posted 02-19-2023 05:03 AM                  

Speaking with Steve Yesterday (DublinOH), we were talking about some of the cars we have owned, do own and might wish to own. And might sell. Got me thinking, I have always considered myself just an enthusiastic hobbyist, but have been collecting more than I can store recently (keeps you busy) and starting to look at some of these cars to buy/sell, enjoy, fix, make a few bucks. Now and in the future. I've accurately predicted some of the more recent cars that were in the tank and would increase in value. Pontiac Trans AM (Really increased in the past 2 to 3 years) Pontiac Solstice (GXP models), and Dodge Viper's. Of all the cars I have, the Prowler is going nowhere and same with the Viper. I still feel that the Prowler, someday, will start to rise in value. It is too unique not to but to date, I have been wrong on that one. I fall in love with the stupid things so being an investor is hard for me. Just bought a car I feel is in fact an investment and will make me some money, but, alas, yes, I am falling in love with it too. Feel as I get older, driving these is a blessing and someday, simply won't be able to. I am seeing some friends selling their long time automotive "Loves" . Also, I am already having fun times getting in and out of them. Still enjoy shifting through the gears. Gotta change here soon or buy a warehouse. How do you approach the hobby now? Any different ?

Best,

posted 02-20-2023 08:28 AM                  

I ask because I have recently purchased a vehicle that I told Shelley is an "investment" which means "don't drive it" in my book. Which is VERY hard. It's the reason I went to the MCACN show (I should post a funny picture here, from that show - loved it!)

All of my past cars, I've purchased cause I want to own them and drive them. If I make a few bucks and enjoyed it for 5 years, then so be it. The ones I own now are mostly: "I had to sell cars to get the kids through school, mission accomplished so I want them back" and now I am looking at SSR's. Many think they will NOT go up in value, just like our Prowlers. I disagree. End of run, highly optioned 6 speeds will go up.

Big problem, I am out of space so do I sell some of the old ones, sell a few new ones, or look for a warehouse. and work for the rest of my life! Haha...

We will see.

Best,

John

posted 02-20-2023 12:00 PM                  

So, if you had the choice of a Mustang, Prowler, Trans AM, SSR, Viper, Corvette, Solstice, Camaro, Challanger, Charger etc. that has potential future collectable potential, with cars you now can drive, would you:

1) Buy a cool one and drive it ?

or

2) Buy a collector, one off, end of run, highly optioned, low miles name your favorite thing to look for, and buy it to DRIVE ? (thus having a blast, and probably diminishing the price in the future, meaning you are NOT an investor! haha)

Thanks!

posted 02-20-2023 05:33 PM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by Stray Cat:
Yes, that's where I am at. 2 of mine in storage and I do not like that.

So, if you had the choice of a Mustang, Prowler, Trans AM, SSR, Viper, Corvette, Solstice, Camaro, Challanger, Charger etc. that has potential future collectable potential, with cars you now can drive, would you:

1) Buy a cool one and drive it ?

or

2) Buy a collector, one off, end of run, highly optioned, low miles name your favorite thing to look for, and buy it to DRIVE ? (thus having a blast, and probably diminishing the price in the future, meaning you are NOT an investor! haha)

Thanks!

John

---

posted 02-20-2023 08:03 PM                  

I'll explain in another post but so very much got a kick out of the "drive it" comments!

Thanks :-)

posted 02-20-2023 08:35 PM                  

Moving from here sucks

Had room for 10 cars on the ground

Caddy 31,600 mile
Imperial 15,400 miles
Dart 10,000 miles in 18 years since restored
Prowler 43,000 miles

Problem with an original car is they need to stay original

All maintenance has to be done but keeping them as original as possible

I would love to have a 69 Dart to clone into one like my brother had. White, white interior and red stripe 383 auto, so I keep looking

Want a 61 corvette, 64 Polara, 67 GTX, SSR (would use as daily) want another E Body

Caregiver for Sue has changed what i can do & what I will by.

Need to sell , would like Imperial in a museum so it could be seen

The Dart is best to put Sue in so what little I take her out it is what we drive

The Prowler has only been driven a 100 miles each year the last few years.

Don’t know how long it will be before I can use the cars or travel but 1st thing is care for Sue as long as I can

Have owned over 100 cars & trucks think I’m done

------------------
Larry Mayes

posted 02-26-2023 06:58 AM                  

Seeing you two was a treat last year - you are doing God's work. I asked Sue if she remembered me, and she nodded; "No". I mentioned Michael, my little boy (29 in October!) and she got a big smile and said; "Yes, now I do". Was cute. I have no idea how many cars I have owned. Should add them all up. I'll post on why I asked. Trying to deal with my Obsessive-compulsive personality while maintaining some sense of fiscal responsibility!

posted 03-03-2023 05:06 PM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by onecatnodog:
All I can say is I love all things mechanical, especially the cars.. I did learn a big lesson back in the day.(Oct. 8th 2014) Over Insure things of value with replacement value insurance or stated value, and keep them on your own property so you can keep a close eye on things. I could post up pictures from my scrap books and I quit taking pictures of them at around 200 plus that I have owned. Mostly Mopars, Yes I have bought them and flipped them. Bought them and restored them, bought them to strip down for parts. Some I kept as long as 25 plus years, some as short as 20 min. The special ones before restoration to keep them safe, I put into my friend Stan's Barns as his 2 buildings would hold close to 250 in both buildings crammed in there. I was one that tried to buy all original cars not all painted up and detailed as I kept those ones at home after I finished them.. Dreamed of retirement and changing the shop into a Classic Car Lot and repair place. Total Loss By My Foolishness and had just Liability on them so I could drive them all from time to time, all plated with the Colorado 5 year collector plate. It's still hard to talk about it to this day, so learn from my mistake. Over Insure them and keep them at home under close eyes.. All these cars were like my kids.. All had a story. How I found them, what I paid for them, and what I did to them. I also lost a few to auto theft over the years. John(onecatnodog)
http://youtu.be/hctv-esWy98?t=4

---

posted 03-04-2023 02:53 AM                  

Wow - what time Frame? In speaking with Willie (Toys) he shared that he had a super rare, in the millions of dollars motorcycle collection that I believe burned as well. I would just be devastated. I know it is tough, thank you foe sharing. May help a member or two.

posted 03-14-2023 07:46 AM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by Landscape Doctor:
I can't say I have a definitive hobby. I love just working on anything. Today I did a service on my 1968 Leroi 150 Compressor. I reset the valves, new plugs, oil change and a quick waxing. It has a Allis Chalmers WD45 engine,, for those that know tractors.
I mainly use it for irrigation winterizing now. When we used to do alot of concrete work,, we used it for jackhammer work.

---