11/28/05
Chapter 3 Let the Search Begin
Those big-Buick convertibles of the late 60s and early 70s were stlylish low-production vehicles. Fewer 69 and 70 Wildcats were produced than LeSabres. Although not true muscle cars, they still have class and sass. Since convertibles flaunt luxury, they generally command double the price of 4-door models.
Retirement communities are good places to start looking since sporty oldsters hold onto their convertibles as long as they can. The arm-chair researcher tends to use the Internet. Online car buying from an individual can be veror a dealership can be risky. Sellers know they are likely to get more on E-bay since local prospects will check things out first hand. Even mechanics and serious collectors sometimes get burned; novices are likely to get seared. Beware! Canny northerners have been known to send their cars south to be sold as "salt-free" southerners. Such cars often turn into into metastasizing rust buckets.
Having decided on the year, make and model, take the time to do the research, find sellers, and compare offerings. Do not rush the process. For details on a vintage information package on cars originally sold by a GM Canadian dealer, phone 1-888-467-6853.
With the field narrowed, retain an appraiser and/or mechanic before negotiating. Even a great looking car should be inspected.
Once you've bought your project car, inventory all replacement parts needed. Then immediately start what will be a long process, i.e. searching for items on E-bay and wrecking yards.
Those with a discerning eye and mechanical skills can enter the field by restoring a solid car to its former glory. Those with the yen (and euros or dollars) but lacking mechanical know-how would be well advised to scout for a recently restored vehicle.
What puts an old car high on the value scale? Options, originality, professionally restored body and mechanics ...and good documentation. Of course, ultimate value is determined by what a targeted and motivated (and an often-times emotional) buyer is willing to pay. Televised car make-over shows and classic autions have broadened the base of what used to be a high-end collector market. This surge in vintage car interest combined with disposable incomes of wannabe collectors converge to boost value.
Today, the price of a restored car not only reflects it's collectible value, but the significant cost of the restoration itself. So collect 'em, preserve 'em, enjoy 'em ...and let your heirs profit from any long-term gain. Remember, over the long haul, the main difference between collectors and boys is the appreciation of their toys!
Retirement communities are good places to start looking since sporty oldsters hold onto their convertibles as long as they can. The arm-chair researcher tends to use the Internet. Online car buying from an individual can be veror a dealership can be risky. Sellers know they are likely to get more on E-bay since local prospects will check things out first hand. Even mechanics and serious collectors sometimes get burned; novices are likely to get seared. Beware! Canny northerners have been known to send their cars south to be sold as "salt-free" southerners. Such cars often turn into into metastasizing rust buckets.
Having decided on the year, make and model, take the time to do the research, find sellers, and compare offerings. Do not rush the process. For details on a vintage information package on cars originally sold by a GM Canadian dealer, phone 1-888-467-6853.
With the field narrowed, retain an appraiser and/or mechanic before negotiating. Even a great looking car should be inspected.
Once you've bought your project car, inventory all replacement parts needed. Then immediately start what will be a long process, i.e. searching for items on E-bay and wrecking yards.
Those with a discerning eye and mechanical skills can enter the field by restoring a solid car to its former glory. Those with the yen (and euros or dollars) but lacking mechanical know-how would be well advised to scout for a recently restored vehicle.
What puts an old car high on the value scale? Options, originality, professionally restored body and mechanics ...and good documentation. Of course, ultimate value is determined by what a targeted and motivated (and an often-times emotional) buyer is willing to pay. Televised car make-over shows and classic autions have broadened the base of what used to be a high-end collector market. This surge in vintage car interest combined with disposable incomes of wannabe collectors converge to boost value.
Today, the price of a restored car not only reflects it's collectible value, but the significant cost of the restoration itself. So collect 'em, preserve 'em, enjoy 'em ...and let your heirs profit from any long-term gain. Remember, over the long haul, the main difference between collectors and boys is the appreciation of their toys!
