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The Decline of the Muscle Car Market?

10 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2007 at 10:19 AM

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What is this discussion about? Classic Cars, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#3 of 10 Re: The Decline of the Muscle Car Market? [parm] by fintail

Nov 17, 2007 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: parm (Nov 17, 2007 12:06 pm)
I wonder how much of the market was driven by those using HELOCs made against their overvalued property to buy cars with inflated prices due to speculation. Real estate and old cars can have much in common when it comes to speculation. I have no doubt the muscle market has peaked. As you mention, it is an Average Joe hobby, and these are Average Joe cars - if it gets to be too much, the market will correct itself or the consumer will move on.
 
As Shifty mentions, a lot goes overseas now (I get Dutch Auto Traders and similar magazines often - you should see how many old American cars are making their way over to Europe), this might be keeping prices higher for the time being - but that demand will be met quickly. Cars are rarely a real investment, and I would hope nobody is investing in them given today's climate.

#4 of 10 Muscle car demand should still continue by parm

Nov 18, 2007 (8:28 pm)

As someone who tracked sales of early to mid 1960's Cadillacs 3-6 years ago, I know that several of these cars were purchased and shipped to Scandinavian and European countries. So, it's not surprising that the same has occurred to muscle cars.
 
Regardless of whether the market is going up, down or staying flat, I think an important rule (perhaps THE most important) when buying a collector car is to pick something that someone else will want when you're done with it. Doing so will not only reduce your marketing time, but it's about as good a protection plan you can have to prevent taking a bath when it's time to sell. If you can find a car you can sell for what you paid for it five to seven year earlier, you're ahead of the game. And, the maintenance costs you incur during ownership is essentially the price of your "ticket to ride" - which even further supports my long-standing argument to always buy a car that's "done" and not a "project". That's why a muscle car (which I know is a pretty broad category - depending on what's considered a muscle car) still probably makes sense.

#5 of 10 Re: Muscle car demand should still continue [parm] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 19, 2007 (7:56 am)

Replying to: parm (Nov 18, 2007 8:28 pm)
A great piece of advice, to which I might add Rule #2 of collector cars:
 
"Whatever got you into a car cheap when you bought it will haunt you when you sell it. "

#6 of 10 Given the global economy and politics here by euphonium

Nov 20, 2007 (11:09 am)

The muscle car is to be avoided as it is the least "Green", the most wasteful, and all too frequently driven in a style not up to the abilities of the driver.
 
Common Sense dictates its demise..
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#7 of 10 Re: Given the global economy and politics here [euphonium] by andre1969

Nov 20, 2007 (11:31 am)

Replying to: euphonium (Nov 20, 2007 11:09 am)
Eh, they're green enough for my tastes. At least, some of them are!

#8 of 10 Re: Given the global economy and politics here [andre1969] by parm

Nov 20, 2007 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: andre1969 (Nov 20, 2007 11:31 am)
Keep in mind, the kind of muscle cars I'm referring to were built between 1964 and 1970 and are now owned as toys. I don't think anyone who owns one (or who wants to own one) has any delusions of making it their daily driver. Therefore, the whole concept of being "green" is largely irrelevant. To me, the ultimate 3-car garage would house a hybrid (pick you favorite flavor) for daily around-town driving/commuting, some kind of a luxo-cruiser for long-distance trips and a 10 mpg (on a good day) muscle car convertible for weekend play and trips with my best gal to the local Dairy Queen.

#9 of 10 Re: Given the global economy and politics here [andre1969] by davethecarnut

Nov 22, 2007 (12:07 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Nov 20, 2007 11:31 am)
As in "Sub-lime" or even Steve McQueen Bullit Green Mustangs....yeah baby

#10 of 10 Re: Given the global economy and politics here [parm] by euphonium

Nov 27, 2007 (10:19 am)

Replying to: parm (Nov 20, 2007 12:57 pm)
However, our three car garage contains: 1994 Town Car (Highway luxo cruiser)
                                                          1995 Thunderbird (local driving)
                                                           1966 Mustang GT Coupe (Muscle/Trophy)
 
All are Green except for the Red T Bird as this GW and environmental crap is political and not honorable.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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