage..." :) usually for free or real cheap too. Now its almost like 318s are worth more than the gas to go pick them up.:)
 
The value of networking is huge. Always has been especially before the net! I have a cool 64 Savoy project due to the fact of a guy I met on FBBO. Like Dartswinger70 says, "IF you need Mopar parts and info, Mopar guys are the source and where you must go"! It has not changed in decades and FABO and FBBO, etc is a big part of the brotherhood.
 
Resto-mod seems to be the order of the day. As with Pro-Street, I hope it is a fad and fades away.
Sorry. I have to disagree. If you really think about it, I believe that most of the cars belonging to FABO members are restomods. It REALLY depends on how you define restomod, and I think there are probably a LOT of ideas on that. How far can you stray from a textbook factory restoration before it becomes a restomod? I enjoy the perfect restorations with the 'right' bolts, clips, etc. but I really like restomods. Technically, my car is one. Altering a car to what you want as opposed to how it came from the factory is 'cool.
 
Sorry. I have to disagree. If you really think about it, I believe that most of the cars belonging to FABO members are restomods. It REALLY depends on how you define restomod, and I think there are probably a LOT of ideas on that. How far can you stray from a textbook factory restoration before it becomes a restomod? I enjoy the perfect restorations with the 'right' bolts, clips, etc. but I really like restomods. Technically, my car is one. Altering a car to what you want as opposed to how it came from the factory is 'cool.

i agree.. restomod is a pretty vague term.. so many cars can fall under that description.. not all "restomods" have 24" wheels and crazy modern interiors... hell you can have a modern driveline and a/c in a relatively stock looking car and still fall under that description in my opinion..
 
Isn't the term "restomod" an oxymoron? To me, the terms "restored" and "modified" are complete opposites.

I think it came from having the exterior and interior restored to look stock, (restored to factory specs) but the powertrain was modified to use more modern components.
 
I think it came from having the exterior and interior restored to look stock, (restored to factory specs) but the powertrain was modified to use more modern components.
But like anything, the people making big $$ out of it, take it to extremes to justify their costs! How many resto mods you sell at BJ do not have a full blown modern interior. At least the high dollar sells do. I have no issue with any of it, people need to build what they like!
I guess dropping a 72 440 in my 64 Savoy that was originally a 64 slant, is resto mod!? ha I will get new 76 Jeep seats that look for all the world like A100 seats but are new and cost $135 ea on sale, with free shipping! ha If someone owns it after me, make it what they like! Just do me a favor, and don't add a GPS to the dash!! Buy a road map and learn to read it!!
 
The market is right up my alley, bought a 66 Belvedere no motor-trans-rear, was a Hemi 4speed. I figured a 440 driver but got bashed for not putting a Hemi back in, we’ll after many thousands of dollars it’s going back right. BUT will still be a driver and I was worried about resale (maybe) down the road, fells good now that the market is going this way now and I’ll make changes the way I like without worrying about the value.
 
I've had a "restomod", I've had the numbers matching "correct" car. The restomod was more fun and I didn't have to worry about changing anything to improve the car without hurting the value. The numbers car HAD to stay "correct" to keep the value up. I sold it and not Sorry. The "new" car is going to be upgraded everywhere I can afford and it's going to be a blast to drive!!!
 
Isn't the term "restomod" an oxymoron? To me, the terms "restored" and "modified" are complete opposites.

While I don't disagree.
Well, technically most OE cars are not even restored. I'm saying they don't duplicate the flaws and shoddy assembly that said car came with "day one" . And the experts don't agree on some things. It's trying to catch the wind. Or simply breaking wind.
To put another it another way.

FOUND!
Another one of the 11 1971 Hemi Cuda convertibles has been found under a bed of a brothel in Salt Lake City.
No one is quite sure how it got there. But Mopar experts from around the country have verified it and after a complete concourse restoration it is sure to be featured in the “official” publications..
Noted authority Gail Gopher has inspected the car and suggested the use of only NOS parts. "I can absolutely assure all that this car is the real thing" he said.The restoration is scheduled to begin as soon as a suitable doner car is located.Also there is talk of launching a new website:
“for1971HemiCudaconvertableownersonly.com” which is expected to have as many as 11 registered users.

upload_2021-3-30_15-53-19.png
 
Years back I restored more than a few "desirable" cars to perfect nut/bolt deals, IF I drove it any and enjoyed it before selling, the buyer would always say, it has a gravel peck, or whatever and it ain't perfect and therefore they have to spend $ for this or that. So I stopped making them perfect, drove them till I wanted to let someone else enjoy it and make it as they wanted. No more v code or M code this and that, just ole 383 69 Roadrunners that they made what 85,000 of! Now a 69 RR POS is $6000 for a complete turd! SO no more of that either!
Whats in the yard now? A 64 slant savoy that will be a BB 4 speed driver,....... two early B (62 Dart 330 and 64 poly Bel.) body MORE doors!! The more doors? They will be drivers ( one already is) and no one will give me what I spent on an 18 ga sheet of patch steel plus my primer and paint!!!! Will they be perfect? NO! Do I give a chit!? No! Do I like them? Yes.... ha
 
people want them but they doint want to pay. Plus there are the "flippers" Like the guy who watches American pickers and comes by to tell you what your car is worth as if you don't know..then they'll say "I have to make something on it..." Oh really? you have top make something on my car? get outta here... I have contemplated kicking the bucket with all my tools, parts and cars, sitting at the house, my kid can sell it for pennies on the dollar:)
 
What I don't get is, there was a time in the 80s when I was in High school, no one wanted Mopars UNLESS they were in good shape. Yeah a Duster with good paint ,interior and 340 stripes was a wanted ride, but a 71 Charger that needed body work .etc, no one wanted it and girls didn't want to ride in it. Fast forward to now, Mopars are gold and people who aren't even Mopar guys try and flip them. This is what drives it also.
My girl rides in my 71 Charger. But the greatest chick magnet I've ever owned was a 69 SS 396 Chevelle Convertible Marina Blue, White strips, white interior, and a white top. I had to keep a stick to knock them off. lol
 
people want them but they doint want to pay. Plus there are the "flippers" Like the guy who watches American pickers and comes by to tell you what your car is worth as if you don't know..then they'll say "I have to make something on it..." Oh really? you have top make something on my car? get outta here... I have contemplated kicking the bucket with all my tools, parts and cars, sitting at the house, my kid can sell it for pennies on the dollar:)
Ya my kids are going to have a lot of fun with a big dumpster.
 
I've had a "restomod", I've had the numbers matching "correct" car. The restomod was more fun and I didn't have to worry about changing anything to improve the car without hurting the value. The numbers car HAD to stay "correct" to keep the value up. I sold it and not Sorry. The "new" car is going to be upgraded everywhere I can afford and it's going to be a blast to drive!!!

This!!!!
 
Barrett-Jackson is having their annual Scottsdale Arizona collector car auction right now and i'm sitting here watching all the beautiful cars getting sold.

There was just a beautiful, completely restored REAL hemi orange 69 1/2 A-12 Roadrunner 440 6 pack 4 speed that went across the block and sold for $73,000. that is at least $40k LESS than the same car would have sold for in 2015 which was the most recent height of the muscle car auction market.

The cars that are now selling for over $100k on a regular basis at the BJ auction? they would be "resto-mods" of classic muscle cars. these cars are old muscle cars with modern engines, drive trains, suspensions and even interiors. even the owners of BJ that were interviewed about the state of the collector car market stated that the price leaders in the past - being original, numbers-matching muscle cars - are now being replaced by the resto-mod vehicles as the collector car market continues to change and evolve to new tastes with younger buyers.

BJ usually gets higher prices for the cars they sell than the same cars sold by Mecum. so the noted A-12 Roadrunner might have sold for even less than $73k at a Mecum auction. just for comparison to other cars than mopars, a PERFECT NCRS judged original red 1965 fuel injected 327 4 speed Corvette convertible just sold for $117k. THAT car in 2015 would have been $130k all day long. all the commentators are remarking how the "original" cars are not bringing the money that the resto-mod cars are.

i will continue to enjoy my old mopars because i never bought them with the idea that they would be my "retirement" income some day. anyone who is still buying muscle cars to "flip for big money" will likely get burned with significant loses.
The cars that get six figures are the investment grade cars all original matching numbers cars with low mileage. A car that has been totally restored but does not have matching numbers engine, trans, axles, radiator mount, trunk etc. $73K is the correct price. Matching numbers means all components of the car have the same numbers not just the engine. There is a HUGE difference in Quality and Price for an investment grade car than a 100% restored car. You can't go by Barrett Jackson alone. check out the finished prices of Mecum Kissimmee. And you will see investment grade and lower class Mopars. Go to Haggerty Insurance and check out the valuation tool they have for car values. The prices for Mopars are where they belong.
 
Barrett-Jackson is having their annual Scottsdale Arizona collector car auction right now and i'm sitting here watching all the beautiful cars getting sold.

There was just a beautiful, completely restored REAL hemi orange 69 1/2 A-12 Roadrunner 440 6 pack 4 speed that went across the block and sold for $73,000. that is at least $40k LESS than the same car would have sold for in 2015 which was the most recent height of the muscle car auction market.

The cars that are now selling for over $100k on a regular basis at the BJ auction? they would be "resto-mods" of classic muscle cars. these cars are old muscle cars with modern engines, drive trains, suspensions and even interiors. even the owners of BJ that were interviewed about the state of the collector car market stated that the price leaders in the past - being original, numbers-matching muscle cars - are now being replaced by the resto-mod vehicles as the collector car market continues to change and evolve to new tastes with younger buyers.

BJ usually gets higher prices for the cars they sell than the same cars sold by Mecum. so the noted A-12 Roadrunner might have sold for even less than $73k at a Mecum auction. just for comparison to other cars than mopars, a PERFECT NCRS judged original red 1965 fuel injected 327 4 speed Corvette convertible just sold for $117k. THAT car in 2015 would have been $130k all day long. all the commentators are remarking how the "original" cars are not bringing the money that the resto-mod cars are.

i will continue to enjoy my old mopars because i never bought them with the idea that they would be my "retirement" income some day. anyone who is still buying muscle cars to "flip for big money" will likely get burned with significant loses.
 
- Not a problem, Original cars will always be harder to come by and usually get used very little if at all - they were causing any condition of a muscle car the risk of becoming over priced because of BJ/Mecum etc. A good resto-mod is safer, drivable to the extent that you are risking a rare car - they will settle in @ a reasonable price
 
I've been around for 8 decades and have seen classic and collector car prices go through many cycles and trends. In the end, buying a car for an investment is a loosing game! We spend a bunch of hours and money on our cars because we love doing it. Rarely, we will get the money and sweat we've put into them unless you are a commercial builder. A number of the resto-mods sold at BJ and Mecums sold for far less than what the builder had in them. Those resto-mods prices will fall some time in the future just like numbers cars.
 
The cars that get six figures are the investment grade cars all original matching numbers cars with low mileage. A car that has been totally restored but does not have matching numbers engine, trans, axles, radiator mount, trunk etc. $73K is the correct price. Matching numbers means all components of the car have the same numbers not just the engine. There is a HUGE difference in Quality and Price for an investment grade car than a 100% restored car. You can't go by Barrett Jackson alone. check out the finished prices of Mecum Kissimmee. And you will see investment grade and lower class Mopars. Go to Haggerty Insurance and check out the valuation tool they have for car values. The prices for Mopars are where they belong.
That is correct all parts are number matching that is what the #1 condition is priced at and in perfect cond. supper low miles or a restored car with all the correct number matching parts. Even a #2 car should have all the correct parts. 99% of cars out there are at best a #3 car.
 
I've been around for 8 decades and have seen classic and collector car prices go through many cycles and trends. In the end, buying a car for an investment is a loosing game! We spend a bunch of hours and money on our cars because we love doing it. Rarely, we will get the money and sweat we've put into them unless you are a commercial builder. A number of the resto-mods sold at BJ and Mecums sold for far less than what the builder had in them. Those resto-mods prices will fall some time in the future just like numbers cars.
If you want a retomod just buy a late model car. A nice srt8 will do the job.
 
My girl rides in my 71 Charger. But the greatest chick magnet I've ever owned was a 69 SS 396 Chevelle Convertible Marina Blue, White strips, white interior, and a white top. I had to keep a stick to knock them off. lol

Yeah these cars aren't really panty droppers anymore. More like old man depends droppers.
 
That's because people want to actually get them out and enjoy them instead of just having garage art or something that just isn't so fun to drive to the local place to practice professional parking for a chance to win a 99 cent trophy.
Sadly I see so many A bodies in garages covered in crap just wasting away. Yet the owners won't part with them or parts. It seems like they have had them for years but are now not able to either physically work on them, or afford to work on them, but won't part ways. My brother has a 68 formula s cuda just wasting away. It needs a lot of work but is original. A few other folks I've bought parts from are the same. Car wasting away in the garage.
 
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