87 player bird

If you are into it to make money,you will probably go broke, Who cares if it goes up in value. Drive it because you like it, not because Jackson says blah,blah,blah. I bought mine because I always wanted one, as I remember them from my youth. (I'm 38 & have had a ton of collectable cars gto rag, ss chevelle rag, 396 ss camaro, grand national, corvettes,etc,etc,) I got bored. My wife hates it but I don't care as at the end of the day It's mine. Mine is in the resto stage right now, & when it's finished I will drive it for what it was built for. Just my 2 cents. P.S as for the rare quotient it's 1 of 22 player's challenge trans am's. And when it's finished, you will be able to find it at the track. Mike.

Bill Speed

Yeah, it's just terrible how GM drove out the Cadillac Eldorado and Firebird nameplates, I even owned two 82 Cutlass Supreme Broughams and I like them to this day. I'll always appreciate the third gen Firebird, and don't forget, in 1989, WE GOT THE TURBO PACE CAR!!!

GtoRockz

I think these cars are def going up in value, depending on color, miles and equipment etc. Already there seem to be very few 3rd gen Firebirds left in nice condition compared to Camaros. I have yet to see another bird like mine in our area..
We had it up for sale for a short time this fall for $7500 with a lot of interest and could have sold for $6500 but decided i really like the car too much and likely could not replace it for that, it has only 51k original miles.


Bottom line is these cars are a lot of fun to drive and you stand out in a sea of jelly beans. .

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Interesting to note it has a replacement A/C compressor and they did not even bother to reproduce the original decal to replace the new orange and white decal. Also the engine bay isn't really all that clean, I've seen plenty better, mine included. I bet it doesn't have a correct battery or tires. Funny, it says 100% stock.

This just goes to show that correct cars are going to demand much more if that car sold for that much.

Bill Speed

I'd read on a noted car magazine, any Corporate (ie. GM, as main example) car using an engine that is a shared power plant will not have collectible status, that goes for the 80's cars, that are using L98, for example, a Corvette motor, "watered down", in an effort to save costs. The more unique the mass production car, the more value, simply said. I believe it was actually written in High Performance Pontiac.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Wow, so no LSx vehicle will EVER be collectable? I think they need to get off their high horse lmao!

v350

Ahh whats all the fuss about. Undesirable? I guess over here in Aus there are much rarer. But whenever I get the Trans Am out of the shed, people cross the road, pull over to take a look at it. And as long as there are people like us, who love our third gens, they will always be desirable.

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

My most recent "fan" experience was at a gas station about a month or so ago, before the car started it's hibernation. I was out cruising with a friend, me in my car and he had his very loud and fast pro street 68 Camaro out, a nicely done car. So, I had to get gas and pulled up to the pump while he stayed just off to the side with that big cam loping away through dual 3" Flowmaster 40's. (so awesome) The two attendants working, one about 45 and the other about 18, came over and said how nice my car was and how much better they liked it than the 1st Gen. I was like wow, LOL. The 18 y/o thought the IROC-Z was a really cool car, but the 45 y/o remembered them new. He recalled how popular they were with everyone and how when they came down the street that everyone knew what was coming at them, nothing generic in the looks or sound like today. He also said he wished that the 5th Gen had been designed after the Thirds more. They were very surprised at the car's condition and gave me a few more compliments before I left.

I admit I do get alot of this, but to get more recognition than a nice and obviously built 1st Gen that was right next to me, it surprised me a little. People these days sometimes forget just how popular and liked these cars were during their time. They were the "it" car to have for a decade and won many awards that allude even the 5th Gen. They're still admired today from people of all ages and backgrounds, and it's only gonna increase. My car has also been called an "awesome classic" alot recently. It seems weird to think of it that way since they were new when I was a little kid and I just barely remember seeing them in dealerships! I like alot of other Camaros, but these cars are and always will be very special to me. I don't just see them as cars, they bring back many nice memories of good times and are a part of who I am.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

What's funny is as recent as 2001 I had 3 people at a local gas station (elderly people, 60's maybe) presume my GTA was brand new because it was so cherry. They all thought it was a brand new 2002 model! Lol. totally made my day! After I explained it's age and accounted for it's condition they were even more impressed with how non-dated the styling was

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

I was asked twice if my car was new also, haha. The look of amazement was priceless in both situations!

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

it is a timeless classic

does yours have the digitial dash?

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Nope, not an option 89+. I much prefer the analog anyway.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

couple things to keep in mind on this thread....

Stock will almost always be worth more as a collectible. I think the 3rd gens are in a place when so many people are radically changing the drivetrains that the preservation of the originals are rare. I'm not blasting anybody who does the mods, but it's a fact that as a collectable, the factory fresh cars are the ones that everybody wants.

I have a v6 5 speed. I bought it that way on purpose because I just wanted something fun to drive, and to get something I could get into cheap and fix up myself. I know this car might not be worth any more than I'm putting into it, ever. I do feel that if I do the things I want to, it will never be worth less than I paid for it.
If somebody had told my dad that the car that he paid $300 for would someday be worth $35-40K, he would have told you that you were nuts (see my siggy) But the impala is an example of a car that wasn't an instant classic, but due to the fact that there are so few perserved examples of them left, the value is going out of this world, even surpassing the much vaunted 57 bel air.

Here's another thought.... As the prices and collectability of the T/A's and the IROC's go up, the entire line below them goes up with them. I had a 70 Lemans that was practically worthless at one point, but because the 70 GTO is arguably the pinnicle of the muscle car movement, the lowly lemans has increased in value as well

Bottom line, these cars are only 20 years old, that tens to be the low point for prices and respect. Give it 10-20 years, it's impossible that cars with the lines and heritage of the stock camaros and firebirds won't go up in value.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

yup. thats y they wont sell as many as they used to..
sure they are selling ok now.. is 24-25,000ish a year is good?
they need to get back to selling volume, not squeezing every nickel they can.

shelby7099

Personally, I think that the appeal of third gens is catching on. They are becoming more popular. They are already increasing in value. They may not ever be as popular as the 67-69 cars, but do you really care? I love my car because everyone doesn't have one and I think it is badass. I don't really care if others start buying them up, because that just leaves more of them for me!

hardon85

Not to start an argument here but personally for me I couldn't afford a new camaro if they were $15,000 or $100,000 but I'm guessing since they cost in the neighborhood of $40,000 they are of pretty good build quality. I do plan on getting a 5th gen someday but I can't get a new one so when I find a used one hopefully it will have many years left on it. Also I haven't heard how many 5th gens they plan on building a year but if it's 25,000 or less I think that would be good, remember that's what killed the f-body is they planned on building 100,000 a year and were only selling 40,000-50,000 which resulted in layoffs and making the f-body lose money for GM (my numbers could be off but you get the idea) I would rather see them having to many orders than not enough

scottmoyer

As of the end of the year, there were over 82,000 2010 Camaros produced and almost 62,000 have been delivered. The price is over $40k if you load the car up with worthless options. I test drove one a few weeks ago that was a 2SS RS with the inferno orange interior for about $36k. I'm sure the dealer would come down on the price some also if they want me to buy the car.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Sure the new Camaro is neat... It was neat in 1999 when they called it the GTO concept...


It only took GM 10 years to take it from concept to reality... A mild cosmetic makeover and a different nameplate doesn't make me appreciate it much. Why would anyone pay top dollar for a car that was around for 10 years before it arrived on the showroom floor?

GTA50

Probably taking this is the wrong direction, but I had a chance to compare the new Challenger to a new Camaro while I was is Healdsburg, CA. Similar V6 and auto drivetains and pricewise, the Challenger won hands down. This was the same story with the Thirdgens, overpriced for what they delivered. In the 1980's they should have smacked the Mustangs down, similar to what Ford did to Ferrari in the 1960's. And CAFE regulations not withstanding, there was probably more than enough room to accomodate that in the GM portfolio.

The problem seems to be that at some early point the Marketing people took over. I saw a feature tonight on one of the most recent auto shows and all they talked about was body colour, digital dash features and creature comforts. Most new car owners are not concerned about hp or torque. They want to know about GPS, Bluetooth, DVD, iPOD compatability.........

But where does that leave us? Exactly where we should be. We have timecapsules of the 1980's, European flair styling and handling. The hp issue, well I recall 454 Corvettes racing at Sebring vs 2.0l Ferrari's. At the end of the day, the 454's controlled the straights, but the Ferrari's ate them up in the corners and won.

So, what am I saying? The balance of power and handling showed a new way for North American cars and the Thirdgens were the beacon.
The early Thirdgen V6 and 5L V8 combos were probably closer to that concept. However, North American markets being what they are, demanded a car for the 1/4 mile and that pushed for the 350. Just my thoughts.

So, rather longwinded, but do with it what you may...

goDJ91

I prefer 3rd gen firebirds to 3rd and 4th gen camaros any day. That's why I just bought my 1991 Firebird.

Forward 20 years from now and pretend I didn't buy my firebird I have now. I will be looking for one as close to original as possible. In 20 years I'm sure they will be even harder to find. Because that is what I personally desire(I'm sure I can't be the only one), I would be willing to pay a nice price for one.

firebird904

before i sold my firebird i always got crap about it saying it was junk but i could care less what they thought when i first got it nothing worked and i put alot of time, into it just to get it to be a daily driver if people were to realize how some of us put alot of time and money to get our third gens to the way they are and keep em from getting into the scrap yards maybe there would be atleast a bit more respect for firebird's i regret selling mine now i have an 88 camaro sport coupe but after i finish that im gonna go on the hunt for a GTA i dont think ill ever own another car other than a third gen

jimbo

So let me pipe in here. I ordered a 1990 Formula 350 in January of 1990, and was told by my dealer I would be getting a 1991, because of the shortened 1990 model year. I also found out about the SLP Performance Package that was a dealer installed option that was going to be available that would kick the hp from 245 up to around 290, so I bought that kit and had it installed. After I got the car, SLP introduced the Firehawk. What an awesome car...I couldn't afford the $40K price, but I found out that I could get pretty much buy all the engine pieces for a couple grand over what I had paid for the performance package. So now I have a 3rd gen Firehawk clone. I don't have the ZF 6-speed or the Dana 44 or the pink pistons, but I do have the rollbar out of one of the Firehawk SCCA race cars, and the car runs like a bat outa hell.

OK, so I also own a 2002 Firehawk 6-speed that has every Pontiac and SLP option. We had a gathering up at Englishtown Raceway a few years back, and a basically stock similarly equipped Firehawk turned a 12.98. I got an average of 31.25 mpg cruising up there from Florida on I-95, with the ac on listening to tunes from the 12-disc CD player. This car has the straight line performance of my 1967 Hemi Belvedere, with much better handling, but you know what, for that all out ***** to the wall performance and musclecar feel I still prefer driving my '91 Formula, for both looks and that old BTTW musclecar feel.

There is absolutely no reason to feel inferior to any other F-Body generation, because these cars still kick @ss...

stoning_volcom

Pontiac has crashed, but they had a good run they made a 40 years run of firebird, trans am, and formula. These cars we have a gonna be worth something, I have a 89 formula 350 ( and yes the 8th number in the vin is a 8) i bought the car not knowing she was rusting i am 19 i dont no how to replace the sheet metal but i will learn. These cars will always have a spot somewhere, granted there may not be as many, i go to junkyards and see perfect irocs, formulas, and trans ams sitting there,... for what? cause some lil ***** couldnt fix a problem. These cars no matter what genre they hit pro street? resto? street/strip will always be here.

campbellerman

IMHO the third gen is getting more respect today than it ever has. people are always asking if it is for sale and i get turning heads and comments almost everywhere i go. the other day the original owner came in to my work and asked who's T/A that was outside i told him that it was mine and he asked if i would ever sell, he asked how much i payed for it(1900)and he offered me 3000 because he missed that car. Even Fox gt mustang drivers heads turn as i go down the road or stop somewhere. Third gen's are awesome cars and the value and level of respect will KEEP GOING UP, we just need to give it some more time

shelby7099

Our cars have had a bad stereotype since the beginning. What makes them more valuable is people like us that show what can be done with one. Every time you make an improvement on your car you are giving a big, fat, finger to everyone who thinks our cars are crap.

We are the people that make these cars what they will be in the future. Remember the first time you saw a '69 on 18's? People just don't know how bad@$$ these cars are. It is our place to show them.

Different is good and our cars are different. Lets blow the doors off of everyone who is stupid.

Right?

Do not violate language filters!!! This will not be tolerated on TGO

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

i believe that you dont have to take peoples input about how desireable a car is. in this case camaros are more talked about but it has its mysterious counterpart the firebird, which have always complemented each other. take this website for example it not ONLY for third gen firebirds, or thirdgen camaros its for both. gm designed both cars to fued with each other and increase production. but it takes a true fbody lover to see the real desireability in them. and yes firebirds may be more overlooked, but that doesnt mean you have to change your opinion on them, like it was said before they cars were abused and left to rot but theyre making a comeback, which is exactly what the 1, 2 gen did previously, in 10 years 4ths gens will be the new craze and then 5ths.

shelby7099

You are correct. I am sorry if I was making it seem like I was only talking about just Camaros. I love Firebirds and Trans Ams just the same. I am a gearhead. I have been through different makes and models. I like a car because I like it, and that is how I think everyone should feel. It is not about what everyone else thinks its about you.

And yes the third gens will be just as sought after as the rest, it just takes time. Now is the time to grab them before they get too expensive. I remember when you could get a '69 Camaro in great, drivable condition for $5,000. I sold my '67 mustang fastback for $7000 in 2001. Now it would go for $35,000 in the same condition. Do what you feel, just don't do something you will regret.

scottmoyer

How can you say that? No offense, but you aren't old enough to know the original history of these cars. During the 80's, the 3rd gen Fbody was THE car to have. Everybody wanted one and if you owned one, you were envied.

Again, how can you state that? The stereotype probably started in the mid 90s, not from the beginning! Maybe it's been as long as YOU remember, but not from the beginning.

JeremyNYR

iTrader: (2)

Scott, I see comments like that constantly and I just get tired of refuting them because I'm just seen as confrontational. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to change what many people think even when they can be disproven with facts. The guy above that talked about the 5th gen being a warmed over GTO concept from 1999.... that's so baseless I don't even know where to begin.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

You can't see that both cars have exactly the same lines?

Anyway, the bad reputation comes from the meat heads. When these cars were new they were priced right out of the average meat head's price range. But they still trickled down, and you get the Iroc Guido stereotype. For at least the last two decades these cars have been trailer park class. It's just a matter of not being attractive to most people with much money and class. That will change a little bit as the cars become more unusual, but it's going to take a long time and they'll probably always be associated with that.

As it's been pointed out, if you're not a meat head, you keep your cars clean, and take care of them. Keep the mods tasteful and people will generally be surprised at what they see. If you mouth off about the car constantly, or you're talking to someone that drives brand X, you can expect them to talk trash regardless.

shelby7099

Okay, not from the beginning, but for a long time, and I grew up in the 80's.

onesmartidiot

Honestly the only reason I have a camaro is because it was practically given to me. The car sat across the street my entire life and never once did I say I wanted it. I do enjoy the car and am glad I will have the oppurtunity to fix it up.

I have noticed that all the wrong people notice my car, and this worries me. Not cops, but the kind of people you would find in a bad neighborhood. The firebird, as identical as it is, gets less attention. I have yet to see one firebird standing on 22's with a ghetto paint job around my city, but camaros are a dime a dozen like this.

It reminds me of my 88 thunderbird vs the 88 mustang. They are the exact same car, they use the exact same parts, but one is more desirable than the other. I don't know what you're all complaining about. I like knowing someone would look over my car to go screw with the mustang. Knowing that I can conceal a $4k + motor and some crook wouldn't even think the car was worth looking at.

Plus, this is an enthusiast site. The only reason we are here is because WE like OUR cars. None of us are turning a profit restoring them and probably never will. So screw what the other guy thinks, if you know you have a perfect third gen, then be proud of what you have.

And who knows, maybe after 3/4 of the third gens make it to the junk yard, they will be worth something. I'm not and never will sell mine so I could care less if they are worth dirt, as long as i keep it shiny side up, I'm happy.

jj74sd455

i love all pontiacs but the biggest reason our cars(3rd gen) are not highly sought after is the fact it has the sometimes dreaded corporate engine. brand loyal people want brand powered vehicles. i prefer the second gen cars but they dont come close in the comfort or handling department. we buy these cars because WE like em,who cares what other people think about them. dont be depressed be stoked-this allows us to buy parts at a cheaper price and they are easier to find in most cases.

scottmoyer

Drew, I looked at your post above regarding the 99 GTO and I had no clue what you were saying with the pictures you posted. I see a Corvete and a 2010 Camaro. I just did a search for the GTO and I see where you are coming from. For whatever reason, the hotlinking of the GTO pic didn't work.

Iroctopless

1999 GTO Cocept


And a decade later . . .


I see very clear comparisons. Looks like Pontiac still lives in the new Camaro!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Scott, It worked for a couple days on my screen at least. The pics are hosted on another website, and they inserted the picture of the Corvette for advertising. They can blow me, I'll just save their image, upload it to my Photobucket, and voila!




Suck that, netcarshow.com!

Paigesdad

I had a simular experience last Summer. A guy who appeared to be 60ish pulls up next to me at a stop light and I can see him looking at me from the corner of my eye. So, I look over, turn down the radio and he asks me "Beautiful car, is that an '08 or an '09?"

IMissMy86TA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drew on another thread
You would be shocked to know how ignorant the current and next generation is of the classic cars. You're forgetting to account for time, and what constitutes legendary status. When the offspring of the generation that was in their teens during the late 80's/early 90's reaches driving age, and their parents tell them stories about what was a hot car, what are they going to be talking about? For most of us it was the late 60's early 70's 'classic' cars our parents told us about. As those kids get out of the house, and the parents start having a bit more freedom to relive their youth, what do you think they'll be looking for? It took 25-30 years for the 'muscle' cars to really be much more then just old used cars. So look the F out, cause it's coming. Figure another 5-10 years and if it's going to happen, you'll see it. Personally I think it's already starting to happen.

It won't be as notable because there's no baby boom, and the newer cars are faster now, and there's the import movement that will also steal some of the thunder, but I think you'll see a shift in the next few years.


This is the best post. Dude, I am one of who you speak. I owned a 86 TA. I always wanted a TPI (mine was carb car) but it looks liked a bat out of hell. I would race GNs who would beat me, but they always told me how bad my car was.
Now I am 42. I have money saved up and against the wifes wishes I bought a 88 GTA 5-speed with 20K on the clock. I know there are many men like me who want one but are waiting till the kids graduate from College. I just did it early cause I could. I bought her for 10K and know that she will rise in value. She even has the original tires... and those of you who know the classic market, the 5-speeds the glory. its a 305 but with only 10HP less than the 350 but is MUCH more fun to drive. any MUCH rarer... only 806 made that year. and its black with t-tops.

I also owned an 83 camaro before the original TA and it had a V6. loved the cars looks, but always liked the interior of the TA much much more. Try one at night. its a freakin light show with its "floating" tail lights (neutral density they were called by pontiac), low fog lights and the whole cabin lit up in an fire orange glow (see pic below)

It is going to be a great time in 10 years...

IMissMy86TA

and it was an AUTO! that year you could get a stick in that boy.

IMissMy86TA

Dont cha worry.. they will be a used car in 3 years.. then they will drop 30-50%. Buy a nice one then!

IMissMy86TA

Remember in the late 70s meatheads drove the ealy 70s and late 60s? put big friggin back tires on them and crazy hoodscoops? then they became collector cars that that group died out to the real lovers

same thing is happening now and happend in the 80s to our cars

IMissMy86TA

sorry.. bored at home.. one more thing...
I remember in the late 70s having a orange superbird across the street. My parents and their friends used to make fun of it. saying it looked stupid with that big orange wing and that stuck on front bumper... it didnt match the car they said.. god how I will die for that car now..lol.

jj74sd455

i would love to own a 2011 asc or lingenfelter trans am-talk about collectible-sweeeeet!

gotabekidding

Pontiac is gone, or is it really?

GM put Saturn for sale, the sale fell through and now it is gone.
GM put Hummer for sale, it recently fell through.
Since Pontiac was closed it seems to reason Hummer would not survive,
You can not have a hummer when you can no longer build excitement!
GM NEVER PUT PONTIAC UP FOR SALE!!

Pontiac was shut down due to mismanagement from at least 20 years ago.
Heck, the even had a CEO from Bausch & Laumb running pontiac for a while. I will stop on this topic, though I could go on. Basically it wasn't making enough money.

Is the 3rd gen firebirds less desirable than camaro's? NO
Which would you rather have a 1969 Camaro Z28 or a 1969 Trans Am?
If you had to choose between a 1977 Camaro Z28 or a 1977 Trans Am S/E? I would love to find a '69 firebird sprint convertible with the straight six cylinder!

Granted the Camaro has much more beefier and angular body lines than the firebird, in the third gen world, but it is a matter of taste. Will I ever own a third gen Camaro? I have had one, never again. I prefer the firebird! If you are a numbers correct person, to the point of being annoying, then yes - the B4C's and the 1LE's and the TTA's will be your cup of tea.

Studebaker, Cord, LaSalle, Oldsmobile, and even AMC's are all gone. Yet even the price of a good Edsel is up there. There still is a market for these vehicle's, and they are all desirable to the right person. Most people that I have read posts on this board drive, show or race their 3rd gen's. The true factory number nuts should be commended, it takes a lot of restraint not to improve your 3rd gen. In time the 3rd gens will have a higher value. It is starting now, you can look through the classifieds on line and see the nice 3rd gen's are asking a good sum of money.

Will the 3rd gens ever be as desirable as a 1st gen? Yes
The 1st gens will eventually become out of price range of the "normal" enthusiast. 25K and up for a nicely finished 1st gen! You can practically build a 1st gen without actually owning a single part from one. The 3rd gen restoration resources are getting better than say 5 years ago. But the cost of fixin up or restoring a third gen doesn't even come close to the prices of stuff for a 4th gen.

I have had people comment on my T/A (an 89 GTA lot-a-like). I have noticed that the raggy 3rd gens are here and there. If I see another third gen on the road, on average, they are in a kept condition - if not better.

I bought a 4th gen to drive until my 3rd is back on the road. Then the 4th gen will be for sale. I love my 3rd gen! The way it handles, the apperance and the driving experience it gives me. I will always prefer the firebird styling to the camaro's - any generation. I was around since the F-body was released in '67 (was 3 years young) realized what they were around 12. Owned a 71 camaro ss when I was 16. went to the Oldsmobile side with Cutlass's and Toronado's until I got a 84 T/A about 15 years ago. I have had a few 3rd gen firebirds since then, now I am up to 4 - about to become 2! (combining the best of 3 into one)

Wouldn't want it any other way!

IMissMy86TA

I just have to add.... I see all you guys on here moding your 3rd gens and it makes me happy. You can do whatever you want to it... its your car after all but you are sure helping my bone stock GTAs value every time you add...
Just think... stock 69TA or modified 69 TA? hmmm... which do people want now?

jj74sd455

a 69 ta modified with a ram air v would be fine by me

IMissMy86TA

but not with a rad cam and non stock interior and some weird paint scheme.

radical82

Well, I certainly hope you guys with the bone stock whatever 3rd Gens arent' using them as your only retirement plan!!!! They'll go up in value some, everything old does eventually. But if you're thinking a third gen will ever bring the same money as a Yenko or Copo 1st Gen, let alone something like a Hemi Cuda, you're dreaming!!!! Too much plastic, not enough performance...sorry, just the way it is.... 3rd Gens are great for Hot Rodding, lots of them, they're cheap, and parts all over the place in the junk yards. Once you get the twisty-flexies out of the chassis, they will actually work fairly well as a drag car, autocross, club racer, or Saturday night street terror...

Let's say you have $5k in your pure stock 3rd Gen, keep it for another 20 years and spend the money to keep it maintained and insured, then sell in for $50K... $45K profit, right???? Wrong, subtract all the maintenance, insurance, etc. etc. etc.

So far I've built and sold two 3rd gens that were both slightly modded, show quality paint and interior... Paid salary and made a profit on both. 3rd one is in the works now, heavily modded, big horse car. Got it for $80.00 from a guy who had a unpaid bill at the shop. When it's done and sold I'll make another $5k on this one. Ok, I'm already money ahead, keeping a guy employed building them when shopwork is slow, and when they're done I have a way serious toy to take out and play with...... then I sell it and start over...

Who's gonna do better over the years????

gotabekidding

Copo's, Yenko's and the Hemi Cuda's were all not that special when they came out. As were the Firehawks and other limited edition 3rd gens. Yes they have too much plastic, but not compared to a 4th or 5th gens. At least 3rd gens still had metal fenders and doors.

Anyone who thinks that a car is a good retirement plan, did not really think it through. You may luck out that you stored away that special car that any collector would pay an arm and a leg for in the future, but it is a gamble. I know people that have 3rd gen Irocs or GTAs stached away in their garage to have that rarity in the future. I think that is silly, but it is my opinion.

'57 chevy's and '69 camaro's will be timeless, but they are overdone! Too many of them at one show can actually take away from them. People pay so much for these cars because of the rarity, the horsepower is just part of them. Not everyone can own an original Hemi Cuda, because of their limited production numbers. Same can be said for the Shelby's, Yenko's and cars of that time.

As long as their is someone who remembers that car that their dad drove, or their first car was....., or better yet the car that he drove when we were dating...., there will be someone to by that old car - regardless of what it is.

57 cadillacs were nothing special in 65! You could hardly get any money for a covair or edsel when they were new! A 65 rambler convertible today would almost be 10 times or more what is was when new. A 57 Ford hardtop retractable convertible sold for next to nothing 5 years after it was made.
Insurance and repairs are an expense to all cars. As long as their are people modifying,for profit or for fun, that decreases the amount of original cars left. That in turn will drive up their value in time. We may not spend the money because we remember the Yenko's and such.
But rmember, their are kids that think all cars come power windows, a car without cruise control - how did you manage, there are mechanics who do not know how to work on a carburator or how to set and adjust points in the distributor, or better yet now a days there will be kids who think your car is just too old because it doesn't have a way to plug their I-Pod into it.
They will be the ones buying these old third gens, if gas is still around then!